bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic inversion time for improved 3D late gadolinium enhancement imaging in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Keegan Jennifer , Gatehouse Peter D. , Haldar Shouvik , Wage Ricardo , Babu‐Narayan Sonya V. , Firmin David N.
Published: March 2014

Purpose

High resolution three‐dimensional (3D) late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging is performed with single R‐wave gating to minimize lengthy acquisition durations. In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), heart rate variability results in variable magnetization recovery between sequence repeats, and image quality is often poor. In this study, we implemented and tested a dynamic inversion time (dynamic‐TI) scheme designed to reduce sequence sensitivity to heart rate variations.

Methods

An inversion‐prepared 3D segmented gradient echo sequence was modified so that the TI varied automatically from beat‐to‐beat (dynamic‐TI) based on the time since the last sequence repeat. 3D LGE acquisitions were performed in 17 patients prior to radio frequency ablation of persistent AF both with and without dynamic‐TI. Qualitative image quality scores, blood signal‐to‐ghosting ratios (SGRs). and blood–myocardium contrast‐to‐ghosting ratios (CGRs) were compared.

Results

Image quality scores were higher with dynamic‐TI than without dynamic‐TI (2.2 ± 0.9 vs. 1.8 ± 1.1, P = 0.008), as were blood–myocardium CGRs (13.8 ± 7.6 vs. 8.3 ± 6.1, P = 0.003) and blood SGRs (19.6 ± 8.5 vs. 13.1 ± 8.0, P = 0.003).

Conclusion

The dynamic‐TI algorithm improves image quality of 3D LGE imaging in this difficult patient population by reducing the sequence sensitivity to RR interval variations Magn Reson Med 73:646–654, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bifid median nerve in carpal tunnel syndrome: Do we need to know?
Authors: Kasius Kristel M. , Claes Franka , Meulstee Jan , Verhagen Wim Im
Published: March 2014

Introduction: We tested the hypothesis that a bifid median nerve predisposes to development of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and investigated differences in electrophysiological findings and outcome. Methods: A total of 259 consecutive patients with clinically defined CTS were included and investigated clinically, electrophysiologically, and ultrasonographically. Fifty‐four healthy asymptomatic volunteers were investigated ultrasonographically. Results: The prevalence of bifid median nerves is equal in patients with CTS and controls. Electrophysiological and ultrasonographic abnormalities are more pronounced in patients with non‐bifid median nerves. Some outcome data are better in patients with non‐bifid median nerves, but others do not show significant differences. Conclusions: A bifid median nerve is not an independent risk factor for development of CTS. Some of our data suggest outcome after surgical decompression to be different, but others do not. The surgical technique in these patients may therefore have to be reevaluated. Muscle Nerve 50: 835–843, 2014
Targeted next‐generation sequencing of cancer genes dissects the molecular profiles of intraductal papillary neoplasms of the pancreas
Authors: Amato Eliana , Molin Marco dal , Mafficini Andrea , Yu Jun , Malleo Giuseppe , Rusev Borislav , Fassan Matteo , Antonello Davide , Sadakari Yoshihiko , Castelli Paola , Zamboni Giuseppe , Maitra Anirban , Salvia Roberto , Hruban Ralph H , Bassi Claudio , Capelli Paola , Lawlor Rita T , Goggins Michael , Scarpa Aldo
Published: March 2014

