bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cerebral artery calcification in patients with acute cerebrovascular diseases: determinants and long‐term clinical outcome
Authors: Koton S. , Tashlykov V. , Schwammenthal Y. , Molshatzki N. , Merzeliak O. , Tsabari R. , Tanne D.
Published: December 2011

Background and purpose:  Coronary artery calcium is an independent predictor of all‐cause mortality. We sought to examine the determinants of intracranial cerebral artery calcification (CAC) and its association with long‐term outcome in a large prospective cohort of stroke patients.

Methods:  Consecutive patients hospitalized because of acute stroke (ischaemic and intracerebral hemorrhage) or TIA throughout a large medical center were systematically assessed and followed up for 1 year. Intracranial CAC was assessed from baseline brain CT blinded to clinical data. Patients were categorized to no, mild, and severe CAC according to their total CAC score. Determinants of CAC were studied with logistic regression analysis. Risk of death, Barthel Index ≤ 60 or death and living in a nursing facility or death were assessed.

Results:  Amongst 1049 patients (mean age: 70 ± 13 years, 59% males) CAC was present in 727 (69%) patients. The main determinants of CAC were increasing age (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.3–1.6, per 5 years), diabetes (OR: 2.1, 1.4–3.0), smoking (1.4, 1.0–2.2), hypertension (1.4, 1.0–2.1), and prior coronary heart disease (1.9, 1.3–2.9). CAC was associated with mortality and poor outcome amongst patients with ischaemic stroke; however, after adjusting for age and stroke severity, no significant association was observed. In patients with intracerebral hemorrhage, outcomes were not related to CAC.

Conclusions:  Intracranial CAC is highly prevalent in patients with acute stroke and its main determinants are older age, diabetes, smoking, hypertension, and prior coronary heart disease. Associations between CAC and mortality or poor functional outcome in the first year after ischaemic stroke are mainly age‐ and stroke severity‐driven.
Childhood mycosis fungoides: a report of 20 cases from Turkey
Authors: Yazganoglu K.D. , Topkarci Z. , Buyukbabani N. , Baykal C.
Published: December 2011

Background  Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common type of cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas in adults. In the recent past, several reports have focused on an increased prevalence of MF in children.

Objective  The present study was aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics, treatment modalities and disease progression in childhood MF patients from Turkey.

Methods  In a retrospective analysis of 368 MF patients in a referral center at Istanbul, Turkey, 20 patients were diagnosed before the age of 18 years and were included in the study.

Results  Childhood cases constituted 5.4% of all MF patients. The age at the time of diagnosis ranged between 2–18 years with a mean of 9.20 ± 4.52 and a median value of 9.50 years. The clinical presentation of MF consisted of solely patches in 60%, followed by plaques or plaques and patches in 40% of the patients. Hypopigmented lesions were seen in 45% and purpuric lesions in 30% of the patients. Four patients (20%) were diagnosed to have unilesional MF. The large majority of the patients (95%) had T1N0M0 or T2N0M0 disease. Sixteen patients were followed between 1–13 years (median: 3.75 years). All the patients were treated with skin directed treatments including topical corticosteroids, topical bexarotene, topical carmustine, narrow band UVB and PUVA. None of the patients progressed to an advanced stage. After an initial clearance, 69.2% of the patients were observed to have recurrences.

Conclusion  In our experience, patches were more prevalent among childhood MF cases. Overrepresentation of hypopigmented and purpuric lesions was remarkable. Progression to an advanced stage was not seen. However, recurrences after discontinuation of therapy were common.
Association of the Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Gene A1298C Polymorphism with Male Infertility: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Shen Ouxi , Liu Renping , Wu Wei , Yu Lugang , Wang Xinru
Published: December 2011

Published data on the association between the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene A1298C (rs1801131) polymorphism and male infertility risk are inconclusive. To derive a more precise estimation of the relationship, a meta‐analysis was performed. In this meta‐analysis, a total of seven case‐control studies including 1633 cases and 1735 controls were selected to evaluate the possible association. Crude odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strength of association in the additive model, dominant model, recessive model, and allele‐frequency genetic model. In the overall analysis, the frequency of the C1298 allele (C vs. A) was significantly associated with susceptibility to male infertility (OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.00–1.26). A subgroup analysis of the subjects showed that MTHFR 1298C was associated with significant increased risk of azoospermia in homozygote comparison (CC vs. AA) and recessive mode (CC vs. AA/AC) (OR = 1.66 for CC vs. AA genotype; OR = 1.67 for CC vs. AA/AC genotype). However, no statistically significant increased risk of oligoasthenoteratozoospermia was found in any of the genetic models. In conclusion, this meta‐analysis supports that the MTHFR A1298C polymorphism is capable of causing male infertility susceptibility, especially azoospermia.
Rethinking urban public space: accounts from a junction in West London
Authors: Koch Regan , Latham Alan
Published: December 2011

