bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Root resorption of primary molars without successor teeth. An experimental study in the beagle dog
Authors: Lin Bi‐Chen , Zhao Yu‐Ming , Yang Jie , Ge Li‐Hong
Published: March 2012

Lin B‐C, Zhao Y‐M, Yang J, Ge L‐H. Root resorption of primary molars without successor teeth. An experimental study in the beagle dog. Eur J Oral Sci 2012; 120: 147–152. © 2012 Eur J Oral Sci

Tooth agenesis is a common craniofacial congenital malformation in humans, but little is known about the mechanisms of root resorption in this condition. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanisms of root resorption in primary molars without successors. An animal model without permanent tooth germs was established by surgery in beagles. The times of onset of primary molar root resorption, with and without successors, were compared. The distribution of immune cells, odontoclasts, and their activating factors were determined by histochemistry and immunohistochemistry. Root resorption of primary mandibular molars without successors began later than physiological resorption. In primary molars without permanent germs, odontoclasts and immune cells were present mainly in the apical pulp at the start of root resorption, whereas in control teeth receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL)‐positive cells were found mainly in the region of the periodontal ligament. CD14+ and CD3+ cells were found in both the pulp and the periodontal ligament region. These results suggest that the dental pulp of primary molars, as well as immune cells, may play an important role in root resorption in primary molars without permanent tooth germs.
Exocyst subunits are involved in isoproterenol‐induced amylase release from rat parotid acinar cells
Authors: Imai Akane , Yoshie Sumio , Haga‐Tsujimura Maiko , Nashida Tomoko , Shimomura Hiromi
Published: March 2012

Imai A, Yoshie S, Haga‐Tsujimura M, Nashida T, Shimomura H. Exocyst subunits are involved in isoproterenol‐induced amylase release from rat parotid acinar cells. Eur J Oral Sci 2012; 120: 123–131. © 2012 Eur J Oral Sci

Exocytosis of secretory granules in parotid acinar cells requires multiple events: tethering, docking, priming, and fusion with a luminal plasma membrane. The exocyst complex, which is composed of eight subunits (Sec3, Sec5, Sec6, Sec8, Sec10, Sec15, Exo70, and Exo84) that are conserved in yeast and mammalian cells, is thought to participate in the exocytotic pathway. However, to date, no exocyst subunit has been identified in salivary glands. In the present study, we investigated the expression and function of exocyst subunits in rat parotid acinar cells. The expression of mRNA for all eight exocyst subunits was detected in parotid acinar cells by RT‐PCR, and Sec6 and Sec8 proteins were localized on the luminal plasma membrane. Sec6 interacted with Sec8 after 5 min of stimulation with isoproterenol. In addition, antibodies to‐Sec6 and Sec8 inhibited isoproterenol‐induced amylase release from streptolysin O‐permeabilized parotid acinar cells. These results suggest that an exocyst complex of eight subunits is required for amylase release from parotid acinar cells.
Self‐Assertion, Intervention and Achievement. Black German Writing in Postcolonial Perspective
Authors: Göttsche Dirk
Published: March 2012

Drawing on postcolonial theory as well as research into the African diaspora, this article offers an overview of Black German writing since its beginnings during the 1980s. Considering a wide range of sources and moving beyond pioneering works such asFarbe bekennenand May Ayim’s poetry, the study discusses defining themes in Black German literature as well as the growth of the field and the post‐millennium diversification of Black German discourse. Recent developments, which demonstrate new confidence in Afro‐German identity while also continuing now established traditions of cultural critique and diasporic politics, combine self‐assertion and critical intervention in German national discourses with narratives of achievement and performative normality. This article also cross‐references Black German literature with African migrants’ writing in German and highlights the literary cross‐mapping of memory discourses relating to Black German history, German colonialism, National Socialism and the demise of the German Democratic Republic.
The Use of Heparin for Preventing Miscarriage
Authors: Check Jerome H.
Published: March 2012

Recommendations for the use of heparin for preventing miscarriage are recently rapidly changing based on evidenced based prospective studies. At present either heparin or low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is recommended for the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). However criteria for diagnosing APS have become much stricter. The exact timing of the heparin is still being evaluated since it is not clear if the main therapeutic effect is in inhibition of thrombosis when the heparin could be started at the time in the first trimester when the platelets become thrombophilic or does its main role in improving implantation in which it would be started shortly before or shortly after ovulation. Possibly heparin is superior to LMWH in improving the implantation process though more studies are needed to corroborate or refute this suggestion. At present inherited thrombophilias are not considered a cause of first trimester miscarriage and thus measuring these factors are not recommended. There is no evidence that heparin has any benefit in preventing miscarriage from unexplained causes. Heparin is effective alone and there does not appear to be any extra benefit from adding aspirin (or even aspirin may negate some of its benefits).
Prevalence of soft tissue oral lesion in elderly and its relations with deleterious habits
Authors: de Lima Saintrain Maria V. , Holanda Thaís G. , Bezerra Thâmara M. M. , de Almeida Paulo C.
Published: March 2012

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00618.x

Prevalence of soft tissue oral lesion in elderly and its relations with deleterious habits

Introduction:  With ageing, the oral mucosa becomes more susceptible to external stimuli.

