bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular response of the patellar tendon to fatigue loading explained in the context of the initial induced damage and number of fatigue loading cycles
Authors: Andarawis‐Puri Nelly , Sereysky Jedd B. , Sun Hui B. , Jepsen Karl J. , Flatow Evan L.
Published: January 2012

Accumulation of sub‐rupture fatigue damage has been implicated in the development of tendinopathy. We previously developed an in vivo model of damage accumulation using the rat patellar tendon. Our model allows us to control the input loading parameters to induce fatigue damage in the tendon. Despite this precise control, the resulting induced damage could vary among animals because of differences in size or strength among their patellar tendons. In this study, we used number of applied cycles and initial (day‐0) parameters that are indicative of induced damage to assess the molecular response 7 days after fatigue loading. We hypothesized that day‐0 hysteresis, elongation, and stiffness of the loading and unloading load–displacement curves would be predictive of the 7‐day molecular response. Results showed correlations between the 7‐day molecular response and both day‐0 elongation and unloading stiffness. Additionally, loading resulted in upregulation of several extracellular matrix genes that suggest adaptation; however, several of these genes (Col‐I, ‐XII, MMP 2, and TIMP 3) shut down after a high level of damage was induced. We showed that evaluating the 7‐day molecular profile in light of day‐0 elongation provides important insight that is lost from comparing number of fatigue loading cycles only. Our data showed that loading generally results in an adaptive response. However, the tendon's ability to effectively respond deteriorates as greater damage is induced. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1327–1334, 2012
The effects of denervation, reinnervation, and muscle imbalance on functional muscle length and elbow flexion contracture following neonatal brachial plexus injury
Authors: Weekley Holly , Nikolaou Sia , Hu Liangjun , Eismann Emily , Wylie Christopher , Cornwall Roger
Published: January 2012

The pathophysiology of paradoxical elbow flexion contractures following neonatal brachial plexus injury (NBPI) is incompletely understood. The current study tests the hypothesis that this contracture occurs by denervation‐induced impairment of elbow flexor muscle growth. Unilateral forelimb paralysis was created in mice in four neonatal (5‐day‐old) BPI groups (C5‐6 excision, C5‐6 neurotomy, C5‐6 neurotomy/repair, and C5‐T1 global excision), one non‐neonatal BPI group (28‐day‐old C5‐6 excision), and two neonatal muscle imbalance groups (triceps tenotomy ± C5‐6 excision). Four weeks post‐operatively, motor function, elbow range of motion, and biceps/brachialis functional lengths were assessed. Musculocutaneous nerve (MCN) denervation and reinnervation were assessed immunohistochemically. Elbow flexion motor recovery and elbow flexion contractures varied inversely among the neonatal BPI groups. Contracture severity correlated with biceps/brachialis shortening and MCN denervation (relative axon loss), with no contractures occurring in mice with MCN reinnervation (presence of growth cones). No contractures or biceps/brachialis shortening occurred following non‐neonatal BPI, regardless of denervation or reinnervation. Neonatal triceps tenotomy did not cause contractures or biceps/brachialis shortening, nor did it worsen those following neonatal C5‐6 excision. Denervation‐induced functional shortening of elbow flexor muscles leads to variable elbow flexion contractures depending on the degree, permanence, and timing of denervation, independent of muscle imbalance. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1335–1342, 2012
Optimisation of hydrolysis of purple sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus nudus) gonad by response surface methodology and evaluation of in vitro antioxidant activity of the hydrolysate
Authors: Zhou Dayong , Qin Lei , Zhu Beiwei , Li Dongmei , Yang Jingfeng , Dong Xiuping , Murata Yoshiyuki
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: Hydrolysates prepared from sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus nudus) gonad by enzymatic treatment showed strong 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity and reducing power.

RESULTS: Hydrolysis of S. nudus gonad by the commercial protease papain was optimised for maximum degree of hydrolysis (DH) and trichloroacetic acid‐soluble peptide index (TCA‐SPI) using response surface methodology. Results showed that the optimal conditions were the following: temperature of 48.83 °C, pH of 6.92, enzyme‐to‐substrate ratio of 3143 U g−1, and substrate concentration of 83.5 g L−1. Under these conditions, a DH of 27.96 ± 0.54% and a TCA‐SPI of 57.32 ± 0.63% were obtained. The hydrolysate prepared in the optimal conditions was fractionated by an ultra‐filtration system and the resultant fraction below 10 kDa was found to effectively scavenge hydroxyl radical (EC50 = 13.29 ± 0.33 mg mL−1) and hydrogen peroxide (EC50 = 16.40 ± 0.37 mg mL−1), inhibit lipid peroxidation (EC50 = 11.05 ± 0.62 mg mL−1), chelate Fe2+ (EC50 = 7.26 ± 0.44 mg mL−1), and protect mice macrophages against death induced by tert‐butyl hydroperoxide.