Intraductal neoplasms are important precursors to invasive pancreatic cancer and provide an opportunity to detect and treat pancreatic neoplasia before an invasive carcinoma develops. The diagnostic evaluation of these lesions is challenging, as diagnostic imaging and cytological sampling do not provide accurate information on lesion classification, the grade of dysplasia or the presence of invasion. Moreover, the molecular driver gene mutations of these precursor lesions have yet to be fully characterized. Fifty‐two intraductal papillary neoplasms, including 48 intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) and four intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasms (ITPNs), were subjected to the mutation assessment in 51 cancer‐associated genes, using ion torrent semiconductor‐based next‐generation sequencing. P16 and Smad4 immunohistochemistry was performed on 34 IPMNs and 17 IPMN‐associated carcinomas. At least one somatic mutation was observed in 46/48 (96%) IPMNs; 29 (60%) had multiple gene alterations. GNAS and/or KRAS mutations were found in 44/48 (92%) of IPMNs. GNAS was mutated in 38/48 (79%) IPMNs, KRAS in 24/48 (50%) and these mutations coexisted in 18/48 (37.5%) of IPMNs. RNF43 was the third most commonly mutated gene and was always associated with GNAS and/or KRAS mutations, as were virtually all the low‐frequency mutations found in other genes. Mutations in TP53 and BRAF genes (10% and 6%) were only observed in high‐grade IPMNs. P16 was lost in 7/34 IPMNs and 9/17 IPMN‐associated carcinomas; Smad4 was lost in 1/34 IPMNs and 5/17 IPMN‐associated carcinomas. In contrast to IPMNs, only one of four ITPNs had detectable driver gene (GNAS and NRAS) mutations. Deep sequencing DNA from seven cyst fluid aspirates identified 10 of the 13 mutations detected in their associated IPMN. Using next‐generation sequencing to detect cyst fluid mutations has the potential to improve the diagnostic and prognostic stratification of pancreatic cystic neoplasms. © 2014 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Antibacterial activities of novel nanocomposite biofilms of chitosan/phosphoramide/Ag NPs
Authors: Shariatinia Zahra , Nikfar Zahra , Gholivand Khodayar , Abolghasemi Tarei Sara
Published: March 2014

Novel nanocomposite films of chitosan/phosphoramide/Ag NPs were prepared containing 1–5% of silver nanoparticles. The Ag NPs were synthesized according to the citrate reduction method. The XRD and SEM analysis of Ag NPs, chitosan (CS), phosphoramide (Ph), CS/Ph, CS/Ag NPs films and the nanocomposite films 1–5 containing CS/Ph/1–5% Ag NPs were investigated. The in vitro antibacterial activities were evaluated against four bacteria including two Gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) and two Gram‐negative Escherchia coli (E. coli), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) bacteria. Results revealed greater antibacterial effects of the films against Gram‐positive bacteria. Also, nanocomposite films containing higher percent of Ag NPs showed more antibacterial activities. POLYM. COMPOS. 36:454–466, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Personality dysfunction is the cause of recurrent non‐cognitive mental disorder: A testable hypothesis
Authors: Tyrer Peter
Published: March 2014

Objective

The objective of this study is to examine the evidence for a new hypothesis explaining the relationship between personality and mental state disorders.

Design

At present, the attribution of personality disorder as a primary diagnosis only applies to patients who are antisocial, and particularly regarded as psychopathic, as in these patients, the mental state disorder that are associated are regarded in many respects as atypical and not representative of other mental disorders. The case is made in this paper that personality dysfunction lies behind the persistence of all non‐cognitive mental disorders and that our failure to recognise this follows from our collective refusal to assess personality status early in life.

Method

Narrative review of relevant literature, which is limited as personality status is not often assessed early in life.

Results

Support is adduced that personality dysfunction lies behind the persistence of all non‐cognitive mental disorders (i.e. those that are not specifically neurodevelopmental and linked to cognitive impairment). The potential importance of this hypothesis is presented with regard to treatment and management strategy, emphasising that without specific intervention for personality dysfunction, many patients are destined for persistent morbidity. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Versatile convergent synthesis of a three peptide loop containing protein mimic of whooping cough pertactin by successive Cu(I)‐catalyzed azide alkyne cycloaddition on an orthogonal alkyne functionalized TAC‐scaffold
Authors: Werkhoven Paul R. , van de Langemheen Helmus , van der Wal Steffen , Kruijtzer John A. W. , Liskamp Rob M. J.
Published: March 2014

