bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome: diagnosis and management in children and adults
Authors: Handler M.Z. , Schwartz R.A.
Published: May 2014

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome is a potentially life‐threatening disorder caused most often by a phage group II Staphylococcus aureus infection. Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome is more common in newborns than in adults. Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome tends to appear abruptly with diffuse erythema and fever. The diagnosis can be confirmed by a skin biopsy specimen, which can be expedited by frozen section processing, as staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome should be distinguished from life threatening toxic epidermal necrolysis. Histologically, the superficial epidermis is detached, the separation level being at the granular layer. The diffuse skin loss is due to a circulating bacterial exotoxin. The aetiological exfoliating toxin is a serine protease that splits only desmoglein 1. The exfoliative toxins are spread haematogenously from a localized source of infection, causing widespread epidermal damage at distant sites. Sepsis and pneumonia are the most feared complications. The purpose of this review is to summarize advances in understanding of this serious disorder and provide therapeutic options for both paediatric and adult patients. Recent epidemiological studies have demonstrated that paediatric patients have an increased incidence of Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome during the summer and autumn. Mortality is less than 10% in children, but is between 40% and 63% in adults, despite antibacterial therapy. Previously, intravenous immunoglobulin had been recommended to combat Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, but a recent study associates its use with prolonged hospitalization.
Prospective differentiation of clinically difficult to distinguish nodular basal cell carcinomas and intradermal nevi by non‐invasive Reflectance Confocal Microscopy: a case series study
Authors: Hoogedoorn L. , Peppelman M. , Blokx W.A.M. , van Erp P.E.J. , Gerritsen M.‐J. P.
Published: May 2014

Background

Clinical differentiation between a nodular basal cell carcinoma (nBCC) and a benign intradermal nevus can be difficult. Even with additional dermoscopic evaluation, a correct diagnosis may be difficult. Currently, histopathological examination of a biopsy is the gold standard to differentiate between these lesions. However, this is an invasive technique and sampling errors can occur. In vivo Reflectance Confocal Microscopy (RCM) is a non‐invasive technique to evaluate a skin lesion at a microscopic level. RCM features of nBCCs and intradermal nevi have been described in research setting. However, the use of RCM for prospective differentiation between difficult to diagnose nodules into nBCCs and intradermal nevi in clinical practice has not been demonstrated yet.

Objective

In this study, we aim to address a common clinical scenario; to differentiate clinically and dermoscopically difficult to distinguish nodules, into nBCCs and intradermal nevi by RCM.

Material and methods

Six patients with clinically and dermoscopically difficult to distinguish nodular skin lesions were evaluated by RCM to differentiate prospectively between nBCCs and intradermal nevi. In five out of six cases, a 3 mm punch biopsy was obtained to confirm the RCM diagnosis.

Results

Observed RCM features that allowed differentiation between nBCCs and intradermal nevi were the dermal–epidermal junction patterns, the appearance of the nests and the degree of vascularization.

Conclusions

This case series study demonstrates the value of non‐invasive in vivo RCM imaging in routine patient care, with respect to the prospective diagnosis of clinically difficult to distinguish nBCCs and intradermal nevi. Subsequently, biopsies of benign lesions in cosmetic areas could be avoided.
Clinical relevance of immunogenicity of biologics in psoriasis: Implications for treatment strategies
Authors: Carrascosa J.‐M. , van Doorn M.B.A. , Lahfa M. , Nestle F.O. , Jullien D. , Prinz J.C.
Published: May 2014

Biological drugs such as the tumour necrosis factor inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment of psoriasis, but some have the potential to induce an unwanted immune response. This immunogenicity may be associated with low trough drug levels, reduced clinical efficacy, reduced drug survival and an increased risk for adverse events. This article presents a literature review of the evidence on immunogenicity of biologics used in the treatment of psoriasis and considers the implications for therapeutic decision‐making in the management of patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis.
Influence of thermal conditions on habitat use by a rare spring‐emerging butterfly Euphydryas editha taylori
Authors: Bennett V. J. , Betts M. G. , Smith W. P.
Published: May 2014

We may expect butterflies as ectotherms to have particularly active life‐history stages that occur in the warmest and lightest times of the year; however, there are temperate species that are active when climatic conditions seem unfavourable and photoperiod short, such as the Taylor's checkerspot (Euphydryas editha taylori). For such species, studies suggest that even subtle changes to microclimate can potentially impact populations. Thus, understanding how in situ variations in microclimate influence the Taylor's checkerspot butterfly could provide much needed insights into more effective management. We conducted a series of surveys that explored (i) adult habitat use, (ii) final instar larval distribution and (iii) adult movement up to and across site boundaries at two sites in Oregon, USA, in 2010 and 2011. We found that in situ habitat use by the Taylor's checkerspot butterfly was strongly influenced by microclimate. Both adult activities and final instar larvae distribution were clustered within the warmest areas of the sites. Moreover, adults did not use up to 59% and larva up to 90% of their sites, despite vegetation structure and composition being uniform. More specifically, butterfly habitat use increased with increasing ground temperatures, and we found that areas with the highest ground temperatures were more exposed to direct sunlight. Similarly, we found that butterflies tended to only move through sunlit site boundaries. We conclude that the Taylor's checkerspot is sensitive to changes in its thermal environment at fine spatial scales. Our results highlight the importance of microclimate as an indicator of habitat quality, and establishing the thermal criteria in which species of concern exists may provide valuable insights into the implications of climate change.
Feasibility study for the introduction of a new treatment method for benign thyroid nodules in a teaching and research hospital
Authors: Longo Marcella , Cassoli Ing Paolo , Fugazzola Laura , Vannucchi Guia , Lanzoni Monica , Castaldi Silvana
Published: May 2014