Objective:  To investigate the prevalence of soft tissue oral lesion in elderly and its relations with deleterious habits.

Materials and methods:  It was a quantitative research conducted at the dental clinic of UNIFOR, Fortaleza‐CE, in the period from 1998 to 2006. The sample consisted of all 756 records of the elderly, and the data were processed by SPSS 15.0 (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

Results:  The majority (63.0) were women, age 60–92, mean age 67 ± 6. The most significant proportions were married (48.4%), retired (42.3%) and incomplete primary school (31.5%). It was found a prevalence of 18.3% of oral lesions, with the risk being 1.6 times higher (p = 0.030) among youngest (up to 65 years) and 1.7 times higher among smokers (p = 0.048). Although this risk is 1.6 times higher among those who drank alcohol, it was not statistically significant (p = 0.122).

Conclusion:  The elderly showed a high prevalence of oral lesion, being the youngest, the smokers and the alcohol consumers those most vulnerable to the emergence of these diseases. Dental services need to implement programs of elderly care and health education, essential to clarify the risks and their associations with oral diseases, aiming to promote health.
Primary nasopharyngeal adenocarcinoma: A review
Authors: XU Tao , LI Zhi‐Ming , GU Mo‐Fa , WEI Wei‐hong , ZHANG Guo‐yi , WU Qiu‐Liang , SU Yong , HU Wei‐Han
Published: March 2012

Primary nasopharyngeal adenocarcinoma (NAC) accounts for approximately 0.5% of all nasopharyngeal cancer. The diagnosis, staging and treatment of NAC has not been well described. This article presents a literature review on NAC and identifies its characteristics and management. The NAC group of diseases contains various pathological types and has a series of specific clinical characteristics, including slow progression, a low incidence of neck masses and frequent cranial neuropathy. The Epstein–Barr virus may not play an important role in NAC carcinogenesis. The rarity of the disease makes the staging classification and treatment strategies of NAC parallel to those recommended for nasopharyngeal squamous carcinoma. Some patients might benefit from surgery, and radiotherapy using precise techniques might achieve good control for treating NAC, but the roles of chemotherapy and target therapy are not clear. The proper staging system and optimal treatment strategies need to be established in NAC.
Is chemotherapy in elderly patients with metastatic or recurrent gastric cancer as tolerable and effective as in younger patients?
Authors: KIM Seung Tae , PARK Kyong Hwa , OH Sang Cheul , SEO Jae Hong , SHIN Sang Won , KIM Jun Suk , KIM Yeul Hong
Published: March 2012

Aim:  To analyze the chemotherapy regimens and outcomes of advanced gastric cancer (AGC) patients older than 70 years of age.

Methods:  Between May 2001 and October 2009, 1135 patients with metastatic or recurrent gastric cancer received palliative chemotherapy. Of these patients 56 (4.9%) were ≥70 years old and were analyzed retrospectively.

Results:  The median age at the time of first‐line chemotherapy was 73 years (range, 70–85) and the median Charlson comorbidity index was 0 (0–5). In all 17 patients (30%) received surgery with curative or palliative intent; 43 (77%) were treated by doublet or triplet first‐line chemotherapy regimens and 13 patients (23%) received single agent chemotherapy. Median progression‐free survival for first‐line chemotherapy was 3.97 months (95% CI 2.05–5.89) with an overall response rate of 26%. After the first‐line chemotherapy, only 18 of 56 (32%) patients received second‐line chemotherapy. The median overall survival (OS) was 12.4 months (95% CI 2.81–21.99). In multivariate analysis, receiving surgery and disease control for first‐line chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors for increased OS for all 56 patients.

Conclusion:  Patients older ≥70 years with metastatic or recurrent gastric cancer might achieve clinical benefit from chemotherapy. Receiving surgery and response of over more stable disease for first‐line chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors for increased OS.
Outcomes of Malaysian patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma and unknown epidermal growth factor receptor mutation status treated with gefitinib
Authors: LIAM Chong‐Kin , RUTHRANESAN Muventhiran , LEE Chee‐Hong , PANG Yong‐Kek , CHUA Keong‐Tiong , LIM Boon‐Khaw
Published: March 2012

Aims:  To evaluate the response and progression‐free survival (PFS) of Malaysian patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma and unknown epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status treated with gefitinib.

Methods:  A retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with EGFR mutation unknown stage III or IV lung adenocarcinoma with EGFR mutation unknown treated with gefitinib until disease progression.

Results:  Of 71 patients, none had complete response while 26 (36.6%) had partial response and 26 (36.6%) had stable disease. Multivariate analysis showed the independent predictor of response to gefitinib was Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status 1 (odds ratio [OR] 5.39, 95% confidence interval [CI 1.64–17.74]P = 0.006). The median PFS was 6.5 months and was significantly longer in female than male patients (39.0 vs 21.2 weeks; P < 0.001), never smokers vs smokers (32.3 vs 8.3 weeks, P = 0.001), and stage III versus stage IV disease (44 vs 24 weeks, P = 0.021). In a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model with age group, gender, ethnicity, smoking history, disease stage, ECOG performance status and prior cytotoxic chemotherapy as covariates, the independent predictors of longer median PFS were female gender (HR 95% CI 0.38 [0.22–0.66]; P < 0.001) and stage III disease (HR 95% CI 0.54 [0.30–0.98], P = 0.042).