CONCLUSION: Hydrolysates prepared from S. nudus gonad have the potential to be applied as natural antioxidant agents. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Determination of tocopherol and tocotrienol content of Greek barley varieties under conventional and organic cultivation techniques using validated reverse phase high‐performance liquid chromatography method
Authors: Tsochatzis Emmanouil D , Bladenopoulos Konstantinos , Papageorgiou Maria
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: Tocotrienols and tocopherols (tocols) are important phytochemical compounds with antioxidant activity and potential benefits for human health. Among cereals, barley is a good source of tocols. In the present study the effect of two cultivation methods, organic and conventional, on the tocol content in 12 Greek barley varieties was investigated. A validated reverse phase high‐performance liquid chromatography method (RP‐HPLC) with fluorescence detection (excitation at 292 nm, emission at 335 nm) was applied along with direct solvent extraction with acetonitrile at a 1:30 (w/v) sample/solvent ratio for tocol quantification.

RESULTS: The results showed statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) between the two cultivation methods (except for δ‐tocopherol) as well as among varieties. In the case of organic cultivation the four homologues of tocotrienol (α‐, β + γ‐ and δ‐) increased, by 3.05–37.14% for α‐tocotrienol, 15.51–41.09% for (β + γ)‐tocotrienol and 30.45–196.61% for δ‐tocotrienol, while those of tocopherol (α‐ and β + γ‐ but not δ‐) decreased, by 5.90–36.34% for α‐tocopherol and 2.84–46.49% for (β + γ)‐tocopherol. A simple correlation analysis between tocols revealed a good correlation between (β + γ)‐tocotrienol and δ‐tocotrienol. Although there was a significant decrease in the important α‐tocopherol in the varieties studied under organic cultivation, there was an overall increase in tocotrienol content.

CONCLUSION: The cultivation method (organic or conventional) had an important effect on tocotrienol and tocopherol concentrations in barley. An overall increase in total tocol content and a clear increment in the tocotrienol/tocopherol ratio were observed. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Unionism and the public sector
Authors: Baird Charles W.
Published: January 2012

It is incorrect and misleading to speak of unionization as a ‘human right’. The only human right is ‘self‐ownership’, i.e. to pursue goals with one's own abilities but with no force or fraud against others. Government cannot dispense rights, only privileges and protections to some at the expense of others. A minimal degree of coercion exercised by government is unavoidable. But labor unions are not governments. Government has granted significant privileges to unions in the private sector, but such are not appropriate for public sector unions.
Unfilled orders and price changes: A simultaneous equations system
Authors: Odle Curt , Koshal Rajindar K. , Shukla Vishwa
Published: January 2012

We have developed and statistically estimated a model which suggests that chances in price and in unfilled orders are simultaneously determined. Estimated systems for five industries suggest that, in the short run, unfilled order accumulations do absorb fluctuations. Our statistical analysis also indicates that anticipated increases in demand will affect current price adjustments if the increased demand is expected to lead to an acceleration in production rates in the not‐too‐distant future. The statistically determined weights of the industrial activity variable suggests that price is primarily determined more by the future conditions than ex post indications of industrial activity levels. Our analysis also supports Zarnowitz's interindustry comparison hypothesis that price responses are inversely related to the ratios of mean unfilled orders of shipments.
The sales response to advertising: A reconsideration
Authors: Sturgess Brian , Young Robert
Published: January 2012

The paper surveys briefly the literature on the shape of the sales‐advertising response relationship. Knowledge of this relationship is an important requirement for optimal marketing decisions. The role of theory is to specify the structure of models for testing. The paper presents a plausible model of this relationship based upon the consumer's response to advertising when qualitative uncertainty exists in a market. The relationship is seen to contain a ‘catastrophe change’ or discontinuity when certain assumptions are made about optimizing behaviour. The implications for marketing strategy and optimal levels of promotional outlays are discussed.
Labour market segmentation and wage dynamics
Authors: Deutschmann Christoph
Published: January 2012

The article contains results of a quantitative empirical investigation into the effects of labour market segmentation on wage dynamics in total industry as well as in several industrial branches in West Germany. By testing correlations between several indicators of earnings and the labour market it is shown that wage dynamics, in so far as they are determined by shop floor bargaining, can be explained at least as well and partly even better by indicators of certain partial labour markets than by conditions of the general labor market (i.e. the traditional Philipps approach).
Robustness as a corporate objective under uncertainty
Authors: Dorward Neil , Wiedemann Paul
Published: January 2012

This paper examines the nature of the objective function of the firm when operating under conditions of uncertainty. Robustness is presented as a purposeful maximand for decision making both under conditions of certainty and uncertainty ‐ a robust decision being one in which the decision maker retains the maximum flexibility with regard to future decisions after an initial decision has been made. Its incorporation within a managerial objective function provides a measurable scale for making choices between alternative courses of action, including under conditions of internal organizational conflict and environmental reaction by other decision makers.
A test of internalization theory
Authors: Rugman Alan M.
Published: January 2012

