bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rate of Conversion from Prodromal Alzheimer's Disease to Alzheimer's Dementia: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Ward Alex , Tardiff Sarah , Dye Catherine , Arrighi H. Michael
Published: September 2013

Background: The purpose of this study was to summarize published estimates for conversion from mild cognitive impairment or amnestic mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's dementia. We carried out a systematic review of English language publications to identify cohort studies published since January 2006 that reported the risk or rate of conversion. Summary: Thirty-two cohort studies were identified, of which 14 reported annualized conversion rates (ACRs). Conversions over 1 year ranged from 10.2 to 33.6% (5 studies, median: 19.0%), and over 2 years from 9.8 to 36.3% (7 studies, median: 18.6%). ACRs ranged from 7.5 to 16.5% (7 studies, median: 11.0%) per person-year for studies recruiting from clinics, and from 5.4 to 11.5% (7 studies, median: 7.1%) for community samples. Key Message: Extensive variation was observed in conversion rates due to the population sampled, diagnostic criteria, and duration, and because many studies did not account for loss to follow-up.
Degree of Specialisation of the Surgeon Influences Lymph Node Yield after Right-Sided Hemicolectomy
Authors: Brännström F. , Jestin P. , Matthiessen P. , Gunnarsson U.
Published: September 2013

Aim: To investigate the degree to which specialisation or case-load of the surgeon is associated with the number of lymph nodes isolated from pathology specimens after right-sided hemicolectomy. Method: Data from 6 hospitals with well-defined catchment areas included in the Uppsala/Örebro Regional Oncology Centre Colon Cancer Register 1997-2006 were used to assess 821 patients undergoing right-sided hemicolectomy for stages I-III colon cancer. Factors influencing the lymph node yield were evaluated. Results: A surgeon with colorectal accreditation and a university pathology department were both associated with a significantly higher proportion of patients having 12 or more lymph nodes isolated from surgical specimens after right-sided hemicolectomy in both unadjusted and multivariate analyses. Emergency surgery did not affect the lymph node yield. Conclusion: The degree of specialisation of the surgeon influences the number of lymph nodes isolated from specimens obtained during routine right-sided colon cancer surgery.
Massacres and Media Representations
Authors: Dutta Nandana
Published: September 2013

This article examines the cultural politics of representations of violence in Assam. It shows how the 1983 coverage of the Nellie massacre provides the framework for all media coverage, and the media, along with the region, are both ‘identified’ in terms of violent representations. It looks at the depiction of massacres in the North-East (NE) of India in the media and suggests that both media and region are affected by this process. From the first visuals of Nellie featured in India Today in 1983 to the recent carnage in the Kokrajhar region reported widely in both print and visual media, the consolidation of an interpretative frame of violence for the region as it reels under the effects of insurgent activities seems to be attributable to the media more than to any other agency. This depiction I suggest feeds into the neglect narrative that has characterized the region’s perception of treatment by ‘mainstream India’.

Studying the neglect narrative, the deployment of long-term and wider concerns and the production of a ‘representation effect’ that partially aestheticizes violence this article argues that the media is affected in its modes and rhetoric by its visual repetition of the violent incident and it also, in the process, helps to make the viewer immune and indifferent to such violence.
The “Luntzification” of the U.S. Health Care Debate
Authors: Harmon Mark D.
Published: September 2013

Pollster Frank Luntz has built a substantial global business by shifting the terminology in public policy debates to a corporate and conservative perspective. He played a substantial role in the recent U.S. health care debate, and his approaches and terminology likely will be tried again regarding health care policy in other nations. This project searched the U.S. broadcast news transcripts to discover to what extent they reflected Luntz’s list of words for opponents of health care reform. Sixteen Luntz terms were compared to a list of 16 more neutral terms describing the actual changes being considered. The Luntz words outnumbered the “descriptor” terms on Fox News, and made up a significant percentage of the terminology hits on CNN, MSNBC, and ABC, CBS, and NBC News. This content analysis adds to the growing body of work on framing, specifically how tactical use of terminology can turn a mediated debate.
Cultivating Political Incivility
Authors: York Chance
Published: September 2013

Various scholars, pundits, and journalists, along with a majority of the American public believe incivility in politics is increasing. Nevertheless, the Annenberg Public Policy Center’s (APPC) baseline measure of political incivility remains relatively flat. How can these incongruous conclusions be reconciled? This article suggests that perceptions of political incivility are a function of viewing distinct genres of television news media: “hostile” cable news versus network news. Using a content and secondary data analysis, this article demonstrates that (1) cable news outlets provide more coverage of elite political incivility than do network news outlets and that (2) cable news viewers perceive politics to be more uncivil than do network news viewers. Combined with previous research, the results suggest cable news viewers may perceive more incivility in national politics than actually exists. Theoretically, this article provides support for genre-specific media cultivation effects. Implications for cultivation theory and incivility are discussed.
Intronic Non-CG DNA hydroxymethylation and alternative mRNA splicing in honey bees
Authors: Cingolani Pablo , Cao Xiaoyi , Khetani Radhika S , Chen Chieh-Chun , Coon Melissa , Sammak Alya’a , Bollig-Fischer Aliccia , Land Susan , Huang Yun , Hudson Matthew E , Garfinkel Mark D , Zhong Sheng , Robinson Gene E , Ruden Douglas M
Published: September 2013