Conclusion:  In our patients with EGFR mutation unknown advanced lung adenocarcinoma treated with gefitinib, the response rate was 36.6% and the median PFS was significantly longer in female patients, never smokers and patients with stage III disease.
Carcinosarcoma of the fallopian tube: Report of four cases and review of literature
Authors: YOKOYAMA Yoshihito , YOKOTA Megumi , FUTAGAMI Masayuki , MIZUNUMA Hideki
Published: March 2012

Aim:  Carcinosarcoma of the fallopian tube is extremely rare and the therapeutic prognosis of this disease is unknown.

Methods:  We report on four new cases of this disease and have reviewed 59 carcinosarcomas of the fallopian tube and analyzed the prognosis with respect to the chosen therapeutic method in order to explore the most appropriate therapy.

Results:  Out of the 59 patients reviewed, the prognosis was examined in 51 patients that allowed it to be tracked. The 3‐year survival rates were 63% for the 27 stage I/II patients and 40% for the 24 stage III/IV patients. The 3‐year survival rates were 36% for the 14 surgery‐alone patients, 59% for the 13 radiation therapy following surgery patients, 54% for the 27 chemotherapy following surgery patients (the chemotherapy group) and 100% in for the four chemoradiotherapy following surgery patients. A significant difference was observed between the surgery‐alone and the chemotherapy groups (Wilcoxon test, P < 0.05), the chemoradiotherapy group demonstrating a better tendency as to survival rate than the surgery‐alone group (Wilcoxon test, P = 0.06). Stage III/IV patients accounted for a two‐thirds of the chemotherapy group. The 3‐year survival rate for all the stage I–IV patients was 63% when a platinum drug was used and 21% when it was not used, suggesting the possibility of extending life through the use of a platinum drug.

Conclusion:  Chemotherapy using a platinum drug after surgery seems to be most effective treatment in this disease.
Degeneracy in the characterization of non-transiting planets from transit timing variations
Authors: Boué G. , Oshagh M. , Montalto M. , Santos N. C.
Published: March 2012

The transit timing variation (TTV) method allows the detection of non-transiting planets through their gravitational perturbations. Since TTVs are strongly enhanced in systems close to mean-motion resonances (MMRs), even a low-mass planet can produce an observable signal. This technique has thus been proposed to detect terrestrial planets. In this Letter, we analyse TTV signals for systems in or close to MMR in order to illustrate the difficulties arising in the determination of planetary parameters. TTVs are computed numerically with an N-body integrator for a variety of systems close to MMR. The main features of these TTVs are also derived analytically. Systems deeply inside of the MMR do not produce particularly strong TTVs, while those close to MMR generate quasi-periodic TTVs characterized by a dominant long-period term and a low-amplitude remainder. If the remainder is too weak to be detected, then the signal is strongly degenerate and this prevents the determination of the planetary parameters. Even though an Earth-mass planet can be detected by the TTV method if it is close to an MMR, it may not be possible to assert that this planet is actually an Earth-mass planet. On the other hand, if the system is right in the centre of an MMR, the high-amplitude oscillation of the TTV signal vanishes and the detection of the perturber becomes as difficult as it is far from the MMR.
Constraints on quintessence and new physics from fundamental constants
Authors: Thompson Rodger I.
Published: March 2012

Changes in the values of the fundamental constants µ, the proton to electron mass ratio, and α, the fine structure constant due to rolling scalar fields, have been discussed both in the context of cosmology and in new physics such as supersymmetry models. This Letter examines the changes in these fundamental constants in a particular example of such fields, freezing and thawing slow roll quintessence. Constraints are placed on the product of a cosmological quantity, w, the equation of state parameter, and the square of the coupling constants for µ and α with the field, ζx (x=µ, α), using the existing observational limits on the values of Δx/x. Various examples of slow-rolling quintessence models are used to further quantify the constraints. Some of the examples appear to be rejected by the existing data which strongly suggest that conformation to the values of the fundamental constants in the early universe is a standard test that should be applied to any cosmological model or suggested new physics.
Grid Refinement in Cartesian Coordinates for Groundwater Flow Models Using the Divergence Theorem and Taylor's Series
Authors: Mansour M.M. , Spink A.E.F.
Published: March 2012

Grid refinement is introduced in a numerical groundwater model to increase the accuracy of the solution over local areas without compromising the run time of the model. Numerical methods developed for grid refinement suffered certain drawbacks, for example, deficiencies in the implemented interpolation technique; the non‐reciprocity in head calculations or flow calculations; lack of accuracy resulting from high truncation errors, and numerical problems resulting from the construction of elongated meshes. A refinement scheme based on the divergence theorem and Taylor's expansions is presented in this article. This scheme is based on the work of De Marsily (1986) but includes more terms of the Taylor's series to improve the numerical solution. In this scheme, flow reciprocity is maintained and high order of refinement was achievable. The new numerical method is applied to simulate groundwater flows in homogeneous and heterogeneous confined aquifers. It produced results with acceptable degrees of accuracy. This method shows the potential for its application to solving groundwater heads over nested meshes with irregular shapes.
The emotion paradox in the aging brain
Authors: Mather Mara
Published: March 2012

