bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Head and neck squamous cell cancer (stages III and IV) induction chemotherapy assessment: Value of FDG volumetric imaging parameters
Authors: Yu Jielin , Cooley Timothy , Truong Minh‐Tam , Mercier Gustavo , Subramaniam Rathan M.
Published: June 2013

Introduction

To evaluate whether the change in the metabolic tumour volume (MTV) or total lesion glycolysis (TLG) of the primary tumour, before and after induction chemotherapy, predicts outcome for patients with advanced head and neck squamous cell cancer (SCC).

Methods

Twenty‐eight patients with advanced (American Joint Committee on Cancer stage III and IV) head and neck SCC who underwent positron emission tomography (PET)/CT were included in this retrospective study. Primary tumour MTV and TLG were measured using gradient and fixed percentage threshold segmentations. Outcome endpoint was disease progression or mortality. Pearson correlation, Bland–Altman and receiver operator characteristic analysis were performed.

Results

The Pearson's correlation coefficients between percentage changes (pre‐ and post‐induction chemotherapy) from gradient MTV (MTVG) and the 38% SUVmax threshold MTV (MTV38) was 0.96 and between MTVG and the 50% threshold MTV (MTV50) was 0.95 (P < 0.0001). The corresponding Pearson r between TLGG and TLG38 was 0.94 and between TLGG and TLG50 was 0.96 (P < 0.0001). The least bias was 1.89% (standard deviation = 25.30%) between the percentage changes of MTVG and MTV50. The areas under the curve for predicting progression or mortality were 0.76 (P = 0.03) for MTVG and 0.82 for TLGG (P = 0.009). Optimum cut points of a 42% reduction in MTVG and a 55% reduction in the TLGG predict event‐free survival with a sensitivity of 62.5% and a specificity of 90% and a hazards ratio of 6.25.

Conclusion

A reduction in primary tumour MTV of at least 42% or in TLG of at least 55% after induction chemotherapy may predict event‐free survival in patients with advanced head and neck SCC.
Dickeya ecology, environment sensing and regulation of virulence programme
Authors: Reverchon Sylvie , Nasser William
Published: June 2013

The pectinolytic Dickeya spp. are soft‐rot Gram‐negative bacteria that cause severe disease in a wide range of plant species. In recent years, there has been an increase in the damage caused by Dickeya in potato crops in Europe. Soft‐rot symptoms are due to the production and secretion of degradative enzymes that destroy the plant cell wall. However, an efficient colonization of the host plant requires many additional bacterial factors, including elements in the early stages allowing for the adhesion and penetration of the bacteria in the plant and different elements in the intermediate stages, involved in the adaptation to the new growth conditions encountered in the host. Dickeya pathogenicity is clearly a multifactorial process, and successful infection by these bacteria requires a temporal coordination of survival and virulence gene expression. This involves the ancestral nucleoid‐associated proteins, Fis and H‐NS, and modifications of DNA topology, as well as various specific regulatory systems, including a new quorum‐sensing pathway and regulators that sense the bacterial metabolic status or environmental stresses. This review presents new information concerning the ecology of Dickeya and the strategies used by this bacterium to coordinate its survival and virulence programmes during infection.
The Work–Family Interface of Service Sector Workers: A Comparison of Work Resources and Professional Status across Five European Countries
Authors: Beham Barbara , Drobnič Sonja , Präg Patrick
Published: June 2013

The present paper examines cross‐national differences in the utilisation of work–family resources at the organisational level and the relationships between these resources and work‐to‐home interference (WHI) and satisfaction with work–family balance (SWFB) among professional and non‐professional service sector employees in five Western European countries. Further, it explores cross‐national variations in the gap between professionals and non‐professionals with respect to both outcome variables. Professional service sector employees were consistently found to experience higher levels of WHI and lower levels of SWFB. The use of organisational work–family resources differed across welfare state regimes and levels of national gender equality. It was highest in Sweden and the Netherlands and lowest in Portugal. A family‐supportive supervisor and a family‐supportive organisational culture differentially affected WHI of professional and non‐professional workers, with a family‐supportive supervisor being more beneficial to non‐professionals and a family‐supportive organisational culture being more beneficial to professional employees. Finally, the gap between professionals and non‐professionals was also found to vary across countries for WHI but not for SWFB. It was significantly larger in the UK and in Sweden than in the other three countries.
Calling in a Debt: Government's Role in Creating the Capacity for Explicit Corporate Social Responsibility
Authors: Marens Richard
Published: June 2013

Before the field of business and society can adequately analyze the relationship between governmental policies and corporate social responsibility (CSR), either as a reality or an ideal, it is first necessary to understand exactly how governments nurtured the development of the autonomous corporation. The roles assigned to government by the economics and management literatures—regulator, standard setter, protector, and adjudicator—ignore the crucial part played by state violence and government expenditures in the rise and sustained success of the corporate economy. An examination of the history of the American case, crucial for the development of the modern corporation as well as the “explicit” form of CSR that eventually followed it, highlights these roles: the willingness of the state to intervene with force in labor conflicts bolstered the managerial autonomy that defined the large corporation, and the way government expenditures promoted innovation and firm success. Acknowledging how corporations depended on government assistance in their development is a necessary step for both assessing the responsibilities owed stakeholders and for advancing the theoretical development of the field.
The Relation between Accounting Conservatism and Corporate Social Performance: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Francis Rick N. , Harrast Steven , Mattingly James , Olsen Lori
Published: June 2013