There has been remarkable enthusiasm for redesigning and reanimating urban public spaces in recent years. Yet geographical and urban research has tended to interpret these changes through a relatively limited set of concerns related to exclusion, encroachment and claim‐making. This paper seeks to extend engagement with the concept of public space. It does so by arguing for the need to attend more closely to the generative capacities of public spaces and to the material and practical affordances they can offer. Following a project of intervention in a public space in West London – where a troubled crime hotspot underwent a programme of transformation – we suggest that there is much to be gained from broadening attention to the ways in which everyday spaces of public life are assembled: to different ways of inhabiting public space, to atmospheres that are produced, and to the ways in which material interventions enable and constrain the potentialities of spaces and their publicness. Our aim in doing so is to foster attention to, and develop an understanding of, the many instances where cities might become more inclusive, more convivial and generally better for the people that inhabit them.
Traditional Excluding Forces: A Review of the Quantitative Literature on the Economic Situation of Indigenous Peoples, Afro-descendants, and People Living with Disability
Authors: Gandelman Néstor , Ñopo Hugo , Ripani Laura
Published: December 2011

Unequal income distribution in Latin America and the Caribbean is linked to unequal distributions of human and physical assets and differential access to markets and services. These circumstances, and the accompanying social tensions, need to be understood in terms of traditional fragmenting forces; the sectors of the population that experience unfavorable outcomes are also recognized by characteristics such as ethnicity, race, gender, and physical disability. In addition to reviewing the general literature on social exclusion, this article surveys several more specific topics: relative deprivation (in land and housing, physical infrastructure, health and income); labor market issues, including access to labor markets in general, as well as informality, segregation, and discrimination; the transaction points of political representation, social protection, and violence; and areas in which analysis remains weak and avenues for further research in the region.
Marketing, cooperatives and price heterogeneity: evidence from the CIS dairy sector
Authors: Sauer Johannes , Gorton Matthew , White John
Published: December 2011

Drawing on survey data, this article identifies the determinants of variations in farm gate milk prices for three CIS countries (Armenia, Moldova, and Ukraine). We apply a multi‐level modeling approach, specifically a bootstrapped mixed‐effects linear regression model. The analysis suggests three main strategies to improve the price received by farmers for their output: consolidation, competition for output, and stable supply chain relationships. In Armenia and Ukraine selling through a marketing cooperative has a significant, positive, albeit modest, effect on farm gate milk prices. In all three countries studied, the size of dairy operations, trust, and contracting also affect positively the prices received by farmers.
A systematic review of correlates of physical activity in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Vancampfort D. , Knapen J. , Probst M. , Scheewe T. , Remans S. , De Hert M.
Published: December 2011

Vancampfort D, Knapen J, Probst M, Scheewe T, Remans S, De Hert M. A systematic review of correlates of physical activity (PA) in patients with schizophrenia.

Objective:  The present review evaluates systematically the published quantitative studies of correlates of PA in patients with schizophrenia.

Method:  EMBASE, PsycINFO, PubMed, ISI Web of Science, CINAHL and PEDro were searched from their inception to 1 July 2011 combining the medical subject heading ‘schizophrenia’ with ‘physical activity’ or ‘physical inactivity’ or ‘exercise’ or ‘health education’ or ‘health behaviour’ or ‘health promotion’.

Results:  Out of 68 potentially eligible studies, 25 papers (n = 25 013) evaluating 36 correlates were included. Correlates consistently associated with lower PA participation are the presence of negative symptoms and cardio‐metabolic comorbidity. Also, side‐effects of antipsychotic medication, lack of knowledge on cardiovascular disease risk factors, no belief in the health benefits, a lower self‐efficacy, other unhealthy lifestyle habits and social isolation correlated with lower PA participation. The quality of the PA measurement was not related to the proportion of significant associations (χ2 = 3.8, P = 0.07). Current gaps in literature that need to be examined more in detail are the role of environmental and policy‐level factors on PA participation in patients with schizophrenia.

Conclusion:  All correlates should be confirmed in prospective studies, and interventions to improve the modifiable variables should be developed and evaluated.
Serotonin receptor, SERT mRNA and correlations with symptoms in males with alcohol dependence and suicide
Authors: Thompson P. M. , Cruz D. A. , Olukotun D. Y. , Delgado P. L.
Published: December 2011

Thompson PM, Cruz DA, Olukotun DY, Delgado PL. Serotonin receptor, SERT mRNA and correlations with symptoms in males with alcohol dependence and suicide.

Objective:  This study tested the hypothesis that abnormalities in components of the serotonin (5HT) system in the prefrontal cortex are associated with suicide in alcohol‐dependent subjects. Second, we assessed the relationship of lifetime impulsivity and mood symptoms with prefrontal cortex 5‐HT measures.

Method:  Tissue was obtained from Brodmann’s areas (BA) 9 and 24 in postmortem samples of individuals who were alcohol dependent with suicide (n = 5), alcohol dependent without suicide (n = 9) and normal controls (n = 5). Serotonin receptor (5HT) and serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT) mRNA were measured. Interviews with next of kin estimated lifetime impulsivity and mood symptoms in the last week of life.

Results:  Serotonin receptor 1A (5HT1A) mRNA in BA 9 was elevated in the alcohol dependence without suicide group compared with controls. In the alcohol dependence with suicide group, anxiety symptoms were associated with decreased BA 24 SERT mRNA and depressive symptoms with BA 9 5HT1A mRNA expression. In the alcohol dependent only group impulsivity is correlated with increased BA 9, and BA 24 serotonin receptor 2A mRNA.

