bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Translation and validation of the Chinese‐Cantonese version of the Adolescent Dysmenorrhic Self‐Care Scale in Hong Kong adolescent girls
Authors: Wong Cho Lee , Ip Wan Yim , Choi Kai Chow , Shiu Tak Ying
Published: December 2012

Aims and objectives

To translate and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Chinese‐Cantonese version of the Adolescent Dysmenorrhic Self‐Care Scale.

Background

Adolescent girls prefer engaging in self‐care activities for dysmenorrhoea. The Adolescent Dysmenorrhic Self‐Care Scale is a reliable and valid scale for measuring the self‐care behaviour of adolescent girls with dysmenorrhoea. However, it has not been validated in Hong Kong population.

Design

A cross‐sectional design.

Methods

In phase one, the Adolescent Dysmenorrhic Self‐Care Scale was translated into Chinese‐Cantonese and was reviewed by an expert panel for the semantic equivalence and content validity. In phase two, the Chinese‐Cantonese version of Adolescent Dysmenorrhic Self‐Care Scale was administered to 396 girls with dysmenorrhoea. The construct validity was tested using confirmatory factor analysis and correlated with the Chinese version of the Generalized Self‐Efficacy Scale. The reliability was assessed by Cronbach's alpha and test–retest reliability.

Results

Item 13 related to school nurses was deleted because of its poor relevance to the Hong Kong situation. Four items (items 26–29) related to the medical‐orientated behaviours were considered by the expert panel as not relevant to the self‐care construct in Hong Kong population. Therefore, confirmatory factor analyses were carried out to 39‐item Chinese‐Cantonese‐Adolescent Dysmenorrhic Self‐Care Scale (deletion of item 13) and the 35‐item Chinese‐Cantonese‐Adolescent Dysmenorrhic Self‐Care Scale (with further deletion of items 26–29). Confirmatory factor analysis did not confirm the 39‐item Chinese‐Cantonese‐Adolescent Dysmenorrhic Self‐Care Scale, but the results showed the goodness of fit in the 35‐item of Chinese‐Cantonese‐Adolescent Dysmenorrhic Self‐Care Scale (root‐mean‐square error of approximation = 0·075, standardised root‐mean‐square residual = 0·078, normed fit index = 0·95, non‐normed fit index = 0·96, comparative fit index = 0·96). Significant correlations with Chinese version of the Generalized Self‐Efficacy Scale (r = 0·46, p < 0·01) were identified. The Cronbach's alpha of 35‐item Chinese‐Cantonese‐Adolescent Dysmenorrhic Self‐Care Scale was 0·94. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0·93.

Conclusion

The 35‐item Chinese‐Cantonese‐Adolescent Dysmenorrhic Self‐Care Scale had satisfactory validity and reliability.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses may use the 35‐item Chinese‐Cantonese‐Adolescent Dysmenorrhic Self‐Care Scale in assessing the self‐care behaviour of adolescent girls with dysmenorrhoea, so that girls with a low level of self‐care behaviour can be identified and appropriate intervention can be provided.
Silencing of GLUT‐1 inhibits sensitization of oral cancer cells to cisplatin during hypoxia
Authors: Shimanishi Makoto , Ogi Kazuhiro , Sogabe Yohei , Kaneko Takeshi , Dehari Hironari , Miyazaki Akihiro , Hiratsuka Hiroyoshi
Published: December 2012

Background

During tumor development, cells are exposed to a hypoxic microenvironment. Tumor hypoxia also has a profound influence on the sensitivity of cancer chemotherapy.

The objective of this study was to investigate the mechanism of cisplatin (CDDP) resistance of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells under hypoxia by analyzing gene expression profiles to identify key genes and factors involved.

Methods

Cell viability was measured following culture of the cells in the presence or absence of CDDP, under normoxic or hypoxic conditions, using a CCK‐8 assay. Analysis of the expression of HIF target genes in hypoxia‐treated cells was performed using an HIF‐regulated cDNA plate array. Changes in the mRNA expression of selected HIF target genes were analyzed using RT‐PCR, and changes in the protein levels of these genes were analyzed by Western blotting. Tumor cell apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry.

Results

The OSCC cell lines responded differently to CDDP under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. The expression of glucose transporter protein‐1 (GLUT‐1) was up‐regulated in human squamous cell carcinoma of mouth (HSC‐2) cells under hypoxia. Furthermore, there was little correlation between the cisplatin sensitivity of human squamous cell carcinoma of tongue (SAS) in normoxia and hypoxia. After GLUT‐1 knockdown, CDDP treatment resulted in increased rates of apoptosis under hypoxia as compared with normoxia in cell lines HSC‐2, Ca9‐22, and SAS (P = 0.025).