Accounting conservatism and corporate social responsibility have received much attention in the recent literature. The current study draws upon Watts, who recognizes that one role of conservatism is to reduce the likelihood of excess wealth transfers to its stakeholder groups and Post et al., who assert that a key aspect of positive corporate social performance is the (equitable) distribution of corporate wealth. Accordingly, this study empirically investigates and finds a positive relation between conservatism and strong social performance.
Naive Hypothesis Testing for Case Series Analysis with Time‐Varying Exposure Onset Measurement Error: Inference for Infection‐Cardiovascular Risk in Patients on Dialysis
Authors: Mohammed Sandra M. , Dalrymple Lorien S. , Şentürk Damla , Nguyen Danh V.
Published: June 2013

The case series method is useful in studying the relationship between time‐varying exposures, such as infections, and acute events observed during the observation periods of individuals. It provides estimates of the relative incidences of events in risk periods (e.g., 30‐day period after infections) relative to the baseline periods. When the times of exposure onsets are not known precisely, application of the case series model ignoring exposure onset measurement error leads to biased estimates. Bias‐correction is necessary in order to understand the true directions and effect sizes associated with exposure risk periods, although uncorrected estimators have smaller variance. Thus, inference via hypothesis testing based on uncorrected test statistics, if valid, is potentially more powerful. Furthermore, the tests can be implemented in standard software and do not require additional auxiliary data. In this work, we examine the validity and power of naive hypothesis testing, based on applying the case series analysis to the imprecise data without correcting for the error. Based on simulation studies and theoretical calculations, we determine the validity and relative power of common hypothesis tests of interest in case series analysis. In particular, we illustrate that the tests for the global null hypothesis, the overall null hypotheses associated with all risk periods or all age effects are valid. However, tests of individual risk period parameters are not generally valid. Practical guidelines are provided and illustrated with data from patients on dialysis.
Tetraspanins as regulators of the tumour microenvironment: implications for metastasis and therapeutic strategies
Authors: Detchokul S , Williams E D , Parker M W , Frauman A G
Published: June 2013

One of the hallmarks of cancer is the ability to activate invasion and metastasis. Cancer morbidity and mortality are largely related to the spread of the primary, localized tumour to adjacent and distant sites. Appropriate management and treatment decisions based on predicting metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis is thus crucial, which supports better understanding of the metastatic process. There are components of metastasis that are common to all primary tumours: dissociation from the primary tumour mass, reorganization/remodelling of extracellular matrix, cell migration, recognition and movement through endothelial cells and the vascular circulation and lodgement and proliferation within ectopic stroma. One of the key and initial events is the increased ability of cancer cells to move, escaping the regulation of normal physiological control. The cellular cytoskeleton plays an important role in cancer cell motility and active cytoskeletal rearrangement can result in metastatic disease. This active change in cytoskeletal dynamics results in manipulation of plasma membrane and cellular balance between cellular adhesion and motility which in turn determines cancer cell movement. Members of the tetraspanin family of proteins play important roles in regulation of cancer cell migration and cancer‐endothelial cell interactions, which are critical for cancer invasion and metastasis. Their involvements in active cytoskeletal dynamics, cancer metastasis and potential clinical application will be discussed in this review. In particular, the tetraspanin member, CD151, is highlighted for its major role in cancer invasion and metastasis.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Cytoskeleton, Extracellular Matrix, Cell Migration, Wound Healing and Related Topics. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue‐24
Discovery and development of orexin receptor antagonists as therapeutics for insomnia
Authors: Winrow C J , Renger J J
Published: June 2013

Insomnia persistently affects the quality and quantity of sleep. Currently approved treatments for insomnia primarily target γ‐aminobutyric acid‐A (GABA‐A) receptor signalling and include benzodiazepines and GABA‐A receptor modulators. These drugs are used to address this sleep disorder, but have the potential for side effects such as tolerance and dependence, making them less attractive as maintenance therapy. Forward and reverse genetic approaches in animals have implicated orexin signalling (also referred to as hypocretin signalling) in the control of vigilance and sleep/wake states. Screening for orexin receptor antagonists using in vitro and in vivo methods in animals has identified compounds that block one or other of the orexin receptors (single or dual orexin receptor antagonists [SORAs and DORAs], respectively) in animals and humans. SORAs have primarily been used as probes to further elucidate the roles of the individual orexin receptors, while a number of DORAs have progressed to clinical development as pharmaceutical candidates for insomnia. The DORA almorexant demonstrated significant improvements in a number of clinically relevant sleep parameters in animal models and in patients with insomnia but its development was halted. SB‐649868 and suvorexant have demonstrated efficacy and tolerability in Phase II and III trials respectively. Furthermore, suvorexant is currently under review by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of insomnia. Based on the publication of recent non‐clinical and clinical data, orexin receptor antagonists potentially represent a targeted, effective and well‐tolerated new class of medications for insomnia.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Orexin Receptors. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue‐2
Patch‐Collaborative Spectral Point‐Cloud Denoising
Authors: Rosman G. , Dubrovina A. , Kimmel R.
Published: June 2013