Background

Previous whole-genome shotgun bisulfite sequencing experiments showed that DNA cytosine methylation in the honey bee (Apis mellifera) is almost exclusively at CG dinucleotides in exons. However, the most commonly used method, bisulfite sequencing, cannot distinguish 5-methylcytosine from 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, an oxidized form of 5-methylcytosine that is catalyzed by the TET family of dioxygenases. Furthermore, some analysis software programs under-represent non-CG DNA methylation and hydryoxymethylation for a variety of reasons. Therefore, we used an unbiased analysis of bisulfite sequencing data combined with molecular and bioinformatics approaches to distinguish 5-methylcytosine from 5-hydroxymethylcytosine. By doing this, we have performed the first whole genome analyses of DNA modifications at non-CG sites in honey bees and correlated the effects of these DNA modifications on gene expression and alternative mRNA splicing.

Results

We confirmed, using unbiased analyses of whole-genome shotgun bisulfite sequencing (BS-seq) data, with both new data and published data, the previous finding that CG DNA methylation is enriched in exons in honey bees. However, we also found evidence that cytosine methylation and hydroxymethylation at non-CG sites is enriched in introns. Using antibodies against 5-hydroxmethylcytosine, we confirmed that DNA hydroxymethylation at non-CG sites is enriched in introns. Additionally, using a new technique, Pvu-seq (which employs the enzyme PvuRts1l to digest DNA at 5-hydroxymethylcytosine sites followed by next-generation DNA sequencing), we further confirmed that hydroxymethylation is enriched in introns at non-CG sites.

Conclusions

Cytosine hydroxymethylation at non-CG sites might have more functional significance than previously appreciated, and in honey bees these modifications might be related to the regulation of alternative mRNA splicing by defining the locations of the introns.
HIV and hepatitis C virus test uptake at methadone clinics in Southern China: opportunities for expanding detection of bloodborne infections
Authors: Xia Ying-Hua , Chen Wen , Tucker Joseph D , Wang Charles , Ling Li
Published: September 2013

Background

HIV and hepatitis C (HCV) co-infection is highly common among Chinese injection drug users but it is difficult to reach IDUs at traditional VCT (Voluntary HIV counseling treatment) clinics. A new national model integrating HIV/HCV testing with methadone maintenance treatment was started in 2006. The purpose of this study was to investigate HIV and HCV test uptake and associated factors at methadone clinics in Guangdong Province, China.

Methods

A cross-sectional design using routine surveillance data and laboratory testing confirmation was applied to determine rates of HIV and HCV test uptake. Multi-level modeling was used to examine individual-level and clinic-level correlates of increased test uptake.

Results

45 out of 49 methadone clinics in Guangdong Province agreed to participate in the study. Among all 13,270 individuals, 10,046 (75.7%) had HIV test uptake and 10,404 (78.4%) had HCV uptake. At the individual level, methadone clients 30 years or older were more likely to have HIV and HCV test uptake (p <0.001 for both). At the clinic level, methadone clinics with greater health care personnel were more likely to have HIV (p =0.01) and HCV (p = 0.044) test uptake. HIV test uptake significantly correlated with HCV test uptake (correlation coefficient=0.64).

Conclusion

Methadone clinics provide an opportunity for routine integrated HIV and HCV screening among drug users in China. Increased test uptake in young drug users and increased health care personnel at clinics may further improve screening.
Teleconsultation in children with abdominal pain: a comparison of physician triage recommendations and an established paediatric telephone triage protocol
Authors: Staub Gabrielle Marmier , von Overbeck Jan , Blozik Eva
Published: September 2013

Background

Quality assessment and continuous quality feedback to the staff is crucial for safety and efficiency of teleconsultation and triage. This study evaluates whether it is feasible to use an already existing telephone triage protocol to assess the appropriateness of point-of-care and time-to-treat recommendations after teleconsultations.

Methods

Based on electronic patient records, we retrospectively compared the point-of-care and time-to-treat recommendations of the paediatric telephone triage protocol with the actual recommendations of trained physicians for children with abdominal pain, following a teleconsultation.

Results

In 59 of 96 cases (61%) these recommendations were congruent with the paediatric telephone protocol. Discrepancies were either of organizational nature, due to factors such as local referral policies or gatekeeping insurance models, or of medical origin, such as milder than usual symptoms or clear diagnosis of a minor ailment.