Conclusion:  Our data suggest region‐specific change, rather than global serotonin blunting is involved in alcohol dependence and suicide. It also suggests that symptoms are differentially influenced by prefrontal cortex serotonin receptor mRNA levels.
Knockdown of BDNF suppressed invasion of HepG2 and HCCLM3 cells, a mechanism associated with inactivation of RhoA or Rac1 and actin skeleton disorganization
Authors: GUO DAWEI , SUN WENYU , ZHU LEI , ZHANG HONGBIN , HOU XUEZHONG , LIANG JIAN , JIANG XIAOFENG , LIU CHEN
Published: December 2011

Guo DW, Sun WY, Zhu L, Zhang H, Hou X, Liang J, Jiang X, Liu C. Knockdown of BDNF suppressed invasion of HepG2 and HCCLM3 cells, a mechanism associated with inactivation of RhoA or Rac1 and actin skeleton disorganization. APMIS 2012; 120: 469–76.

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its primary receptor tropomysin‐related kinase B (TrkB) mediate critical signalings for supporting survival and growth of neurons. Even though we have previously confirmed that more expressions of BDNF and TrkB were closely correlated with multiple and advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the exact mechanisms underlying have not been investigated. The expressions of BDNF and TrkB were examined by western blot and BDNF secretion was evaluated by ELISA in human HCC cell lines of HepG2 and HCCLM3 with high metastatic potential. BDNF knockdown was performed by specific BDNF‐siRNA transfection in HCC cells, actin cytoskeleton was shown by FITC‐phalloidin staining and the activations of RhoA, Rac1 or Cdc42 were determined using western blot. Cell apoptosis and invasion were examined by flow cytometry and transwell assay, respectively. More expressions of BDNF and TrkB were found in HCCLM3 than in HepG2 cells. Inhibited expression of BDNF by specific siRNA showed impaired actin polymerization and decreased activations of RhoA or Rac1 in both HepG2 and HCCLM3 cells. BDNF knockdown also induced apoptosis and suppressed invasion of both HepG2 and HCCLM3 cells. Our results suggested a role of BDNF/TrkB in confering HCCLM3 cells advantage of metastasis, and BDNF knockdown inhibited cell invasion probably through the blocked actin polymerization and the correlated inactivation of RhoA or Rac1. Aiming at BDNF/TrkB signaling interruption may be an effective strategy to prevent HCC progression.
Aminoglycoside resistance in clinical Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from Western Norway
Authors: LINDEMANN PAUL CHRISTOFFER , RISBERG KINE , WIKER HARALD G. , MYLVAGANAM HAIMA
Published: December 2011

Lindemann PC, Risberg K, Wiker HG, Mylvaganam H. Aminoglycoside resistance in clinical Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from Western Norway. APMIS 2012; 120: 495–502.

Resistance to gentamicin in Escherichia coli from blood culture has shown an increase over the past decade in Norway. This study was done to investigate aminoglycoside resistance in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in Western Norway. The material included 49 blood culture isolates which had shown aminoglycoside resistance collected during 2000–2009. To investigate co‐resistance to alternative antibiotics and dynamics involved in aminoglycoside resistance 67 isolates (mostly from urine) exhibiting resistance to both aminoglycosides and extended spectrum beta‐lactam antibiotics were also included. MIC values were obtained for amikacin, gentamicin, kanamycin, netilmicin, streptomycin and tobramycin and all isolates were screened using PCR for aac(3)‐II and aac(6′)‐Ib, encoding aminoglycoside modifying enzymes. Resistance to ≥3 aminoglycosides was found in 92% of the isolates and 60.3% showed resistance to gentamicin, netilmicin, tobramycin and kanamycin. Amikacin resistance was low. Co‐resistance to ciprofloxacin was found in 88% of the isolates with gentamicin resistance. aac(3)‐IIa/c was found in 79.3% and aac(6′)‐Ib in 37.9% of the isolates and 28.4% harboured both genes. aac(6′)‐Ib‐cr, possibly contributing to ciprofloxacin resistance was found mostly in extended spectrum beta‐lactamase producers. The aminoglycoside resistance patterns indicate co‐existence of multiple resistance mechanisms. The use of ciprofloxacin and third generation cephalosporins is likely to have contributed to the increase in aminoglycoside resistance in Norway.
Time allocation of bison in meadow patches driven by potential energy gains and group size dynamics
Authors: Courant Sabrina , Fortin Daniel
Published: December 2011

Understanding the behavioural mechanisms involved in broad‐scale spatial organisation of grazing herbivores requires uncovering the factors controlling foraging decisions, such as patch residency time. Foraging theory specifies that rate maximizers must simultaneously consider both the optimal residency time in a food patch and the optimal diet. Specifically, resource depletion or spatial variation in food type availability should not influence food choice, but only patch residency time. Few studies, however, have tested these principles together, and none on free‐ranging large herbivores. We evaluated the combined effects of forage characteristics, predation risk, and group size on residency time by free‐ranging bisonBison bisonin summer. We hypothesized that residency time in meadows would increase with the availability ofCarex atherodes, a highly profitable plant species maximizing energy intake rate, but decrease with sward complexity (i.e. plant species composition and structure) within foraging stations. We also anticipated that predation risk and group size would influence the relationship between vegetation characteristics and residency time. Residency times were measured in 44 sites using cameras located at meadow edges. We determined that residency time in meadows varied with meadow area, group size, biomass ofC. atherodesavailable on the area, and proportion ofC. atherodeswithin foraging stations. We found that the likelihood of departure decreased with an increase in the total biomass ofC. atherodesavailable over the meadow, an effect attenuated by an increase in group size. Residency time in meadows was also influenced by plant species composition, with higher accessibility ofC. atherodeswithin feeding stations increasing residency time. We found little evidence, however, that sward structure and predation risk influenced residency time. Overall, our study demonstrated that the search for rapid energy gains, together with the constraints imposed by group living, can explain time allocation in habitat patches by large gregarious herbivores.
A novel method for extracting green fractional vegetation cover from digital images
Authors: Liu Yaokai , Mu Xihan , Wang Haoxing , Yan Guangjian
Published: December 2011