Synthetic mimics of discontinuous epitopes may have a wide range of potential applications, including synthetic vaccines and inhibition of protein–protein interactions. However, synthetic access to these relatively complex peptide molecular constructs is limited. This paper describes a versatile convergent strategy for the construction of protein mimics presenting three different cyclic peptides. Using an orthogonal alkyne protection strategy, peptide loops were introduced successively onto a triazacyclophane scaffold via Cu(I)‐catalyzed azide alkyne cycloaddition. This method provides rapid access to protein mimics requiring different peptide segments for their interaction and activity. Copyright © 2014 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A simple method for early age phenotype confirmation using toe tissue from a mouse model of MPS IIIA
Authors: Trim Paul J. , Lau Adeline A. , Hopwood John J. , Snel Marten F.
Published: March 2014

RATIONALE

Determination of genotype can be difficult, especially during the early stages of developing an animal model, e.g. when PCR primers are not yet available. An increase or decrease in specific metabolites can be used as a surrogate marker for genotype; for instance, in homozygous MPS IIIA mice heparan sulphate (HS) is increased.

METHODS

A simple method was developed for extracting and depolymerising HS from mouse toe tissue using methanolysis under acidic conditions. The sample was lyophilised and resuspended in methanolic HCl. The reaction products are desulphated disaccharides and readily analysable by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) in positive ion multiple reaction monitoring mode. Measurements were normalised to a spiked deuterated HS internal standard and to endogenous chondroitin sulphate (CS).

RESULTS

HS was measured in toe tissue taken from 30 mice in three groups of 10 (normal controls, MPS IIIA homozygotes and heterozygotes). A significant difference was observed between the MPS IIIA homozygotes and the other two groups, making it possible to identify mice with the MPS IIIA genotype based on the measurement of HS. Normalisation to CS was shown to correct for sample variability and reaction efficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

Analysis of toe tissue provides a simple and rapid way of determining a storage phenotype at 5 to 7 days of age. Significantly, this method does not require any additional samples to be taken from animals, as it utilises tissue that is a by‐product of toe clipping, a method that is routinely used to permanently identify mice. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A tail bound for read‐k families of functions
Authors: Gavinsky Dmitry , Lovett Shachar , Saks Michael , Srinivasan Srikanth
Published: March 2014

We prove a Chernoff‐like large deviation bound on the sum of non‐independent random variables that have the following dependence structure. The variables are arbitrary [0,1]‐valued functions of independent random variables , modulo a restriction that every Xi influences at most k of the variables . © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 47, 99–108, 2015
Study of scan protocol for exposure reduction in hybrid spectral micro‐CT
Authors: Opie Alex M. T. , Bennett James R. , Walsh Michael , Rajendran Kishore , Yu Hengyong , Xu Qiong , Butler Anthony , Butler Philip , Cao Guohua , Mohs Aaron M. , Wang Ge
Published: March 2014

The hybrid spectral micro‐computed tomography (CT) architecture integrates a conventional imaging chain and an interior spectral imaging chain, and has been proven to be an important development in spectral CT. The motivation for this study is to minimize X‐ray exposure for hybrid spectral micro‐CT using both simulated and experimental scan data while maintaining the spectral fidelity of the reconstruction. Three elements of the hybrid scan protocol are investigated: truncation of the interior spectral chain and the numbers of projections for each of the global and interior imaging chains. The effect of these elements is quantified by analyzing how each affects the reconstructed spectral accuracy. The results demonstrate that there is significant scope for reduction of radiation exposure in the hybrid scan protocol. It appears decreasing the number of conventional projections offers the most potential for exposure reduction, while further reduction is possible by decreasing the interior FOV and number of spectral projections. SCANNING 36:444–455, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enterprise security pattern: a new type of security pattern
Authors: Moral‐García Santiago , Moral‐Rubio Santiago , Rosado David G. , Fernández Eduardo B. , Fernández‐Medina Eduardo
Published: March 2014