Conclusions

A paediatric telephone triage protocol may be applicable in healthcare systems other than the one in which it has been developed, if triage rules are adapted to match the organisational aspects of the local healthcare system.
Bone-stromal cells up-regulate tumourigenic markers in a tumour-stromal 3D model of prostate cancer
Authors: Windus Louisa CE , Glover Tristan T , Avery Vicky M
Published: September 2013

Background

The cellular and molecular mechanisms that mediate interactions between tumour cells and the surrounding bone stroma are to date largely undetermined in prostate cancer (PCa) progression. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of alpha 6 and beta 1 integrin subunits in mediating tumour-stromal interactions.

Methods

Utilising 3D in vitro assays we evaluated and compared 1. Monocultures of prostate metastatic PC3, bone stromal derived HS5 and prostate epithelial RWPE-1 cells and 2. Tumour-stromal co-cultures (PC3 + HS5) to ascertain changes in cellular phenotype, function and expression of metastatic markers.

Results

In comparison to 3D monocultures of PC3 or HS5 cells, when cultured together, these cells displayed up-regulated invasive and proliferative qualities, along with altered expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal and chemokine protein constituents implicated in metastatic dissemination. When co-cultured, HS5 cells were found to re-express N-Cadherin and chemokine receptor CXCR7. Alterations in N-Cadherin expression were found to be mediated by soluble factors secreted by PC3 tumour cells, while chemokine receptor re-expression was dependent on direct cell-cell interactions. We have also shown that integrins beta 1 and alpha 6 play an integral role in maintaining cell homeostasis and mediating expression of E-Cadherin, N-Cadherin and vimentin, in addition to chemokine receptor CXCR7.

Conclusions

Collectively our results suggest that both PC3 and HS5 cells provide a “protective” and reciprocal milieu that promotes tumour growth. As such 3D co-cultures may serve as a more complex and valid biological model in the drug discovery pipeline.
A national study on nurses’ retention in healthcare facilities in underserved areas in Lebanon
Authors: El-Jardali Fadi , Alameddine Mohamad , Jamal Diana , Dimassi Hani , Dumit Nuhad Y , McEwen Mary K , Jaafar Maha , Murray Susan F
Published: September 2013

Background

Nursing shortages and maldistribution are priority issues for healthcare systems around the globe. Such imbalances are often aggravated in underserved areas, especially in developing countries. Despite the centrality of this issue, there is a dearth of studies that examine the retention of nurses in underserved areas in the Middle East Region. This study investigates the characteristic and the factors associated with the retention of nurses working in rural areas in Lebanon.

Methods

This study uses a non-experimental cross-sectional design to survey nurses working in underserved areas of Lebanon. Underserved areas in Lebanon were identified using WHO definition. A total of 103 health facilities (hospitals and primary healthcare centers) located in these areas were identified and all nurses working at these facilities received a copy of the survey questionnaire. The questionnaire included five sections: demographic, work-life, career plan, job satisfaction, and assessment of work environment. Analysis included univariate and bivariate (chi-square, Student’s t-test and ANOVA) tests to describe the respondents and examine the significance between nurses’ characteristics and their intent to stay. A logistic regression model was constructed to identify factors associated with nurses’ intent to stay in underserved areas.

Results

A total of 857 nurses from 63 Primary Healthcare (PHC) centers and hospitals responded to the questionnaire (75.5% response rate). Only 35.1% of nurses indicated their intent to stay in their current job over the coming one to three years. Surveyed nurses were most satisfied with relationship with co-workers and least satisfied with extrinsic rewards. Rural nurses working in PHC centers were more satisfied than their hospital counterparts on all aspects of work and had significantly higher intention to stay (62.5% compared to 31.5% in hospitals, P < 0.001). Regression analysis revealed that nurses less likely to report intent to stay were younger, unmarried, with less years of work experience and were not working towards a higher degree. Analysis reveals a directly proportional relationship between nurses’ reported job satisfaction and their intent to stay.

Conclusion

This study reveals poor retention of nurses in rural and underserved areas in Lebanon, especially in the hospital sector. The status quo is disquieting as it reflects an unstable and dissatisfied nursing workforce. Developing targeted retention strategies for younger nurses and those working in hospitals as well as the offering of professional development opportunities and devising an incentive scheme targeting rural nurses is pivotal to enhance nurses’ job satisfaction and retention in rural settings.
A physiologically-based flow network model for hepatic drug elimination I: regular lattice lobule model
Authors: Rezania Vahid , Marsh Rebeccah , Coombe Dennis , Tuszynski Jack
Published: September 2013

We develop a physiologically-based lattice model for the transport and metabolism of drugs in the functional unit of the liver, called the lobule. In contrast to earlier studies, we have emphasized the dominant role of convection in well-vascularized tissue with a given structure. Estimates of convective, diffusive and reaction contributions are given. We have compared drug concentration levels observed exiting the lobule with their predicted detailed distribution inside the lobule, assuming that most often the former is accessible information while the latter is not.
H9N2 avian influenza infection altered expression pattern of Sphiogosine-1-phosphate Receptor 1 in BALB/c mice
Authors: Tong Shuang , Tian Jin , Wang Heng , Huang Zhiqiang , Yu Meng , Sun Lingshuang , Liu Rongchang , Liao Ming , Ning Zhangyong
Published: September 2013

Background

The pathological damage inflicted by virulent AIV strains is often caused by inducing a positive feedback loop of cytokines in immune cells that cause excessive inflammation. Previous research has shown that a G protein-coupled receptor, sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1), plays a crucial role in the development of excessive inflammation in influenza virus infection (Cell 146:861–862, 2011; Cell 146:980–991, 2011). BALB/c mice are common laboratory animals used in research of influenza virus; however the effects of influenza infections on expression patterns of S1PR1 in mice are unknown.