Rationale, aims and objectives

Numerous scientific publications have confirmed that percutaneous laser thermal ablation (LTA) represents a possible therapeutic option in selected patients with benign thyroid nodules. A study was carried out to evaluate the feasibility of adopting the LTA technique to treat benign thyroid nodules in a teaching and research hospital in northern Italy.

Methods

A cost analysis from a company's perspective determined the impact of adoption of the new technique on the overall Hospital budget, considering currently available equipment, infrastructure and personnel, equipment costs and treatment tariffs.

Results

The cost analysis shows that, strictly from an economic point of view, any provision of the LTA technique will result as a loss on the Hospital's balance sheet. However, it does not estimate the extent of the impact on the overall budget because it did not evaluate the savings that such a technique would make with respect to alternative therapeutic treatments. Therefore, the Hospital policy management decided to extend the current agreement with a private authorized health care structure that already carries out LTA. Also, although difficult to express in economic terms, this new technique would undoubtedly raise the profile and enhance the reputation of the Hospital.

Conclusions

Using the new technique in these patients could cut costs for the entire regional health care system, widen the experience of the Hospital's endocrinology team and offer the potential for the procedure also to be provided by operators on a freelance basis within the Hospital.
Problems related to antifungal prescription: a qualitative study of the views of intensivists
Authors: Salci Tânia Pereira , Batilana Adelia P. , Pietrobon Ricardo , Caparroz‐Assef Silvana Martins
Published: May 2014

Rationale and objective

The choice of the appropriate antifungal medication is essential for therapeutic success. Although guidelines are available in the literature that regulate the consistent use of antifungal, no previous qualitative studies have addressed the difficulties related to the use of antifungal medication, especially in the intensive care unit (ICU). Our objective was to qualitatively investigate how intensivists consider antifungal prescriptions in an adult ICU.

Methods

The Grounded Theory analytical method was used for the data analysis. Physicians who worked in the adult ICU and prescribed antifungal medications were individually interviewed. A semi‐structured interview was used to ask core questions, followed by follow‐up questions at the discretion of the interviewer.

Results

Our analysis generated eight main emerging themes that were classified into three related groups. The main insights were that various interconnected reasons were given for the lack of conformity with regard to prescription patterns for antifungals. A negative cycle was perceived based on issues related to prescriptions and the search for knowledge. If problems related to individual actions and multidisciplinary team integration are resolved and local protocols are implemented based on local epidemiology, then barriers to proper prescriptions can be overcome when intensivists are faced with the unusual practice of prescribing antifungals.

Conclusions

Our investigation indicates the need for prescription assistance with support from a well‐trained multidisciplinary team and consensus among its members and the importance of well‐designed protocols.
Production and Characterization of Bags from Biocomposite Films of Starch‐Vegetal Fibers Prepared by Tape Casting
Authors: Scheibe Ana S. , de Moraes Jaqueline O. , Laurindo João B.
Published: May 2014

In this study, the production of starch films reinforced with cellulose fibers was performed by the tape‐casting technique, which allows preparing films with much larger dimensions, if compared with the classical casting technique. Tape casting is well known in other areas; however, there is a lack in the literature about its use for manufacturing biodegradable films. Using this technique, it was possible to develop bags with 100% biodegradable materials. Puncture and tear propagation resistance, and tensile strength of films prepared with different thicknesses were determined. The films heat sealability, wettability and printability were also studied. Overall, the mechanical properties showed that the thicker films had higher tensile strength. The most suitable heat‐sealing temperature was 150°C. The results indicate that the obtained biodegradable bags have potential to be used for packaging products with dry surfaces (some fruits, clothes), contributing to reduce the impact of oil‐based plastic in the environment.