In a world system of natural and government induced market imperfections we have observed the development of the multinational enterprise as an efficient organizational response. The internal market of the multinational enterprise is the mechanism for the generation and use of its firm specific advantage. When this knowledge advantage has been fostered by Research and Development the multinational enterprise seeks to avoid its dissipation and generally prefers centralized control. This paper examines the implications of internalization theory for the Research and Development function. It tests for significant differences in Research and Development performed by parent, subsidiary and independent firms of similar size, using Canada as a case study.
The determinants of foreign direct investment: An analysis of US manufacturing industries
Authors: Pugel Thomas A.
Published: January 2012

This study explores the determinants of foreign direct investment by analyzing the variation across US manufacturing industries in the extent of outward foreign direct investment. Three types of industry characteristics are hypothesized to explain this variation. Empirical support is found for four sources of ownership‐specific advantages favoring foreign direct investment, new technology created through research and development, marketing abilities, organizational techniques and capital cost advantages. Support is found for the role of production scale economies in favoring centralization and hindering foreign direct investment, but results suggest only a weak role for transport costs in favoring decentralization and foreign direct investment. Producer concentration, perhaps reflecting oligopolistic competition, is positively related to foreign direct investment.
Multinational corporations: Trade and investment across the East‐West divide
Authors: Paliwoda Stanley J.
Published: January 2012

East‐West trade and investment remains a preserve of the multinational corporations due to their resources in finance, manpower and production which enables them to absorb the attendant costs of lengthy negotiations; to meet the occasional high‐volume order placed by a state foreign trade enterprise purchasing on behalf of an entire sector of industry; to aid the state foreign trade enterprise by sourcing from a world‐wide network so as to alleviate currency or distribution problems; and to help with the provision of finance or to agree to part payment by means of the resultant product produced under licence. Size is an important factor, and many of the joint ventures concluded over the last ten years have been for massive investment projects. These joint ventures are of a contractual type and referred to as industrial cooperation agreements' which involve repurchase of the goods produced under licence, often to a value which repays over a specified time the capital borrowed plus interest charges. These counter‐trade agreements have become more popular in the Eastern bloc because of their ‘self‐financing’ principle but are beginning to face mounting criticism in the West, currently facing a trade recession and the echoing pleas for trade protectionism to curb the threat of cheap Eastern imports upon Western job security. Industrial cooperation has been diverted towards the more export intensive branches of the socialist economies and has led to the increasing size and importance of certain of their production enterprises. This has created Western fears of the advent of the ‘socialist multinationals’ or Socialist Common Enterprises. However, industrial cooperation is a recent phenomenon, and if only by default, a strategy will emerge in future years as to the pattern and behaviour of East‐West multinational arrangements.
Production theory, uncertain prices and investment portfolios
Authors: Haber Lawrence J. , Statman Meir
Published: January 2012

This paper examines the allocative decisions of a competitive firm where input and output prices are uncertain and where the capital asset pricing model prevails. The firm behaves much as a profit maximizer under certainty, except that certainty equivalent prices formally replace the known prices. These certainty equivalent prices are composed of the expected price, the covariance of the price with the market (a measure of systematic risk) and a measure of risk aversion in the economy. Both static and comparative static propositions emerge in a natural way as extensions of standard, competitive and profit maximizing behavior. In addition, the model contains both the certainty case and the risk‐neutral case as limiting examples.
Management in Japanese society
Authors: Asakura Kanji
Published: January 2012

A small country in the Far East without any significant resources except for manpower emerged as an industrialized country in the early 1960s. Highlighting the characteristic features of business management in Japan, this paper develops the argument as to why and how Japanese firms have been mobilizing people for business activity. The paper also touches on external and internal factors contributing to economic success, which indicate how the country has reached its current state of development. Japan could be a country with a very appropriate management style for an economy where the consumer is sovereign and the subjective theory of value is dominant.
Economies of scale in advertising
Authors: Hirschey Mark
Published: January 2012

In this article a flexible quadratic model is used to generate sales elasticity estimates for own advertising, competitor advertising and media concentration. On the basis of these estimates, moderate and declining economies of scale in advertising are indicated for firms at the highest end of the advertising per firm distribution. No advertising economies, however, are obvious for the levels of advertising common across the broad spectrum of US industry. Thus, any competitive harm due to economies of scale in advertising would seem quite minor.
Reflections on the relative economic decline of the United Kingdom
Authors: Fryers Gordon R. , O'Donnell Peter A.
Published: January 2012

This paper considers the apparent paradox that while wage levels in the UK are not high by international standards they form a conspicuously high proportion of value added. As a consequence there are constraints placed on the servicing and use of capital. These result in reduced innovation and growth from socio‐political factors embracing both the wage‐setting process and individual incentive.
The bounds of entrepreneurship: Inter‐organizational relationships in the process of industrial innovation
Authors: Minkes A. L. , Foxall G. R.
Published: January 2012