Methods

We investigated the expression patterns of S1PR1 in normal BALB/c mice and those infected by two distinct H9N2 AIV strains, one (A/chicken/Guangdong/V/2008,V) highly pathogenic, and the other (A/chicken/Guangdong/Ts/2004,Ts), non-pathogenic in mice, using quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to detect S1PR1 mRNA and protein, respectively.

Results

S1PR1 mRNA was ubiquitously expressed in all the tissues examined, and significant differences were seen in mRNA expression between infected Ts, V and control mice in detected tissues, heart, liver, spleen, kidney and brain. S1PR1 protein was expressed in the cytoplasm and also demonstrated quantitative changes in expression in the various tissues between mice infected with the two strains of AIV.

Conclusions

Our results provided the first look at differences in S1PR1 expression patterns in BALB/c mice infected by non-pathogenic and highly pathogenic H9N2 influenza viruses. This information will not only be helpful in designing experiments to better understand the role of S1PR1 in virus-host interactions but also in developing novel anti-influenza agents to minimize the mortality and morbidity associated with highly virulent strains in avian and human populations.
A case of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with an unreported combination of chromosomal abnormalities: gain of isochromosome 5p, tetrasomy 8 and unbalanced translocation der(19)t(17;19)(q23;p13)
Authors: Paar Christian , Herber Gabriele , Voskova Daniela , Fridrik Michael , Stekel Herbert , Berg Jörg
Published: September 2013

Background

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) comprises a spectrum of myeloid malignancies which are often associated with distinct chromosomal abnormalities, and the analysis of such abnormalities provides us with important information for disease classification, treatment selection and prognosis. Some chromosomal abnormalities albeit recurrent are rare such as tetrasomy 8 or isochromosome 5p. In addition, erratic chromosomal rearrangements may occur in AML, sometimes unbalanced and also accompanied by other abnormalities. Knowledge on the contribution of rare abnormalities to AML disease, progression and prognosis is limited.

Here we report a unique case of acute monoblastic leukemia with gain of i(5)(p10), tetrasomy 8, an unbalanced translocation der(19)t(17;19)(q23;p13.3) and mutated NPM1.

Results

Bone marrow cells were examined by conventional karyotyping, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and mutation analysis at diagnosis and follow-up. At diagnosis we detected trisomy 8, an unbalanced translocation der(19)t(17;19)(q23;p13.3) and mutated NPM1. During the course of the disease we observed clonal evolution with gain of i(5)(p10), tetrasomy 8 and eventually duplication of der(19)t(17;19)(q23;p13.3). By using the der(19)t(17;19) as clonal marker, we found that i(5)(p10) and tetrasomy 8 were secondary genetic events and that tetrasomy 8 had clonally evolved from trisomy 8.

Conclusions

This case of acute monoblastic leukemia presents a combination of rare chromosomal abnormalities including the unbalanced translocation der(19)t(17;19)(q23;p13.3), hitherto un-reported in AML. In addition, our case supports the hypothesis of a step-wise clonal evolution from trisomy 8 to tetrasomy 8 in AML. Reporting and collecting data of rare chromosomal abnormalities will add information to AML disease, progression and prognosis, and may eventually translate to improved patient management.
Cdc42 overexpression induces hyperbranching in the developing mammary gland by enhancing cell migration
Authors: Bray Kristi , Gillette Melissa , Young Jeanette , Loughran Elizabeth , Hwang Melissa , Sears James Cooper , Vargo-Gogola Tracy
Published: September 2013

Introduction

The Rho GTPase Cdc42 is overexpressed and hyperactivated in breast tumors compared to normal breast tissue. Cdc42 regulates key processes that are critical for mammary gland morphogenesis and become disrupted during the development, progression, and metastasis of breast cancer. However, the contribution of Cdc42 to normal and neoplastic mammary gland development in vivo remains poorly understood. We were therefore interested in investigating the effects of Cdc42 overexpression on mammary gland morphogenesis as a first step toward understanding how its overexpression may contribute to mammary tumorigenesis.

Methods

We developed a tetracycline-regulatable Cdc42 overexpression mouse model in which Cdc42 can be inducibly overexpressed in the developing mammary gland. The effects of Cdc42 overexpression during postnatal mammary gland development were investigated using in vivo and in vitro approaches, including morphometric analysis of wholemounted mammary glands, quantification of histological markers, and primary mammary epithelial cell (MEC) functional and biochemical assays.