Question

Although digital photography is an efficient and objective means of extracting green fractional vegetation cover (FVC), it lacks automation and classification accuracy. How can green FVC be extracted from digital images in an accurate and automated method?

Methods

Several colour spaces were compared on the basis of a separability index, and CIE L*a*b* was shown to be optimal for the tested colour spaces. Thus, all image processing was performed in CIE L*a*b* colour space. Gaussian models were used to fit the green vegetation and background distributions of the a* component. Three strategies (T0, T1 and T2 thresholding method) were tested to select the optimal thresholds for segmenting the image into green vegetation and non‐green vegetation. The a* components of the images were then segmented and the green FVC extracted.

Results

The FVC extracted using T0, T1, and T2 thresholding methods were evaluated with simulated images, and cross‐validated with FVC extracted with supervised classification methods. The results show that FVC extracted with T0, T1 and T2 thresholding methods are similar to those estimated with supervised classification methods. The mean errors associated with the FVC values provided in our approach and supervised classification are less than 0.035. In a test with simulated data, our method performed better than the supervised classification method.

Conclusions

Methods presented in this paper were demonstrated to be feasible and applicable for automatically and accurately extracting FVC of several green vegetation types with varying background and shadow conditions. However, our algorithm design assumes a Gaussian distribution for both vegetated and non‐vegetated portions of a digital image; moreover, the impact of view angle on the FVC extraction from digital images must also be considered.
Novel association of VACTERL, neural tube defect and crossed renal ectopia – Sonic hedgehog signaling: A point of coherence?
Authors: Vaze Dhananjay , Mahalik Santosh , Rao Katragadda L. N.
Published: December 2011

The present case report describes two patients with a novel combination of VACTERL (vertebral, anorectal, cardiac, tracheoesophageal, renal, limb), neural tube defect and crossed renal ectopia. Though cases of VACTERL associated with crossed renal ectopia have been described, the present case report is the first to describe its combination with neural tube defect. The cases reported here are significant because central nervous system manifestations are scarce in VACTERL syndrome. The role of sonic hedgehog pathway has been proposed in VACTERL association and neural tube defects. Axial Sonic hedgehog signaling has also been implicated in the mediolateral positioning of the renal parenchyma. With this knowledge, the etiopathogenesis of this novel combination is discussed to highlight the role of sonic hedgehog signaling as a point of coherence.
Therapeutic Effects of a Combinatorial Treatment of Simvastatin and Bone Marrow Stromal Cells on Experimental Embolic Stroke
Authors: Pirzad Jahromi G. , Seidi S. , Sadr S. S. , Shabanzadeh A. P. , Keshavarz M. , Kaka G. R. , Hosseini S. K. , Sohanaki H. , Charish J.
Published: December 2011

In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of simvastatin administered in combination with bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) following experimentally induced embolic stroke in rats. Effects on infarct volume, brain oedema and neurological deficits were examined. Focal ischaemic brain injury was induced by emblazing a preformed clot into the middle cerebral artery in rats. Animals were administered simvastatin (40 mg/kg) at 1 hr after stroke, or BMSCs (3 × 106) at 24 hr after stroke or a combination of these two treatments. Rats receiving a dose of simvastatin in combination with BMSC administration demonstrated a significant reduction in neurological deficits, a significant reduction in infarct volume and a significant decrease in brain oedema. Our data show that combining simvastatin administration with BMSCs has an additive effect on improving functional outcome in this thromboembolic stroke model.
Creating Value at the Intersection of Sourcing, Hedging and Trading
Authors: Finley Blaine , Pettit Justin
Published: December 2011

Higher commodity prices, along with higher currency and commodity price volatility, have combined with challenging economic circumstances to make for difficult economics within many industries today. These factors can introduce risk to both top‐line revenue and the cost structure, and wreak havoc on net cash flow and profitability. To the extent that high prices and increasing price volatility continue to be the rule in many global commodity categories, the authors suggest that both sourcing and hedging will soon be (if they are not already) near the top of the strategic agenda for many companies.

Many companies now design their hedging programs—and in some cases their sourcing—to achieve the goals of reducing cash flow volatility and optimizing value (as opposed to the more conventional aim of minimizing sourced or manufactured unit cost). And a growing number of corporate managements have expressed interest in an even more systematic approach to risk management. Rising pressure for growth and profitability has led companies with large commodities exposures—both those that are naturally long and those with a natural short—to explore a more strategic role for commodity hedging and trading, as well as the use of innovative risk‐shifting mechanisms for inbound and outbound material flows. This article shows how companies can design their commodity risk management programs to make the greatest use of the expertise and capabilities of four different corporate groups: Purchasing, Treasury, Selling, and Marketing.