This paper reviews age differences in emotion processing and how they may relate to age‐related changes in the brain. Compared with younger adults, older adults react less to negative situations, ignore irrelevant negative stimuli better, and remember relatively more positive than negative information. Older adults’ ability to insulate their thoughts and emotional reactions from negative situations is likely due to a number of factors, such as being less influenced by interoceptive cues, selecting different emotion regulation strategies, having less age‐related decline in prefrontal regions associated with emotional control than in other prefrontal regions, and engaging in emotion regulation strategies as a default mode in their everyday lives. Healthy older adults’ avoidance of processing negative stimuli may contribute to their well‐maintained emotional well‐being. However, when cardiovascular disease leads to additional prefrontal white matter damage, older adults have fewer cognitive control mechanisms available to regulate their emotions, making them more vulnerable to depression. In general, although age‐related changes in the brain help shape emotional experience, shifts in preferred strategies and goal priorities are also important influences.
Page Kidney: Etiology, Renal Function Outcomes and Risk for Future Hypertension
Authors: Smyth Andrew , Collins C. Scott , Thorsteinsdottir Bjorg , Madsen Bo Enemark , Oliveira Guilherme H.M. , Kane Garvan , Garovic Vesna D.
Published: March 2012

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2012;14:216–221. ©2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The initial description of Page kidney, a form of renin‐mediated hypertension, included athletes with renal subcapsular hematoma after flank trauma. Subsequently, nontraumatic etiologies were identified. In this study, the authors compare traumatic and nontraumatic causes of Page kidney. All cases with hypertension attributable to renal hematoma at our institution from 1960 to 2010 were reviewed. Twenty‐six patients (9 trauma, 17 nontrauma), with a mean age of 36.7 years, were included. Trauma patients were younger (P<.001), had lower systolic blood pressures (P=.011), and higher baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), (P=.027) at presentation. No differences in presenting features, imaging, urinalysis, or pathology are noted. Nontrauma cases required more antihypertensive medications (P=.001) and had higher nephrectomy rates. eGFR improved in all, but more in, trauma cases (P=.05). Through the analysis of 26 cases of Page kidney, two distinct groups were identified. Trauma patients tended to be younger, male, have less renal impairment and lower systolic blood pressure. Nontrauma patients required more antihypertensive medications and had a higher nephrectomy rate. New‐onset hypertension occurred independent of etiology, calling for close surveillance of blood pressures.
Interpreting Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Cousins David A. , Grunze Heinz
Published: March 2012

The episodic nature of bipolar disorder together with the ostensibly polar extremes of mania and depression have favored the acceptance of a functional model postulating regionally disturbed brain activity returning to normal with time or treatment. Seemingly contrary to that view, anatomical imaging studies have demonstrated abnormalities in brain structure which could reflect neurodegeneration or represent disturbed neuronal development. Resolution may come from an appreciation of adult neurogenesis, especially given the neuroprotective properties of drugs, such as lithium and their effects on brain volume. The brain regions vulnerable to structural changes also show evidence of dysfunction, giving rise to corticolimbic dysregulation interpretations of bipolar disorder. This article reviews the structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging data in bipolar disorder. Its focus is on the interpretation of findings in light of recent developments in the fields of neurobiology and image analysis, with particular attention paid to both the confounding effects of medication and the baseline energy state of the brain.
Excessive Autophagy Contributes to Neuron Death in Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Shi Ruoyang , Weng Jiequn , Zhao Ling , Li Xin‐Min , Gao Tian‐Ming , Kong Jiming
Published: March 2012

Aims: To determine the extent to which autophagy contributes to neuronal death in cerebral hypoxia and ischemia. Methods: We performed immunocytochemistry, western blot, cell viability assay, and electron microscopy to analyze autophagy activities in vitro and in vivo.Results: In both primary cortical neurons and SH‐SY5Y cells exposed to oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD)for 6 h and reperfusion (RP) for 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively, an increase of autophagy was observed as determined by the increased ratio of LC3‐II to LC3‐I and Beclin‐1 (BECN1) expression. Using Fluoro‐Jade C and monodansylcadaverine double‐staining, and electron microscopy we found the increment in autophagy after OGD/RP was accompanied by increased autophagic cell death, and this increased cell death was inhibited by the specific autophagy inhibitor, 3‐methyladenine. The presence of large autolysosomes and numerous autophagosomes in cortical neurons were confirmed by electron microscopy. Autophagy activities were increased dramatically in the ischemic brains 3–7 days postinjury from a rat model of neonatal cerebral hypoxia/ischemia as shown by increased punctate LC3 staining and BECN1 expression. Conclusion: Excessive activation of autophagy contributes to neuronal death in cerebral ischemia.
High‐Sensitivity C‐Reactive Protein is a Strong Risk Factor for Death after Acute Ischemic Stroke among Chinese
Authors: Huang Yue , Jing Jing , Zhao Xing‐Quan , Wang Chun‐Xue , Wang Yi‐Long , Liu Gai‐Fen , Wang Chun‐Juan , Liu Li‐Ping , Yang Xiao‐Meng , Jiao Yan , Jiao Yun , Wang Li‐Shi , Wang Yong‐Jun , Gu Wei‐Kuan
Published: March 2012