We present a new framework for point cloud denoising by patch‐collaborative spectral analysis. A collaborative generalization of each surface patch is defined, combining similar patches from the denoised surface. The Laplace–Beltrami operator of the collaborative patch is then used to selectively smooth the surface in a robust manner that can gracefully handle high levels of noise, yet preserves sharp surface features. The resulting denoising algorithm competes favourably with state‐of‐the‐art approaches, and extends patch‐based algorithms from the image processing domain to point clouds of arbitrary sampling. We demonstrate the accuracy and noise‐robustness of the proposed algorithm on standard benchmark models as well as range scans, and compare it to existing methods for point cloud denoising.
Cytomegalovirus infection post‐pancreas–kidney transplantation – results of antiviral prophylaxis in high‐risk patients
Authors: Fallatah Samira M. , Marquez Max A. , Bazerbachi Fateh , Schiff Jeffrey R. , Cattral Mark S. , McGilvray Ian D. , Norgate Andrea , Selzner Markus , Rotstein Coleman , Husain Shahid
Published: June 2013

Background

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a major pathogen affecting solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. Prophylactic strategies have decreased the rate of CMV infection/disease among SOT. However, data on the effect of current prophylactic strategies for simultaneous pancreas–kidney (SPK) or pancreas after kidney (PAK) transplant remain limited. We report our experience of CMV prophylaxis in SPK/PAK recipients.

Methods

A total of 130 post‐SPK/PAK patients were analyzed retrospectively for the rate of CMV and the risk factors associated with the acquisition of CMV. All patients received antiviral prophylaxis. The follow‐up period was one yr post‐transplant or until death.

Results

The rate of CMV post‐SPK/PAK transplant was 24%, 44%, and 8.2% among the whole cohort, the D+/R− and the R+ groups, respectively. Median time of prophylaxis was 49 (0–254) d. In the whole cohort, risk factors for CMV infection/diseases were D+/R− CMV status (odds ratio [OR] = 16.075), preceding non‐CMV (infection caused by bacteria or fungi and other viruses) infection (OR = 6.362) and the duration of prophylaxis (OR = 0.984). Among the CMV D+/R− group, non‐CMV infection was the only risk factor for CMV disease (OR = 10.7).

Conclusions

Forty‐four per cent (25/57) of the D+/R− recipients developed CMV infection/disease despite CMV prophylaxis. Current CMV prophylaxis failed to prevent CMV infection/disease in this group of patients.
Researching Together: A CTSA Partnership of Academicians and Communities for Translation
Authors: Westfall John M. , Nearing Kathryn , Felzien Maret , Green Larry , Calonge Ned , Pineda‐Reyes Fernando , Jones Grant , Tamez Montelle , Miller Sara , Kramer Andrew
Published: June 2013

Background

The Colorado Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (CCTSI) aims to translate discovery into clinical practice. The Partnership of Academicians and Communities for Translation (PACT) represents a robust campus–community partnership.

Methods

The CCTSI collected data on all PACT activities including meeting notes, staff activity logs, stakeholder surveys and interviews, and several key component in‐depth evaluations. Data analysis by Evaluation and Community Engagement Core and PACT Council members identified critical shifts that changed the trajectory of community engagement efforts.

Results

Ten “critical shifts” in six broad rubrics created change in the PACT. Critical shifts were decision points in the development of the PACT that represented quantitative and qualitative changes in the work and trajectory. Critical shifts occurred in PACT management and leadership, financial control and resource allocation, and membership and voice.

Discussion

The development of a campus–community partnership is not a smooth linear path. Incremental changes lead to major decision points that represent an opportunity for critical shifts in developmental trajectory. We provide an enlightening, yet cautionary, tale to others considering a campus–community partnership so they may prepare for crucial decisions and critical shifts. The PACT serves as a genuine foundational platform for dynamic research efforts aimed at eliminating health disparities.
Ability of a novel blue laser imaging system for the diagnosis of colorectal polyps
Authors: Yoshida Naohisa , Yagi Nobuaki , Inada Yutaka , Kugai Munehiro , Okayama Tetsuya , Kamada Kazuhiro , Katada Kazuhiro , Uchiyama Kazuhiko , Ishikawa Takeshi , Handa Osamu , Takagi Tomohisa , Konishi Hideyuki , Kokura Satoshi , Yanagisawa Akio , Naito Yuji
Published: June 2013

Background

A new endoscope system with a laser light source, blue laser imaging (BLI), has been developed by Fujifilm that allows for narrow‐band light observation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the utility of BLI for the diagnosis of colorectal polyps.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 314 colorectal polyps that were examined with BLI observation at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine between September 2011 and January 2013. The surface and vascular patterns of polyps detected by published narrow‐band imaging magnification: Hiroshima classification were used. Correlations were determined between the classifications and the histopathological diagnoses. Additionally, the ability of BLI without magnification to differentiate between neoplastic or non‐neoplastic polyps was analyzed.