Practical Applications

The starch film, classically prepared by the casting technique, presents small dimensions, which does not allow large‐scale production. With tape‐casting technique, it can be produced films with much larger dimensions, which can be used to form 100% biodegradables packages. These packages can be used to pack products with dry surfaces like some fruits, clothes and others. The present work studies the starch‐cellulose fibers films properties with the purpose of forming biodegradable packages. Some parameters like sealability, wettability, printability, puncture resistance, tensile resistance and tear resistance were determined in order to produce a bag with good characteristics.
Thermal Inactivation of Murine Norovirus‐1 in Suspension and in Dried Mussels (Mytilus edulis)
Authors: Park S.Y. , Kim S.‐H. , Ju I.‐S. , Cho J.‐I. , Ha S.‐D.
Published: May 2014

The current study examined the effects of three different temperatures (60, 85 and 100C) and duration of heat treatment (ranging from 1 min at 100C to 30 min at 60C) on murine norovirus‐1 (MNV‐1) as a human norovirus model both from viral suspension and experimentally contaminated dried mussels. The log10 tissue culture infectious dose (TCID)50/mL values of 3.03, 3.69, 4.35, 5.05 and 5.88 were reduced in suspensions at 60C for 5 min, 60C for 15 min, 60C for 30 min, 85C for 3 min and 85C for 6 min, respectively. The log10TCID50/mL values of 0.78, 2.00, 3.35, 1.95 and 3.20 were reduced from dried mussels under the same conditions, respectively. Complete inactivation of MNV‐1 from both suspension and dried mussel was achieved by 10 and 15 min at 85C, respectively, and by treatment for 1 min at 100C. At 60, 85 and 100C, the 1‐log10TCID50 inactivation of MNV‐1 from both suspension and dried mussels was 7.79 and 9.01 min, 1.11 and 3.06 min and 0.28 and 0.39 min, respectively.

Practical Applications

Our findings indicate that higher temperature and/or a shorter thermal treatment time than 85C for 10 min (for example, 100C for 1 min) could serve as a potential thermal method for direct application to real target foods for the complete inactivation of norovirus. Moreover, 85C for 15 min or 100C for 1 min could potentially be used to inactivate norovirus in dried seafood production.
Functional and evolutionary anatomy of the African suckermouth catfishes (Siluriformes: Mochokidae): convergent evolution in Afrotropical and Neotropical faunas
Authors: Geerinckx Tom , De Kegel Barbara
Published: May 2014

Of those fishes scraping food off substrates and using head parts in substrate attachment for station‐holding, the catfish families Loricariidae, Astroblepidae and Mochokidae display the most dramatically adapted morphologies. Loricariidae and Astroblepidae, living in the Neotropical freshwaters, exclusively contain suckermouth catfish species, and their anatomy and head kinematics have already been studied into detail. Among Mochokidae, living in the tropical freshwaters of Africa, only the chiloglanidine subfamily has a sucker mouth, and occupies similar niches in Africa as both Neotropical families do in South America. Having derived from relatively unrelated catfish ancestors, their anatomy is poorly known, and the nature of their scraping and station‐holding capabilities is not known at all. This paper provides details on the chiloglanidine head anatomy and function (relating their anatomy to that of the non‐suckermouth Mochokidae), and compares this Afrotropical suckermouth taxon with both Neotropical suckermouth families. It identifies both convergences and differing anatomical and kinematic solutions to the same key needs of food‐scraping and station‐holding suckermouth fishes. Chiloglanidine mochokids differ from both Neotropical families in having less mobile jaws, with an upper jaw assisting more in station‐holding than in feeding. They share the highly mobile lower lip with both Neotropical taxa, although the configuration of the intermandibular/protractor hyoidei muscle system, changing the volume of the sucker‐disc cavity, differs in all three taxa. Chiloglanidines have a single, posterior inflow opening into this cavity, whereas Loricariidae have two lateral openings, and Astroblepidae have none, using an opercular incurrent opening instead. The chiloglanidine buccal valve system consists of two passive valves, as in Astroblepidae. Although less diverse in number of genera and species, this Afrotropical suckermouth taxon possesses the anatomical and kinematic key elements allowing a successful occupation of a niche similar to the one found in the Loricariidae + Astroblepidae clade.
An enhanced role and expanded developmental origins for gamma‐aminobutyric acidergic interneurons in the human cerebral cortex
Authors: Clowry Gavin J.
Published: May 2014

Human beings have considerably expanded cognitive abilities compared with all other species and they also have a relatively larger cerebral cortex compared with their body size. But is a bigger brain the only reason for higher cognition or have other features evolved in parallel? Humans have more and different types of GABAergic interneurons, found in different places, than our model species. Studies are beginning to show differences in function. Is this expanded repertoire of functional types matched by an evolution of their developmental origins? Recent studies support the idea that generation of interneurons in the ventral telencephalon may be more complicated in primates, which have evolved a large and complex outer subventricular zone in the ganglionic eminences. In addition, proportionally more interneurons appear to be produced in the caudal ganglionic eminence, the majority of which populate the superficial layers of the cortex. Whether or not the cortical proliferative zones are a source of interneurogenesis, and to what extent and of what significance, is a contentious issue. As there is growing evidence that conditions such as autism, schizophrenia and congenital epilepsy may have developmental origins in the failure of interneuron production and migration, it is important we understand fully the similarities and differences between human development and our animal models.
Molecular Characterization of Extrachromosomal DNA Accompanying Primula Red Phytoplasma
Authors: Sarkisova Tatiana , Lenz Ondřej , Petrzik Karel
Published: May 2014