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that knockdown of GLUT‐1 inhibits sensitization of oral squamous cells to CDDP during hypoxia in HSC‐2, Ca9‐22, and SAS cells.
Facial expression recognition and emotional regulation in narcolepsy with cataplexy
Authors: Bayard Sophie , Croisier Langenier Muriel , Dauvilliers Yves
Published: December 2012

Cataplexy is pathognomonic of narcolepsy with cataplexy, and defined by a transient loss of muscle tone triggered by strong emotions. Recent researches suggest abnormal amygdala function in narcolepsy with cataplexy. Emotion treatment and emotional regulation strategies are complex functions involving cortical and limbic structures, like the amygdala. As the amygdala has been shown to play a role in facial emotion recognition, we tested the hypothesis that patients with narcolepsy with cataplexy would have impaired recognition of facial emotional expressions compared with patients affected with central hypersomnia without cataplexy and healthy controls. We also aimed to determine whether cataplexy modulates emotional regulation strategies. Emotional intensity, arousal and valence ratings on Ekman faces displaying happiness, surprise, fear, anger, disgust, sadness and neutral expressions of 21 drug‐free patients with narcolepsy with cataplexy were compared with 23 drug‐free sex‐, age‐ and intellectual level‐matched adult patients with hypersomnia without cataplexy and 21 healthy controls. All participants underwent polysomnography recording and multiple sleep latency tests, and completed depression, anxiety and emotional regulation questionnaires. Performance of patients with narcolepsy with cataplexy did not differ from patients with hypersomnia without cataplexy or healthy controls on both intensity rating of each emotion on its prototypical label and mean ratings for valence and arousal. Moreover, patients with narcolepsy with cataplexy did not use different emotional regulation strategies. The level of depressive and anxious symptoms in narcolepsy with cataplexy did not differ from the other groups. Our results demonstrate that narcolepsy with cataplexy accurately perceives and discriminates facial emotions, and regulates emotions normally. The absence of alteration of perceived affective valence remains a major clinical interest in narcolepsy with cataplexy, and it supports the argument for optimal behaviour and social functioning in narcolepsy with cataplexy.
Low‐grade albuminuria in children with obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Varlami Vasiliki , Malakasioti Georgia , Alexopoulos Emmanouel I. , Theologi Vasiliki , Theophanous Eleni , Liakos Nikolaos , Daskalopoulou Euphemia , Gourgoulianis Konstantinos , Kaditis Athanasios G.
Published: December 2012

Small urinary protein loss (low‐grade albuminuria or microalbuminuria) may reflect altered permeability of the glomerular filtration barrier. In the present study, it was hypothesized that children with obstructive sleep apnea have an increased risk of microalbuminuria compared with control subjects without sleep‐disordered breathing. Albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio was measured in morning spot urine specimens collected from consecutive children with or without snoring who were referred for polysomnography. Three groups were studied: (i) control subjects (no snoring, apnea–hypopnea index < 1 episode h−1; n = 31); (ii) mild obstructive sleep apnea (snoring, apnea–hypopnea index = 1–5 episodes h−1; n = 71); and (iii) moderate‐to‐severe obstructive sleep apnea (snoring, apnea–hypopnea index > 5 episodes∙h−1; n = 27). Indications for polysomnography in control subjects included nightmares, somnambulism and morning headaches. An albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio > median value in the control group (1.85 mg of albumin per g of creatinine) was defined as elevated. Logistic regression analysis revealed that children with moderate‐to‐severe obstructive sleep apnea, but not those with mild obstructive sleep apnea, had increased risk of elevated albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio relative to controls (reference) after adjustment for age, gender and presence of obesity: odds ratio 3.8 (95% confidence interval 1.1–12.6); P = 0.04 and 1.5 (0.6–3.7); P > 0.05, respectively. Oxygen desaturation of hemoglobin and respiratory arousal indices were significant predictors of albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (r = 0.31, P = 0.01; and r = 0.43, P < 0.01, respectively). In conclusion, children with moderate‐to‐severe obstructive sleep apnea are at significantly higher risk of increased low‐grade excretion of albumin in the morning urine as compared with control subjects without obstructive sleep apnea. These findings may reflect altered permeability of the glomerular filtration barrier related to nocturnal hypoxemia and sympathetic activation which are induced by obstructive sleep apnea.
Lack of unique neuropathology in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis associated with p.K54E angiogenin (ANG) mutation
Authors: Kirby J. , Highley J. R. , Cox L. , Goodall E. F. , Hewitt C. , Hartley J. A. , Hollinger H. C. , Fox M. , Ince P. G. , McDermott C. J. , Shaw P. J.
Published: December 2012

Aims

Five to 10% of cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are familial, with the most common genetic causes being mutations in the C9ORF72, SOD1, TARDBP and FUS genes. Mutations in the angiogenin gene, ANG, have been identified in both familial and sporadic patients in several populations within Europe and North America. The aim of this study was to establish the incidence of ANG mutations in a large cohort of 517 patients from Northern England and establish the neuropathology associated with these cases.

Methods

The single exon ANG gene was amplified, sequenced and analysed for mutations. Pathological examination of brain, spinal cord and skeletal muscle included conventional histology and immunohistochemistry.

Results

Mutation screening identified a single sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis case with a p.K54E mutation, which is absent from 278 neurologically normal control samples. The clinical presentation was of limb onset amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, with rapid disease progression and no evidence of cognitive impairment. Neuropathological examination established the presence of characteristic ubiquitinated and TDP‐43‐positive neuronal and glial inclusions, but no abnormality in the distribution of angiogenin protein.

