bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Adenosine A2 Receptors in Regulation of Cerebral Blood Flow during Induced Hypotension
Authors: Kusano Yoshikazu , Echeverry German , Miekisiak Greg , Kulik Tobias B , Aronhime Shimon N , Chen Jiang F , Winn H Richard
Published: November 2009

The mechanisms responsible for vascular autoregulation in the brain during changes in mean arterial blood pressure are ambiguous. Potentially, adenosine, a purine nucleoside and potent vasodilator, may be involved as earlier studies have documented an increase in brain adenosine concentrations with cerebral ischemia and hypotension. Consequently, we tested the hypothesis that adenosine is involved in vasodilatation during hypotension within the autoregulatory range (>50 mm Hg) by exposing adenosine 2a receptor (A2aR) knockout and wild type (WT) mice to short (2 to 5 mins) periods of hypotension. We found that autoregulation was significantly ( P<0.05) impaired by 29% in A2a knockout mice as compared with WT animals. Furthermore, the A2R antagonist (A2a>A2b:10–85>1), ZM-241385, in a dose (1, 5, 10 mg/kg, intraperitoneally)-related manner, attenuated autoregulation in WT mice. In knockout mice treated with ZM-2413585 (5 and 10 mg/kg), autoregulation was further impaired indicating that A2b receptors also participated in cerebral vasodilatation. Treatment with dipyridamole (1.0 mg/kg) that increases extracellular concentrations of adenosine improved autoregulation in the A2aR knockout mice. We would conclude that adenosine through both A2a and A2b receptors is involved in physiologic vascular regulation during hypotension even within the autoregulatory range.
Nonhysteretic behavior inside the hysteresis loop of VO2 and its possible application in infrared imaging
Authors: Gurvitch M. , Luryi S. , Polyakov A. , Shabalov A.
Published: November 2009

In the resistive phase transition in VO2, temperature excursions taken from points on the major hysteresis loop produce minor loops. For sufficiently small excursions these minor loops degenerate into single-valued, nonhysteretic branches (NHBs) linear in log(ρ) versus T and having essentially the same or even higher temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) as the semiconducting phase at room temperature. We explain this behavior based on the microscopic picture of percolating phases. Similar short NHBs are found in otherwise hysteretic optical reflectivity. We discuss the opportunities NHBs present for infrared imaging technology based on resistive microbolometers. It is possible to choose a NHB with 102–103 times smaller resistivity than in a pure semiconducting phase, thus providing a microbolometer operating without hysteresis, with low tunable resistivity, and high TCR. Unique features of the proposed method and projected figures of merit are discussed in the context of uncooled focal plane array IR visualization technology.
A theoretical basis for spontaneous polarization transfer in non-hydrogenative parahydrogen-induced polarization
Authors: Adams Ralph W. , Duckett Simon B. , Green Richard A. , Williamson David C. , Green Gary G. R.
Published: November 2009

When parahydrogen adds to a metal template containing a substrate of interest, the substrate and parahydrogen become coupled, and polarization is shared between the two without the incorporation of the parahydrogen into the substrate. A mechanism for this polarization transfer is presented in which the transfer is propagated through the scalar couplings. At zero field, polarization is transferred between two-, three-, and four-spin zero quantum states, but no single spin magnetization is created. The interplay between the chemical shift evolution and the evolution under scalar coupling at non-zero field generates additional longitudinal spin order and now includes single spin longitudinal z-magnetization. The additional chemical shift interaction introduces a field dependency to the nuclear spin states of the polarized substrate. The net effect of the polarization field strength on the resultant nuclear spin states is shown to be predictable but complex.
Coexistence of magnetic and ferroelectric behaviors of pyrochlore Ho2Ti2O7
Authors: Dong X. W. , Wang K. F. , Luo S. J. , Wan J. G. , Liu J.–M.
Published: November 2009

Rare-earth titanate cubic pyrochlore Ho2Ti2O7 ceramics are prepared by the standard solid state reaction. The magnetic, dielectric, and ferroelectric behaviors are measured in order to investigate the multiferroic behaviors of Ho2Ti2O7. Upon the gradual spin ordering sequence with decreasing temperature, a ferroelectric transition with a small polarization is identified. We discuss the origin of ferroelectricity and its possible correlation with the spin order at low temperature.
Magnetic transitions in α-Fe2O3 nanowires
Authors: Díaz-Guerra C. , Pérez L. , Piqueras J. , Chioncel M. F.
Published: November 2009

Magnetic transitions in single-crystal α-Fe2O3 (hematite) nanowires, grown by thermal oxidation of iron powder, have been studied in the range of 5–1023K with a superconducting quantum interference device below room temperature and with a vibrating sample magnetometer at higher temperatures. The broad temperature range covered enables us to compare magnetic transitions in the nanowires with the transitions reported for bulk hematite. Morin temperatures (TM) of the nanowires and of hematite bulk reference powder were found to be 123 and 263K, respectively. Also the Néel temperature (TN) of the nanowires, 852K, was lower than the bulk TN value. Measurements of the magnetization as a function of temperature show an enhanced signal in the nanowires, which suggests a decrease in the antiferromagnetic coupling. A coercive field observed below TM in the hysteresis loops of the nanowires is tentatively explained by the presence of a magnetic phase.
Charge sensing in enhancement mode double-top-gated metal-oxide-semiconductor quantum dots
Authors: Nordberg E. P. , Stalford H. L. , Young R. , Ten Eyck G. A. , Eng K. , Tracy L. A. , Childs K. D. , Wendt J. R. , Grubbs R. K. , Stevens J. , Lilly M. P. , Eriksson M. A. , Carroll M. S.
Published: November 2009