Results

Analysis of Cdc42-overexpressing mammary glands revealed abnormal terminal end bud (TEB) morphologies, characterized by hyperbudding and trifurcation, and increased side branching within the ductal tree. Quantification of markers of proliferation and apoptosis suggested that these phenotypes were not due to increased cell proliferation or survival. Rather, Cdc42 overexpressing MECs were more migratory and contractile and formed dysmorphic, invasive acini in three-dimensional cultures. Cdc42 and RhoA activities, phosphorylated myosin light chain, and MAPK signaling, which contribute to migration and invasion, were markedly elevated in Cdc42 overexpressing MECs. Interestingly, Cdc42 overexpressing mammary glands displayed several features associated with altered epithelial-stromal interactions, which are known to regulate branching morphogenesis. These included increased stromal thickness and collagen deposition, and stromal cells isolated from Cdc42 overexpressing mammary glands exhibited elevated mRNA expression of extracellular matrix proteins and remodeling enzymes.

Conclusions

These data suggest that Cdc42 overexpression disrupts mammary gland branching morphogenesis by altering Rho GTPase and MAPK signaling, leading to increased MEC contractility and migration in association with stromal alterations. Our studies provide insight into how aberrant Cdc42 expression may contribute to mammary tumorigenesis.
Editorial: Are regulatory B10 cells a viable target for autoimmune diseases?
Authors: Barnes Betsy J
Published: September 2013

Discussion on future challenges to strengthen our understanding of B10 cell function in murine models of autoimmune disease.
Framing the Contested History of Digital Culture
Authors: Davies Lyell , Razlogova Elena
Published: September 2013

The introductory essay provides historical and analytical background for articles included in this special issue. It covers the historical methodologies for studying the very recent past, the history of digital culture and the Internet, the interaction between information and communication technologies and global social movements, the problem of digital labor, the rise of open-source software and open-access scholarship, and the issues arising in digitizing historical archives.
A Hidden Life of Digital Devices Revealed
Authors: Davies Lyell
Published: September 2013

Richard Maxwell and Toby Miller's book Greening the Media explores the impact of information communication technologies (ICTs) and consumer electronics (CEs) on our environment and on the lives of the workers involved in the manufacture or disposal of these technologies. In their book, the authors describe the environmental and human cost of mining and processing the raw materials needed to manufacture ICT/CE devices, the harsh conditions faced by those who actually make them, and the environmental crisis posed by the piles of e-waste generated as digital devices are rapidly made redundant by planned obsolescence. Lyell Davies argues in his review of Maxwell and Miller's Greening the Media that the authors have delivered a topical and important exposé of a “hidden life” of ICT/CE technologies.
Other Genders, Other Sexualities: Chinese Differences
Authors: Wang Lingzhen
Published: September 2013

The study of Chinese women and gender since the late 1970s and early 1980s has profoundly enriched and complicated gender research and feminist theory. This special issue of differences brings together six essays and one commentary that showcase, from a variety of critical perspectives, the dynamic, transnational nature of gender and feminist research in Chinese studies. The introduction lays out the broader critical issues and nexuses that each of the essays in the issue engages with and highlights the issue’s diverse contributions to transnational feminist theory and the study of Chinese sexuality and gender formations.
The Progress of Humanity and Women’s Liberation
Authors: Xiaojiang Li
Published: September 2013

The change in women’s historical circumstances and social status has no direct connection with the development of social formations in classical Marxism. It is, however, intimately linked to human progress. Up to the present, social development has undergone five stages, yet the change in women’s status overall has passed through three eras: the age of matriarchy, the age of slavery, and the age of liberation. The age of women’s liberation was inaugurated with the arrival of capitalism, marked by the feminist movement for women’s struggle for liberation and for equality. The women’s rights movement following the end of the Second World War turned away from society toward the family, seeking equal rights in family life. Historically, three forms also have changed the categorizing of women—as natural, domestic, and societal. Socializing the category of women, that is, the recognition of women as a social category, has been linked to the women’s rights movement, an arduous process that serves to promote the progress and unification of humanity. The women’s rights movement subsided after the postwar period but fell far short of thoroughly liberating women. The movement faced strong resistance even in achieving gender equality. Given that the full liberation of women cannot be achieved on its own but only in the struggle to liberate humankind, women’s liberation is a measure of the liberation of humanity as a whole.
Muscle group dependent responses to stimuli in a grasshopper model for tonic immobility
Authors: Miriyala Ashwin , Dutta-Gupta Aparna , Joseph Joby
Published: September 2013