Discussion

There is only one previous report describing the neuropathology in a single case with a p.K17I ANG mutation which highlighted the presence of eosinophilic neuronal intranuclear inclusions in the hippocampus. The absence of this feature in the present case indicates that patients with ANG mutations do not always have pathological changes distinguishable from those of sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Prescription Patterns of Pain Medicine Physicians
Authors: Benzon Honorio T. , Kendall Mark C. , Katz Jeffrey A. , Benzon Hubert A. , Malik Khalid , Cox Paul , Dean Kathryn , Avram Michael J.
Published: December 2012

Objectives

Our study surveyed physician members of 3 American pain societies to determine prescription patterns and whether these practices reflect current expert opinion.

Methods

We sent 3 mailings to 2938 physicians from January 2010 to January 2011. The questionnaire contained 49 questions on topics related to opioids, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and preferences for the different pain syndromes.

Results

A total of 474 physicians responded, representing a 16% return. Seventy‐two percent ask patients to sign an opioid agreement, 59% order random urine drug testing, 13% wait until the dose of methadone is between 100 and 150 mg before converting the drug to another opioid, and 85% do not think there is a maximum dose of opioids with respect to driving. Most responders prescribe codeine to Caucasians and Asians. While 42% stated that the maximum daily dose of acetaminophen is 3000 mg, 75% would decrease the dose in patients who are moderate or heavy drinkers. Fifty‐four percent do not order an ECG at all when prescribing tricyclic antidepressants.

Conclusions

The responses pertaining to opioid agreements, urine drug testing, acetaminophen, and treatment for neuropathic pain are reassuring in that they prevent misuse and abuse of opioids, prevent acetaminophen‐induced hepatotoxicity, and reflect evidence‐based treatments. However, we identified gaps in knowledge, including the prescription of codeine in certain populations and the use of electrocardiogram in patients on antidepressants. Further education of physicians who treat chronic pain pharmacologically is warranted.
Clinical effectiveness of early treatment with hyperbaric oxygen therapy for severe late‐onset hemorrhagic cystitis after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in pediatric patients
Authors: Zama Daniele , Masetti Riccardo , Vendemini Francesca , Di Donato Ferruccio , Morelli Alessandra , Prete Arcangelo , Pession Andrea
Published: December 2012

HC is a possible cause of morbidity and extended hospitalization after HSCT. Recent studies have reported the efficiency of HOT in adult patients who underwent allogeneic HSCT, but data in children are scarce. We report our single center experience with HOT in late‐onset HC after HSCT. Treatment with HOT consisted of daily sessions of breathing 100% O2 for a total of 75 min in the hyperbaric chamber with a minimum of eight sessions. HOT had been associated with a concomitant treatment with oral oxybutynin, hyperhydration and/or irrigation of the bladder through the catheter. Cidofovir had been administered based on the demonstration of viral infection. Between 2004 and 2011, 10 patients developed severe HC after a median of 26 days after HSCT. HOT was started after a median of six days since the clinical diagnosis of HC. After a median of 10 sessions of HOT, seven of 10 patients were in complete remission. HOT is a well‐tolerated procedure also in the pediatric setting. The early start of HOT might be effective in the treatment of HC offering advantages in terms of duration of symptoms and hospitalization.
Using Parent Questionnaires to Assess Neurodevelopment in Former Preterm Infants: A Validation Study
Authors: Belfort Mandy B. , Santo Eilann , McCormick Marie C.
Published: December 2012

Background

Former preterm and very low birthweight infants require close neurodevelopmental surveillance after hospital discharge, but in‐person professional testing is resource‐intensive and inconvenient for families. A standardised developmental questionnaire completed by parents offers an alternative to in‐person testing, but few such questionnaires have been validated. Our aim was to validate theMotor andSocialDevelopment (MSD) scale in a sample of former preterm infants.

Methods

We studied 321 visits to a neonatal follow‐up clinic. Parents completed theMSD, which measures cognitive, motor and social abilities. Psychologists and physical therapists administered theBayleyScales ofInfantDevelopment, 3rd edition (Bayley‐III) cognitive and motor scales.

Results

The median (range) gestational age was 28 (23, 34) weeks and birthweight 980 (400, 2700) g. Corrected age at study participation ranged 5–35 months. The mean (standard deviation)Bayley‐IIImotor score was 94 (16), cognitive 98 (16) andMSD91 (18). Internal consistency of theMSDwas moderate to high (Cronbach alpha of 0.65 to 0.88). TheMSDwas moderately correlated with theBayley‐IIImotor (Pearsonr = 0.49,P < 0.001) and cognitive (r = 0.45,P < 0.001) scales. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.88 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81, 0.95] for theMSDto detect a lowBayley‐IIImotor score (<70), and 0.88 [95%CI0.82, 0.95] for a low cognitive score, indicating good discrimination.