This paper examines the links between entrepreneurship and innovation in modern business corporations. It extends Alford's idea of ‘diffused entrepreneurship’ to the interrelationships between firms. By drawing upon the literatures of business policy and marketing, it draws attention to the ‘porous’ boundaries of industrial organizations as open systems, and to the need to examine the balance between the part played by individuals within such organizations and that played by innovative organizational processes themselves.
The regulation of the UK pharmaceutical industry: A cost‐benefit analysis
Authors: Hartley Keith , Maynard Alan
Published: January 2012

Regulation is not costless. It can have adverse effects on innovation, on the time required to develop a new product and on an industry's competitiveness. This article estimates the costs of regulating the UK pharmaceutical industry and whether the results are worthwhile.
Monitoring multinationals in Scotland: Some preliminary evidence on appraising corporate behaviour
Authors: Hood Neil , Stewart David , Young Stephen
Published: January 2012

This paper considers the important question of the screening and monitoring of multinational companies in host countries. Using data relating to US multinational affiliates in Scotland, the article applies the techniques of cluster analysis and discriminant analysis to see whether any overall patterns emerge which might allow predictions on the future role and prospects of the affiliates. The results provide some interesting pointers, with the distinction between cost centre and profit centre control systems being perhaps potentially most useful as a means of identifying groups of multinational affiliates which are worthy of more detailed investigation.
Managerial considerations in evaluating the role of licensing in technological development strategies
Authors: Gold Bela
Published: January 2012

Increasing managerial efforts to minimize the heavy costs and risks of pioneering the development of major technological advances have increased interest in licensing foreign advances. After reviewing the commonly hoped‐for benefits of such licensing, attention is given to some of the less widely recognized limitations of relying on such expedients as well as to some of the necessary foundations for achieving effective utilizations of such licensed innovations. Attention is also given to the likelihood that a variety of newly emerging major innovations in manufacturing technologies may be less amenable to effective transfer than has been true of many past advances, thereby counseling a reduced role for licensing in the technological development strategies of numerous industries and firms.
New firms and employment creation
Authors: Johnson P. S. , Thomas R. B.
Published: January 2012

This paper uses some simple microeconomic tools to explain the net effect on employment of different types of new firm formation. The first section of the paper examines the way in which actual employment in new firms has been calculated in recent empirical studies. The next section looks at the relationship between the actual and net employment effects of formations and argues that the former may not be a good guide to the latter. The final section examines the policy implications of the analysis.
Product strategy and size of firm in the UK fertilizer market
Authors: Shaw R. W.
Published: January 2012

The paper analyses three aspects of product strategy: the size of product range offered, the extent and type of product differentiation and product matching, and the role of new product innovation in firms' competitive strategies. In essence the paper is concerned with competitive behaviour where the product is treated as a variable. Three conclusions emerged. First, there was no significant correlation between the size of product range offered and the size of firm. Second, while the three main oligopolists almost always tried to differentiate their products the competitive fringe showed a strong tendency to match the major firms' products. Third, new product competition was a persistent feature of oligopolistic rivalry, though the competitive fringe was required to stimulate some developments.
Appropriate index number formulae for productivity measurement at the plant/organizational level
Authors: Silver M. S.
Published: January 2012

Changes in productivity may be based on relating changes in physical (real) output to changes in physical input(s). Such a system of productivity measures requires the choice of an appropriate index number formula in order to convert changes in money aggregates into physical or real terms. Criteria for the choice between appropriate index number formulae are considered and developed, and an illustration provided.
Business behaviour and management structure—1: A case study comparison of managerial initiative and control in four industrial enterprises
Authors: Minkes A. L. , Nuttall C. S.
Published: January 2012

This is the first of two papers in this issue on how business decisions are made. The origins of corporate strategy and policy and the involvement of senior and junior management in such activities are theoretically difficult to generalize about. In these papers four well‐known British firms are examined in depth. Their evolution over time is analysed and how managerial behaviour and perceptions changed is discussed. The conclusion is drawn that firms have been decentralizing in the last two decades in order to provide greater scope for managerial initiative, training and entrepreneurship at all levels. Part 2 contains the detailed evidence: some readers may prefer to consider it immediately after Section 1 below.
Alternative sources of technology: An analysis of induced innovations
Authors: Link Albert N.
Published: January 2012

This paper considers why firms differ in the degree to which they rely on their internal R&D organization for generating new technologies (induced innovations) rather than on existing external technology markets (purchased innovations). An empirical model is suggested to explan inter‐firm differences in the percentage of new technology induced through R&D efforts. The analysis suggests that such differences are systematically related to the firm's size, its competative environment, and its degree of diversification.
Resale price maintenance in a model of consumer search
Authors: Hamilton Jonathan H.
Published: January 2012