Laterally coupled charge sensing of quantum dots is highly desirable because it enables measurement even when conduction through the quantum dot itself is suppressed. In this work, we demonstrate such charge sensing in a double-top-gated metal-oxide-semiconductor system. The current through a point contact constriction integrated near a quantum dot shows sharp 2% changes corresponding to charge transitions between the dot and a nearby lead. We extract the coupling capacitance between the charge sensor and the quantum dot, and we show that it agrees well with a three-dimensional capacitance model of the integrated sensor and quantum dot system.
Theory for the three-dimensional Mercedes-Benz model of water
Authors: Bizjak Alan , Urbic Tomaz , Vlachy Vojko , Dill Ken A.
Published: November 2009

The two-dimensional Mercedes-Benz (MB) model of water has been widely studied, both by Monte Carlo simulations and by integral equation methods. Here, we study the three-dimensional (3D) MB model. We treat water as spheres that interact through Lennard-Jones potentials and through a tetrahedral Gaussian hydrogen bonding function. As the “right answer,” we perform isothermal-isobaric Monte Carlo simulations on the 3D MB model for different pressures and temperatures. The purpose of this work is to develop and test Wertheim’s Ornstein–Zernike integral equation and thermodynamic perturbation theories. The two analytical approaches are orders of magnitude more efficient than the Monte Carlo simulations. The ultimate goal is to find statistical mechanical theories that can efficiently predict the properties of orientationally complex molecules, such as water. Also, here, the 3D MB model simply serves as a useful workbench for testing such analytical approaches. For hot water, the analytical theories give accurate agreement with the computer simulations. For cold water, the agreement is not as good. Nevertheless, these approaches are qualitatively consistent with energies, volumes, heat capacities, compressibilities, and thermal expansion coefficients versus temperature and pressure. Such analytical approaches offer a promising route to a better understanding of water and also the aqueous solvation.
An impedance spectroscopic investigation of the electrical properties of δ-doped diamond structures
Authors: Tumilty Niall , Welch Joseph , Lang Richard , Wort Christopher , Balmer Richard , Jackman Richard B.
Published: November 2009

Impedance spectroscopy has been used to investigate the conductivity displayed by diamond doped with boron in an intrinsic-δ-layer-intrinsic multilayer system with differing δ-layer thicknesses. Carrier transport within 5 nm δ-layer structures is complex, being dominated by conduction in the interfacial regions between the δ-layer and the intrinsic regions, as well as conduction within the δ-layer itself. In the case of 3.2 nm thick δ-layers the situation appears improved with uncapped samples supporting only two conduction paths, one of which may be associated with transport outside of the δ-layer, the other low transport within the δ-layer complex diamond structures. Introduction of the capping layer creates a third conduction path associated with unwanted boron in the capping layer-δ-layer interface.
Flexure mode flexoelectric piezoelectric composites
Authors: Chu Baojin , Zhu Wenyi , Li Nan , Cross L. Eric
Published: November 2009

We present a flexure mode composite design to generate steep transverse strain gradient to exploit large flexoelectric coefficient μ1122 of (Ba,Sr)TiO3 (BST) ceramics. Very strong direct piezoelectric effect was observed in composites due to the flexoelectricity. In a single unit composite, sharp low frequency (<300 Hz) mechanical resonance leads to high effective d33>2000 pC/N as the result of enhancement of strain gradient at resonance. Giant nonresonance d33 well beyond piezoelectric single crystal about 4350 pC/N was measured at a temperature around Curie temperature of BST ceramic in a six unit three layer composite.
Laser spectroscopy of NiI: New electronic states and hyperfine structure
Authors: Cheung A. S.-C. , Pang H. F. , Tam W. S. , Leung J. W.-H.
Published: November 2009

Two new electronic transition systems, namely, the [14.0]Φ27/2-Χ Δ25/2 and the [15.7]Φ25/2-Χ Δ25/2 transitions were observed and analyzed using laser vaporization/reaction supersonic free jet expansion and high resolution laser induced fluorescence spectroscopy. In addition, the (v, 0) bands with v=6–10 of the [14.6]Δ25/2-Χ Δ25/2 transition were found to be perturbed by the [15.7]Φ25/2 state. The interaction between the [14.6]Δ25/2 and the [15.7]Φ25/2 states is evident in the progressive increase in hyperfine width of rotational lines of the [14.6]Δ25/2-X Δ25/2 transition as the vibrational quantum number increases. Deperturbation procedures were successfully applied to analyze the interaction between these two states. All observed spectra show partially resolved hyperfine structure, and the hyperfine width decreases rapidly as J increases suggested that the hyperfine structure conforms to the Hund’s case aβ coupling scheme. Accurate molecular and hyperfine constants for the [14.0]Φ27/2, the [14.6]Δ25/2 and the [15.7]Φ25/2 states were obtained and analyzed.
Excitation of fluorescent nanoparticles by channel plasmon polaritons propagating in V-grooves
Authors: Fernandez-Cuesta Irene , Nielsen Rasmus B. , Boltasseva Alexandra , Borrise Xavier , Pérez-Murano Francesc , Kristensen Anders
Published: November 2009