Conclusions

TheMSDhas good internal and concurrent validity, and may be useful for neurodevelopmental assessment of former preterm and very low birthweight infants in clinical and research settings.
Relational republican regulation
Authors: Braithwaite John
Published: December 2012

This response refutes point (i) in the Ayres comment's abstract. It argues that at its heart responsive regulation is about seeking strategies that will render regulation more relational when it counts. This is possible even in domains like tax compliance where 99 per cent of the routine regulatory action occurs without face‐to‐face encounter. A number of critiques in the special issue are embraced. While practitioners who reject civic republican values can learn from the responsive regulation literature, regulation conduces to tyranny if it is not explicit in a value commitment to reducing domination in the world. Concern that the republican elements of the argument have been insufficiently prominent in subsequent writing of the authors is therefore embraced. Freedom as non‐domination requires a transnational regulatory vision for strategies with transnational leverage that reduce domination globally, not just nationally. A paradox advanced is that the largest regulatory errors of recent history on the global stage are best corrected by micro relational strategies invented with a global imagination for crafting micro–macro linkages.
Reply
Authors: Castro‐Añón Olalla , Golpe Rafael , Pérez‐de‐Llano Luis A.
Published: December 2012

See correspondence, page 385
Impact of aspiration pneumonia in patients with community‐acquired pneumonia and healthcare‐associated pneumonia: A multicenter retrospective cohort study
Authors: Komiya Kosaku , Ishii Hiroshi , Umeki Kenji , Mizunoe Shunji , Okada Fumito , Johkoh Takeshi , Kadota Jun‐ichi
Published: December 2012

Background and objective

Aspiration pneumonia is one of the common presentations of community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) and healthcare‐associated pneumonia (HCAP). However, its significance has not yet been fully evaluated due to the difficulties associated with the diagnosis of this condition. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of objectively defined aspiration pneumonia on patients' prognosis with CAP and HCAP.

Methods

This is a multicenter retrospective cohort study consisting of 417 CAP and 220 HCAP patients. We defined aspiration pneumonia as having both risk factors for aspiration (dysphagia due to a neurological disorder, or disturbance of consciousness) and evidence of gravity‐dependent opacity on chest computed tomography (CT). The prognostic factors for 30‐day mortality were analysed.

Results

One hundred sixteen (18%) patients met the definition of aspiration pneumonia, 72 (11%) patients had risks for aspiration alone, 129 (20%) patients had CT findings consistent with aspiration alone, and 320 (50%) patients had neither. Patients diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia had a significantly worse survival than those with risk factors alone (P = 0.001), CT findings of aspiration alone (P = 0.009) and neither (P < 0.001). A multivariate analysis indicated that aspiration pneumonia was independently associated with increased 30‐day mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 5.690, P < 0.001) after adjusting for other variables, including the category of pneumonia, performance status, the severity score (CURB‐65) and treatment failure due to resistant pathogens.

Conclusion

Aspiration pneumonia may be a significant predictor of mortality among CAP and HCAP patients. Therefore, the concept of aspiration pneumonia should be considered in the guidelines for these types of pneumonia.
Defective chloroplast development inhibits maintenance of normal levels of abscisic acid in a mutant of the Arabidopsis RH3 DEAD‐box protein during early post‐germination growth
Authors: Lee Kwang‐Hee , Park Jiyoung , Williams Donna S. , Xiong Yuqing , Hwang Inhwan , Kang Byung‐Ho
Published: December 2012

The plastid has its own translation system, and its ribosomes are assembled through a complex process in which rRNA precursors are processed and ribosomal proteins are inserted into the rRNA backbone. DEAD‐box proteins have been shown to play roles in multiple steps in ribosome biogenesis. To investigate the cellular and physiological roles of an Arabidopsis DEAD‐box protein, RH3, we examined its expression and localization and the phenotypes of rh3–4, a T–DNA insertion mutant allele of RH3. The promoter activity of RH3 is strongest in the greening tissues of 3‐day and 1‐week‐old seedlings but reduced afterwards. Cotyledons were pale and seedling growth was retarded in the mutant. The most obvious abnormality in the mutant chloroplasts was their lack of normal ribosomes. Electron tomography analysis indicated that ribosome density in the 3‐day‐old mutant chloroplasts is only 20% that of wild‐type chloroplasts, and the ribosomes in the mutant are smaller. These chloroplast defects in rh3–4 were alleviated in 2‐week‐old cotyledons and true leaves. Interestingly, rh3–4 seedlings have lower amounts of abscisic acid prior to recovery of their chloroplasts, and were more sensitive to abiotic stresses. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that nuclear genes for chloroplast proteins are down‐regulated, and proteins mediating chloroplast‐localized steps of abscisic acid biosynthesis are expressed to a lower extent in 1‐week‐old rh3–4 seedlings. Taken together, these results suggest that conversion of eoplasts into chloroplasts in young seedlings is critical for the seedlings to start carbon fixation as well as for maintenance of abscisic acid levels for responding to environmental challenges.
Changes in phytoplankton composition in a Mediterranean coastal lagoon in the Cullera Estany (Comunitat Valenciana, Spain)
Authors: Pachés Maria , Romero Inmaculada , Martínez‐Guijarro Remedios , Martí Carmen M. , Ferrer José
Published: December 2012