Tonic Immobility (TI) is a prolonged immobile condition exhibited by a variety of animals when exposed to certain stimuli, and is thought to be associated with a specific state of arousal. In our study, we characterize this state by using the reliably inducible TI state of the grasshopper (Hieroglyphus banian) and by monitoring abdominal pulsations and body movements in response to visual and auditory stimuli. These pulsations are present during the TI and ‘awake’, standing states, but not in the CO2 anesthetized state. In response to the stimuli, animals exhibited a suppression in pulsation and a startle response. The suppression of pulsation lasted longer than the duration of stimulus application. During TI, the suppression of pulsation does not habituate over time, whereas the startle response does. In response to the translating visual stimulus, the pulsations are suppressed at a certain phase independent of the time of stimulus application. Thus, we describe TI in Hieroglyphus banian as a state more similar to an ‘awake’ state than to an anesthetized state. During TI, the circuitry to the muscle outputs controlling the abdomen pulsation and the startle response are, at least in some part, different. The central pattern generators that maintain the abdomen pulsation receive inputs from visual and auditory pathways.
Case Article—Revenue Management at the Hong Kong Grand: The Dine in Grandeur Dilemma
Authors: Kimes Sheryl E. , Verma Rohit , Hart Christopher W.
Published: September 2013

Case Teaching Note: Interested Instructors please see the Instructor Materials page for access to the restricted materials. To maintain the integrity and usefulness of cases published in ITE, unapproved distribution of the case teaching notes and other restricted materials to any other party is prohibited.
Case Article—Forecasting Beer Demand at Anadolu Efes
Authors: Köksalan Murat , Özpeynirci Selin , Süral Haldun
Published: September 2013

In this case study, the students are required to build a multiple linear regression model that explains the monthly beer demand in Turkey to help Efes Beverage Group in its beer demand predictions. The students are expected to study the factors affecting the beer demand, work on sets of raw data to transform them into relevant variables for the model, select the variables that are meaningful in explaining the demand, test the assumptions of regression, and validate their models, using variable transformations if necessary to obtain a valid model. They are also required to predict the future demand by the help of their models. They should try different scenarios of uncontrollable predictor variables and test the effects of changes in price-related controllable predictor variables. There are alternative approaches the students may take in carrying out various parts of the case.
Case Article—Keeping Logistics Under Wraps
Authors: Drake Matthew J. , Griffin Paul M. , Swann Julie L.
Published: September 2013

This paper describes a teaching case that integrates logistics network design with an ethical decision-making process. The ethical issues center on a proposed network design strategy for parcel transportation known as zone skipping, whose implementation in this setting would require the disguising of the identity of freight. The paper describes the case, discusses its pedagogical goals and provides some recommendations for using the case successfully in a logistics or optimization course.

Case Teaching Note: Interested Instructors please see the Instructor Materials page for access to the restricted materials. To maintain the integrity and usefulness of cases published in ITE, unapproved distribution of the case teaching notes and other restricted materials to any other party is prohibited.
Teaching Note—Keeping Logistics Under Wraps
Authors: Drake Matthew J. , Griffin Paul M. , Swann Julie L.
Published: September 2013

Case Teaching Note: Interested Instructors please see the Instructor Materials page for access to the restricted materials. To maintain the integrity and usefulness of cases published in ITE, unapproved distribution of the case teaching notes and other restricted materials to any other party is prohibited.
The importance of long‐distance seed dispersal for the demography and distribution of a canopy tree species
Authors: Caughlin T. Trevor , Ferguson Jake M. , Lichstein Jeremy W. , Bunyavejchewin Sarayudh , Levey Douglas J.
Published: September 2013

Long‐distance seed dispersal (LDD) is considered a crucial determinant of tree distributions, but its effects depend on demographic processes that enable seeds to establish into adults and that remain poorly understood at large spatial scales. We estimated rates of seed arrival, germination, and survival and growth for a canopy tree species (Miliusa horsfieldii), in a landscape ranging from evergreen forest, where the species' abundance is high, to deciduous forest, where it is extremely low. We then used an individual‐based model (IBM) to predict sapling establishment and to compare the relative importance of seed arrival and establishment in explaining the observed distribution of seedlings. Individuals in deciduous forest, far from the source population, experienced multiple benefits (e.g., increased germination rate and seedling survival and growth) from being in a habitat where conspecifics were almost absent. The net effect of these spatial differences in demographic processes was significantly higher estimated sapling establishment probabilities for seeds dispersed long distances into deciduous forest. Despite the high rate of establishment in this habitat, Miliusa is rare in the deciduous forest because the arrival of seeds at long distances from the source population is extremely low. Across the entire landscape, the spatial pattern of seed arrival is much more important than the spatial pattern of establishment for explaining observed seedling distributions. By using dynamic models to link demographic data to spatial patterns, we show that LDD plays a pivotal role in the distribution of this tree in its native habitat.
Insect mutualisms buffer warming effects on multiple trophic levels
Authors: Marquis Michael , Del Toro Israel , Pelini Shannon L.
Published: September 2013