In recent years, most organizations have suffered attacks against their information systems. For this reason, organizations should seek support from enterprise security architectures (ESAs) in order to secure their information assets. Security patterns can help when building complex ESAs, but they have some limitations that reduce their usability. In this paper, we define the metapattern of a new type of security pattern called Enterprise Security Pattern. This new metapattern provides a model‐driven environment and combines all elements that must be considered when designing and building ESAs. We present here a precise meta‐model and four diagrams to describe the metapattern of the enterprise security patterns. When avoiding a security problem, organizations could use enterprise security patterns to provide their designers with an optimal and proven security guideline and so standardize the design and building of the ESA for that problem. Enterprise security patterns could also facilitate the selection and tailoring of security policies, patterns, mechanisms, and technologies when a designer is building ESAs. To illustrate our ideas, we present an instance of this new type of pattern, showing how it can be used. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Zur wirtschaftlichen Bemessung von optimierten Walzprofil‐Kranbahnträgern für Laufkrane nach Eurocode
Authors: May Marc , Ruppert Matthias , Seeßelberg Christoph
Published: March 2014

Eine wirtschaftliche Standardanwendung von Walzprofilen sind Kranbahnträger für Laufkrane. In der bisherigen Bemessungspraxis wurden und werden überwiegend HE‐Profile in der Stahlgüte S235 eingesetzt, welche eine zweckmäßige Lösung für Kranbahnträger kurzer bis mittlerer Spannweiten bei kleinen bis mittleren Radlasten darstellen. Sowohl für größere Spannweiten als auch für größere Radlasten und die Kombination aus beiden kommen HE‐Profile an ihre Grenzen. Im folgenden Beitrag wird der Einsatz von HD‐ und HL‐Walzprofilen aus S355 für Kranbahnträger untersucht und die Vorteile dieser weniger bekannten Profilreihen dargestellt.

On the economic design of optimized rolled section runway beams for top mounted overhead cranes. Crane runway beams are an economic standard application of hot rolled sections. In today’s design practice HE sections in grade S235 are commonly used, which represents a suitable solution for crane runway beams of short to intermediate spans and small to medium wheel loads. For bigger spans as well as for higher wheel loads and the combination of both HE sections arrive to their limits. In the following article the application of HD and HL rolled‐sections in grade S355 for crane runway beams are examined and the advantages of this less known section ranges are presented.

Marc May

Matthias Ruppert

Christoph Seeßelberg
Optimierung gevouteter Rahmen im Stahlhallenbau
Authors: Münch Ingo
Published: March 2014

Einfeldrahmen in Stahlbauweise finden weite Verbreitung beim Bau von Industrie‐ und Lagerhallen mit moderater Spannweite. Mit Ausnahme des Dreigelenkrahmens sind die Schnittgrößen in Haupttragrichtung statisch unbestimmt und hängen somit von den Steifigkeiten der Bauteile ab. Bei der Bemessung von Stützen‐ und Riegelprofilen tritt dieser nichtlineare Effekt in Erscheinung und koppelt sich zudem an die Anordnung von Vouten im Eckbereich des Rahmens. Die Optimierung der Bauteile mit Hilfe einer Evolutionsstrategie offenbart, dass es aus praktischer Sicht einen Spielraum gibt, welcher favorisierte Lösungen mit adäquatem Konstruktionsgewicht enthält. Die Varianten in diesem Spielraum unterscheiden sich durch die Ausprägung der Voute, wobei sich statische und geometrische Randbedingungen bemerkbar machen. Eine Studie bespricht den Einfluss des Rahmenabstands, der Dachneigung und der gelenkigen bzw. eingespannten Lagerung der Stützen auf die optimale Wahl der Vouten.