Background and purpose: Elevated plasma C‐reactive protein (CRP) has been suggested as a risk factor for ischemic stroke (IS) and coronary ischemic disease. Evidence has shown that high‐sensitivity CRP (hs‐CRP) is related to a worsening prognosis after IS, but hs‐CRP was rare in a large‐sample study in a Chinese population. We investigated the associations between hs‐CRP and outcome of Chinese patients after acute IS. Methods: Seven hundred and forty‐one consecutive acute IS patients (74.9% male, mean age 60.9 years), with baseline characteristics and hs‐CRP measured within 24 h after hospitalization, were admitted in this study. We also prospectively followed up for clinical outcome and death 3 months after disease onset. hs‐CRP was divided into two categories: hs‐CRP >3 mg/L and hs‐CRP ≤3 mg/L. Survival analysis using multivariable Cox regression was performed to analyze the association between hs‐CRP and stroke outcomes after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Results: Compared with low hs‐CRP, patients with high hs‐CRP (>3 mg/L) had a significantly higher rate of all‐cause death (0.71% vs. 10.00%; P < 0.001) at 3 months after stroke onset. High hs‐CRP was an independent risk factor for all‐cause death (HR, 6.48; 95% CI, 1.41 to 29.8; P= 0.016), as well as history of atrial fibrillation (HR, 5.24; 95% CI, 1.83 to 15.0; P= 0.002), no statin therapy during hospitalization (HR, 4.56; 95% CI, 2.18 to 9.55; P < 0.001), high homocysteine (>15.1 mmol/L) (HR, 2.66; 95% CI, 1.26 to 5.60; P= 0.01); fasting glucose (>6.1 mmol/L) (HR, 9.14; 95% CI, 3.34 to 25.0; P < 0.001), NIHSS at admission (HR, 2.35; 95% CI, 1.35 to 4.09; P= 0.003) and history of coronary heart disease (CHD) (HR, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.06 to 5.17; P= 0.035). Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed a higher risk of death for patients with hs‐CRP >3 mg/L (P= 0.016). Conclusion: Elevated plasma hs‐CRP independently predicted risk of all‐cause death within 3 months after acute IS in Chinese patients.
Shoulder Rotator Cuff Responses to Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy: Morphological and Immunohistochemical Analysis
Authors: BrañEs Julian , Contreras Hector R. , Cabello Pablo , Antonic Vlado , Guiloff Leonardo J. , Brañes Manuel
Published: March 2012

Background

Application of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) induces an improvement in tissue healing associated with augmented tissue perfusion. The present study aimed to investigate the responses of human rotator cuff tissue to the application of ESWT.

Methods

Thirty-one consecutive patients with symptomatic rotator cuff tendinopathy with complete tears were approached and enrolled in the present study. Before surgical resolution, a single treatment of focused ESWT was offered to all patients. Ten patients accepted such treatment and 21 refused ESWT. Tendon tissue biopsies were collected for evaluation using haematoxylin and eosin and characterized according to the Riley Classification. Vascular volume area (VVA) was determined semi-quantitatively and immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis included CD14, CD34, PCNA, Tenascin-C and D2-40 markers.

Results

Distribution of grade according to the Riley Classification with respect to study group was: Group A: Grade III ( n = 9), Grade IV ( n = 1); Group B: Grade III ( n = 13), Grade IV ( n = 8). Mean group-specific VVA analysis was 18.47% and 7.03% for Group A and Group B, respectively. IHC Grade III protein staining was significantly more prevalent in Group A compared to Group B for CD34, PCNA, Tenascin-C and D2-40 ( p < 0.05 for all comparisons).

Conclusions

ESWT is associated with increased neovascularization and neolymphangiogenesis in rotator cuff tendinopathy. IHC analysis suggests an improvement in healing response in the ESWT-treated tendon.
Extended Producer Responsibility for E‐Waste: Individual or Collective Producer Responsibility?
Authors: Atasu Atalay , Subramanian Ravi
Published: March 2012

We investigate the implications of collective and individual producer responsibility ( CPR and IPR, respectively) models of product take‐back laws for e‐waste on manufacturers’ design for product recovery (DfR) choices and profits, and on consumer surplus in the presence of product competition. We show that IPR offers superior DfR incentives as compared to CPR, and provides a level competitive ground. CPR may distort competition and allow free‐riding on DfR efforts to reduce product recovery costs. Thus, manufacturer preferences for IPR or CPR may differ because of the free‐riding implications under CPR, with even high‐end manufacturers having incentives to free‐ride under certain competitive conditions. The policy choice between IPR and CPR is not clear cut from an economic welfare perspective. This choice involves a comparison between the effects of superior recovery cost reduction through improved DfR under IPR and the operational cost‐efficiency under CPR.
Task Design, Team Context, and Psychological Safety: An Empirical Analysis of R&D Projects in High Technology Organizations
Authors: Chandrasekaran Aravind , Mishra Anant
Published: March 2012