Results

A total of 41 hyperplastic polyps, 168 adenomas, 80 intramucosal cancer, 11 shallowly invaded submucosal cancer, and 14 deeply invaded submucosal cancer were analyzed.Hyperplastic polyp was observed in 100% of Type A lesions (39 lesions), adenoma was observed in 89.3% of Type B lesions (159 lesions), intramucosal cancer and shallowly invaded submucosal cancer was observed in 69.6% of Type C1 (92 lesions) and in 84.6% of Type C2 (13 lesions), and deeply invaded submucosal cancer was observed in 81.8% of Type C3 lesions (11 lesions). The overall diagnostic accuracy of BLI with magnification was 84.3%. Additionally, the diagnostic accuracy of BLI without magnification for differentiating between neoplastic and non‐neoplastic polyps <10 mm in diameter was 95.2%, which was greater than that of white light (83.2%).

Conclusion

BLI was useful for the diagnosis of colorectal polyps.
Theology after the Massacre in Norway
Authors: Leer‐Salvesen Paul
Published: June 2013

In 2011 Norway experienced its worst violent attack in peacetime and one of the most horrible mass murders ever: one young, white Norwegian killed 77 people, injured 40, and destroyed the Government Building in Oslo. He explained that the terror as a necessary attack on the Social Democracy and the multi‐ethnic and pluralistic society. Was he insane or competent? Was he guilty? In this article I argue that theology can contribute to the debate about guilt, punishment, and evil acts. A contextual theology today should draw from the treasures in the Christian tradition and take part in contemporary discourses about existential and ethical issues.
The Justice of Faith
Authors: Fredrickson David E.
Published: June 2013

This essay proposes an alternative interpretation of Saint Paul's notion of justification by faith in his letters to the Philippians and to the Galatians. Justification is replaced with justice in the famous formula, and an erotic meaning of faith is emphasized in place of trust or weakly held knowledge. Eros and justice come together in Paul's use of nuptial imagery to describe his relation to Christ. Justice is communion, the sharing of all things. Faith is just because it is open to this communion.
Who Ministers to Whom: Matthew 25:31–46 and Prison Ministry
Authors: Vargas Alicia
Published: June 2013

This essay sees Matthew 25:31–46 as Jesus’ offer of both gift and challenge: disciples will simultaneously minister to and be ministered to by Jesus in jail and prison. Following a consideration of two different dominant ways of interpreting the passage in the literature—what are sometimes called the missionary and the social justice interpretations—and Luther's reading of the passage as falling under the Fifth Commandment, the essay invites the reader to engage the transformative consequences of  “seeing” Jesus imprisoned in the U.S. criminal “justice” system.
Paul Hinlicky's Critical Dogmatics: Triune Redemption and Hope in the Beloved Community
Authors: Saler Robert C.
Published: June 2013

In a host of recent publications, Paul Hinlicky has offered both methodological and substantive contributions to a constructive Lutheran theology that takes seriously the post‐Christendom context in which the church finds itself. By elaborating a vision of theology as “critical dogmatics,” Hinlicky adapts pragmatist and perspectivalist motifs to outline a trinitarian picture of the redemption of creation as well as the church's role in anticipating the coming of the Beloved Community. Grounded both in Romans 8 and the trinitarian implications of Luther's joyful exchange, Hinlicky's vision interweaves soteriological, eschatological, and ecclesiological themes to demonstrate how critical dogmatics can test the spirits of a given age in order to determine which features of contemporary existence align with God's ongoing redemptive work, and which must be opposed by the church.
Sleep disorders in children with Down syndrome: Stores and Stores reply
Authors: Stores Gregory , Stores Rebecca
Published: June 2013

This is a reply to the letter by Kawada.
The impact of methylphenidate on seizure frequency and severity in children with attention‐deficit–hyperactivity disorder and difficult‐to‐treat epilepsies
Authors: Brunklaus Andreas , Dorris Liam , Zuberi Sameer M
Published: June 2013

Please also see the reply to this letter by 967–967.
Shocks and rigidities as determinants of CEE labour markets’ performance
Authors: Lewandowski Piotr
Published: June 2013

In this article, the impact of real wage, productivity, labour demand and supply shocks on eight Central and Eastern European (CEE) economies from 1996–2007 is analysed with a panel structural vector error correction model. A set of long‐run restrictions derived from the dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model is used to identify structural shocks, and fluctuations in foreign demand are controlled for. We find that the propagation of shocks on CEE labour markets resembles that found for OECD countries. Labour demand shocks emerge as the main determinant of employment and unemployment variability in the short‐to‐medium run, but wage rigidities were equally important for observed labour market performance, especially in Poland, Czech Republic and Lithuania. We associate these rigidities with collective bargaining, minimum wage, active labour market policies and employment protection legislation.
Effects of tree mortality caused by a bark beetle outbreak on the ant community in theSanBernardinoNationalForest
Authors: SPITZER BRIAN W. , WILD ALEXANDER L.
Published: June 2013

A severe bark beetle outbreak caused very high levels of tree mortality in theSanBernardinoNationalForest in southernCalifornia in 2003.

In 2009, the impact of the outbreak on the ant community was examined by pitfall‐trapping ants in 15 sites that saw high tree mortality (‘red’ sites) and 15 sites that suffered little or no tree mortality (‘green’ sites) during the outbreak.

Ant species turnover between green and red sites was low, and no invasive species were observed.

However, changes in the abundances of various species resulted in a significant alteration of the ant community.

If the ant community is an accurate bioindicator of other taxa in this forest, the effects of the bark beetle outbreak may be described as dramatic but not catastrophic or irreversible.