Optimization of haunched steel hall frames. Single‐span frame structures are widespread to build storage and industrial buildings of moderate span width. Except three‐hinged frames the stress resultants in the principal load direction are statically indeterminate and thus, depend onto the stiffness of all structural members of the frame. For the dimensioning of profiles this nonlinear effect appears and couples furthermore to the design of haunches in the corners of the frame. Using an evolution algorithm to optimize the components of the structure reveals some room to find favor solutions with adequate design weight from a practical point of view. Variants differ in forming the haunches within this scope and boundary conditions become noticeable. Studies discuss the influence of frame spacing, roof slope as well as support conditions onto the optimal design auf haunches.
Pretziener Wehr – Nachhaltiger Stahlbau im Bestand dank angepasstem und neuem Korrosionsschutz
Authors: Brux Gunther
Published: March 2014

Seit über 135 Jahren besteht südlich von Pretzien an der Elbe das größte Schützentafelwehr Europas als wirksamste Hochwasserschutzeinrichtung Mitteldeutschlands; es regelt den Zulauf zu einem rd. 25 km langen Umflutkanal vorbei an den Städten Magdeburg und Schönebeck sowie bei Niedrigwasser für die Schiffbarkeit der Elbe. Das Wehr besteht noch fast unverändert, doch mussten in den letzten Jahren vor allem Stahlbauteile wegen Werkstoffalterung und Korrosion behandelt oder auch denkmalschutzgerecht ausgetauscht werden.
Genome‐wide microarray analysis identifies a potential role for striatal retrograde endocannabinoid signaling in the pathogenesis of experimental l‐DOPA‐induced dyskinesia
Authors: Wang Yong , Zhang Qiao Jun , Wang Hui Sheng , Wang Tao , Liu Jian
Published: March 2014

l‐3,4‐Dihydroxyphenylalanine (l‐DOPA) is the most widely used drug for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Unfortunately, chronic administration of this dopamine precursor causes l‐DOPA‐induced dyskinesia (LID), which is a debilitating complication whose pathogenesis remains unclear. In this study, we compared gene expression profiles of sensorimotor striatum tissue derived from LID and non‐LID 6‐hydroxydopamine‐lesioned rats treated with l‐DOPA. Total RNA was amplified, transcribed and hybridized to Agilent Whole Rat Genome Oligo Microarray chips. Quantitative real‐time reverse transcription PCR was conducted to validate the microarray data. We detected 382 upregulated genes and 115 downregulated genes in LID rats when compared with that of non‐LID subjects with Significance Analysis for Microarrays software. The differentially expressed genes were mainly associated with postsynaptic cell membranes, synapses, and neurotransmitter receptors. Gene Set Analysis (GSA) software was used to identify differentially expressed gene ontology (GO) categories and pathways. The GSA found that “long‐term depression” and “retrograde endocannabinoid signaling” pathways were downregulated, whereas a set of lipid metabolism‐related GO categories and pathways were upregulated in LID rats compared with non‐LID controls. Our study provides further experimental evidence to support the direct correlation between abnormal striatal synaptic plasticity and the induction of LID, and it suggests that the dysfunction of the retrograde endocannabinoid signaling system, a lipid‐based neuromodulatory system, and the relevant alteration of the related lipid metabolism processes might play an important role in the pathogenesis of LID. Synapse 68:332–343, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
IpO: plasmids and methods for simplified, PCR‐based DNA transplant in yeast
Authors: Horecka Joe , Chu Angela M. , Davis Ronald W.
Published: March 2014

Many yeast experiments require strains modified by recombinant DNA methods. Some experiments require precise insertion of a DNA segment into the genome without a selectable marker remaining. For these applications, we developed a new PCR‐based method for marker‐free DNA transplant. The current PCR‐based method requires the labour‐intensive construction of a PCR template plasmid with repeats of the DNA segment flanking URA3. The design of a new vector, IpO, reduces the work in cloning a single copy of the DNA segment between overlapping URA3 fragments present in the vector. Two PCRs are performed that capture the DNA segment and one or the other URA3 fragment. When the PCR products are co‐transformed into yeast, recombination between the overlapping URA3 fragments restores URA3 and transposes the cloned DNA segment inside out, creating a repeat‐URA3‐repeat cassette. Sequences designed into the PCR primers target integration of the cassette into the genome. Subsequent selection with 5‐fluoro‐orotic acid yields strains that have 'popped out' URA3 via recombination between the DNA repeats, with the result being the precise insertion of the DNA segment minus the selectable marker. An additional advantage of the IpO method is that it eliminates PCR artifacts that can plague the current method's repeat‐containing templates. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes of Copper(I) Thiocyanate: Synthesis and Structural Characterization
Authors: Dodds Christopher A. , Kennedy Alan R.
Published: March 2014