Insect mutualisms can have disproportionately large impacts on local arthropod and plant communities and their responses to climatic change. The objective of this study was to determine if the presence of insect mutualisms affects host plant and herbivore responses to warming. Using open‐top warming chambers at Harvard Forest, Massachusetts, USA, we manipulated temperature and presence of ants andChaitophorus populicolaaphids onPopulus tremuloideshost plants and monitored ant attendance and persistence ofC. populicola, predator abundance, plant stress, and abundance ofMyzus persicae, a pest aphid that colonized plants during the experiment. We found that, regardless of warming,C. populicolapersistence was higher when tended by ants, and some ant species increased aphid persistence more than others. Warming had negligible direct but strong indirect effects on plant stress. Plant stress decreased with warming only when both ants andC. populicolaaphids were present and engaged in mutualism. Plant stress was increased by warming‐induced reductions in predator abundance and increases inM. persicaeaphid abundance. Altogether, these findings suggest that insect mutualisms could buffer the effects of warming on specialist herbivores and plants, but when mutualisms are not intact, the direct effects of warming on predators and generalist herbivores yield strong indirect effects of warming on plants.
Changes in alpine vegetation over 21 years: Are patterns across a heterogeneous landscape consistent with predictions?
Authors: Spasojevic Marko J. , Bowman William D. , Humphries Hope C. , Seastedt Timothy R. , Suding Katharine N.
Published: September 2013

One significant unanswered question about biotic responses to climate change is how plant communities within topographically complex landscapes will respond to climate change. Alpine plant communities are strongly influenced by topographic microclimates which can either buffer or compound the effects of more regional climatic changes. Here, we analyzed species changes over 20+ years in a complex alpine landscape with pronounced gradients in microtopography and consequently large variation in temperatures, snow depths, and nitrogen availability across small (10 m) scales. Using data from long‐term monitoring plots from six community types, we asked how species composition and functional diversity changed over time in these different areas of the landscape, and whether fine‐scale heterogeneity allowed species to move in response to temporal changes in the environment. We found site‐wide patterns of increasing species and functional diversity. However, the majority of variability in composition over time was non‐directional, both within and between community types. Within community types, Carex‐dominated snow banks and wet meadow communities were the most variable in composition over time, while Sibbaldia‐dominated snow banks, fellfield, dry meadow and moist meadow exhibited moderate change. Over forty percent of the plots also transitioned between community types during the census intervals, but these also were largely transient, with a shift occurring in one time interval and then shifting back in the next interval. Thus, even with evidence of directional change over time in climate, N deposition, and release from grazing, vegetation is tracking finer‐scale variability both in time and space. Environmental heterogeneity may allow vegetation to track this finer‐scale variability and enhance resilience to underlying directional changes in alpine and other topographically‐complex environments.
Effect of Exercise on Cardiac and Metabolic Outcomes in People Living With HIV
Authors: Yahiaoui Anella , Smith Barbara A. , Voss Joachim G.
Published: September 2013

Poorly controlled HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy, especially the use of protease inhibitors, are among the causes that contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease in people living with HIV (PLWH). Poor lifestyle choices (smoking, lack of physical activity, poor diet) and individual factors such as high stress, physical or emotional trauma, depression, and so forth contribute to the overall risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this review was to critically evaluate the more recent aerobic and resistance exercise studies and their impact on cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors in PLWH.
Rock Classification in the Haynesville Shale-Gas Formation Based on Petrophysical and Elastic Rock Properties Estimated from Well Logs
Authors: Saneifar Mehrnoosh , Aranibar Alvaro , Heidari Zoya
Published: September 2013

Rock classification can enhance fracture treatment design for successful field development in organic-shale reservoirs. Rock brittleness and elastic properties are important parameters to be considered in selection of the best candidate zones for fracture treatment. However, characterization of the rapid variation of petrophysical, compositional, and rock elastic properties in organic-shale reservoirs is challenging. Well logs can be applied for real-time assessment of these formation properties at relatively high resolution compared to core measurements. In this paper, we introduce a rock classification technique in shale-gas reservoirs that takes into account well-log-based estimates of rock elastic properties as well as mineralogy, kerogen porosity, and organic-richness.

We first conduct a joint interpretation of well logs and core measurements to estimate depth-by-depth petrophysical and compositional properties of the shale-gas reservoir. The self-consistent approximation model is applied to estimate rock elastic properties. This model enables the assessment of elastic properties based on the estimated mineralogy and the inclusion shapes. We then calculate rock brittleness index from the estimated elastic properties. Rock classes are determined using estimated rock brittleness, mineralogy, total organic content. Finally, kerogen porosity is incorporated in the rock classification to further improve the identified rock types.

We applied the introduced rock classification technique in the Haynesville shale-gas formation. The identified rock classes were cross-validated with the existing core images. Unlike core-based rock classification techniques in organic-shale reservoirs, the introduced method in this paper is mainly based on well logs and can provide reliable rock classes without requiring a large core database. An efficient well-log-based rock classification technique can potentially enhance fracture treatment and production from complex organic-shale reservoirs through (a) detecting the best candidate zones for fracture treatment and (b) optimizing the number of required fracture stages.
A Heavy Oil Mobility Quicklook Using Dielectric Measurements at Four Depths of Investigation
Authors: Grayson Stephen , Hemingway James
Published: September 2013

Heavy oil sands around the world contain vast quantities of hydrocarbons. Evaluation of heavy oil sands is often complicated by low-salinity formation waters, reducing the contrast between oil- and water-bearing sands. Dielectric permittivity measurements are an excellent solution to this issue because they provide a water-filled porosity to compare with total porosity from density-neutron logs. In water sands, total and water-filled porosities read the same. But in oil zones, a difference is observed which is proportional to the oil saturation in the near-wellbore region. This yields an "oil crossover" indicator at the wellsite, allowing for easy identification of pay versus water sands, regardless of formation water salinity.