The complete nucleotide sequence of an extrachromosomal element found in primula red isolate of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris’ (16SrI‐B subgroup) was determined. The plasmid, named pPrR, is 4378 bp in length and has 75% A+T content that is similar to that of the phytoplasma genome. It encodes six putative open reading frames (ORF) longer than 100 amino acids and two smaller ones. The structural organization of the rep gene is similar to that found in plasmids which replicate via rolling circle mechanism. Furthermore, it has homology to both the plasmid pLS1 family and helicase domains of replication‐associated proteins (Rap) of eukaryotic viruses and geminiviruses. The ORF arrangement and genes sequences are most similar to the pPARG1 plasmid from ‘Rehmannia glutinosa’ phytoplasma.
Pharmacokinetics of rifampicin in Mexican patients with tuberculosis and healthy volunteers
Authors: Medellín-Garibay Susanna E , Milán-Segovia Rosa del Carmen , Magaña-Aquino Martín , Portales-Pérez Diana Patricia , Romano-Moreno Silvia
Published: May 2014

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetics (PK) of rifampicin (RIF) between healthy volunteers and patients with tuberculosis (TB).

Methods

RIF was administered as a single 600-mg dose to 24 healthy volunteers and 24 TB patients, followed by serial blood sampling. Plasma concentrations were analysed using a chromatographic method, and the PK parameters were estimated using WinNonlin software.

Key findings

Peak plasma concentration ranged from 6.4 to 19.9 mg/l, which was subtherapeutic for 15% of the study participants in both groups, mostly in men (71.4%). The mean area under the concentration-time curve (AUC0–24h) did not show differences between these groups (P > 0.05). The absorption rate was slower in TB patients and the volume of distribution normalized by total body weight (Vd/kg) was greater than healthy volunteers (P < 0.05). A greater Vd and clearance were found in male subjects. The lag time (tlag) and the time before reach Cmax (Tmax) were longer for female TB patients (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The main differences in PK parameters of RIF between Mexican TB patients and healthy volunteers were demonstrated in absorption and distribution processes. In addition, differences in PK parameters observed by sex should be considered for further dosing recommendations.
Evaluation of the effects of individual and group cognitive behavioural therapy and of psychiatric rehabilitation on hopelessness of depressed adults: a comparative analysis
Authors: Gudmundsdottir R. M. , Thome M.
Published: May 2014

Accessible summary

A combination of individual cognitive behavioural therapy and of psychiatric rehabilitation is more effective in reducing hopelessness than group cognitive behavioural therapy combined with psychiatric rehabilitation or psychiatric rehabilitation only.

Hopelessness is a cardinal symptom of depression and one of the main risk factors for suicide. Reduction of hopelessness under nine on the Beck Hopelessness Scale reduces the risk of suicide in depressed patients. In this study, the mean scores on the Beck Hopelessness Scale decreased in all groups under nine.

Psychiatric rehabilitation with individual cognitive behavioural therapy for depressed patients suffering from hopelessness can be delivered effectively by an interdisciplinary team including advanced psychiatric nurses.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of individual and group cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and of psychiatric rehabilitation (PR) on hopelessness for depressed patients in a rehabilitation setting. Three groups of patients who underwent PR were allocated to individual CBT combined with PR (n = 43), group CBT combined with PR (n = 52) or PR only (n = 22). Hopelessness was assessed by the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS). The majority of the patients (68.4%) suffered from moderate to severe hopelessness before treatment (score ≥ 9–20). Results showed that the pretest mean score on the BHS decreased from 11. 57 (SD = 5.58) to 7.46 (SD = 5.20) at posttest. The mean scores on the BHS decreased in all groups under nine. The combination of individual CBT and PR was significantly more effective in reducing hopelessness than group CBT with PR or PR only. Group CBT combined with PR was not significantly more effective than PR only. It is concluded that individual CBT combined with PR is more effective in alleviating hopelessness among depressed patients than group CBT with PR or PR only. CBT can be delivered by an interdisciplinary team including advanced psychiatric nurses.
An examination and appreciation of the dimensions of locus of control in psychosis: issues and relationships between constructs and measurement
Authors: Hutcheson C. , Fleming M. P. , Martin C. R.
Published: May 2014

Accessible summary

The findings from this narrative review suggest that the construct of locus of control, although underexplored in the area of schizophrenia, is of theoretical and clinical importance to the understanding of psychosis, the manifestation of classic psychotic symptoms and the path to recovery.

An appraisal of the psychometric properties of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) scale suggest that this tool may be a useful and robust instrument to use in research into the relationship between locus of control and psychosis.

Application of the locus of control construct, and in particular health locus of control, may have important implications in developing psychologically coherent approaches to interventions with individuals with psychosis.