The synthesis and characterization of three N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes of copper(I) thiocyanate [Cu(IMes)(NCS)]2 (1), [Cu(IXy)(NCS)]2 (2), and [Cu(IPr)(NCS)] (3) [IMes = 1,3‐bis(2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene, IXy = 1,3‐bis(2,6‐dimethylphenyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene, IPr = 1,3‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene] are described. Single crystal diffraction and IR spectroscopy shows that reaction of one equivalent of sodium thiocyanate with [Cu(NHC)Cl] results in the formation of solid‐state centrosymmetric dimers for 1 and 2 with bridging thiocyanate ligands bound through both N and S. In contrast, the equivalent reaction with IPr gives a monomeric species with N bound thiocyanate. In the solution state, all the structures of complexes 1–3 would appear to be monomeric, as evidenced by both solution state FT‐IR and 13C NMR spectroscopic studies. In addition the precursor to complex 2 [Cu(IXy)Cl] (4) was structurally characterized by X‐ray diffraction revealing a one‐dimensional chain structure that propagates through C–H···Cl intermolecular interactions with both methyl and aromatic hydrogen atoms.
Target Price Accuracy
Authors: Kerl Alexander G.
Published: March 2014

This study analyzes the accuracy of forecasted target prices within analysts’ reports. We compute a measure for target price forecast accuracy that evaluates the ability of analysts to exactly forecast the exante (unknown) 12-month stock price. Furthermore, we determine factors that explain this accuracy. Target price accuracy is negatively related to analyst-specific optimism and stock-specific risk (measured by volatility and price-to-book ratio). However, target price accuracy is positively related to the level of detail of each report, company size and the reputation of the investment bank. The potential conflicts of interests between an analyst and a covered company do not bias forecast accuracy.
Hanging Together, Together Hung? Career Implications of Interpersonal Ties Between CEOs and Top Managers
Authors: Hilger Stefan , Richter Ansgar , Schäffer Utz
Published: March 2014

Is it good or bad for senior executives to have strong interpersonal ties to the CEO? We argue that a strong relationship with the CEO raises the likelihood that a top manager stays in office or makes an upward career move when the CEO leaves office voluntarily. At the same time, such interpersonal ties also reinforce the negative spillover effects of a dismissal of the CEO on the career prospects of the manager concerned. Our empirical analysis lends support to both arguments. We contribute to managerial succession research by underlining the ambivalence of interpersonal ties within top management teams.
Measuring Willingness to Pay by Means of the Trade-off between Free Available Cash and Specific-Purpose Vouchers
Authors: Lieven Theo , Lennerts Silke
Published: March 2014

Primarily because of the hypothetical character of interview situations, respondents are often unable to state their true willingness to pay (WTP). This inability results in the so-called hypothetical bias. To address this bias, incentive-compatible methods have been proposed, but such methods are applicable only to real products. We propose a new method for measuring WTP based on disposable cash and specificpurpose vouchers that are earmarked for particular goods that, contrary to incentive-compatible methods, can be used for hypothetical products and services that are less affected by the hypothetical bias. Empirical studies show that the new procedure provides WTP results that are equal to the results of alternative incentive-compatible elicitation procedures, such as the Vickrey auction and the Becker-DeGroot-Marschak (BDM) procedure.
The Impact of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act on the Cost of Going Public
Authors: Kaserer Christoph , Mettler Alfred , Obernberger Stefan
Published: March 2014