Recently, it has been proven that light can be squeezed into metallic channels with subwavelength lateral dimensions. Here, we present the study of the propagation of channel plasmon polaritons confined in gold V-grooves, filled with fluorescent particles. In this way, channel plasmon polaritons propagating in nonempty V-grooves can be characterized, as the propagation track can be directly visualized in the microscope. We have found that beads with subwavelength diameters act as frequency converters for the propagating channel modes, resulting in larger propagation lengths. For micrometric-diameter beads, we show the possibility of individual excitation, what may have applications to develop very sensitive biosensors.
Effect of stacking order on the magnetic and transport properties of bilayer-based oxide superlattices with inversion symmetry
Authors: Padhan P. , Prellier W.
Published: November 2009

SrRuO 3 – SrMnO 3 multilayers with heterointerfaces of similar inversion symmetry were fabricated. The SrTiO3/[SrMnO3/SrRuO3]15 multilayer shows lower Curie temperature, smaller magnetization and larger magnetoresistance compared to SrTiO3/[SrRuO3/SrMnO3]15 multilayer. The variations of these properties with the inversion of stacking order are well correlated with each other which occur due to pinned/biased moments and can be explained by their cumulative stress difference.
The initial steps leading to papillomavirus infection occur on the basement membrane prior to cell surface binding
Authors: Kines Rhonda C. , Thompson Cynthia D. , Lowy Douglas R. , Schiller John T. , Day Patricia M.
Published: November 2009

Using a murine challenge model, we previously determined that human papillomavirus (HPV) pseudovirions initially bind preferentially to the cervicovaginal basement membrane (BM) at sites of trauma. We now report that the capsids undergo a conformational change while bound to the BM that results in L2 cleavage by a proprotein convertase (PC), furin, and/or PC5/6, followed by the exposure of an N-terminal cross-neutralization L2 epitope and transfer of the capsids to the epithelial cell surface. Prevention of this exposure by PC inhibition results in detachment of the pseudovirions from the BM and their eventual loss from the tissue, thereby preventing infection. Pseudovirions whose L2 had been precleaved by furin can bypass the PC inhibition of binding and infectivity. Cleavage of heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG) with heparinase III prevented infection and BM binding by the precleaved pseudovirions, but did not prevent them from binding robustly to cell surfaces. These results indicate that the infectious process has evolved so that the initial steps take place on the BM, in contrast to the typical viral infection that is initiated by binding to the cell surface. The data are consistent with a dynamic model of in vivo HPV infection in which a conformational change and PC cleavage on the BM allows transfer of virions from HSPG attachment factors to an L1-specific receptor on basal keratinocytes migrating into the site of trauma.
Apple (Malus pumila var. domestica) phenology is advancing due to rising air temperature in northern Japan
Authors: FUJISAWA MARIKO , KOBAYASHI KAZUHIKO
Published: November 2009

Recent studies show advancing onset of plant growing season in many regions for the last several decades. With the well‐established dependence of plant phenology on temperature, these trends are interpreted as an indication of global warming. For several decades, however, other determinants of plant phenology, e.g. varieties and trends in managed systems, may have changed and confounded the phenological trends. In this study, we tested if long‐term changes in phenology of apple (Malus pumila var. domestica) are attributable to long‐term changes in temperature by comparing the phenological response to long‐term trend in air temperature, which is of our interest, with that to year‐to‐year fluctuation in air temperature, which should represent the real effect of temperature on phenology. We collected records of air temperature and phenological events (budding and flowering) in apple from 1977 to 2004 at six locations in Japan. Linear trends in flowering showed advancing rate in the range from 0.21 to 0.35 day yr−1, statistically significant at three locations (P<0.05). We also found a warming trend in mean air temperature throughout March and April, with which flowering was closely correlated, in the range from 0.047 to 0.077 °C yr−1, statistically significant at five locations (P<0.05). We separated the temperature time‐series into two components: a long‐term trend and a year‐to‐year fluctuation, by fitting smoothing spline to the trend and taking the residuals as the anomaly. We then fit a multiple regression model of phenological response to air temperature with separate coefficients for long‐term trend and anomaly. Flowering date responded to the long‐term trend at −3.8 day  °C−1 and to the anomaly at −4.6 day  °C−1. The temperature coefficients were not statistically different from each other or among locations, suggesting that the advance of apple phenology has predominantly been caused by the temperature increase across the locations studied. The same result was also observed with budding.
A systematic review protocol on the use of teaching portfolios for educators in further and higher education
Authors: McColgan Karen , Blackwood Bronagh
Published: November 2009

Title.  A systematic review protocol on the use of teaching portfolios for educators in further and higher education.

Aim.  This paper is a review protocol that will be used to identify, critically appraise and synthesize the best current evidence relating to the use of teaching portfolios for educators in further and higher education.