The Cullera Estany is a coastal lagoon located in a highly intensified agriculture and tourist area in Valencia. This coastal lagoon has connections with the sea that produce marine intrusion and generate a freshwater interface. Four sampling campaigns were carried out during 2010 in order to analyse the phytoplankton composition and its relation to nutrient content through a Redundancy Analysis. Temperature, dissolved oxygen, nitrite and salinity are the main factors controlling the dynamics of phytoplankton community. During July and October, there is water column stratification; meanwhile in March, there is a well‐mixed water column. In addition, in May and July campaigns, hypoxia/anoxia conditions are detected at the bottom. The most abundant phytoplankton groups are Diatoms and Cryptophyceae. Diatoms and Cyanophyceae respond positively to temperature while Cryptophyceae, Prasinophyceae and Dinophyceae respond to high salinity and dissolved oxygen values. Furthermore, picoplankton is correlated inversely with nutrient concentrations.
Power Scavenging and Optical Absorbance Analysis of Photosynthetically Active Protoplasts
Authors: Shahid Ahmed , Ilyas Azhar , Obulareddy Nisita , Melotto Maeli , Jin Michael H.-C. , Iqbal Samir M.
Published: December 2012

Plants and photosynthetic bacteria hold protein molecular complexes that can efficiently harvest photons. This article presents fundamental studies to harness photochemical activities of photosynthetically active protoplast extracted from Arabidopsis plants. The conversion of photonic energy into electrical energy was characterized in the presence and absence of light. The photoinduced reactions of photosynthesis were measured using a patch clamp measurement system at a constant voltage. The optical characterization was also performed on the extracted protoplast. It showed absorption bands at a number of wavelengths. The current–voltage measurements done on protoplast extracts showed two orders of magnitude increase in current from dark to light conditions. The absorbance measurements showed very large bandwidth for extracted protoplasts. The analysis of the optical data measurements showed that protein complexes obtained from photosynthetic cells overcame the limitation of traditional organic solar cells that cannot absorb light in the visible-near infrared spectrum. The demonstration of electrical power scavenging from the protoplast of the plant can open avenues for bio–inspired and bio-derived power with better quantum electrical efficiency.
Model Development of Torsional Drillstring and Investigating Parametrically the Stick-Slips Influencing Factors
Authors: Arjun Patil Parimal , Teodoriu Catalin
Published: December 2012

Drillstring vibration is one of the limiting factors maximizing drilling performance. Torsional vibrations/oscillations while drilling is one of the sever types of drillstring vibration which deteriorates the overall drilling performance, causing damaged bit, failure of bottom-hole assembly, overtorqued tool joints, torsional fatigue of drillstring, etc. It has been identified that the wellbore-drillstring interaction and well face-drill bit interaction are the sources of excitation of torsional oscillations. Predrilling analysis and real time analysis of drillstring dynamics is becoming a necessity for drilling oil/gas or geothermal wells in order to optimize surface drilling parameters and to reduce vibration related problems. It is very challenging to derive the drillstring model considering all modes of vibrations together due to the complexity of the phenomenon. This paper presents the mathematical model of a torsional drillstring based on nonlinear differential equations which are formulated considering drillpipes and bottom-hole assembly separately. The bit–rock interaction is represented by a nonlinear friction forces. Parametric study has been carried out analyzing the influence of drilling parameters such as surface rotations per minute (RPM) and weight-on-bit (WOB) on torsional oscillations. Influences of properties of drillstring like stiffness and inertia, which are most of the times either unknown or insufficiently studied during modeling, on torsional oscillation/stick-slip is also studied. The influences of different rock strength on rate of penetration (ROP) considering the drilling parameters have also been studied. The results show the same trend as observed in fields.
Efficient Global Surrogate Modeling for Reliability-Based Design Optimization
Authors: Bichon Barron J. , Eldred Michael S. , Mahadevan Sankaran , McFarland John M.
Published: December 2012

Determining the optimal (lightest, least expensive, etc.) design for an engineered component or system that meets or exceeds a specified level of reliability is a problem of obvious interest across a wide spectrum of engineering fields. Various formulations and methods for solving this reliability-based design optimization problem have been proposed, but they typically involve accepting a tradeoff between accuracy and efficiency in the reliability analysis. This paper investigates the use of the efficient global optimization and efficient global reliability analysis methods to construct surrogate models at both the design optimization and reliability analysis levels to create methods that are more efficient than existing methods without sacrificing accuracy. Several formulations are proposed and compared through a series of test problems.
Market Positioning of Remanufactured Products With Optimal Planning for Part Upgrades
Authors: Kwak Minjung , Kim Harrison
Published: December 2012

In a market with rapid changes in technology and customer preferences, technological obsolescence of end-of-life products poses a significant challenge to product recovery. Remanufacturing with optimal part upgrades can be a promising solution for overcoming the obsolescence. This paper proposes a model for positioning a remanufactured product. By considering original product design, target market (i.e., customer preferences and competing products), and recovery economics, the model helps to find optimal specifications and the selling price of a remanufactured product at which maximum remanufacturing profit is expected. Two versions of the model are presented under different assumptions on product takeback. The first model assumes that the remanufacturer passively accepts all returns without paying any financial incentives. The second model assumes that the remanufacturer buys back end-of-life products so as to control the quality and quantity of returns. The two models are illustrated with the example of a desktop computer.
Methodology for functional MRI of simulated driving
Authors: Kan Karen , Schweizer Tom A. , Tam Fred , Graham Simon J.
Published: December 2012

Purpose:

The developed world faces major socioeconomic and medical challenges associated with motor vehicle accidents caused by risky driving. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of individuals using virtual reality driving simulators may provide an important research tool to assess driving safety, based on brain activity and behavior.