The changes in the ant community are consistent with the hypothesis that this community is structured by nest site limitation rather than inter‐specific competition or thermal limitation.
Serum hepcidin and growth differentiation factor‐15 (GDF‐15) levels in polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia
Authors: Tarkun Pinar , Mehtap Ozgur , Atesoğlu Elif B. , Geduk Ayfer , Musul Mahmut M. , Hacihanefioglu Abdullah
Published: June 2013

Objectives

Hepcidin plays a regulatory role in systemic iron homeostasis. GDF‐15 has been found to be expressed from matured erythroblasts and very high levels of GDF‐15 suppresses hepcidin secretion. In this study, we evaluated hepcidin and GDF‐15 levels in polycythemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythemia (ET).

Methods

The study included 29 patients and 21 healthy controls. The patient group included 13 patients with ET and 16 patients with PV. Serum hepcidin and GDF‐15 levels were measured at the time of diagnosis, before the initiation of any therapy.

Results

Hepcidin levels did not differ significantly in patients with chronic myeloproliferative disease (CMPD) and healthy controls. However, GDF‐15 levels were significantly increased in patients with CMPD (P = 0.038). No difference could be found between patients with PV and ET in terms of hepcidin and GDF‐15 levels. Patients with JAK2‐V617F mutation had increased GDF‐15 levels when compared with patients without this mutation (P: 0.006).

Conclusions

The levels of GDF‐15 were higher in CMPD, which are characterized by increased erythropoiesis, and this effect was more pronounced particularly in individuals with JAK2‐V617F mutation. Hepcidin levels were not suppressed despite the increased erythroid activity and GDF‐15 levels may be protective against the clinical complications of the disease such as thrombosis. This study revealed that, hepcidin levels were not suppressed despite increased erythroid activity and high GDF‐15 levels in CMPD. We hypothesized that, this may be an attempt to prevent further amplification of erythropoietic activity by reducing iron utilization.
Transition in subicular burst firing neurons from epileptiform activity to suppressed state by feedforward inhibition
Authors: Sah Nirnath , Sikdar Sujit K.
Published: June 2013

The subiculum, a para‐hippocampal structure positioned between the cornu ammonis 1 subfield and the entorhinal cortex, has been implicated in temporal lobe epilepsy in human patients and in animal models of epilepsy. The structure is characterized by the presence of a significant population of burst firing neurons that has been shown previously to lead epileptiform activity locally. Phase transitions in epileptiform activity in neurons following a prolonged challenge with an epileptogenic stimulus has been shown in other brain structures, but not in the subiculum. Considering the importance of the subicular burst firing neurons in the propagation of epileptiform activity to the entorhinal cortex, we have explored the phenomenon of phase transitions in the burst firing neurons of the subiculum in an in vitro rat brain slice model of epileptogenesis. Whole‐cell patch‐clamp and extracellular field recordings revealed a distinct phenomenon in the subiculum wherein an early hyperexcitable state was followed by a late suppressed state upon continuous perfusion with epileptogenic 4‐aminopyridine and magnesium‐free medium. The suppressed state was characterized by inhibitory post‐synaptic potentials in pyramidal excitatory neurons and bursting activity in local fast‐spiking interneurons at a frequency of 0.1–0.8 Hz. The inhibitory post‐synaptic potentials were mediated by GABAA receptors that coincided with excitatory synaptic inputs to attenuate action potential discharge. These inhibitory post‐synaptic potentials ceased following a cut between the cornu ammonis 1 and subiculum. The suppression of epileptiform activity in the subiculum thus represents a homeostatic response towards the induced hyperexcitability. Our results suggest the importance of feedforward inhibition in exerting this homeostatic control.
Heritability of life‐history traits in the spruce budworm
Authors: Quezada‐García Roberto , Bauce Éric
Published: June 2013

The heritability of life‐history traits is of particular importance for insects that are very dependent on host conditions. Severe defoliation caused by the spruce budworm negatively impacts its food source, which in turn imposes environmental constraints on the insect. The heritability of those traits can help elucidate this species' evolutionary process. Heritability also helps identify which traits exhibit significant additive variance and can be key to understanding natural selection effects. Individuals were reared under laboratory conditions over three generations on an artificial diet. Heritability was estimated by parent–offspring regression. Fertility and fecundity demonstrated significant heritability followed by larval development, while pupal mass showed minimal heritable variation. These results suggest an important percent of additive variance in life‐history traits. This study contributes to our understanding of the relationship of this forest pest to its environmental conditions. This study also reveals an important genetic architectural structure of life‐history traits in the spruce budworm.
Influence of warm air‐drying on enamel bond strength and surface free‐energy of self‐etch adhesives
Authors: Shiratsuchi Koji , Tsujimoto Akimasa , Takamizawa Toshiki , Furuichi Tetsuya , Tsubota Keishi , Kurokawa Hiroyasu , Miyazaki Masashi
Published: June 2013