Background.  While portfolio use as a means to assist students in further and higher education has undergone extensive research and review, their use as a tool to assist educators has yet to receive systematic attention. Reviews conducted on studies related to portfolio use and undergraduate students have suggested that a teaching portfolio may have a benefit for educators in higher education as a means to provide relevancy and focus to their teaching.

Design.  The objectives of the review are to evaluate how a teaching portfolio assists educators in teaching and learning; to evaluate the effects of maintaining a teaching portfolio for educators in relation to personal development; to explore the type of portfolio used; to determine whether a teaching portfolio is perceived more beneficial for various grades and professional types; and to determine any motivating factors or workplace incentives behind its implementation and completion. A search of the following databases will be made: MEDLINE, CINAHL, BREI, ERIC and AUEI. The review will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute guidance for systematic reviews of quantitative and qualitative research.

Conclusion.  The review will offer clarity and direction on the use of teaching portfolios for educators, policymakers, supervisory managers and researchers involved in further and higher education.
Scope of practice of occupational therapists working in Victorian community health settings
Authors: Quick Lynne , Harman Suzanne , Morgan Sue , Stagnitti Karen
Published: November 2009

Background/aim:  Current health policy places emphasis on community‐based health care and it is expected that there will be an increase in the number of people receiving care in community settings. This study aimed to examine the profile and scope of practice of occupational therapists working in Victorian community health settings and the amount and type of health promotion activity incorporated into their role.

Method:  An anonymous postal questionnaire was sent to 205 community‐based Victorian occupational therapists. One hundred and one (49.3% response rate) questionnaires were returned, with 72 respondents (35.1%) meeting study inclusion criteria. A descriptive research design was used to address study aims.

Results:  Results indicate that the majority of community health occupational therapists are experienced practitioners, have a varied scope of practice and report a high level of job satisfaction. Compared with previous studies, there is an increase in new graduate occupational therapists starting their career in community health settings, a greater number of part‐time workers and a diversification of clinical and non‐clinical roles. Barriers to practice that exist include high demand for service, limited funding and time spent on administrative tasks. Although health promotion was regarded as an important role of community health workers, a large number of therapists were not involved in this activity because of limited knowledge and clinical work taking priority.

Conclusion:  Study findings have implications for occupational therapy training, and there is a clear need for input at policy level to address the significant resource allocation issues raised.
Attenuation of N‐nitrosodiethylamine‐induced liver fibrosis by high‐molecular‐weight fucoidan derived from Cladosiphon okamuranus
Authors: Nakazato Kyoumi , Takada Hisashi , Iha Masahiko , Nagamine Takeaki
Published: November 2009

Background and Aim:  Liver fibrosis is closely associated with the progression of various chronic liver diseases. Fucoidan exhibits different biological properties such as anti‐inflammatory, anti‐oxidant and anti‐fibrotic activities. The aim of this study was to determine whether oral fucoidan administration inhibits N‐nitrosodiethylamine (DEN)‐induced liver fibrosis.

Methods:  Liver fibrosis was induced in rats by injecting DEN (50 mg/kg). Rats were given 2% of crude fucoidan solution or 2% of high‐molecular‐weight (HMW) fucoidan solution. They were divided into a crude fucoidan group, an HMW fucoidan group, a DEN alone group, a DEN + crude fucoidan group, a DEN + HMW fucoidan group and a control group.

Results:  Liver fibrosis and hepatic hydroxyproline levels were significantly more decreased in the DEN + HMW fucoidan group than in the DEN‐alone group. Anti‐fibrogenesis was unremarkable in the DEN + crude fucoidan group. Hepatic messenger RNA levels and immunohistochemistry of transforming growth factor beta 1 were markedly increased by DEN. This increase was attenuated by HMW fucoidan. Hepatic chemokine ligand 12 expression was increased by DEN. This increase was suppressed by HMW fucoidan. HMW fucoidan significantly decreased the DEN‐induced malondialdehyde levels. Also, fucoidan markedly increased metallothionein expression in the liver. Fucoidan was clearly observed in the liver by immunohistochemical staining in HMW fucoidan‐treated rats, while it was faintly stained in the livers of crude fucoidan‐treated rats.

Conclusion:  These findings suggest that the HMW fucoidan treatment causes anti‐fibrogenesis in DEN‐induced liver cirrhosis through the downregulation of transforming growth factor beta 1 and chemokine ligand 12 expressions, and that scavenging lipid peroxidation is well‐incorporated in the liver.
Epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric cancer in Asia
Authors: Fock Kwong Ming , Ang Tiing Leong
Published: November 2009

In Asia, the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection varies markedly in different countries. Higher prevalence rates are found in developing Asian countries while lower rates have been reported in more industrialized and developed countries. Within a country, the seroprevalence rates may vary between distinct geographic regions. H. pylori infection is an important etiological factor for the occurrence of non‐cardia gastric adenocarcinoma. The incidence rate of gastric adenocarcinoma in Asia tends to mirror the seroprevalence rate of H. pylori infection; however, there are populations with high seroprevalence rates of H. pylori infection that paradoxically have low incidence rates of gastric adenocarcinoma. These diverse clinical outcomes are related to bacterial virulence factors, concomitant environmental factors, host susceptibility and immune response. This review summarizes the current epidemiology of H. pylori infection in Asia and analyzes these data in the context of gastric cancer epidemiology.
Possibility of oral feeding after induction of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy
Authors: Yokohama Shiro , Aoshima Masaru , Koyama Satoshi , Hayashi Keisuke , Shindo Junya , Maruyama Junichi
Published: November 2009

Background and Aim:  Although percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) has become established as a useful enteral nutrition technique, the associated risks must always be kept in mind. Recently, we experienced several patients who could orally ingest after PEG. To avoid unnecessary PEG, we investigated patients who could orally ingest after PEG, and analyzed predictive factors of postoperative oral feeding.