A retail search model of Salop and Stiglitz (1977) is adapted to analyze manufacturer incentives for resale price maintenance. For some retailer cost functions and distributions of consumer search costs, imposition of a minimum price for retailers causes a price distribution to collapse to an intermediate price. Manufacturers may benefit from price floors when sales to high‐search‐cost consumers that have obtained lower prices increase sufficiently so as to offset decreased sales to other consumers facing higher prices. In contrast to previous work, no free‐riding problem with respect to dealer services is necessary for manufacturers to prefer banning discounting of their products.
Respiratory therapies for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A primer
Authors: Gruis Kirsten L. , Lechtzin Noah
Published: January 2012

Respiratory complications are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Treatment of respiratory insufficiency with noninvasive ventilation (NIV) improves ALS patients' quality of life and survival. Evidence‐based practice guidelines for the management of ALS patients recommend treatment of respiratory insufficiency with NIV as well as consideration of insufflation/exsufflation to improve clearance of airway secretions. Despite these recommendations respiratory therapies remain underused. In this review we provide a practical guide for the clinician to prescribe and manage respiratory therapies for the patient with ALS. Muscle Nerve 46: 313–331, 2012
Sample size considerations in human muscle architecture studies
Authors: Tuttle Lori J. , Ward Samuel R. , Lieber Richard L.
Published: January 2012

Introduction:

This report is a meta‐analysis of the human muscle architecture literature that analyzes the number of muscles, number of subjects, and muscle fiber length coefficient of variation (CV) by body region.

Methods:

Muscle fiber length data are used to make recommendations for dissection‐based architectural study sample sizes.

Results:

An average of 9 ± 10 (mean ± SD) muscles and an average of 9 ± 5 subjects were reported in the 26 studies considered. Across all studies, average fiber length CV was highly variable (18% ± 5%). This shows that sample sizes required to achieve adequate power varies by anatomical region.

Conclusions:

Studies involving muscle architecture should consider regional variability and effect size and determine sample size accordingly. Muscle Nerve 45: 742–745, 2012
Novel role for prepatterned nicotinic acetylcholine receptors during myogenesis
Authors: Bernareggi Annalisa , Luin Elisa , Formaggio Elena , Fumagalli Guido , Lorenzon Paola
Published: January 2012

Introduction:

Before the nerve contacts the skeletal muscle, the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) form aggregates known as prepatterned clusters. We investigated their role in the occurrence of Ca2+ spikes and twitching during myogenesis.

Methods:

Cultured mouse myotubes were used as cell models. Cells were subjected to a combination of immunostaining, Ca2+ imaging and electrophysiological analysis.

Results:

A single prepatterned nAChR cluster per myotube was generally detected. A correlation between formation of the prepatterned clusters and occurrence of Ca2+ spikes and twitching was observed. Increase in size of the prepatterned clusters raised the frequency of Ca2+ spikes and twitching. Blockade of the electrical activity triggered by the autocrine activation of prepatterned nAChR induced over‐numbered nAChR clusters.

Conclusions:

Prepatterned nAChR aggregation is required for Ca2+ spikes and twitching of developing myotubes. Moreover, prepatterned nAChR‐driven electrical activity preserves the distribution of nAChRs, mimicking the effect of synaptic activity before innervation. Muscle Nerve 46: 112–121, 2012
Membrane dysfunction in Andersen‐Tawil syndrome assessed by velocity recovery cycles
Authors: Tan S. Veronica , Z'Graggen Werner J. , BoËrio Delphine , Rayan Dipa L. Raja , Howard Robin , Hanna Michael G. , Bostock Hugh
Published: January 2012

Introduction: Andersen‐Tawil syndrome (ATS) due to Kir2.1mutations typically manifests as periodic paralysis, cardiac arrhythmias and developmental abnormalities but is often difficult to diagnose clinically. This study was undertaken to determine whether sarcolemmal dysfunction could be identified with muscle velocity recovery cycles (MVRCs). Methods: Eleven genetically confirmed ATS patients and 20 normal controls were studied. MVRCs were recorded with 1, 2, and 5 conditioning stimuli and with single conditioning stimuli during intermittent repetitive stimulation at 20 Hz, in addition to the long exercise test. Results: ATS patients had longer relative refractory periods (P < 0.0001) and less early supernormality, consistent with membrane depolarization. Patients had reduced enhancement of late supernormality with 5 conditioning stimuli (P < 0.0001), and less latency reduction during repetitive stimulation (P < 0.001). Patients were separated completely from controls by combining MVRC and repetitive stimulation. Conclusions: MVRCs combined with repetitive stimulation differentiated ATS patients from controls more effectively than the conventional long‐exercise test. Muscle Nerve 46: 193–203, 2012
Epidemiology of adult idiopathic inflammatory myopathies in a U.S. managed care plan
Authors: Furst Daniel E. , Amato Anthony A. , Iorga Şerban R. , Gajria Kavita , Fernandes Ancilla W.
Published: January 2012