To that end, the authors presents a five‐step program for creating a company‐wide strategic risk management program:

The first step involves making active design choices about what risks to “own” and what risks to limit based on the company's strategy, core competencies, and relative competitive advantages in owning that risk.

The second step is to establish relevant risk guidelines based on capacity to own risks and, to a lesser extent, risk appetite, with specific hedging targets and benchmarks. This involves defining objectives, priorities, and constraints (for example, protecting liquidity or increasing debt capacity by reducing cash flow volatility).

The third step is to identify and characterize a complete inventory of all exposures—source, size and drivers—and those exposures to be managed. This involves defining, measuring and analyzing all exposures (e.g., commodities, FX, interest rates), with special attention to aggregating, netting, natural offsets, and correlations.

The fourth step involves comparing the suitability of various hedging tools and determining how to incorporate these tools into a systematic program that will achieve stated goals, views, and risk preferences for each exposure.

The fifth and last step is establishing an appropriate risk management operating model, which involves considerations of organizational architecture, management processes, decision rights, information flows, and governance.
Spin‐offs: Tackling the Conglomerate Discount
Authors: Khorana Ajay , Shivdasani Anil , Stendevad Carsten , Sanzhar Sergey
Published: December 2011

Spin‐offs and other restructuring actions have risen sharply in 2011, driven by the need to streamline business models and increase corporate values. These transactions can be an effective tool for addressing the conglomerate valuation discount that has been a pervasive phenomenon over the past decade, affecting conglomerates in most regions across the world.

In particular, North American and Western European conglomerates trade at valuation multiples that are roughly 10% lower than those of their pure‐play peers. A conglomerate discount also prevails in some of the emerging markets, including CEEMEA and Asia. Nevertheless, in some regions, notably Japan and Latin America, conglomerates typically trade at a premium. Although the average conglomerate discount narrowed during the financial crisis due to the perceived benefits of diversification during downturns, almost half of the conglomerates globally trade at a discount, and almost a third of all conglomerates have persistently traded at a discount during the past five years.

For such companies, fixing the discount requires a simplification of the business model. The authors show that recent announcements of spin‐offs have led to significant share price outperformance by the parent company in both the short and the longterm, highlighting their effectiveness as a tool to enhance valuation. Spin‐offs can be particularly attractive for those conglomerates that operate unrelated business segments since these firms trade at a sharper discount than diversified firms operating in related businesses. The authors discuss how management should think about the financial implications of spin‐offs, including capital structure considerations, dividend policy, and turnover in the shareholder base.
Pre‐Issuance Hedging of Fixed‐Rate Debt
Authors: Adams James , Smith Donald J.
Published: December 2011

This article analyzes several corporate hedging strategies to manage interest rate risk on fixed‐rate debt prior to issuance. The authors start by considering these strategies using a highly stylized model: a binomial forward interest rate tree that, while simple in design, illustrates derivative pricing methodologies that are used in practice. Under a given rate volatility assumption, they demonstrate expected outcomes when entering a forward bond contract, a forward‐starting pay‐fixed interest swap, and a purchased option on that swap, as well as the “default” alternative of doing nothing. In principle, the decision of whether or not to hedge, as well as how to do so, depends on management's view of future interest rate volatility and degree of comfort with possible outcomes.

The authors then assess the pros and cons of hedging strategies, with considerable emphasis on practical considerations. For example, while their theoretical model would allow an issuer to “lock” a specific debt issuance, in practice one can hedge only “benchmark” interest rate risk. The authors describe the use of both Treasury locks and forward‐starting swaps to address unexpected benchmark yield changes, and discuss how factors such as the time to issuance affect an issuer's choice of instrument. For instance, Treasury locks are typically used when the time to issuance is relatively short, while interest rate swaps are more common for longer times to issuance. The article also discusses circumstances in which a “do nothing” strategy may be preferable to other alternatives, as well as the disadvantages of issuing in advance. Finally, the authors describe the impact of financial accounting on different hedge strategies.
Synthesis and Antileukemic Activity of Novel 2‐(4‐(2,4‐dimethoxybenzoyl)phenoxy)‐1‐(4‐(3‐(piperidin‐4‐yl)propyl)piperidin‐1‐yl)ethanone Derivatives
Authors: Vinaya Kambappa , Kavitha Chandagirikoppal V. , Prasanna Doddakunche S. , Chandrappa Siddappa , Ranganatha Somasagara R. , Raghavan Sathees C. , Rangappa Kanchugarakoppal S.
Published: December 2011

A series of novel 2‐(4‐(2,4‐dimethoxybenzoyl)phenoxy)‐1‐(4‐(3‐(piperidin‐4‐yl)propyl) piperidin‐1‐yl)ethanone derivatives 9(a–e) and 10(a–g) were synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR, IR, mass spectral, and elemental analysis. These novel compounds were evaluated for their antileukemic activity against two human leukemic cell lines (K562 and CEM) by using the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazoliumbromide assay. Some of the tested compounds showed good antiproliferative activity with IC50 values ranging from 1.6 to 8.0 μm. Compound 9c, 9e, and 10f with an electron‐withdrawing halogen substituent at the para position on the phenyl ring showed excellent in vitro potency against tested human leukemia cells (K562 and CEM).
Quantum Chemical QSAR Models to Distinguish Between Inhibitory Activities of Sulfonamides Against Human Carbonic Anhydrases I and II and Bovine IV Isozymes
Authors: Deeb Omar , Goodarzi Mohammad , Khadikar Padmaker V.
Published: December 2011