Internal locus of control is associated with better psychological outcomes in comparison with external locus of control. Individuals experiencing a psychotic episode have a more external orientation, an externalizing bias for negative events and associations between paranoid delusions and external locus of control. The concept of multidimensional locus of control as measured by the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) scale may provide important information about the nature and course of psychotic symptoms. This narrative review explored the relationship between the orientation of locus of control and psychosis. Few studies have used the scale in samples with people experiencing psychotic symptoms and so there is limited evidence about the psychometric properties of the MHLC scale within this client group, although the findings from studies that have explored the properties of this tool in other groups suggest it could be a valuable instrument for use in psychosis. Further research is required to determine both the relationship between locus of control and psychosis in terms of therapeutic factors and outcome, and also the veracity of the MHLC scale as an instrument of choice in this group.
Psychometric evaluation of the Korean version of the attitudes toward acute mental health scale
Authors: Gang M. , Song Y. , Park S.‐Y. , Yang S.
Published: May 2014

Accessible summary

The Attitudes Toward Acute Mental Health scale (ATAMHS) was translated into Korean with attention to linguistic and content equivalence. Nine items were eliminated from the Korean version because of low correlations with the overall scale due to differences in clinical nursing environments and culture between South Korea and English‐speaking countries.

The results of this study showed that the Korean version of the ATAMHS (ATAMHS‐K) is a reliable and valid scale for measuring attitudes toward mental illness in nurses and nursing students in an acute mental care setting.

Factor analysis of the 24‐item ATAMHS‐K revealed three factors: (1) professional perspective; (2) semantic differentials; and (3) positive attitudes. The final analysis revealed that the three factors accounted for 39.5% of the variance. In addition, the ATAMHS‐K was shown to have strong concurrent validity due to its strong positive correlations with the Community Attitudes Toward the Mentally Ill – Korean version (CAMI‐K) scale.

This study was the first attempt to adapt the ATAMHS for use in South Korea and to validate it with Korean nurses and nursing students.

The purpose of this study was to adapt the Attitudes Toward Acute Mental Health Scale (ATAMHS) into the Korean language and culture and then to determine the reliability and validity of it by administering it to a sample of Korean nursing students and nurses. We conducted a psychometric evaluation that included a two‐step item analysis (analysis and reanalysis), exploratory factor analysis and concurrent validity. The ATAMHS was translated into Korean by bilingual nurses. Then, 429 participants (224 undergraduate nursing students and 205 nurses, all with psychiatric experience) completed the translated version of the ATAMHS. The item analysis revealed that nine items correlated poorly with the rest; thus, they were deleted from the scale. The final Korean version of the scale, which we refer to as the Korean version of the ATAMHS (ATAMHS‐K), contains 24 items. The ATAMHS‐K showed good internal consistency. Exploratory factor analysis revealed three factors (professional perspective, semantic differentials and positive attitudes) that explained 39.5% of the variance. The ATAMHS‐K had strong correlations with the Korean version of the Community Attitudes towards the Mentally Ill Scale, thus confirming the concurrent validity. Therefore, the ATAMHS‐K demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties as a measure of attitudes toward acute mental health in Korean nursing students and nurses.
MULTIDIMENSIONAL DYNAMIC RISK MEASURE VIA CONDITIONAL g‐EXPECTATION
Authors: Xu Yuhong
Published: May 2014

This paper deals with multidimensional dynamic risk measures induced by conditional g‐expectations. A notion of multidimensional g‐expectation is proposed to provide a multidimensional version of nonlinear expectations. By a technical result on explicit expressions for the comparison theorem, uniqueness theorem, and viability on a rectangle of solutions to multidimensional backward stochastic differential equations, some necessary and sufficient conditions are given for the constancy, monotonicity, positivity, and translatability properties of multidimensional conditional g‐expectations and multidimensional dynamic risk measures; we prove that a multidimensional dynamic g‐risk measure is nonincreasingly convex if and only if the generator g satisfies a quasi‐monotone increasingly convex condition. A general dual representation is given for the multidimensional dynamic convex g‐risk measure in which the penalty term is expressed more precisely. It is shown that model uncertainty leads to the convexity of risk measures. As to applications, we show how this multidimensional approach can be applied to measure the insolvency risk of a firm with interacting subsidiaries; optimal risk sharing for ‐tolerant g‐risk measures, and risk contribution for coherent g‐risk measures are investigated. Insurance g‐risk measure and other ways to induce g‐risk measures are also studied at the end of the paper.
BENCHMARKED RISK MINIMIZATION
Authors: Du Ke , Platen Eckhard
Published: May 2014

This paper discusses the problem of hedging not perfectly replicable contingent claims using the numéraire portfolio. The proposed concept of benchmarked risk minimization leads beyond the classical no‐arbitrage paradigm. It provides in incomplete markets a generalization of the pricing under classical risk minimization, pioneered by Föllmer, Sondermann, and Schweizer. The latter relies on a quadratic criterion, requests square integrability of claims and gains processes, and relies on the existence of an equivalent risk‐neutral probability measure. Benchmarked risk minimization avoids these restrictive assumptions and provides symmetry with respect to all primary securities. It employs the real‐world probability measure and the numéraire portfolio to identify the minimal possible price for a contingent claim. Furthermore, the resulting benchmarked (i.e., numéraire portfolio denominated) profit and loss is only driven by uncertainty that is orthogonal to benchmarked‐traded uncertainty, and forms a local martingale that starts at zero. Consequently, sufficiently different benchmarked profits and losses, when pooled, become asymptotically negligible through diversification. This property makes benchmarked risk minimization the least expensive method for pricing and hedging diversified pools of not fully replicable benchmarked contingent claims. In addition, when hedging it incorporates evolving information about nonhedgeable uncertainty, which is ignored under classical risk minimization.
An Alternate Double–Single Track Proposal for High‐Speed Peripheral Railway Lines
Authors: Castillo Enrique , Gallego Inmaculada , Sánchez‐Cambronero Santos , Menéndez José María , Rivas Ana , Nogal María , Grande Zacarías
Published: May 2014