Methods:  We retrospectively analyzed data of 302 patients who underwent PEG at our hospital. After all patients were divided according to postoperative oral feeding status, we assessed factors of patients' backgrounds. In patients who could orally ingest after PEG, we investigated the course of oral feeding status. We attempted to identify predictive factors for postoperative oral feeding using logistic regression analysis.

Results:  Mean age was high in both groups, and overall condition was markedly poor. Forty‐four patients (15%) were able to ingest orally after PEG. Enteral nutrition could be avoided during our observation period in 15 cases, because sufficient oral intake was achieved. Conversely, oral feeding was reduced or discontinued in 14 cases. Multivariate analysis identified the following independent predictive factors for postoperative oral feeding: (i) absence of dysphagia or aphagia; (ii) younger age; (iii) favorable performance status; (iv) presence of post‐traumatic encephalopathy; and (v) preoperative swallowing training.

Conclusions:  A total of 15% of PEG cases were able to ingest orally after PEG. In patients showing positive predictive factors, indications for PEG should be carefully considered.
Is bedtime supper necessary for older children with diabetes using glargine insulin in multiple daily injection regimens?
Authors: Barton A. L. , Gilbertson H. R. , Donath S. M. , Cameron F. J.
Published: November 2009

Diabet. Med. 27, 238–241 (2010)

Aims  Current guidelines for dietary management of Type 1 diabetes in children recommend a carbohydrate supper before bed. However, with the introduction of insulin analogues such as glargine (with a basal insulin profile), supper may be unnecessary. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether supper is required to prevent nocturnal hypoglycaemia when using multiple daily injections, with glargine as the basal insulin and rapid‐acting insulin pre‐meals, in older children with Type 1 diabetes.

Methods  Thirty‐five children aged 10–18 years with Type 1 diabetes were recruited to a randomized cross‐over trial (supper vs. no supper). Each phase consisted of three consecutive days of wearing a continuous glucose‐monitoring system (CGMS) to record nocturnal blood glucose levels in the home setting. The supper phase included one 15‐g carbohydrate dairy snack consumed before bed. The evening meals were standardized. Activity was restricted.

Results  Valid CGMS data were obtained for 163 nights (85 supper, 78 no supper). Nocturnal hypoglycaemia rates were similar in the supper and no‐supper groups (32.9% vs. 33.3% of nights; P = 0.96).

Conclusions  This study suggests that supper is not necessary for all children to prevent nocturnal hypoglycaemia when using glargine insulin. The recommendation for inclusion of supper should be individually tailored and not mandatory.
Anti‐CD3 monoclonal antibody treatment in newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes patients: a hypothetical modelling analysis
Authors: Smith‐Palmer J. , Curtis B. H. , Boye K. S. , Goodall G. , Pillemer S. R.
Published: November 2009

Diabet. Med. 27, 189–196 (2010)

Aims  Although limited clinical data exist for anti‐CD3 monoclonal antibody therapies, it is believed that they may influence glycaemic control, endogenous insulin secretion and hypoglycaemic event rates in individuals newly diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. In the absence of suitable empirical evidence, the objective of this study was to estimate the potential long‐term clinical outcomes associated with treatment via a hypothetical modelling analysis.

Methods  Analyses were performed using a published and validated computer simulation model of diabetes in a hypothetical US cohort based on published literature and expert opinion. The efficacy of anti‐CD3 monoclonal antibody treatment was estimated from clinical data and expert opinion and simulations were performed over a 60‐year time horizon. The impact on quality of life associated with treatment was also captured via published utility values.

Results  Assuming that a treatment course of an anti‐CD3 monoclonal antibody produced an initial reduction in glycated haemoglobin of −0.8%, and that the effects persisted for up to 5 years, treatment was projected to lead to an increase in undiscounted life expectancy of 0.43 years and an increase in quality‐adjusted life expectancy of 0.36 quality‐adjusted life years compared with conventional exogenous insulin.

Conclusions  A course of a hypothetical anti‐CD3 monoclonal antibody treatment associated with improved glycaemic control and, potentially, the preservation of pancreatic β‐cell function was estimated to lead to improved life expectancy and quality‐adjusted life expectancy compared with conventional treatment in patients with newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes.
Prevalence of comorbid depression is high in out‐patients with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Results from three out‐patient clinics in the Netherlands
Authors: Pouwer F. , Geelhoed‐Duijvestijn P. H. L. M. , Tack C. J. , Bazelmans E. , Beekman A.‐J. , Heine R. J. , Snoek F. J.
Published: November 2009

Diabet. Med. 27, 217–224 (2010)

Aims  Depression is common in diabetes, but the scope of the problem and associated correlates are not well established in specialist diabetes care. We aimed to determine the prevalence of depression among adult outpatients with Type 1 (T1DM) or Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) using both self‐report measures and a diagnostic interview, and to establish demographic and clinical characteristics associated with depressive affect.