Linear and nonlinear quantitative structure activity relationship models for predicting the inhibitory activities of sulfonamides toward different carbonic anhydrase isozymes were developed based on multilinear regression, principal component‐artificial neural network and correlation ranking‐principal component analysis, to identify a set of structurally based numerical descriptors. Multilinear regression was used to build linear quantitative structure activity relationship models using 53 compounds with their quantum chemical descriptors. For each type of isozyme, separate quantitative structure activity relationship models were obtained. It was found that the hydration energy plays a significant role in the binding of ligands to the CAI isozyme, whereas the presence of five‐membered ring was detected as a major factor for the binding to the CAII isozyme. It was also found that the softness exhibited significant effect on the binding to CAIV isozyme. Principal component‐artificial neural network and correlation ranking‐principal component analysis analyses provide models with better prediction capability for the three types of the carbonic anhydrase isozyme inhibitory activity than those obtained by multilinear regression analysis. The best models, with improved prediction capability, were obtained for the hCAII isozyme activity. Models predictivity was evaluated by cross‐validation, using an external test set and chance correlation test.
Synthesis and Antitumor Activity of Dehydroepiandrosterone Derivatives on Es‐2, A549, and HepG2 Cells in vitro
Authors: Liu Xue‐Kun , Ye Bai‐Jun , Wu Yan , Nan Ji‐Xing , Lin Zhen‐Hua , Piao Hu‐Ri
Published: December 2011

A series of dehydroepiandrosterone derivatives containing an acid ester was synthesized and evaluated for their antitumor activity on ES‐2, A549, and HepG2 cells by the MTT assay. Most compounds showed antitumor activity, while compounds 1c, 2i, and 2o exhibited more potential inhibitory effects compared with dehydroepiandrosterone on ES‐2 cells, A549 cells, and HepG2 cells, respectively.
Administering Entitlement: Governance, Public Health Care, and the Early American State
Authors: Rao Gautham
Published: December 2011

This article explores the federal marine hospitals of the early republic, the first public health care system in US history. Beginning in 1798, the federal government collected twenty cents per month from mariners' wages and used this revenue to subsidize medical care for sick and disabled merchant mariners. Previous studies have traced links between marine hospitals and modern public policy. By studying governance from the bottom up, this article takes a different approach. I argue that jurists, physicians, and officials' regulation of sailors' entitlement to public health care facilitated and reflected a transformation of national authority. Between 1798 and 1816, sailors' entitlement was a local matter, based on the traditional paternalist understandings of maritime laborers as social dependents. By 1836, though, the federal Treasury redefined entitlement around a newly calculus of productivity: only the productive were entitled to care at the marine hospitals. This story about governance, federal law, and political economy in the early United States suggests that the early American state was a more vibrant participant in the market and society than has been previously understood.
The curious incident of the Marriage Act (no 2) 1537 and the Irish statute book
Authors: Harding Maebh
Published: December 2011

During the 1530s Henry VIII remarried twice, each time annulling his previous marriage. The English laws outlining the prohibited degrees of relationship for marriage were changed upon each marriage in the First and Second Succession Acts. These Acts were passed in Ireland by an Irish Parliament in 1536–7 and became part of the Irish statute book. However, the second Act regulating Henry VIII's marriage to Queen Jane (Marriage Act (no 2) 1537) was never published and was unknown to Irish law for centuries. The Act made its return onto the Irish statute book in 2007, greatly extending the class of relatives prohibited from marrying and potentially annulling many Irish marriages. This paper traces the fate of the lost Act and analyses the consequences of its rediscovery both on Irish marriage law and the legitimacy of the Irish statute book.
Beneficial Effects of Polyethylene Packages Containing Micrometer‐Sized Silver Particles on the Quality and Shelf Life of Dried Barberry (Berberis vulgaris)
Authors: Valipoor Motlagh N. , Hamed Mosavian M.T. , Mortazavi S.A. , Tamizi A.
Published: December 2011

Abstract:  In this research, the effects of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) packages containing micrometer‐sized silver particles (LDPE‐Ag) on microbial and sensory factors of dried barberry were investigated in comparison with the pure LDPE packages. LDPE‐Ag packages with 1% and 2% concentrations of silver particles statistically caused a decrease in the microbial growth of barberry, especially in the case of mold and total bacteria count, compared with the pure LDPE packages. The taste, aroma, appearance, and total acceptance were evaluated by trained panelists using the 9‐point hedonic scale. This test showed improvement of all these factors in the samples related to packages containing 1% and 2% concentrations of silver particles in comparison with other samples.