Methods:

A fMRI‐compatible driving simulator was developed and evaluated in the context of straight driving, turning, and stopping in 16 young healthy adults.

Results:

Robust maps of brain activity were obtained, including activation of the primary motor cortex, cerebellum, visual cortex, and parietal lobe, with limited head motion (<1.5 mm deviation from mean head position in the superior/inferior direction in all subjects) and only minor correlations between head motion, steering, or braking behavior.

Conclusions:

These results are consistent with previous literature and suggest that with care, fMRI of simulated driving is a feasible undertaking.
Technical Note: Contrast solution density and cross section errors in inhomogeneity‐corrected dose calculation for breast balloon brachytherapy
Authors: Kim Leonard H. , Zhang Miao , Howell Roger W. , Yue Ning J. , Khan Atif J.
Published: December 2012

Purpose:

Recent recommendations by the American Association of Physicists in Medicine Task Group 186 emphasize the importance of understanding material properties and their effect on inhomogeneity‐corrected dose calculation for brachytherapy. Radiographic contrast is normally injected into breast brachytherapy balloons. In this study, the authors independently estimate properties of contrast solution that were expected to be incorrectly specified in a commercial brachytherapy dose calculation algorithm.

Methods:

The mass density and atomic weight fractions of a clinical formulation of radiographic contrast solution were determined using manufacturers’ data. The mass density was verified through measurement and compared with the density obtained by the treatment planning system's CT calibration. The atomic weight fractions were used to determine the photon interaction cross section of the contrast solution for a commercial high‐dose‐rate (HDR) brachytherapy source and compared with that of muscle.

Results:

The density of contrast solution was 10% less than that obtained from the CT calibration. The cross section of the contrast solution for the HDR source was 1.2% greater than that of muscle. Both errors could be addressed by overriding the density of the contrast solution in the treatment planning system.

Conclusions:

The authors estimate the error in mass density and cross section parameters used by a commercial brachytherapy dose calculation algorithm for radiographic contrast used in a clinical breast brachytherapy practice. This approach is adaptable to other clinics seeking to evaluate dose calculation errors and determine appropriate density override values if desired.
Ser
1292
Autophosphorylation Is an Indicator of LRRK2 Kinase Activity and Contributes to the Cellular Effects of PD Mutations
Authors: Sheng Zejuan , Zhang Shuo , Bustos Daisy , Kleinheinz Tracy , Le Pichon Claire E. , Dominguez Sara L. , Solanoy Hilda O. , Drummond Jason , Zhang Xiaolin , Ding Xiao , Cai Fang , Song Qinghua , Li Xianting , Yue Zhenyu , van der Brug Marcel P. , Burdick Daniel J. , Gunzner-Toste Janet , Chen Huifen , Liu Xingrong , Estrada Anthony A. , Sweeney Zachary K. , Scearce-Levie Kimberly , Moffat John G. , Kirkpatrick Donald S. , Zhu Haitao
Published: December 2012

LRRK2 autophosphorylation on Ser
1292
may be a useful indicator of kinase activity, providing a readout for screening candidate LRRK2 inhibitors.
Pluripotent Stem Cells: Immune to the Immune System?
Authors: Pearl Jeremy I. , Kean Leslie S. , Davis Mark M. , Wu Joseph C.
Published: December 2012

Understanding the immunogenic properties of embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells will inform the immunosuppressive requirements for successful cell therapy.
Crp Is a Global Regulator of Antibiotic Production in
Streptomyces
Authors: Gao Chan , Hindra  , Mulder David , Yin Charles , Elliot Marie A.
Published: December 2012

Cyclic AMP receptor protein (Crp) is a transcription regulator controlling diverse cellular processes in many bacteria. In
Streptomyces coelicolor
, it is well established that Crp plays a critical role in spore germination and colony development. Here, we demonstrate that Crp is a key regulator of secondary metabolism and antibiotic production in
S. coelicolor
and show that it may additionally coordinate precursor flux from primary to secondary metabolism. We found that
crp
deletion adversely affected the synthesis of three well-characterized antibiotics in
S. coelicolor
: actinorhodin (Act), undecylprodigiosin (Red), and calcium-dependent antibiotic (CDA). Using chromatin immunoprecipitation-microarray (ChIP-chip) assays, we determined that eight (out of 22) secondary metabolic clusters encoded by
S. coelicolor
contained Crp-associated sites. We followed the effect of Crp induction using transcription profiling analyses and found secondary metabolic genes to be significantly affected: included in this Crp-dependent group were genes from six of the clusters identified in the ChIP-chip experiments. Overexpressing Crp in a panel of
Streptomyces
species led to enhanced antibiotic synthesis and new metabolite production, suggesting that Crp control over secondary metabolism is broadly conserved in the streptomycetes and that Crp overexpression could serve as a powerful tool for unlocking the chemical potential of these organisms.