This article presents alternate double–single track (ADST) lines as an alternative to double‐track lines. The idea consists of using single track where the infrastructure is very expensive (tunnels and viaducts) and double track where it is cheaper (smooth orography) combined with small changes in departure times so that trains may cross in the double‐track segments with no reduction in travel times. The solution is shown to be very efficient for traffic demands between 30 and 40 trains per day and the costs are reduced substantially (close to 40%). A linear programming program is given that (1) decides the optimal sequence of single and double tracks and (2) optimizes the timetables for the optimal or other alternative sequences. The Palencia–Santander line is used to illustrate the proposal and some suggestions are given to use the ADST lines in several countries.
Acute vascular rejection during antituberculosis therapy in a kidney transplant patient
Authors: Nakada Yasuyuki , Yamamoto Izumi , Kobayashi Akimitsu , Mafune Aki , Yamakawa Takafumi , Matsuo Nanae , Tanno Yudo , Ohkido Ichiro , Yamamoto Hiroyasu , Yokoyama Keitaro , Yokoo Takashi
Published: May 2014

We report a case of acute vascular rejection occurring during antituberculosis therapy in a patient who had received a kidney transplant. A 29 year‐old man was admitted for a protocol biopsy; he had a serum creatinine (S‐Cr) level of 1.5 mg/dL 1 year after primary kidney transplantation. Histological examination yielded no evidence of rejection but a routine chest CT scan revealed typical lung tuberculosis and his serum was positive for QFT. We commenced antituberculosis therapy, including rifampicin, on June 29 2012. We paid close attention to the weekly trough tacrolimus (TAC) level but the S‐Cr concentration increased to 3.7 mg/dL on October 16 2012, and he was admitted for biopsy. Histological examination revealed, first, a diffuse aggressive infiltration of tubulointerstitial inflammatory cells accompanied by severe tubulitis and mild intimal arteritis and, second, peritubular capillary infiltration by inflammatory cells (including neutrophils). Laboratory data revealed that our patient did not express donor‐specific antibody and the peritubular capillaries did not exhibit C4d immunoreactivity. Upon consideration of both histological and laboratory findings, we diagnosed acute vascular rejection of Banff 2007 class ACR IIA. We commenced 3‐day sessions of intravenous steroid pulse therapy twice weekly and adjusted the trough TAC level to 5–8 ng/mL by varying the TAC dose. We next performed an allograft biopsy and found no evidence of rejection (the S‐Cr level was 2.7 mg/dL on April 1 2013). The present case report demonstrates the difficulties associated with management of TAC‐based regimens in kidney transplant patients undergoing antituberculosis therapy. We also review the relevant literature.
Plasma cell‐rich rejection accompanied by acute antibody‐mediated rejection in a patient with ABO‐incompatible kidney transplantation
Authors: Furuya Maiko , Yamamoto Izumi , Kobayashi Akimitsu , Nakada Yasuyuki , Sugano Naoki , Tanno Yudo , Ohkido Ichiro , Tsuboi Nobuo , Yamamoto Hiroyasu , Yokoyama Keitaro , Yokoo Takashi
Published: May 2014

We report a case of plasma cell‐rich rejection accompanied by acute antibody‐mediated rejection in a patient with ABO‐incompatible kidney transplantation. A 33‐year‐old man was admitted for an episode biopsy; he had a serum creatinine (S‐Cr) level of 5.7 mg/dL 1 year following primary kidney transplantation. Histological features included two distinct entities: (1) a focal, aggressive tubulointerstitial inflammatory cell (predominantly plasma cells) infiltration with moderate tubulitis; and (2) inflammatory cell infiltration (including neutrophils) in peritubular capillaries. Substantial laboratory examination showed that the patient had donor‐specific antibodies for DQ4 and DQ6. Considering both the histological and laboratory findings, we diagnosed him with plasma cell‐rich rejection accompanied by acute antibody‐mediated rejection. We started 3 days of consecutive steroid pulse therapy three times every 2 weeks for the former and plasma exchange with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) for the latter histological feature. One month after treatment, a second allograft biopsy showed excellent responses to treatment for plasma cell‐rich rejection, but moderate, acute antibody‐mediated rejection remained. Therefore, we added plasma exchange with IVIG again. After treatment, allograft function was stable, with an S‐Cr level of 2.8 mg/dL. This case report demonstrates the difficulty of the diagnosis of, and treatment for, plasma cell‐rich rejection accompanied by acute antibody‐mediated rejection in a patient with ABO‐incompatible kidney transplantation. We also include a review of the related literature.
The Association of Maternal Adult Weight Trajectory with Preeclampsia and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Thompson Mary Lou , Ananth Cande V. , Jaddoe Vincent W. V. , Miller Raymond S. , Williams Michelle A.
Published: May 2014

Background

Preeclampsia (PE) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) adversely affect pregnancy outcomes and the subsequent health of both mother and infant. It is known that elevated pre‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI) is associated with increased risk of these obstetrical complications. However, little is known about the role of adult weight patterns prior to pregnancy.