Practical Application:  Low‐density polyethylene package containing micrometer‐sized silver particles had beneficial effects on the sensory and microbial quality of barberry when compared with normal packing material.
Arsenic Contents in Spanish Infant Rice, Pureed Infant Foods, and Rice
Authors: Burló Francisco , Ramírez‐Gandolfo Amanda , Signes‐Pastor Antonio J. , Haris Parvez I. , Carbonell‐Barrachina Ángel A.
Published: December 2011

Abstract:  It seems there is a positive correlation between rice content and arsenic level in foods. This is of extraordinary importance for infants below 1 y of age because their diet is very limited and in some cases is highly dependent on rice‐based products; this is particularly true for infants with the celiac disease because they have no other option than consume gluten‐free products, such as rice or corn. Arsenic contents were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in gluten‐free infant rice (0.057 mg kg−1) than in products with gluten, based on a mixture of cereals (0.024 mg kg−1). Besides, especial precaution must be taken when preparing rice‐based products at home, because arsenic content in Spanish rice was high, with levels being above 0.3 mg kg−1 in some cases.

Practical Application:  From the data presented in this manuscript, it seems imperative that legislation on maximum residues of arsenic in food should be available as soon as possible to protect consumers worldwide. Research is needed to identify or breed rice cultivars with low accumulation of arsenic in the grain; otherwise the rice percentage in infant foods should be reduced.
Modification of Isoflavone Profiles in a Fermented Soy Food with Almond Powder
Authors: Park MinHee , Jeong Min Kyu , Kim MiJa , Lee JaeHwan
Published: December 2011

Abstract: Isoflavone profiles of a fermented soy food,cheonggukjang,were modified using almond powder. Isoflavones were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with an ultraviolet detector. Malonyl derivatives of isoflavones decreased and aglycones of isoflavones increased in samples with almond powder for 48 h. As added, almond powder increased from 0%, 5%, and 10% (w/w), amounts of aglycones increased to 21.11%, 26.63%, and 32.45% for 48 h, respectively. β‐Glucosidase activity in 5% and 10% almond added samples was significantly higher than samples without addition of almond (P< 0.05). The content of succinyl daidzin and succinyl genistin, new metabolites from isoflavones, in almond‐addedcheonggukjangwas significantly lower than control samples, implying that β‐glucosidase activity from almond affected negatively the formation of succinyl derivatives (P< 0.05). Principal component analysis (PCA) for isoflavone distribution showed that first principal component (PC1) and second principal component (PC2) expressed 64.78% and 22.26% of the data variability, respectively. Biotransformation of isoflavones in any fermented soy foods can be achieved using natural products containing high β‐glucosidase activity such as almond.

Practical Application: The results of this study can help to modify the structural transformation of phytochemicals in any fermented soy foods using natural products. Adjusting the content of almond powder can achieve wanted profiles, for example, high aglycones content. Also, content of metabolites such as succinyl derivatives can be controlled using proper amounts of almond and fermentation time.
Color, Lipid Oxidation, Sensory Quality, and Aroma Compounds of Beef Steaks Displayed under Different Levels of Oxygen in a Modified Atmosphere Package
Authors: Resconi Virginia Celia , Escudero Ana , Beltrán José Antonio , Olleta José Luis , Sañudo Carlos , Mar Campo María del
Published: December 2011

Abstract:  High oxygen modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is currently used by the industry to maintain an attractive color in fresh meat. However, it can also promote lipid oxidation and sensory changes. The aim of this study was to compare the quality of beef steaks displayed under different levels of oxygen. For that purpose, meat was stored with 50%, 60%, and 80% of oxygen for 4 and 8 d at retail conditions. A control treatment with steaks vacuum packaged, without exposure to retail display, was included, and color, lipid oxidation, organoleptic characteristics, and aroma compounds were analyzed. Steaks displayed under high oxygen MAP with 50% of oxygen showed the lowest color stability, according to hue values. Higher oxygen levels did not necessarily correspond with higher rancidity levels in the raw meat. Thiobarbituric Acid Reacting Substances (TBARS) values were higher than 2.2 mg malonaldehyde (MDA)/kg muscle in all the samples displayed for 8 d at retail conditions. These samples exhibited the highest intensities of rancid and the least intense beef odors and flavors. The ketones: 2,3‐butanedione, 2‐octanone, 2,3‐pentanedione, 2‐heptanone, 4‐methyl‐2‐pentanone, and the aldehydes: pentanal, 2‐methyl‐butanal, and 2‐furfurylthiol, 1‐octen‐3‐ol and 2‐methylpropyl‐acetate, were proposed as candidates for the aroma differences between the cooked beef steaks stored under vacuum and high oxygen packs.

Practical Application:  High oxygen modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is used to increase shelf‐life and color at the retail level. However, oxygen deteriorates faster some quality attributes, being a contributor to lipid oxidation that could be perceived at consumption. This study attempts to find the best gas composition in a MAP in order to maintain the color, minimizing the oxidation. Aromatically relevant chemicals have been analyzed by gas olfactometry‐gas chromatography as a key to measure beef oxidation after display.
Bacteriophage φ6—Structure Investigated by Fluorescence Stokes Shift Spectroscopy
Authors: Katz Alvin , Alimova Alexandra , Futerman Elina , Katz Garrett , Wei Hui , Gottlieb Paul
Published: December 2011