This paper examines the impact of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX), a legal framework intended to increase transparency and accountability of listed companies, on the cost of going public in the US. We expect SOX to increase the direct cost of going public, but decrease the underpricing because of reduced asymmetric information. Our main results corroborate these hypotheses. First, we find an increase in the cost of going public of 90 bp of gross proceeds. Second, we record a reduction in underpricing of 6 pp, which is related to a reduced offer price adjustment. This supports our hypothesis that SOX represents a mechanism to reduce asymmetric information.
Is VHB-JOURQUAL2 a Good Measure of Scientific Quality? Assessing the Validity of the Major Business Journal Ranking in German-Speaking Countries
Authors: Eisend Martin
Published: March 2014

This study examines the question of whether the journal ranking VHB-JOURQUAL 2 can be considered as a good measure for the construct ”scientific quality„. Various rankings in business research provide the database for the analysis. The correlations between theses rankings are used to assess the validity of VHBJOURQUAL 2 along various validity criteria. The correlations with rankings that measure the same construct based on different methods show that VHB-JOURQUAL 2 has acceptable, but moderate convergent validity. The validity varies considerably across disciplines, showing that the heterogeneity of business administration is not sufficiently represented by this overall ranking. The variability is related to the variation in members per discipline represented by the German Association for Business Research. Furthermore, the measure shows a weak correlation with acceptance rates as an indicator of nomological validity in some disciplines.
Cancer Risk Assessment Using Genetic Panel Testing: Considerations for Clinical Application
Authors: Hiraki Susan , Rinella Erica S. , Schnabel Freya , Oratz Ruth , Ostrer Harry
Published: March 2014

With the completion of the Human Genome Project and the development of high throughput technologies, such as next‐generation sequencing, the use of multiplex genetic testing, in which multiple genes are sequenced simultaneously to test for one or more conditions, is growing rapidly. Reflecting underlying heterogeneity where a broad range of genes confer risks for one or more cancers, the development of genetic cancer panels to assess these risks represents just one example of how multiplex testing is being applied clinically. There are a number of issues and challenges to consider when conducting genetic testing for cancer risk assessment, and these issues become exceedingly more complex when moving from the traditional single‐gene approach to panel testing. Here, we address the practical considerations for clinical use of panel testing for breast, ovarian, and colon cancers, including the benefits, limitations and challenges, genetic counseling issues, and management guidelines.
Intraoperative Evaluation of Dorsal Screw Prominence after Polyaxial Volar Plate Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures Utilizing the Hoya View: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Dolce Donald , Goodwin David , Ludwig Meryl , Edwards Scott
Published: March 2014

Background

The irregular nature of the dorsal surface of the distal radius makes it difficult to detect prominent screws with volar plate fixation for distal radius fractures using standard fluoroscopic images. This study evaluates the accuracy of a new radiographic method, the Hoya view, for the assessment of dorsal cortical screw penetration with volar plate fixation.

Methods

Eight cadaveric upper extremities underwent application of a volar distal radius plate with polyaxial locking screws placed distally. Utilizing a mini C-arm, lateral and Hoya views were obtained with notation of any dorsal cortical screw prominence. Dissection of the cadavers was then performed for direct visualization of screw prominence. The screws were then exchanged sequentially for screws 2-mm longer than their initial measurements with repeated imaging and direct visualization.

Results

The Hoya view revealed that 9.4 % of the screws penetrated the dorsal cortex with an average screw prominence of 1.08 mm (range 0.5–2 mm). None of the six prominent screws were detected with lateral views. With the Hoya view, six of six prominent screws were identified. With locking screws exchanged for screws 2-mm longer, 76.6 % of the screws had violated the dorsal cortex; of these, 24.5 % were detected with lateral imaging versus 100 % with the Hoya view.