We examined the effect of warm air‐drying on the enamel bond strengths and the surface free‐energy of three single‐step self‐etch adhesives. Bovine mandibular incisors were mounted in self‐curing resin and then wet ground with #600 silicon carbide (SiC) paper. The adhesives were applied according to the instructions of the respective manufacturers and then dried in a stream of normal (23°C) or warm (37°C) air for 5, 10, and 20 s. After visible‐light irradiation of the adhesives, resin composites were condensed into a mold and polymerized. Ten samples per test group were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24 h and then the bond strengths were measured. The surface free‐energies were determined by measuring the contact angles of three test liquids placed on the cured adhesives. The enamel bond strengths varied according to the air‐drying time and ranged from 15.8 to 19.1 MPa. The trends for the bond strengths were different among the materials. The value of the component increased slightly when drying was performed with a stream of warm air, whereas that of the component decreased significantly. These data suggest that warm air‐drying is essential to obtain adequate enamel bond strengths, although increasing the drying time did not significantly influence the bond strength.
A novel phospholipase B from Streptomyces sp. NA684 – purification, characterization, gene cloning, extracellular production and prediction of the catalytic residues
Authors: Matsumoto Yusaku , Mineta Shingo , Murayama Kazutaka , Sugimori Daisuke
Published: June 2013

A novel metal ion‐independent phospholipase B (PLB684) from Streptomyces sp. strain NA684 was purified 264‐fold from the culture supernatant with 2.85% recovery (6330 U·mg protein−1). The enzyme functions as a monomer with a molecular mass of 38.9 kDa. Maximum activity was found at pH 8.4 and 50 °C. The substrate specificity was in the order: phosphatidylcholine ≥ phosphatidic acid ≥ lysophosphatidylcholine > phosphatidylserine > phosphatidylinositol > phosphatidylglycerol. The enzyme did not hydrolyze phosphatidylethanolamine, tristearin and dipalmitin. PLB684 hydrolyzed lysophosphatidylcholine and diacylphosphatidylcholine, and lysophosphatidylcholine was primarily produced during the early stages of phosphatidylcholine hydrolysis. The apparent Km, Vmax and kcat for hydrolysis of dimyristoyl phosphatidic acid were 14.5 mm, 15.8 mmol·min−1·mg protein−1 and 1.02 × 104 s−1, respectively. The positional specificity of 1‐palmitoyl‐2‐oleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine hydrolysis was investigated using GC. In the reaction equilibrium, the molar ratio of released fatty acids (sn‐1 : sn‐2) was 45 : 55. The ORF of the gene is 1239 bp in length and codes for a 30‐amino acid signal peptide and a 382‐amino acid mature enzyme. The deduced amino acid sequence of PLB684 shows 60% identity to a uncharacterized protein of Streptomyces auratus AGR0001 (UniProt accession number: J1RQY0). The extracellular production of PLB684 was achieved using a pUC702 expression vector and Streptomyces lividans as the host. Mutagenesis analysis showed that Ser12 is essential for the catalytic function of PLB684 and that the active site may include residues Ser330 and His332.
Validation and limitation of age–period–cohort model in simulating mortality due to hepatocellular carcinoma from 1940 to 2010 in Japan
Authors: Akita Tomoyuki , Ohisa Masayuki , Kimura Yuki , Fujimoto Mayumi , Miyakawa Yuzo , Tanaka Junko
Published: June 2013

Aim

We aimed to simulate the mortality due to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by the age–period–cohort (APC) model with use of sex‐ and age‐specific mortality data, for the purpose of validating the utility and assessing the limitation of this model.

Methods

Age‐specific mortality due to HCC was gleaned from people aged 20–84 years during 1940 through 2010 in Japan.

Results

The APC model had a high performance in reproducing HCC mortality (modified determination coefficient R2COR ≥ 0.99). Risk of HCC increased with age in both sexes, while risk of period barely changed in both sexes. The birth cohort factor in the APC model in males highlighted the maximum point within birth years 1931–1935. The observed HCC mortality in 2010 in males (19 444) was lower than the predicted, and corresponded to 72.3% of the predicted 26 883.4, and in all age groups by 5‐year increments (55.6–90.9%). In females, the observed mortality was lower than that predicted in those aged 64 years or less, but not in those aged 65 years or more.

Conclusion

We applied the APC model to predict HCC mortality rate, and it reproduced the observed mortality rate faithfully. However, in the recent past, the observed morality rate in males was only 72.3% that of the predicted. Such differences would be attributed to combined effects of medical interventions, such as antiviral treatments and screening for hepatitis viruses implemented in the early 1990s in Japan.
Les régimes de retraite dans le monde et leurs réformes: facteurs déterminants, tendances et difficultés
Authors: Holzmann Robert
Published: June 2013

Les régimes de retraite et leurs réformes sont en perpétuelle mutation en raison des changements de priorités, des besoins de réforme et de contextes qui reflètent des événements objectifs, mais aussi une évolution des mentalités et des perceptions. Du fait de la crise financière actuelle et de l'adaptation à un nouvel «
état normal» encore incertain, les futurs régimes de retraite différeront de ceux des années passées. Les objectifs du présent article sont les suivants: a) examiner rapidement les principaux changements qui nécessitent de mettre en œuvre des réformes; b) souligner les principales tendances suivies pour réformer les piliers des régimes de retraite au cours des vingt dernières années; et c) présenter les domaines politiques sur lesquels devront se concentrer les décideurs pour que les réformes induisent une réelle différence.
Dépendance à l'égard des prestations: avantages et inconvénients du recours aux données sur les effectifs de bénéficiaires pour effectuer des comparaisons nationales et internationales
Authors: De Deken Johan , Clasen Jochen
Published: June 2013