Methods

Self‐reported weight at ages prior to the current pregnancy was recorded in a prospective cohort study of 3567 pregnant women, allowing assessment of longitudinal pre‐pregnancy weight trajectories and their association with subsequent PE and GDM in the study pregnancy.

Results

Women who would subsequently experience PE or GDM in the study pregnancy experienced on average almost double the rate of adult weight gain than other women [PE: additional 0.30 kg/year, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.09, 0.51 and GDM: additional 0.34 kg/year, 95% CI 0.21, 0.48]. Women with mean adult annual weight gain above the 90th percentile (1.4 kg/year) had elevated risk of subsequent PE and GDM independent of their BMI at age 18 and of their obesity status at the time of the study pregnancy. Finite mixture trajectory modelling identified four monotonely ordered, increasing mean weight trajectories. Relative to the second lowest (most common) weight trajectory, women in the highest trajectory were at greater risk of PE [odds ratio (OR) 5.0, 95% CI 2.9, 8.8] and GDM (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.7, 4.5).

Conclusions

These results indicate that higher adult weight gain trajectories prior to pregnancy may play a role in predisposing women to PE or GDM.
The temporal course of the influence of anxiety on fairness considerations
Authors: Luo Yi , Wu Tingting , Broster Lucas S. , Feng Chunliang , Zhang Dandan , Gu Ruolei , Luo Yue‐Jia
Published: May 2014

This study investigated the potential causes of anxious people's social avoidance. The classic ultimatum game was utilized in concert with electroencephalogram recording. Participants were divided into two groups according to levels of trait anxiety as identified by a self‐report scale. The behavioral results indicate that high‐anxious participants were more prone to reject human‐proposed than computer‐proposed unequal offers compared to their low‐anxious counterparts. The event‐related potential results indicate that the high‐anxious group showed a larger feedback‐related negativity when receiving unequal monetary offers than equal ones, and a larger P3 when receiving human‐proposed offers than computer‐proposed ones, but these effects were absent in the low‐anxious group. We suggest anxious people's social avoidance results from hypersensitivity to unequal distributions during interpersonal interactions.
An exploration of business model development in the commercialization of technology innovations
Authors: Dmitriev Viatcheslav , Simmons Geoff , Truong Yann , Palmer Mark , Schneckenberg Dirk
Published: May 2014

Research on business model development has focused on the relationships between elements of value conceptualization and organization having a linear sequence in which business models are first designed and then implemented. Another stream of research points to business model development with these elements interacting in a cyclical manner. There is a need to improve our understanding of the connective mechanisms and dynamics involved in business model development, particularly from the challenging perspective of commercializing innovations. The aim of this paper was to explore business model development during the commercialization of innovations through a case‐based qualitative study. This study found from four case studies that specific elements of business model development, representative of the conceptualization of value and organizing for value creation, integrate in a dynamic and cyclical process in the commercialization of technology innovations. The study provides empirical evidence that adds new insights to literature on sequential and more interactive processes of business model development. It also contributes to literature on business model development and particularly how it relates to the commercialization of innovations.
Detection of exercise load‐associated differences in hip muscles by texture analysis
Authors: Nketiah G. , Savio S. , Dastidar P. , Nikander R. , Eskola H. , Sievänen H.
Published: May 2014

We examined whether specific physical exercise loading is associated with texture parameters from hip muscles scanned with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Ninety‐one female athletes representing five distinct exercise‐loading groups (high‐impact, odd‐impact, low‐impact, nonimpact and high‐magnitude) and 20 nonathletic female controls underwent MRI of the hip. Texture parameters were computed from the MRI images of four hip muscles (gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, iliopsoas and obturator internus). Differences in muscle texture between the athlete groups and the controls were evaluated using Mann‐Whitney U‐test. Significant (P < 0.05) textural differences were found between the high‐impact (triple and high jumpers) and the control group in gluteus medius, iliopsoas and obturator internus muscles. Texture of the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius and obturator internus muscles differed significantly between the odd impact (soccer and squash players) and the control group. Textures of all studied muscles differed significantly between the low impact (endurance runners) and the controls. Only the gluteus medius muscle differed significantly between the nonimpact (swimmers) and the controls. No significant difference in muscle texture was found between the high‐magnitude (powerlifters) and the control group. In conclusion, MRI texture analysis provides a quantitative method capable of detecting textural differences in hip muscles that are associated with specific types of long‐term exercise loadings.
Determining the Progression of Damage in Materials Subjected to Sustained Random Loads Using an Adaptive Finite Impulse Response Approach
Authors: Lamb M. J. , Rouillard V.
Published: May 2014