Methods  A random sample of 2055 diabetes out‐patients from three diabetes clinics was invited to participate. Depressive affect was assessed using the World Health Organization‐5 Well Being Index (WHO‐5), the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies‐Depression scale (CESD) using predefined cut‐off scores, and depressive disorder with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). Associations between depression and patient characteristics were explored using regression analyses.

Results  Seven hundred and seventy‐two patients completed the depression questionnaires. About one‐third of T1DM patients and 37–43% of T2DM patients reported depressive affect (WHO‐5). The prevalence of depressive affect (CESD) was 25% and 30% for men and women with T1DM, and 35% and 38% for men and women with T2DM, respectively. Based on the CIDI, 8% of T1DM patients (no gender difference) and 2% of men and 21% of women with T2DM suffered from a depressive disorder. Depressive affect was associated with poor glycaemic control and proliferative retinopathy in T1DM, while non‐Dutch descent, obesity and neuropathy were correlates in T2DM.

Conclusions  Depressive symptoms and major depressive disorder constitute a common comorbid problem among Dutch out‐patients with T1DM or T2DM and appear particularly common in migrants and women with T2DM.
Barriers in initiating insulin therapy in a South Asian Muslim community
Authors: Ahmed U. S. , Junaidi B. , Ali A. W. , Akhter O. , Salahuddin M. , Akhter J.
Published: November 2009

Diabet. Med. 27, 169–174 (2010)

Aims  Insulin therapy is often required for optimal glycaemic control. Pakistani patients display reluctance to use insulin. We aimed to determine the reasons for this and to assess impressions after initiation of insulin in our patients.

Methods  Patients with Type 2 diabetes attending Aga Khan Hospital were surveyed using a questionnaire detailing opinions on insulin use. This was a cross‐sectional study of two groups, one with no experience with insulin use and the other who were insulin users.

Results  Three hundred and seventeen patients were interviewed, 55.8% male, mean age 53.6 years. Of 210 patients who had never used insulin, 72.9% felt insulin was a measure of last resort and 45.2% thought that tolerance developed to insulin. Only 45.7% felt insulin would reduce complications, while 24% thought that insulin use would interfere with religious obligations. Thirty‐four percent thought that it was difficult or very difficult to learn insulin administration, 41% felt that they could not self‐inject even if absolutely necessary and 25% stated they would not use insulin in any circumstances. There was an association of lack of education with negative image of insulin usage. Among 107 patients using insulin, 52.3% were hesitant before initiation. However, 78.5% noted an improvement in glucose control and 86% said they would recommend insulin to others.

Conclusions  Reluctance to use insulin prior to initiation is high, but views improve considerably after insulin initiation. Further awareness of the benefits of insulin use needs to be highlighted and the concerns of our population addressed.
Prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes and impaired glucose regulation in 35–59‐year‐old individuals in Southern Germany: the KORA F4 Study
Authors: Meisinger C. , Strassburger K. , Heier M. , Thorand B. , Baumeister S. E. , Giani G. , Rathmann W.
Published: November 2009

Diabet. Med. 27, 360–362 (2010)

Aims  Limited data are available for European populations regarding the prevalence of diabetes and disturbed glucose metabolism in younger individuals. Our aim was to estimate the prevalence of diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes, isolated impaired fasting glucose (i‐IFG), isolated impaired glucose tolerance (i‐IGT) and combined IFG/IGT in a population‐based sample (n = 1653) from Southern Germany aged 35–59 years.

Methods  Oral glucose tolerance tests were carried out in all non‐diabetic participants of the KORA F4 Study (2006–2008). Diabetes, IGT and IFG were defined according to the 1999 World Health Organization diagnostic criteria. The original IFG criteria (6.1–6.9 mmol/l) were used as recommended by the European Diabetes Epidemiology Group.

Results  The age‐standardized prevalence was 2.2% for known diabetes, 2.0% for newly detected diabetes, 2.9% for i‐IFG, 6.3% for i‐IGT and 1.1% for combined IFG/IGT. About half of the cases with overt diabetes were undiagnosed in all age groups. The prevalence of i‐IGT was approximately twice as high as that of i‐IFG. The proportion of i‐IGT varied between 3.2% (age group 35–44 years) and 11.8% (age group 55–59 years); the corresponding numbers for i‐IFG were 1.1% and 5.9%. IFG/IGT was present in 1.2% of the total sample, and was most frequently found in the age group 55–59 years (2.4%). Overall, 16% of the study population had either diabetes or abnormalities of glucose metabolism.