IMPORTANCE
Streptomyces
produces a remarkably diverse array of secondary metabolites, including many antibiotics. In recent years, genome sequencing has revealed that these products represent only a small proportion of the total secondary metabolite potential of
Streptomyces
. There is, therefore, considerable interest in discovering ways to stimulate the production of new metabolites. Here, we show that Crp (the classical regulator of carbon catabolite repression in
Escherichia coli
) is a master regulator of secondary metabolism in
Streptomyces
. It binds to eight of 22 secondary metabolic gene clusters in the
Streptomyces coelicolor
genome and directly affects the expression of six of these. Deletion of
crp
in
S. coelicolor
leads to dramatic reductions in antibiotic levels, while Crp overexpression enhances antibiotic production. We find that the antibiotic-stimulatory capacity of Crp extends to other streptomycetes, where its overexpression activates the production of “cryptic” metabolites that are not otherwise seen in the corresponding wild-type strain.
Emerging Infectious Diseases in 2012: 20 Years after the Institute of Medicine Report
Authors: Morens David M. , Fauci Anthony S.
Published: December 2012

Twenty years ago (1992), a landmark Institute of Medicine report entitled “Emerging Infections: Microbial Threats to Health in the United States” underscored the important but often underappreciated concept of emerging infectious diseases (EIDs). A review of the progress made and setbacks experienced over the past 2 decades suggests that even though many new diseases have emerged, such as SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) and the 2009 pandemic influenza, significant advances have occurred in EID control, prevention, and treatment. Among many elements of the increase in the capacity to control EIDs are genomics-associated advances in microbial detection and treatment, improved disease surveillance, and greater awareness of EIDs and the complicated variables that underlie emergence. In looking back over the past 20 years, it is apparent that we are in a time of great change in which both the challenge of EIDs and our responses to them are being transformed. Recent advances support guarded optimism that further breakthroughs lie ahead.
Deconstruction of Lignocellulose into Soluble Sugars by Native and Designer Cellulosomes
Authors: Moraïs Sarah , Morag Ely , Barak Yoav , Goldman Dan , Hadar Yitzhak , Lamed Raphael , Shoham Yuval , Wilson David B. , Bayer Edward A.
Published: December 2012

Lignocellulosic biomass, the most abundant polymer on Earth, is typically composed of three major constituents: cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. The crystallinity of cellulose, hydrophobicity of lignin, and encapsulation of cellulose by the lignin-hemicellulose matrix are three major factors that contribute to the observed recalcitrance of lignocellulose. By means of designer cellulosome technology, we can overcome the recalcitrant properties of lignocellulosic substrates and thus increase the level of native enzymatic degradation. In this context, we have integrated six dockerin-bearing cellulases and xylanases from the highly cellulolytic bacterium,
Thermobifida fusca
, into a chimeric scaffoldin engineered to bear a cellulose-binding module and the appropriate matching cohesin modules. The resultant hexavalent designer cellulosome represents the most elaborate artificial enzyme composite yet constructed, and the fully functional complex achieved enhanced levels (up to 1.6-fold) of degradation of untreated wheat straw compared to those of the wild-type free enzymes. The action of these designer cellulosomes on wheat straw was 33 to 42% as efficient as the natural cellulosomes of
Clostridium thermocellum
. In contrast, the reduction of substrate complexity by chemical or biological pretreatment of the substrate removed the advantage of the designer cellulosomes, as the free enzymes displayed higher levels of activity, indicating that enzyme proximity between these selected enzymes was less significant on pretreated substrates. Pretreatment of the substrate caused an increase in activity for all the systems, and the native cellulosome completely converted the substrate into soluble saccharides.

IMPORTANCE
Cellulosic biomass is a potential alternative resource which could satisfy future demands of transportation fuel. However, overcoming the natural lignocellulose recalcitrance remains challenging. Current research and development efforts have concentrated on the efficient cellulose-degrading strategies of cellulosome-producing anaerobic bacteria. Cellulosomes are multienzyme complexes capable of converting the plant cell wall polysaccharides into soluble sugar products en route to biofuels as an alternative to fossil fuels. Using a designer cellulosome approach, we have constructed the largest form of homogeneous artificial cellulosomes reported to date, which bear a total of six different cellulases and xylanases from the highly cellulolytic bacterium
Thermobifida fusca
. These designer cellulosomes were comparable in size to natural cellulosomes and displayed enhanced synergistic activities compared to their free wild-type enzyme counterparts. Future efforts should be invested to improve these processes to approach or surpass the efficiency of natural cellulosomes for cost-effective production of biofuels.
Antiphospholipid syndrome presenting as pulmonary thrombosis and pancreatitis in a young man
Authors: Phatak Sanat , Redkar Neelam , Patil Meenakshi Amit , Karnik Niteen D
Published: December 2012