The Stokes shift of tryptophan (Trp) fluorescence from layers of the lipid‐containing bacteriophage φ6 is compared to determine the relative effect of the layers on virus hydrophobicity. In the inner most layer, the empty procapsid (PC) which contains 80–90% of the virion Trp residues, λmax = 339.8 nm. The PC emission is substantially more redshifted than the other φ6 layers and nearer to that of the Pseudomonad host cell than the other φ6 layers. The Trp emission from the nucleocapsid (NC) with λmax = 337.4 nm, is blueshifted by 2.4 nm relative to the PC although the number of Trp in the NC is identical to the PC. This shift represents an increase in Trp hydrophobicity, likely a requirement for the maintenance of A‐form doubled‐stranded RNA. Fluorescence from the completely assembled virion indicates it is in a considerably more hydrophobic environment with λmax = 330.9 nm. Density measurements show that the water content in the NC does not change during envelope assembly, therefore the blueshifted φ6 emission suggests that the envelope changes the PC environment, probably via the P8 layer. This change in hydrophobicity likely arises from charge redistribution or envelope‐induced structural changes in the PC proteins.
Albuca annulata sp. nov. (Hyacinthaceae) from the Albany Centre of Endemism, South Africa
Authors: Martínez‐Azorín M. , Crespo M. B. , Dold A. P. , Barker N. P.
Published: December 2011

Within the context of a revision of Albuca, a new species, here described as Albuca annulata Mart.‐Azorín & M. B. Crespo sp. nov., was found in three populations in the Albany Centre of Endemism, Eastern Cape, South Africa. This new species is closely related to Albuca bakeri Mart.‐Azorín & M. B. Crespo and A. caudata Jacq., but it can be clearly differentiated by floral and vegetative characters. Data on morphology, ecology and distribution are reported for this new species. Affinities and divergences with other close allies are also discussed.
Five new nomenclatural combinations in Dasymaschalon and Goniothalamus (Annonaceae)
Authors: Saunders Richard M. K. , Wang Jing
Published: December 2011

Three new nomenclatural combinations are validated in Dasymaschalon (Annonaceae), with the elevation of varietal names to the specific rank: D. longiusculum (Bân) Jing Wang & R. M. K. Saunders, D. megalanthum (Merr.) Jing Wang & R. M. K. Saunders, and D. minutiflorum (Nurmawati) Jing Wang & R. M. K. Saunders. New nomenclatural combinations are furthermore validated in Goniothalamus (Annonaceae), following the successful conservation of the generic name over Richella. Two species names in Richella are here transferred to Goniothalamus as G. monospermus (A. Gray) R. M. K. Saunders and G. obtusatus (Baill.) R. M. K. Saunders.
Extensive portal and mesenteric vein thrombosis in a young man with Klinefelter's syndrome
Authors: Matsunaga Yasutaka , Goto Akira , Wakasugi Hideki , Itoh Ayako , Yonezawa Kazuhiko , Itoh Miki , Fujii Kenichi , Suzuki Kazuya , Abe Takashi , Ushijima Keiko , Shinomura Yasuhisa
Published: December 2011

Klinefelter's syndrome (KS) is a unique physical condition characterized by tall stature, eunuchoid body proportions, gynecomastia, and azoospermia, in addition to an extra X chromosome. In contrast to the original description, symptoms or physical findings can be extremely varied. KS is the most common chromosomal disorder, with an incidence of 1 in 500 males and is also the most commonly undiagnosed chromosomal disorder. Here, we present the case of a 26‐year‐old man with KS, who visited our hospital with complaints of abdominal pain and fever. On a routine physical examination, he did not differ from a normal karyotype male. Computed tomography showed extensive portal and mesenteric vein thrombosis (PMVT). It is well known that KS is frequently associated with venous thrombosis, but KS with PMVT has rarely been reported. Approximately one‐third of PMVT is idiopathic, but this case suggests the possibility that undiagnosed KS is one of the causes of PMVT, as some individuals with KS are not easily distinguishable from those with the normal karyotype.
Spontaneously hypertensive rats develop pronounced hepatic steatosis induced by choline‐deficient diet: Evidence for hypertension as a potential enhancer in non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Ikuta Takuya , Kanno Keishi , Arihiro Koji , Matsuda Sosuke , Kishikawa Nobusuke , Fujita Keiko , Tazuma Susumu
Published: December 2011

Aim:  Patients with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) frequently have many co‐morbidities including essential hypertension, which is reported to increase vascular production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and alter the hepatic anti‐oxidant defense system. Since ROS play a role in the pathogenesis of NASH, it is hypothesized that hypertension modulates the hepatic oxidative status and influences the development of NASH. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential effects of hypertension on the progression of NASH.

Methods:  Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar‐Kyoto (WKY) rats as normotensive controls were fed choline‐deficient (CD) diet for 5 weeks. Histological changes, messenger RNA (mRNA) expression and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels in the liver were assessed in each group.

Results:  Choline‐deficient diet led to pronounced hepatic steatosis in SHR with an 8‐fold increase of the hepatic triglyceride content, while there was no significant increase in WKY. These changes in SHR were associated with significant reduction in the expression of mRNA for peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α, acyl‐CoA oxidase, microsomal triglyceride transfer protein, and apolipoprotein B100. Consistent with the significant reduction of hepatic superoxide dismutase activity and marked downregulation of the gene expression of hepatic antioxidant enzymes, the hepatic TBARS level and the plasma level of alanine aminotransferase were only increased in SHR on CD diet.

Conclusions:  Spontaneously hypertensive rats receiving CD diet showed severe hepatic steatosis associated with reduction of hepatic anti‐oxidant capacity, leading to increased hepatic oxidative stress and tissue damage. Accordingly, hypertension might have a potential effect on the progression of NASH.