High technology organizations need to develop new products or processes that address the dual goals of exploration and exploitation. The competing viewpoints and the asymmetric nature of market returns associated with these goals in R&D projects can heighten stress levels among project team members and reduce their psychological safety. While current research calls for greater focus on task design for improving psychological safety, we know little about how team contextual factors affect this relationship. This study develops and tests a conceptual framework that examines the moderating role of R&D team contextual factors, namely, relative exploration and project‐organization metric alignment on the relationship between a key task design variable, namely, team autonomy, and psychological safety. Relative exploration captures the extent to which exploration goals are emphasized over exploitation goals in an R&D project, while project‐organization metric alignment measures the extent to which project metrics are aligned with broader organizational metrics. Furthermore, we examine the performance consequences of psychological safety in R&D projects. The empirical analysis is conducted using primary data collected from multiple informants across 110 R&D projects in 34 high technology business units. Our results indicate that relative exploration and project‐organization metric alignment have contrasting moderating effects. Furthermore, the effect of psychological safety on project performance is found to be indirect and mediated through team turnover. Implications of the study findings, limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.
Cooperating to Commercialize Technology: A Dynamic Model of Fairness Perceptions, Experience, and Cooperation
Authors: vanBurg Elco , vanOorschot Kim E.
Published: March 2012

Technology entrepreneurship is an important driver of economic growth, although entrepreneurs must maintain cooperative ties with the owners of any technology they hope to bring to market. Existing studies show that fairness perceptions have a great influence on this cooperation, but no research investigates its precise mechanisms or dynamic patterns. This study explores the development of 17 ventures that cooperated with a university‐owner of technology and thereby identifies different cooperation patterns in which fairness perceptions influence the degree of cooperation. These perceptions also change over time, partly as a function of accumulated experience and learning. A system dynamics model integrates insights from existing literature with the empirical findings to reveal which cooperation mechanisms relate to venture development over time; the combinations of individual experience, fairness perceptions, and market circumstances lead to four different patterns. This model can explain changes in entrepreneurial cooperation as a result of changes in fairness perceptions, which depend on learning effects and entrepreneurial experience. Each identified cooperation pattern has implications for research and offers insights for practitioners who need to manage relationships in practice.
The Retail Space‐Exchange Problem with Pricing and Space Allocation Decisions
Authors: Leng Mingming , Parlar Mahmut , Zhang Dengfeng
Published: March 2012

We consider retail space‐exchange problems where two retailers exchange shelf space to increase accessibility to more of their consumers in more locations without opening new stores. Using the Hotelling model, we find two retailers’ optimal prices, given their host and guest space in two stores under the space‐exchange strategy. Next, using the optimal space‐dependent prices, we analyze a non‐cooperative game, where each retailer makes a space allocation decision for the retailer's own store. We show that the two retailers will implement such a strategy in the game, if and only if their stores are large enough to serve more than one‐half of their consumers. Nash equilibrium for the game exists, and its value depends on consumers’ utilities and trip costs as well as the total available space in each retailer's store. Moreover, as a result of the space‐exchange strategy, each retailer's prices in two stores are both higher than the retailer's price before the space exchange, but they may or may not be identical.
Knowledge Management for the Entrepreneurial Venture
Authors: Gaimon Cheryl , Bailey Jennifer
Published: March 2012

We synthesize research from operations management, entrepreneurship, organizational science, and strategy to investigate the performance‐enhancing benefits of knowledge management activities throughout the entrepreneurial process of a high‐tech venture from idea conception to commercialization. We adopt a dynamic learning perspective of entrepreneurship to understand how knowledge management activities change throughout four phases of the venture's life cycle. We introduce a framework that identifies a set of knowledge‐based capabilities that enhance the entrepreneurial venture's success. In the context of the first phase, we discuss knowledge as a key driver of entrepreneurial alertness and creativity, both of which impact the quality and quantity of opportunities and innovations discovered. Second, we describe how knowledge enables the entrepreneur to make decisions under uncertainty such as determining which opportunity to pursue. For Phase 3 of the life cycle, we explore the challenges of managing knowledge during the development of the product or technology including the trade‐off between exploration and exploitation. In the final phase, we explore how knowledge impacts the market entry decision, survival, and the value captured at commercialization. We conclude the article with suggestions for future research.
Phase I Study to Determine the Maximal Tolerated Dose and Dose‐Limiting Toxicities of Orally Administered Idarubicin in Dogs with Lymphoma
Authors: Vail D.M. , Husbands B.D. , Kamerling S.G. , Simpson H. , Kurzman I.D. , McDonnell A.
Published: March 2012

Background

Idarubicin, a PO bioavailable anthracycline antibiotic‐class chemotherapeutic, could have substantial convenience advantages over currently available similar class agents in use that requireIVdelivery.

Objectives

The primary objective of this study was to determine the maximally tolerated dose (MTD), dose‐limiting toxicities (DLTs), and basic pharmacokinetic parameters of oral idarubicin exposure in dogs with lymphoma after a single oral dose. A secondary objective was to document preliminary antitumor efficacy in an expanded treatment cohort using the establishedMTD.

Animals

Client‐owned dogs with measurable lymphoma.

Methods

Dogs (n = 31) were enrolled in a prospective open label phase I study of oral idarubicin. By means of a 3 + 3 cohort design, dose escalations were made with 3 dogs per dose level, and theMTDwas established based on the number of patients experiencing aDLT. Plasma concentrations of idarubicin and idarubicinol were determined by postdose sampling. Assessment of antitumor efficacy focused on evaluation of accessible, measurable lymph nodes and skin lesions by modifiedRECISTguidelines.