Les gouvernements des Etats‐providence développés manifestant de plus en plus d'inquiétude face au nombre élevé de personnes en âge de travailler qui sollicitent des prestations sociales, les politiques visant à réduire le degré de «dépendance à l'égard des prestations» ont pris de l'importance. Toutefois, ces politiques sont élaborées sur la base de données empiriques peu fiables. En effet, rares sont les pays qui collectent de manière systématique des données nationales sur les effectifs de bénéficiaires. De surcroît, certains régimes de sécurité sociale se chevauchent et les catégories administratives évoluent au fil du temps. Enfin, le fait que le traitement des systèmes nationaux de transfert ne soit pas harmonisé à l'échelle internationale complique encore les comparaisons entre pays. Dans le présent article, nous commençons par identifier et analyser certains de ces problèmes et examinons les solutions qui pourraient leur être apportées. Nous nous appuyons ensuite sur des données administratives sur les effectifs recueillies dans six pays européens pour illustrer l'évolution de ces effectifs dans le temps et dans les différents pays. Nous cherchons ainsi à apprécier dans quelle mesure les données sur les effectifs de bénéficiaires de prestations pourraient constituer un indicateur scientifique de nature à apporter un éclairage sur l'évolution de l'Etat‐providence dans le temps et dans les différents pays.
Elargir la couverture des régimes de pension et d'épargne au secteur informel: le régime de pension Mbao du Kenya
Authors: Kwena Rose Musonye , Turner John A.
Published: June 2013

Le régime de pension Mbao est un système de compte individuel d'épargne volontaire, auquel peuvent s’affilier tous les travailleurs kenyans, sans conditions de ressources ni d'âge. Il est conçu pour offrir un dispositif répondant aux particularités du secteur informel et pour encourager ces travailleurs à épargner. La principale innovation de ce régime porte sur le fait que les travailleurs gagnant peu de revenu peuvent facilement y participer, les cotisations et le solde des comptes pouvant être de faibles montants. Les participants peuvent en outre effectuer leurs cotisations à n'importe quel moment et depuis n'importe où, à l'aide de leur téléphone mobile. Ces innovations ont été rendues possibles grâce aux avancées technologiques, qui ont diminué le coût des téléphones mobiles et des communications, et à la mise en place par les entreprises des paiements mobiles. Le régime est administré par les entreprises privées.
Prestations de santé et de retraite pour les travailleurs migrants mexicains qui rentrent des Etats‐Unis
Authors: Aguila Emma , Zissimopoulos Julie
Published: June 2013

En l'absence de contrat bilatéral entre les Etats‐Unis et le Mexique sur la portabilité et la totalisation des cotisations de sécurité sociale, le présent article examine l'accès aux prestations d'assurance‐maladie et de retraite et le statut d'emploi des travailleurs migrants mexicains. Nous avons constaté que les migrants qui rentrent chez eux après avoir passé moins d'un an aux Etats‐Unis bénéficient du même accès aux prestations de sécurité sociale que les non‐migrants. Ceux qui ont passé au moins un an aux Etats‐Unis ont en revanche moins accès à l'assurance‐maladie publique ou aux prestations de sécurité sociale et pourraient être davantage touchés par la pauvreté en vieillissant. Ces résultats sont destinés à alimenter le débat sur l'instauration d'un accord de sécurité sociale entre les Etats‐Unis et le Mexique, qui améliorerait la sécurité sociale des migrants rentrés chez eux.
Determination of Platinum‐Group Elements and Re‐Os Isotopes using ID‐ICP‐MS and N‐TIMS from a Single Digestion after Two‐Stage Column Separation
Authors: Li Jie , Jiang Xiao‐Ying , Xu Ji‐Feng , Zhong Li‐Feng , Wang Xuan‐Ce , Wang Gui‐Qin , Zhao Pei‐Pei
Published: June 2013

We report an improved procedure for the determination of the platinum‐group elements (PGE) and Re, and Os isotopes from a single sample aliquot by isotope dilution (ID) using inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) and negative thermal ionisation mass spectrometry (N‐TIMS), respectively. A two‐stage column method was used to purify PGE‐Re from their sample matrix and interfering elements (e.g., Mo, Zr and Hf) after Os had been separated by CCl4 solvent extraction. The first column separation step used cation exchange resin (AG50W‐X8) to concentrate PGE‐Re and some potential interfering elements (e.g., Mo, Zr and Hf). In the second step, N‐benzoyl‐N‐phenylhydroxylamine (BPHA) extraction resin was used to separate PGE‐Re from the remaining interfering elements, which all remained strongly absorbed to the resin. The method was used to determine the PGE and rhenium, and Os isotope ratios in a range of geochemical reference materials (TDB‐1, WGB‐1, BHVO‐2 and UB‐N). The obtained results agree well with those previously published. This new method enables PGE‐Re abundances and Os isotopic ratios to be determined on the same sample digestion, and circumvents the problems created by sample heterogeneity when comparing PGE and Re‐Os isotope data.
Robust Estimates of Changes in Poverty and Inequality in Post‐Independence Namibia
Authors: Levine Sebastian , Roberts Benjamin
Published: June 2013