It is often important to establish the ability of materials to withstand dynamic loads. This ability is best determined by subjecting the elements to sustained random loads under controlled conditions. It is during these fatigue endurance tests that the loss of structural integrity of a material or an element needs to be quantified. The research presented herein uses a recently developed continuous structural integrity assessment technique to evaluate variations in the mechanical properties (namely stiffness) of materials. The effectiveness of the technique was evaluated by undertaking controlled experiments, during which damage was simulated by varying the stiffness (in this case the length of a cantilever beam) of a physical single degree‐of‐freedom vibratory system subjected to random base excitation. Additional experiments where materials were allowed to naturally decay (structurally) under sustained random loads were also performed. Overall, the results presented in this study indicate that the technique can be a practical and effective tool for detecting small variations in the structural integrity of materials subjected to sustained random loads.
A strike‐slip core complex from the Najd fault system, Arabian shield
Authors: Meyer Sven Erik , Passchier Cees , Abu‐Alam Tamer , Stüwe Kurt
Published: May 2014

Metamorphic core complexes are usually thought to be associated with regional crustal extension and crustal thinning, where deep crustal material is exhumed along gently dipping normal shear zones oblique to the regional extension direction. We present a new mechanism whereby metamorphic core complexes can be exhumed along crustal‐scale strike‐slip fault systems that accommodated crustal shortening. The Qazaz metamorphic dome in Saudi Arabia was exhumed along a gently dipping jog in a crustal‐scale vertical strike‐slip fault zone that caused more than 25 km of exhumation of lower crustal rocks by 30 km of lateral motion. Subsequently, the complex was transected by a branch of the strike‐slip fault zone, and the segments were separated by another 30 km of lateral motion. Strike‐slip core complexes like the Qazaz Dome may be common and may have an important local effect on crustal strength.
The Arabidopsis LecRK‐VI.2 associates with the pattern‐recognition receptor FLS2 and primes Nicotiana benthamiana pattern‐triggered immunity
Authors: Huang Pin‐Yao , Yeh Yu‐Hung , Liu An‐Chi , Cheng Chiu‐Ping , Zimmerli Laurent
Published: May 2014

Pattern‐triggered immunity (PTI) is broad spectrum and manipulation of PTI is believed to represent an attractive way to engineer plants with broad‐spectrum disease resistance. PTI is activated upon perception of microbe‐associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) by pattern‐recognition receptors (PRRs). We have recently demonstrated that the L‐type lectin receptor kinase‐VI.2 (LecRK‐VI.2) positively regulates Arabidopsis thaliana PTI. Here we show through in vitro pull‐down, bimolecular fluorescence complementation and co‐immunoprecipitation analyses that LecRK‐VI.2 associates with the PRR FLS2. We also demonstrated that LecRK‐VI.2 from the cruciferous plant Arabidopsis remains functional after interfamily transfer to the Solanaceous plant Nicotiana benthamiana. Wild tobacco plants ectopically expressing LecRK‐VI.2 were indeed more resistant to virulent hemi‐biotrophic and necrotrophic bacteria, but not to the fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea suggesting that, as with Arabidopsis, the LecRK‐VI.2 protective effect in N. benthamiana is bacteria specific. Ectopic expression of LecRK‐VI.2 in N. benthamiana primed PTI‐mediated reactive oxygen species production, mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity, callose deposition and gene expression upon treatment with the MAMP flagellin. Our findings identified LecRK‐VI.2 as a member of the FLS2 receptor complex and suggest that heterologous expression of components of PRR complexes can be used as tools to engineer plant disease resistance to bacteria.
Comprehensive metabolomic study of platelets reveals the expression of discrete metabolic phenotypes during storage
Authors: Paglia Giuseppe , Sigurjónsson Ólafur E. , Rolfsson Óttar , Valgeirsdottir Soley , Hansen Morten Bagge , Brynjólfsson Sigurður , Gudmundsson Sveinn , Palsson Bernhard O.
Published: May 2014

Background

Platelet (PLT) concentrates are routinely stored for 5 to 7 days. During storage they exhibit what has been termed PLT storage lesion (PSL), which is evident by a loss of hemostatic function when transfused into patients. The overall goal of this study was to obtain a comprehensive data set describing PLT metabolism during storage.

Study Design and Methods

The experimental approach adopted to achieve this goal combined a series of standard assays to monitor the quality of stored PLTs and a deep‐coverage metabolomics study using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry performed on both the extracellular and the intracellular environments. During storage we measured 174 different variables in 6 PLT units, collected by apheresis. Samples were collected at eight different time points resulting in a data set containing more than 8000 measurements.

Results

Stored PLTs did not undergo a monotonic decay, but experienced systematic changes in metabolism reflected in three discrete metabolic phenotypes: The first (Days 0‐3) was associated with active glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway, and glutathione metabolism and down regulation of tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. The second (Days 4‐6) was associated with a more active TCA cycle as well as increased purine metabolism. A third metabolic phenotype of less clinical relevance (Days 7‐10) was associated with a faster decay of cellular metabolism.

Conclusion

PSL is not associated with a linear decay of metabolism, but rather with successive metabolic shifts. These findings may give new insight into the mechanisms underlying PSL and encourage the deployment of systems biology methods to PSL.