Results

TheMTDin dogs > 15 kg body weight was 22 mg/m2. Adverse hematologic events (neutropenia and thrombocytopenia) were the predominantDLTand generally correlated with higher plasma concentrations of idarubicin and idarubicinol.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

PO administered idarubicin was generally well‐tolerated and had preliminary antitumor activity in dogs with lymphoma. Furthermore, the potential clinical advantage of a safe and efficacious oral anthracycline alternative supports further investigations of this agent in repeated‐dose, randomized clinical trials.
Systematic Review of Efficacy of Nutraceuticals to Alleviate Clinical Signs of Osteoarthritis
Authors: Vandeweerd J.‐M. , Coisnon C. , Clegg P. , Cambier C. , Pierson A. , Hontoir F. , Saegerman C. , Gustin P. , Buczinski S.
Published: March 2012

Background

Various treatments of osteoarthritis (OA) have been described, including use of nutraceuticals.

Objectives

To review systematically the literature about the effects of nutraceuticals on clinical signs of pain or abnormal locomotion in horses, dogs, and cats, and to discuss methodological aspects of trials and systematic reviews.

Methods

A systematic search of controlled trials evaluating the impact of nutraceuticals onOAin horses, dogs, and cats was performed, using Medline,CABAbstracts, and Google Scholar. Scientific evidence was evaluated by means of criteria proposed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and a scoring system adapted from both theCONsolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement and recommendations for assessing trials by the Center of Evidence Based Medicine of Oxford.

Results

Twenty‐two papers were selected and reviewed, with 5 studies performed in horses, 16 in dogs, and 1 in cats. The strength of evidence was low for all nutraceuticals except for omega‐3 fatty acid in dogs. There were limited numbers of rigorous randomized controlled trials and of participants in clinical trials.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The evidence of efficacy of nutraceuticals is poor, with the exception of diets supplemented with omega‐3 fatty acids in dogs. Greater access to systematic reviews must be part of the objectives of the veterinary science in the future. Their reporting would be improved by internationally agreed‐upon criteria for standards and guidelines.
Emotions and Suicidal Ideation among Depressed Women with Childhood Sexual Abuse Histories
Authors: You Sungeun , Talbot Nancy L. , He Hua , Conner Kenneth R.
Published: March 2012

Depressed women with sexual abuse histories have a heightened risk of suicidal ideation (SI), which may be only in part attributable to psychiatric symptoms of depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Emotions and SI were studied among 106 women with histories of childhood sexual abuse enrolled in treatment trials for major depression. Assessments were conducted at baseline, 10, 24, and 36 weeks. Sadness, guilt, and shame‐proneness were associated with self‐reported and observer‐rated SI across time after adjusting for depressive and PTSD symptoms, suicide attempt history, and sociodemographic characteristics associated with SI. These findings highlight the need for clinical attention to self‐directed negative emotions to potentially reduce suicide‐related risk.
Cholesterol‐enriched membrane rafts and insulin secretion
Authors: Dirkx Jr Ronald , Solimena Michele
Published: March 2012

The failure of pancreatic β‐cells to supply insulin in quantities sufficient to maintain euglycemia is a hallmark of type 2 diabetes. Perturbation of β‐cell cholesterol homeostasis, culminating in elevated intracellular cholesterol levels, impairs insulin secretion and has therefore been proposed as a mechanism contributing to β‐cell dysfunction. The manner in which this occurs, however, is unclear. Cholesterol is an essential lipid, as well as a major component of membrane rafts, and numerous proteins critical for the regulation of insulin secretion have been reported to associate with these domains. Although this suggests that alterations in membrane rafts could partially account for the reduction in insulin secretion observed when β‐cell cholesterol accumulates, this has not yet been demonstrated. In this review, we provide a brief overview of recent work implicating membrane rafts in some of the basic molecular mechanisms of insulin secretion, and discuss the insight it provides into the β‐cell dysfunction characteristic of type 2 diabetes. (J Diabetes Invest, doi: 10.1111/j.2040‐1124.2012.00200.x, 2012)
Frequency distributions of 174 fractures of the distal condyles of the third metacarpal and metatarsal bones in 167 Thoroughbred racehorses (1999–2009)
Authors: Jacklin B. D. , Wright I. M.
Published: March 2012

Reasons for performing study:Although fractures of the metacarpal and metatarsal condyles are the most common long‐bone fractures of Thoroughbred horses in training, limited data on variations in morphology and incidence have been published. Additionally, grouped analyses of previous studies from the UK and USA would permit comparison between study groups and the creation of a substantial pool of international data.

Methods:Retrospective analysis of case records of horses with fractures of the distal condyles of third metacarpal/metatarsal bones seen over the last 10 years at Newmarket Equine Hospital. The current series was compared with a prior series from the UK; pooled analyses of these, and series from the USA were also compared.

Results:One hundred and seventy‐four fractures were identified in 167 racehorses. The current series contained a significantly lower proportion of medial condylar fractures than in a similar population 17 years earlier. Fractures that originated more abaxially tended to be shorter, and a significant proportion of lateral condylar fractures arose outside of the condylar groove. There was also some apparent seasonality of fractures of the lateral condyles in 2‐year‐old horses, but not so in older horses or those with medial condylar fractures.