The antiphospholipid syndrome and protein-S deficiency are known prothrombotic conditions. The confirmation of the latter in a patient with a recent antiphospholipid syndrome-associated thrombosis may be difficult as protein-S levels are low in a patient in the wake of recent thrombosis, antiphospholipid antibodies themselves may be targeted against protein-S and oral anticoagulation with warfarin may further bring down protein-S levels. We report a case of a 29-year-old man presenting with widespread unprovoked thrombosis in the form of pulmonary thromboembolism, neck vein thrombosis and pancreatitis. He was found to have antiphospholipid syndrome with low protein-S levels on two occasions. He was anticoagulated with heparin and improved over a 24-day hospital stay marred by the development of an exudative pleural effusion.
All that wheezes is not asthma: a 6-year-old with foreign body aspiration and no suggestive history
Authors: Maguire Amy , Gopalakaje Saikiran , Eastham Katherine
Published: December 2012

The authors report the case of a 6-year-old girl, presenting with a 4-month history of wheeze associated with barking cough which frequently became wet requiring antibiotics. Her care was transferred to a paediatrician with specialist interest in paediatric respiratory medicine when she had continued symptoms despite bronchodilators and oral steroids for suspected asthma. Spirometry showed a forced expiratory volume 1 of 79% with no evidence of reversibility. The child was investigated for chronic wet cough. Immunoglobulins, sweat test and chest x-ray were all normal. There was no history suggestive of foreign body aspiration (FBA). Tracheomalacia was considered in view of the nature of the cough. The recurrence of an unusual inspiratory noise prompted referral for bronchoscopy. A small piece of plastic tube was removed from the bronchus intermedius. All symptoms resolved. The importance of clinical assessment to ascertain ‘wheeze’ when acutely unwell is emphasised. Current literature concerning FBA is reviewed.
Bone marrow fibrosis and metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma
Authors: Mangaonkar Abhishek Avinash , Gupta Hemant R , Bera Bhavin M , Barmare Shahid
Published: December 2012

A 52-year-old man presented to the outpatient department with breathlessness and generalised weakness since 2 months. He was found to have anaemia and thrombocytopenia. A complete haematological workup failed to point towards a definite aetiology. Bone marrow biopsy revealed fibrosis with predominantly collagen fibres. An elevated prostate-specific antigen level and CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis suggested prostate carcinoma, which prompted a transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy, revealing a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the prostate.
Phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation after inadvertent intracapsular injection of intravitreal dexamethasone implant
Authors: Ram Jagat , Agarwal Aniruddha Kishandutt , Gupta Adit , Gupta Amod
Published: December 2012

In this interventional case series, two eyes of two patients with diabetic macular oedema and one eye of a patient with complicated cataract secondary to uveitis associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis had inadvertent injection of dexamethasone implant into the capsular bag. This was followed by successful completion of phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. At 1-year follow-up, all patients maintained visual acuity of ≥20/40 with absence of macular oedema.
Umbilical incision laparoscopic surgery with one assist port for an elderly patient with recurrent sigmoid volvulus
Authors: Matsuoka Tasuku , Osawa Naoshi , Yoh Taiho , Hirakawa Kosei
Published: December 2012

Single-port access laparoscopic surgery has recently emerged as a method to improve morbidity and cosmetic benefit of conventional laparoscopic surgery. Herein, we report the experience of transumbilical incision laparoscopic sigmoidectomy with one assist port in a 71-year-old man who had developed recurrent sigmoid volvulus in these several years since his first visit to the hospital. The patient presented abdominal distension and severe constipation. A plain x-ray film and CT of the abdomen showed grossly distended sigmoid colon loops and stenosis of recto-sigmoid colon. Sigmoid volvulus associated with megacolon was diagnosed and emergence endoscopic decompression was performed. After his condition improved, transumbilical incision laparoscopic sigmoidectomy was carried out as the minimally invasive approach, due to the several risk of patient such as aging and pulmonary disorder. Postoperative course was uneventful and on postoperative visit to the hospital he reported resolution of abdominal distension.
Planning the diffusion of a neck-injury prevention programme among community rugby union coaches
Authors: Donaldson Alex , Poulos Roslyn G
Published: December 2012

Background

This paper describes the development of a theory-informed and evidence-informed, context-specific diffusion plan for the Mayday Safety Procedure (MSP) among community rugby coaches in regional New South Wales, Australia.

Methods

Step 5 of Intervention Mapping was used to plan strategies to enhance MSP adoption and implementation.

Results

Coaches were identified as the primary MSP adopters and implementers within a system including administrators, players and referees. A local advisory group was established to ensure context relevance. Performance objectives (eg, attend MSP training for coaches) and determinants of adoption and implementation behaviour (eg, knowledge, beliefs, skills and environment) were identified, informed by Social Cognitive Theory. Adoption and implementation matrices were developed and change-objectives for coaches were identified (eg, skills to deliver MSP training to players). Finally, intervention methods and specific strategies (eg, coach education, social marketing and policy and by-law development) were identified based on advisory group member experience, evidence of effective coach safety behaviour-change interventions and Diffusion of Innovations theory.

Conclusions

This is the first published example of a systematic approach to plan injury prevention programme diffusion in community sports. The key strengths of this approach were an effective researcher–practitioner partnership; actively engaging local sports administrators; targeting specific behaviour determinants, informed by theory and evidence; and taking context-related practical strengths and constraints into consideration. The major challenges were the time involved in using a systematic diffusion planning approach for the first time; and finding a planning language that was acceptable and meaningful to researchers and practitioners.