New dielectric measurements are available that offer an enhancement to heavy oil evaluation. A new dielectric tool has been developed that scans the reservoir with various receiver spacings, frequencies, and polarizations to provide a vast array of measurements. A novel application of a subset of these measurements makes it possible to evaluate heavy oil mobility in a wellsite quicklook presentation. This quicklook uses dielectric porosity measurements at four depths of investigation (DOI) in the region from 1-in. to 4-in. into the formation. If oil has moved owing to invasion, the four curves will show separation indicative of the movement. In a recent case study, the new dielectric tool was run in combination with triple-combo measurements on a number of wells in California, USA, containing heavy oil sands with varying oil mobility. In the immobile oil sands, the expected oil crossover was observed, with the four dielectric curves overlaying each other. In the mobile oil sands, each of the four curves showed variations in the oil crossover. Validation of the oil mobility interpretation was provided by a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) log run in one of the wells. The NMR porosity showed the well-known porosity deficit, resulting from the short T2 response of heavy oil, in the immobile oil zones. The deficit diminished where the quicklook showed higher oil mobility, confirming the interpretation. The quicklook allowed well-to-well and sand-to-sand mobility comparisons in the field. Nonlinear gradations were observed within the study area. The dielectric mobility quicklook also provides more effective use of oil saturations obtained from sidewall core samples by identifying flushing seen in high-mobility zones, where core saturations can be affected. This novel wellsite quicklook method for identification of oil mobility allows operators to adapt the completion technique and hardware to their advantage and optimize exploitation of the reservoir.
Acoustic Mapping and Characterization of Organic Matter in Shales
Authors: Bocangel Wara , Sondergeld Carl , Rai Chandra
Published: September 2013

The quantity and kind of hydrocarbon produced by organic rich shales is determined by the type, amount, distribution, and connectivity of the organics within the rock. The present study applies a new technique for mapping the distribution of organics using impedance contrast in Scanning Acoustic Microscope (SAM) images. Both SAM and SEM images were used to observe key features such as organic size, concentration, natural fractures, and organic lamination parallel to bedding. Complementary petrophysical and topological analyses were conducted with focus on the Wolfcamp shale formation.

The low density and compressional velocity of organic matter resulted in lower impedances with respect to the matrix. This impedance contrast made the SAM a suitable instrument to map organics. With a transducer frequency of 100 MHz, we resolved organic features that were larger than 10 µm. Fine core sampling of the Wolfcamp formation exhibited cyclic variation of TOC content that correlated positively with total porosity and connected porosity. Microstructural studies revealed connected organic networks, organic porosity, and microfractures, especially in high TOC samples. NMR wettability studies showed that samples with low TOC tend to be water wet whereas high TOC samples imbibed more dodecane, indicating oil wettability. The topological study on the organics showed that organic particle size distribution is skewed to finer particle areas (average 3.6 ×106 µm2). The organic roundness analysis indicated that most of the particles are circular or elliptical with specific minor to major axis ratios of 0.5 to 0.7.

Further topological studies of organics distributed parallel and perpendicular to the bedding plane will be key in elastic modeling. Microstructural studies with SEM and optical microscopes have been constrained to small areas at high resolution. This study indicates that acoustic microscopy can be used to analyze larger areas and provide a better understanding on the role of organic matter in shales at a larger scale.
Interpreting Distributed-Temperature Measurements Gathered in Deepwater Gas-Well Testing
Authors: Kabir C. S. , Yi X. , Jakymec M. , Hasan A. R.
Published: September 2013

In typical drill-stem testing (DST), transient pressures are gathered downhole while rate measurements occur at the surface. Adverse effects of heat transfer upon pressure, particularly during a buildup test in a gas well necessitate the close proximity of pressure measurements to the point of fluid entry. While pressure measurements are reliable with sufficient resolution in most settings, rate measurements often lack synergy with pressure due to the sensor resolution and frequency of monitoring. This lack of pressure/rate harmony may precipitate significant uncertainty in transient-test interpretations.

This paper presents a case study for a deepwater asset in Western Australia, where temperatures were recorded at various depth stations in four wells, each in a different reservoir, before, during, and after transient testing, in addition to the traditional downhole pressure and surface rate measurements. This temperature data allowed estimation of gas flow rates. The flow rate accuracy increased at shallower depths because increased heat transfer enhanced the fidelity of measurements. Overall, the distributed temperature data allowed the estimation of both the static geothermal and the dynamic flow temperature gradients.