Conclusions and potential relevance:A substantial portion (approximately 50%) of fractures in the present series cannot be explained by unifying theories of aetiopathogenesis, which suggest that fractures usually arise within the condylar groove, as a focus of cumulative fatigue and failure of adaptation of bone. A separate aetiopathogenesis may be responsible for a proportion of condylar fractures encountered in racehorses, and further work is required to elucidate this. Changes in the number of medial condylar fractures encountered may reflect the introduction of artificial racing and training surfaces, and also may reflect changes in the age demographic of horses racing in the UK since the introduction of year‐round ‘all‐weather’ racing.
In search of a novel antifungal agent: probing molecular interactions of fluconazole and its analogues with model membranes by NMR and DSC techniques
Authors: Pawar Bhakti , Joshi Mamata , Srivastava Sudha , Kanyalkar Meena
Published: March 2012

Objectives

In search of a novel antifungal agent with high susceptibility and increased antifungal potency it is necessary to increase the overall lipophilicity of these agents. In view of that, we have synthesized different carboxylic acid ester analogues of fluconazole, such as fluconazole-benzoate, fluconazole-p-nitrobenzoate, fluconazole-p-methoxybenzoate and fluconazole-toluate, with varying degrees of lipophilicity. In order to probe molecular level interactions of these molecules with biomembrane, lipid bilayers prepared from l-α-dipalmitoyl phosphatidyl choline (DPPC) as the model membrane were used.

Methods

Multinuclear and multidimensional nuclear magnetic resonance, differential scanning calorimetry and transmission electron microscopy was used to investigate the changes in the thermotropic properties, organization of the membrane and intermolecular interactions.

Key findings

Fluconazole and its analogues show varying degrees of changes in the DPPC bilayer's architecture and physico-chemical characteristics. This might influence important biological features of fungal biomembranes that could be responsible for their respective antifungal effects.

Conclusions

The study indicates that fluconazole-p-methoxybenzoate is the most active among all analogues and therefore could be the most promising antifungal candidate.
Real-Time Thermodynamic Performance Monitoring and Optimum Thermoeconomic Operation of Power Plants
Authors: Hariharan G. , Kosanovic B.
Published: March 2012

The ability of modern power plant data acquisition systems to provide a continuous real-time data feed can be exploited to carry out interesting research studies. In the first part of this study, real-time data from a power plant is used to carry out a comprehensive heat balance calculation. The calculation involves application of the first law of thermodynamics to each powerhouse component. Stoichiometric combustion principles are applied to calculate emissions from fossil fuel consuming components. Exergy analysis is carried out for all components by the combined application of the first and second laws of thermodynamics. In the second part of this study, techniques from the field of System Identification and Linear Programming are brought together in finding thermoeconomically optimum plant operating conditions one step ahead in time. This is done by first using autoregressive models to make short-term predictions of plant inputs and outputs. Then, parameter estimation using recursive least squares is used to determine the relations between the predicted inputs and outputs. The estimated parameters are used in setting up a linear programming problem which is solved using the simplex method. The end result is knowledge of thermoeconomically optimum plant inputs and outputs one step ahead in time.
Applications of PTC-51 Gas Turbine Inlet Air Conditioning Equipment
Authors: Toburen Tina L.
Published: March 2012

The ASME Performance Test Code PTC-51 “Gas Turbine Inlet Air Conditioning Equipment” (PTC-51) [1] is currently in its final editing phase prior to publication. This paper will give a brief introduction to the code and outline some examples of how to apply PTC-51 to actual testing scenarios. Many plants are designed for hot summer peak ambient temperatures, but need to be tested in early spring for substantial completion and commercial contractual requirements. PTC-51 puts limits on the ambient conditions in which you can test inlet air conditioning equipment. Understanding these limits during the contract and design phase is critical if code-level testing will be a requirement for final completion.
Control of Solar Steam Generators
Authors: Tanner Peter , Rasmussen Kent , Johnson Pete , Hoermann Alex , Cheng Weili
Published: March 2012

Direct steam generation has distinct cost advantages over alternative methods for producing superheated steam from a solar collector system. We present results from a model predictive controller for a solar steam generator that is configured as a once through to superheat process using direct steam generation. The solar collector system modeled uses a linear Fresnel reflector field with a multi-tube receiver. The model predictive controller uses step response models that are developed offline using a dynamic simulation. The model predictive controller incorporates a feedforward signal based on absorbed solar power. Performance of the controller has been demonstrated at the Kimberlina Solar Power Station near Bakersfield, California. The results show the feasibility of a controller for a solar direct steam generation system that provides stable superheated steam temperature and pressure conditions through weather events.
Comparing Boiler Efficiency Calculation Methods
Authors: Rodgers David A. T. , Golightly Timothy , Lemmons Marc E. , Stenzel William C. , Lang Fred D.
Published: March 2012

This paper compares two methods for calculating boiler efficiency using test data obtained from the Boardman Coal Plant. The two test methods are ASME PTC 4’s Energy Balance Method as evaluated by Sargent & Lundy LLC, Chicago, IL, and the Input/Loss Method as evaluated by its owner, Exergetic System Inc., San Rafael, CA. The differences in methods are fundamental: varying in basic definitions of boiler efficiency and calculation methodology.