Conclusions  The study reveals for the first time a high prevalence of impaired glucose regulation in the younger and middle‐aged German population. The detection of disturbed glucose metabolism or diabetes needs to be improved.
Striving for the impossible dream: a community‐based multi‐practice collaborative model of diabetes management
Authors: Distiller L. A. , Brown M. A. , Joffe B. I. , Kramer B. D.
Published: November 2009

Diabet. Med. 27, 197–202 (2010)

Aims  In 1994 the Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology (CDE) based in Johannesburg, South Africa established a novel community‐based capitation and risk‐sharing model for diabetes management. We here describe the model and present a recent survey of the performance/outcomes of this unique diabetes care programme.

Methods  Data on 17 043 patients managed by the CDE Diabetes Management Programme at its Centre and its 262 affiliated Centres were analysed from its national database. From this total cohort, 1520 Type 1 and 8026 Type 2 diabetes patients have been in the Programme for > 5 years. The 5‐year outcome data on hospital admission rates, glycaemic control (HbA1c), and microvascular complication rates were assessed in this subgroup of patients.

Results  Major reductions in hospital admission rates for both acute metabolic emergencies and all causes (40% overall) were achieved in patients enrolled onto the Diabetes Management Programme. The mean HBA1c on enrolment was 9.2% for subjects with Type 1 and 8.8% for those with Type 2 diabetes. After 1 year, mean HbA1c fell to 7.6% and 7.3% for the Type 1 and Type 2 subjects, respectively. At 5 years the HbA1c remained similar at 7.7% for the Type 1 subjects and 7.4% for the Type 2 subjects, demonstrating sustained improvement. Progression of microvascular complications appears to have been delayed.

Conclusions  This managed care model of diabetes care in the context of the South African Private Health Care System achieved long‐term improvement in glycaemic control and all‐cause hospital admission rates. This may be due to the cost‐containment being in the hands of the treating doctor, supported by an annual training programme. This programme is based on an individualized and holistic approach encompassing intensive patient education to facilitate self‐empowerment and including prompting for the management of risk factors.
Does accounting conservatism pay?
Authors: Iyengar Raghavan J. , Zampelli Ernest M.
Published: November 2009

We investigate whether or not there is a link between conservative accounting practices and the sensitivity of executive pay to accounting performance. Using several accrual‐based measures of accounting conservatism as well as alternative measures of accounting performance, we estimate an econometric model of CEO compensation that incorporates the interaction of accounting conservatism and accounting performance. Consistent with optimal contracting theory, we find that the sensitivity of executive pay to accounting performance is higher for firms that report conservative accounting earnings. These results support the hypothesis that accounting conservatism, by limiting earnings management opportunities and improving the reliability of accounting performance measures, allows firms to formulate contracts that tie executive compensation more closely to accounting performance.
The Logistics of Humanitarian Emergencies: Notes From the Field
Authors: McClintock Andrew
Published: November 2009

Well‐ managed logistics (an effective supply‐chain), is central to any disaster response. Professionalism of this discipline – in theory and in practice ‐ has improved much western manufacturing and distribution. In emergencies, especially when they occur in the third world, where the infrastructure is less developed and there is urgent pressure for results, it is different: at the high level especially, as in United Nations' Joint Logistics Centre, there is attention to good practice, but more is needed in the operations of Non‐Governmental Organisations (NGOs). This article, written in the light of both theoretical study of the discipline and practical experience of African and Asian field‐logistics, describes some of its distinctive features, when finely‐pitched arrangements do not work.
Emerging Threats to Internet Security: Incentives, Externalities and Policy Implications
Authors: Van Eeten Michel , Bauer Johannes M.
Published: November 2009

Somewhere around 10% of all machines connected to the Internet are thought to be infected with malicious software. This has allowed the emergence of so‐called ‘botnets’– networks of sometimes millions of infected machines that are remotely controlled by malicious actors. Botnets are mostly used for criminal purposes, but they also enable large‐scale failures that might even reach disastrous proportions. We explain the rise of botnets as the outcome of the incentive structures of market players and present new empirical evidence on these incentives. The resulting externalities require some form of voluntary or government‐led collective action. Our findings have implications for the controversial debate on the appropriate policy measures, where two perspectives on cybersecurity fight for dominance: national security and law enforcement.
Inclusive attitudes: a pre‐service analysis
Authors: Ryan Thomas G.
Published: November 2009

This enquiry has shown that pre‐service teachers in Ontario, Canada (n = 141), believe they have the prerequisite training and knowledge to be inclusive educators. They believe inclusion is effective and produces required results for both identified and non‐identified students. Inclusion was viewed as a difficult proposition dependent upon several variables such as time, resources, facilities and personnel. Inclusion challenges make them want to experiment with instructional modes, and a minority suggested they did not have a positive experience with inclusion. Most believed that they would be included in planning for inclusion and maintained a positive attitude towards inclusion.
Profile or group discriminative techniques? Generating reliable species distribution models using pseudo‐absences and target‐group absences from natural history collections
Authors: Mateo Rubén G. , Croat Thomas B. , Felicísimo Ángel M. , Muñoz Jesús
Published: November 2009

Aim  The presence‐only data stored in natural history collections is the most important source of information available regarding the distribution of organisms. These data and profile techniques can be used to generate species distribution models (SDMs), but pseudo‐absences must be generated to use group discriminative techniques. In this study, we evaluated whether the SDMs generated with pseudo‐absences are reliable and also if there are differences in the results obtained with profile and group discriminative techniques.