Introduction: Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies have a reported incidence of 0.1 to 1 per 100,000 person‐years and prevalence of 0.55 to 6 per 100,000 in the United States. Methods: We retrospectively examined medical claims for adults aged ≥18 years with myositis (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes 710.3 [dermatomyositis], 710.4 [polymyositis], and 728.81 [interstitial myositis]) from 2003 to 2008 in a large US managed care database. Results: The incidence and prevalence cohorts comprised 1,941 and 3,112 subjects, respectively. From 2003 to 2008, the adjusted annual incidence of myositis ranged from 5.8 to 7.9 per 100,000 person‐years, and the annual prevalence of myositis ranged from 14.0 to 17.4 per 100,000. Conclusions: The incidence and prevalence of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies in the managed care plan studied was higher than previously reported in the United States. Because of the limitations inherent in claims analysis, additional research is needed to substantiate these results. Muscle Nerve, 2012
The contribution of lobby regulation initiatives in addressing political corruption in Latin America
Authors: dos Santos Luiz Alberto , da Costa Paulo Mauricio Teixeira
Published: January 2012

For most of its history, Latin America has lived under authoritarian and elite rule where public decisions were often crafted in the shadows by cabinets and parliaments to the benefit of a small minority. Recently, the development of participatory political systems has brought some transparency to the policy‐making process. Such scrutiny reveals evidence of the capture of aspects of policy‐making by private interests that use obscure strategies to achieve their political goals. As a consequence, a widespread movement for regulating the role and tactics of interest groups emerged, which is seen as a necessary step to address the root causes of political corruption.

This article provides an overview of efforts to regulate lobbying in Latin America. It explains attempts at regulation in four countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Peru), evaluates the level of success of these efforts, and assesses prospects for the future regarding reducing corruption through the instrument of lobby regulations. The authors argue that such regulations alone cannot eliminate political corruption. However, lobby regulations can contribute to increased transparency and aid in developing an anti‐corruption culture. It will be shown that lobby laws in Latin America exhibit many of the problems long identified with similar regulations across western democracies. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Selective analysis of cell‐free DNA in maternal blood for evaluation of fetal trisomy
Authors: Sparks Andrew B. , Wang Eric T. , Struble Craig A. , Barrett Wade , Stokowski Renee , McBride Celeste , Zahn Jacob , Lee Kevin , Shen Naiping , Doshi Jigna , Sun Michel , Garrison Jill , Sandler Jay , Hollemon Desiree , Pattee Patrick , Tomita‐Mitchell Aoy , Mitchell Michael , Stuelpnagel John , Song Ken , Oliphant Arnold
Published: January 2012

Objective

To develop a novel prenatal assay based on selective analysis of cell‐free DNA in maternal blood for evaluation of fetal Trisomy 21 (T21) and Trisomy 18 (T18).

Methods

Two hundred ninety‐eight pregnancies, including 39 T21 and seven T18 confirmed fetal aneuploidies, were analyzed using a novel, highly multiplexed assay, termed digital analysis of selected regions (DANSR™). Cell‐free DNA from maternal blood samples was analyzed using DANSR assays for loci on chromosomes 21 and 18. Products from 96 separate patients were pooled and sequenced together. A standard Z‐test of chromosomal proportions was used to distinguish aneuploid samples from average‐risk pregnancy samples. DANSR aneuploidy discrimination was evaluated at various sequence depths.

Results

At the lowest sequencing depth, corresponding to 204 000 sequencing counts per sample, average‐risk cases where distinguished from T21 and T18 cases, with Z statistics for all cases exceeding 3.6. Increasing the sequencing depth to 410 000 counts per sample substantially improved separation of aneuploid and average‐risk cases. A further increase to 620 000 counts per sample resulted in only marginal improvement. This depth of sequencing represents less than 5% of that required by massively parallel shotgun sequencing approaches.

Conclusion

Digital analysis of selected regions enables highly accurate, cost efficient, and scalable noninvasive fetal aneuploidy assessment. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determining the most effective concentration of cypermethrin and the appropriate carrier particle size for fire ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) bait
Authors: Kafle Lekhnath , Shih Cheng‐Jen
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the most effective particle size of DDGS (distiller's dried grains with solubles) as fire ant bait carrier, as well as the most effective concentration of cypermethrin as a toxicant against the red imported fire ant (RIFA) Solenopsis invicta Buren under laboratory conditions.

RESULTS: The DDGS particle size did not affect the fire ant's preference for the bait, but it did affect the mass of DDGS being carried back to the nest. The size of the DDGS particles and the mass of DDGS being carried back to the nest were positively correlated. The most efficient particle size of DDGS was 0.8–2 mm. The concentration of cypermethrin has a specific range for killing fire ants in an efficient manner. Neither a very low nor a very high concentration of cypermethrin was able to kill fire ants efficiently. The most effective concentration of cypermethrin was 0.13% in DDGS when mixed with 15% shrimp shell powders and 11% soybean oil.