We estimate changes in the distribution of household consumption expenditure in Namibia since independence in 1990 and the effects on poverty. To produce comparability between two household surveys, we use survey‐matching techniques, and we apply the framework of stochastic dominance to test the robustness of our results. The results reveal a significant decrease in the poverty headcount over the period and small but insignificant decreases in the country's extremely high levels of inequality. Decomposition analysis shows that poverty reduction in Namibia is largely driven by growth in mean incomes rather than redistribution. Even so, there have been important changes in inequality among different social groups especially as educational attainment has replaced ethnicity as the main determinant of between‐group inequality.
Aqueous Chemical Synthesis of Ln2Sn2O7 Pyrochlore‐Structured Ceramics
Authors: Kong Linggen , Karatchevtseva Inna , Blackford Mark G. , Scales Nicholas , Triani Gerry
Published: June 2013

Pyrochlore‐structured lanthanide stannate ceramic (Ln2Sn2O7) has been synthesized via a new complex precipitation method. A suite of characterization techniques, including FTIR, Raman, X‐ray, and electron diffraction as well as nitrogen sorption were employed to investigate the structural evolution of the synthesized and calcined powder. Raman, XRD, and selected area electron diffraction results confirm the presence of the pyrochlore structure after calcination of the powder above 1200°C. TEM imaging shows fine crystallites gradually increased in size from approximately 100 nm to about 500 nm with higher calcination temperatures. Grain growth and powder densification upon increasing the calcination temperature was confirmed by nitrogen sorption results. This aqueous synthetic method provides a simple pathway for the preparation of homogeneous lanthanide stannate ceramics.
Evidence for shared genetic risk between ADHD symptoms and reduced mathematics ability: a twin study
Authors: Greven Corina U. , Kovas Yulia , Willcutt Erik G. , Petrill Stephen A. , Plomin Robert
Published: June 2013

Background

Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and mathematics ability are associated, but little is known about the genetic and environmental influences underlying this association.

Methods

Data came from more than 6,000 twelve‐year‐old twin pairs from the UK population‐representative Twins Early Development Study. Parents rated each twin's behaviour using a DSM‐IV‐based 18‐item questionnaire of inattentive and hyperactive–impulsive ADHD symptoms. Mathematics tests based on the UK National Curriculum were completed by each twin. The twins also completed standardised tests of reading and general cognitive ability. Multivariate twin model fitting was applied.

Results

Inattentive and hyperactive–impulsive ADHD symptoms were highly heritable (67% and 73% respectively). Mathematics ability was moderately heritable (46%). Mathematics ability and inattentiveness showed a significantly greater phenotypic correlation (rp = −.26) and genetic correlation (rA = −.41) than mathematics ability and hyperactivity–impulsivity (rp = −.18; rA = −.22). The genetic correlation between inattentiveness and mathematics ability was largely independent from hyperactivity‐impulsivity, and was only partially accounted for by genetic influences related to reading and general cognitive ability.

Conclusions

Results revealed the novel finding that mathematics ability shows significantly stronger phenotypic and genetic associations with inattentiveness than with hyperactivity–impulsivity. Genetic associations between inattentiveness and mathematics ability could only partially be accounted for by hyperactivity–impulsivity, reading and general cognitive ability. Results suggest that mathematics ability is associated with ADHD symptoms largely because it shares genetic risk factors with inattentiveness, and provide further evidence for considering inattentiveness and hyperactivity–impulsivity separately. DNA markers for ADHD symptoms (especially inattentiveness) may also be candidate risk factors for mathematics ability and vice versa.
Association of glycated albumin with the presence of carotid plaque in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Sato Yuki , Nagao Mototsugu , Asai Akira , Nakajima Yasushi , Takaya Makiyo , Takeichi Naomi , Takemitsu Shuji , Sudo Mariko , Kano‐Wakakuri Toshiko , Ishizaki Akira , Harada Taro , Tanimura‐Inagaki Kyoko , Okajima Fumitaka , Tamura Hideki , Sugihara Hitoshi , Oikawa Shinichi
Published: June 2013

Aims/Introduction

Postprandial hyperglycemia is a potent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Serum glycated albumin (GA) has been reported to reflect postprandial blood glucose fluctuations. In the present study, we assessed the possible correlation of GA with the presence of carotid plaque to evaluate the potential clinical usefulness of GA for predicting atherosclerotic cardiovascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods

Patients with type 2 diabetes (n = 236) admitted to Nippon Medical School Hospital (Tokyo, Japan) for glycemic control (aged 19–86 years, 81 females and 155 males) were examined. Clinical measurements were taken on admission. The presence of carotid plaque was assessed by ultrasonography.

Results

In patients with carotid plaque (n = 154), GA (P = 0.023) was higher than those without carotid plaque (n = 82). In contrast, neither fasting plasma glucose (P = 0.48) nor glycated hemoglobin (P = 0.41) was significantly different between the groups. The results of logistic regression analysis showed that GA (age‐ and sex‐adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 1.05 [1.01–1.09]; P = 0.017) and glycated hemoglobin (1.17 [1.01–1.37]; P = 0.036) were significantly associated with the presence of carotid plaque.

Conclusions

The positive correlation of serum GA with the presence of carotid plaque in type 2 diabetes suggests that GA will serve as a useful clinical marker for predicting diabetic cardiovascular complications.