Location  Ecuador, South America.

Methods  The SDMs were generated with a training data set for each of the five species of Anthurium and six different methods: two profile techniques (BIOCLIM and Gower’s distance index), three group discriminative techniques [logistic multiple regression (LMR), multivariate adaptative regression splines (MARS) and Maxent] and a mixed modelling approach genetic algorithm for rule‐set production (GARP), which employs a combination of profile and group discriminative techniques and generates its own pseudo‐absences. For LMR, MARS and Maxent, three types of absences were generated: (1) random pseudo‐absences in equal number to presences and excluding a buffer area around presences (except for Maxent, which assumes that this background sample includes presences), (2) a large number (10,000) of random pseudo‐absences, also excluding a buffer area around each presence and (3) ‘target‐group absences’ (TGA), consisting of sites where other species of the group have been collected by the specialist, but not the species being modelled. To compare the predictive performance of the SDMs, the area under the curve statistic was calculated using an independent testing data set for each species.

Results  MARS, Maxent and LMR produce better results than the profile techniques. The models created with TGA are generally more accurate than those generated with pseudo‐absences.

Main conclusions  The advantages and disadvantages of different options for using pseudo‐absences and TGA with profile and group discriminative modelling techniques are explained and recommendations are made for the future.
The Devolution of Peru’s Sendero Luminoso: From Hybrid Maoists to Narco‐Traffickers?
Authors: Masterson Daniel M.
Published: November 2009

This History Compass article examines the ideological transformation of Peru’s Sendero Luminoso insurgency from its immediate origins in the 1960s in the remote province of Ayacucho to its devolution to small armed bands of drug traffickers in the nation’s remote central Andean regions. Originally, Sendero claimed allegiance to the peasant‐based Marxism of José Carlos Mariátegui, the founder of Peru’s Socialist Party. In reality, however, much of its ideology and revolutionary strategy was based on Maoist theory. As, Sendero’s Maoism was largely based on its leader’s experience in China in the mid‐1960s, the party felt compelled to rabidly defend ‘orthodox’ Maoism as China moved away this ideology in the late 1970s. Maoism with a Peruvian radical stamp, nevertheless, failed to win over the peasantry in the 1980s. Sendero’s leadership then violated basic Maoist strategy and began an urban terror campaign which exposed its leadership to eventual capture in late 1992. Since then, Sendero has survived only as a force fortified by drug revenues and isolated by rugged mountain terrain. We can only speculate about its future. But an estimated 66,000 deaths caused by its insurgency are stark evidence of its destructive potential.
Temporal Changes in Brain Volume and Cognition in a Randomized Treatment Trial of Vascular Dementia
Authors: Broderick Joseph P. , Gaskill Mary , Dhawan Atam , Khoury Jane C.
Published: November 2009

Objective. To measure changes in brain and ischemic volume over time by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as part of a randomized treatment trial of vascular dementia. Methods. Participants who met criteria for vascular dementia underwent comprehensive neurological and neuropsychological testing on entrance, during, and at completion of the 1‐year study. For those centers who had easily available MRI, MRI of the brain was to be performed on entry and completion of the study. Image analysis was performed on all balanced and T2‐weighted MR films to determine ventricular, sulcal, ischemic, and hemispheric brain volumes. Results. Of the 105 patients who met the criteria for vascular dementia, 40 had a baseline MRI study that met protocol requirements and was of excellent image quality. The baseline ventricular volume in these 40 patients with high‐quality MR correlated with most measures of cognitive and behavioral function, including the total Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Score (ADAS) (r= 0.51, P= .0024), as well as activities of daily living (r= 0.61, P= .0002). The baseline ischemic brain volume correlated well only with the gait and postural stability scale (r= 0.74, P= .009). Of the 40 participants, 25 had MRI studies at baseline and at completion of the study that were comparable and of excellent image quality. For these 25 patients, the mean ventricular volumes increased by 9% over the study year (P= .001) and the mean ischemic brain volume increased by 18% (P= .01). Temporal changes in the sulcal and nonischemic brain volume did not reach significance. None of the 14 clinical score measures changed significantly between baseline and completion of the study in these 25 patients. Conclusion. In summary, ventricular volume correlated well with cognitive measures in patients with vascular dementia and was a more sensitive marker for change during the study year than the clinical scales used in this study. This study also points out the practical limitations of brain imaging as a surrogate measure of clinical outcome in multicenter randomized treatment trials of brain disease.
Modeling of Receptor Ligand Data in PET and SPECT Imaging: A Review of Major Approaches
Authors: Meyer Jeffrey H. , Ichise Masanori
Published: November 2009

Over the past decade, a number of new kinetic modeling techniques have been developed for PET and SPECT ligands. This article will review commonly used modeling solutions for reversible positron‐emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) radioligands, with an emphasis on noninvasive methods. All of the modeling approaches in PET and SPECT assume a compartmental system and derive parameters that describe the compartmental system. These parameters will be defined, and their relationship to analogous parameters in pharmacology will be discussed. Then the major approaches are presented under the categories of graphical or mathematical as well as invasive or noninvasive.