CONCLUSION: Based on its ability to kill fire ants when mixed with cypermethrin, as well as the advantage of having a larger area coverage when sprayed in the field, DDGS as the carrier and cypermethrin as the toxicant can be considered to be an efficient way to prepare fire ant bait for controlling fire ants in infested areas. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Automating data acquisition affects mass spectrum quality and reproducibility during bacterial profiling using an intact cell sample preparation method with matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Schumaker Stephanie , Borror Connie M. , Sandrin Todd R.
Published: January 2012

The use of matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (TOF MS) has emerged as a promising tool to rapidly profile bacteria at the genus and species level and, more recently, at the sub‐species (strain) level. Recently, it has been proposed that the approach can be enhanced with regard to reproducibility and throughput by automating spectrum acquisition; however, effects of automating spectrum acquisition on spectrum quality and reproducibility have not been investigated. Using an intact cell‐based sample preparation method, we directly compared the quality and reproducibility of spectra acquired in a fully automated fashion to those acquired manually by two operators with different levels of experience. While automation tended to increase base peak resolution, other measures of spectrum quality, including signal‐to‐noise (S:N) ratio, data richness, and reproducibility were reduced. Negative effects of automation on the performance of this approach to bacterial profiling may be particularly important during profiling of closely related strains of bacteria that yield very similar spectra. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Equal ratio of graphite carbon to activated charcoal for enrichment of N‐glycopeptides prior to matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometric identification
Authors: Xin Ling , Zhang Haijing , Liu Hui , Li Zhili
Published: January 2012

Site‐specific glycoprofiling of N‐glycoproteins is based on the enrichment of glycopeptides. In this study, we develop a simple and economical ZipTip microcolumn packed with a 1:1 ratio of graphite carbon to activated charcoal (w/w) (termed as GA‐ZipTip microcolumn) to efficiently isolate and enrich N‐glycopeptides from digested mixtures of individual glycoproteins and also investigate the ratio effect on the isolation and enrichment of glycopeptides. The experimental data showed that the microcolumn could efficiently and reproducibly isolate N‐glycopeptides from enzymatic mixtures of ovalbumin, fetuin, haptoglobin and human plasma. The results obtained here demonstrate that the GA‐ZipTip microcolumn is a powerful tool to enrich unbiasedly N‐glycopeptides, which will be benefit for glycoproteomics and complex biological samples. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A fast and selective method for anthocyanin profiling of red wines by direct‐infusion pneumatic spray mass spectrometry
Authors: Flamini Riccardo , Agnolin Fabio , Seraglia Roberta , Rosso Mirko De , Panighel Annarita , Marchi Fabiola De , Vedova Antonio Dalla , Traldi Pietro
Published: January 2012

RATIONALE

Anthocyanins confer the color to red wines. During wine aging, new anthocyanin derivatives with peculiar chromatic characteristics are formed. A fast and selective method for screening the anthocyanin composition of wine has been developed.

METHODS

Direct‐infusion electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS/MS) analysis of wine extracts has been performed by operating in positive ion mode with a low spray capillary voltage (0.5 kV) to detect only the species already present in ionic form. The method has been called direct‐infusion pneumatic spray (DIPS) mass spectrometry. The anthocyanin profiles of thirteen red wines at different aging stages were studied. Using malvidin‐3,5‐diglucoside as internal standard, the indices of wine color and of wine color evolution were estimated.

RESULTS

By decreasing the spray capillary voltage a dramatic increase in selectivity toward anthocyanins has been observed and the related peaks are the most abundant in the spectra. Several anthocyanins and anthocyanin derivatives (pyranoanthocyanins and derivatives formed by reaction with flavan‐3‐ols) have been identified in the wines. The younger wines showed higher total anthocyanin index. The aged wines showed color evolution index higher than 20% while it was lower in the younger samples.

CONCLUSIONS

The anthocyanin fingerprint is effective for estimating the aging state of wine. The color evolution index can be correlated to barrel conditions during wine aging and used to distinguish between aged and younger wines. The study of pyranoanthocyanins and anthocyanin‐flavanol derivatives can be useful to predict wine color stability. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reaction pathways of Rh+ (3F and 1D) with CH3OCH3 in the gas phase
Authors: Chen Xiangfeng , Yeung Hoi‐sze , Ding Ning
Published: January 2012

RATIONALE

The mass spectrometric studies of transition metal ion‐ether reactions are informative in elucidating the principles of metal ion mediated demethanation and dehydrogenation. In order to obtain a deeper understanding of the role of metal ions, it is essential to explore the detailed reaction mechanisms of these reactions, here studied using Rh+ and dimethyl ether as a model system.

METHODS

The gas‐phase demethanation and dehydrogenation pathways of dimethyl ether mediated by Rh+ (3F and 1D) were investigated by density functional theory in conjunction with the Stuttgart RSC + 6‐311 + G(d) basis set. Both singlet and triplet states of reactivity were explored.

RESULTS

The results indicate that both C–O and C–H bond activation of dimethyl ether mediated by Rh+ could induce the demethanation reaction. The triplet state demethanation reaction prefers to proceed through C–O bond activation, while the singlet state demethanation channel via C–H bond activation is energetically more favorable. The singlet state dehydrogenation of the ionic product (formaldehyde/Rh+) occurs by decomposition of rhodium carbonyl dihydride, while the triplet state dehydrogenation is induced by dissociation of the carbonyl(η2‐dihydrogen) rhodium species.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the results, it is believed that the demethanation reaction of dimethyl ether mediated by transition metal monocation would preferably occur through the C–O bond activation pathway. Combined with previous studies, a general reaction mechanism of the transition metal monocation with dimethyl ether is proposed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The ESA Lunar Robotics Challenge: Simulating operations at the lunar south pole
Authors: Belo Felipe A. W. , Birk Andreas , Brunskill Christopher , Kirchner Frank , Lappas Vaios , Remy C. David , Roccella Stefano , Rossi Claudio , Tikanmäki Antti , Visentin Gianfranco
Published: January 2012

In 2008, the European Space Agency (ESA) challenged universities to design, develop, and test teleoperated robotic systems for a soil‐sampling mission in a simulated lunar‐crater‐like environment. Eight teams participated and developed a wide range of engineering solutions that addressed the various technical and operational challenges posed by the unfavorable terrain and harsh environment. The robotic concepts developed by the teams are presented and evaluated in this paper. We highlight operational and technical issues that the teams experienced during an intensive 8‐day field campaign, report on design solutions that were adopted to assist in operating a robotic system in a lunar environment, and describe the lesson learned through participation in this field‐testing event. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Traveling performance evaluation of planetary rovers on loose soil
Authors: Sutoh Masataku , Yusa Junya , Ito Tsuyoshi , Nagatani Keiji , Yoshida Kazuya
Published: January 2012

In designing a planetary rover, it is important to consider and evaluate the influence of parameters such as the weight and dimensions of the rover on its traveling performance. In this study, the influence of a rover's weight on its performance was evaluated by conduct experiments using a monotrack rover and an inline four‐wheeled rover with different rover weights. Then the influence of the wheel diameter and width was quantitatively determined by performing experiments using a two‐wheeled rover, equipped with wheels, with different diameters and widths. The results of the experiments were compared with those of a numerical simulation based on terramechanics. Finally, the influence of the wheel surface pattern on the traveling performance of planetary rovers was evaluated by conducting experiments using a two‐wheeled rover equipped with wheels with different numbers of lugs (i.e., grousers) on their surfaces. Based on the results of these experiments, we confirmed the following influences of the parameters: in the case of the track mechanism, the traveling performance does not change with the increase in rover weight. On the other hand, in the case of the wheel mechanism, an increase in rover weight decreases the traveling performance. Moreover, the experimental results show that the wheel diameter contributes more to the high traveling performance than the wheel width. In addition, a comparison between the experimental and simulation results shows that it is currently difficult to accurately predict the traveling performance of lightweight vehicles on the basis of terramechanics models. Finally, the experimental results show that having lugs always improves the traveling performance, even at the expense of wheel diameter. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Energy loss of electrons backscattered from solids: measured and calculated spectra for Al and Si
Authors: Dapor Maurizio , Calliari Lucia , Fanchenko Sergey
Published: January 2012

Electron energy loss distributions relative to Al and Si are calculated for primary electron energies ranging from 500 eV to 2000 eV under the assumption that experimental spectra arise from electrons undergoing a single large‐angle elastic scattering event (so‐called V‐type trajectories). The method used to calculate the spectra is based on the combination of the Chen and Kwei dielectric formalism with the V‐type trajectory modeling. Good agreement is found between calculated and measured spectra. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Single‐Molecule Conductance of π‐Conjugated Rotaxane: New Method for Measuring Stipulated Electric Conductance of π‐Conjugated Molecular Wire Using STM Break Junction
Authors: Kiguchi Manabu , Nakashima Shigeto , Tada Tomofumi , Watanabe Satoshi , Tsuda Susumu , Tsuji Yasushi , Terao Jun
Published: January 2012

An electronic conductance with small fluctuations, which is stipulated in single‐molecule junctions, is necessary for the precise control of single‐molecule devices. However, the suppression of conductance fluctuations in conventional molecular junctions is intrinsically difficult because the fluctuations are related to the contact fluctuations and molecular motion. In the present study involving experimental and theoretical investigations, it is found that covering a single π‐conjugated wire with an α‐cyclodextrin molecule is a promising technique for suppressing conductance fluctuations. The conductance histogram of the covered molecular junction measured with the scanning tunneling microscope break‐junction technique shows that the conductance peak for the covered junction is sharper than that of the uncovered junction. The covering technique thus has two prominent effects: the suppression of intramolecular motion, and the elimination of intermolecular interactions. Theoretical calculations of electronic conductance clearly support these experimental observations.