Conclusions

This study supports the intraoperative use of the Hoya view to evaluate screw length and dorsal cortical screw penetration in volar plate fixation of distal radius fractures. However, this view may be difficult to obtain in patients with limitations in elbow or shoulder range of motion.
Immune and genetic gardening of the intestinal microbiome
Authors: Jacobs Jonathan P. , Braun Jonathan
Published: March 2014

The mucosal immune system – consisting of adaptive and innate immune cells as well as the epithelium – is profoundly influenced by its microbial environment. There is now growing evidence that the converse is also true, that the immune system shapes the composition of the intestinal microbiome. During conditions of health, this bidirectional interaction achieves a homeostasis in which inappropriate immune responses to non‐pathogenic microbes are averted and immune activity suppresses blooms of potentially pathogenic microbes (pathobionts). Genetic alteration in immune/epithelial function can affect host gardening of the intestinal microbiome, contributing to the diversity of intestinal microbiota within a population and in some cases allowing for unfavorable microbial ecologies (dysbiosis) that confer disease susceptibility.
Modifying the determinants of α‐ketoacid substrate selectivity in mycobacterium tuberculosis α‐isopropylmalate synthase
Authors: Hunter Michael F.C. , Parker Emily J.
Published: March 2014

α‐Isopropylmalate synthase (IPMS) catalyses the reaction between α‐ketoisovalerate and acetyl coenzyme A (AcCoA) in the first step of leucine biosynthesis. IPMS is closely related to homocitrate synthase, which catalyses the reaction between AcCoA and the unbranched α‐ketoacid α‐ketoglutarate. Analysis of these enzymes suggests that several differently conserved key residues are responsible for the different substrate selectivity. These residues were systematically substituted in the Mycobacterium tuberculosis IPMS, resulting in changes in substrate specificity. A variant of IPMS was constructed with a preference for the unbranched α‐ketoacids α‐ketobutyrate and pyruvate over the natural branched substrate α‐ketoisovalerate.
MiR‐145, miR‐133a and miR‐133b inhibit proliferation, migration, invasion and cell cycle progression via targeting transcription factor Sp1 in gastric cancer
Authors: Qiu Tianzhu , Zhou Xin , Wang Jian , Du Yiping , Xu Jun , Huang Zebo , Zhu Wei , Shu Yongqian , Liu Ping
Published: March 2014

MicroRNAs have recently emerged as key regulators of gastric cancers. Here we found that miR‐145, miR‐133a and miR‐133b were down‐regulated in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of miR‐145, miR‐133a and miR‐133b induced G1 cell cycle arrest and inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro. MiR‐145, miR‐133a and miR‐133b targeted the transcription factor SP1, knockdown of which reduced the expression of MMP‐9 and Cyclin D1 that were involved in cell growth and invasion. Thus, our findings demonstrated for the first time that miR‐145, miR‐133a and miR‐133b suppressed the proliferation, migration, invasion and cell cycle progression of gastric cancer cells through decreasing expression of Sp1 and its downstream proteins.
Biochemical and structural characterisation of a haloalkane dehalogenase from a marine Rhodobacteraceae
Authors: Novak Halina R. , Sayer Christopher , Isupov Michail N. , Gotz Dorothee , Spragg Andrew Mearns , Littlechild Jennifer A.
Published: March 2014

A putative haloalkane dehalogenase has been identified in a marine Rhodobacteraceae and subsequently cloned and over‐expressed in Escherichia coli. The enzyme has highest activity towards the substrates 1,6‐dichlorohexane, 1‐bromooctane, 1,3‐dibromopropane and 1‐bromohexane. The crystal structures of the enzyme in the native and product bound forms reveal a large hydrophobic active site cavity. A deeper substrate binding pocket defines the enzyme preference towards substrates with longer carbon chains. Arg136 at the bottom of the substrate pocket is positioned to bind the distal halogen group of extended di‐halogenated substrates.
MiRNA let‐7g regulates skeletal myoblast motility via Pinch‐2
Authors: Boudoukha S. , Rivera Vargas T. , Dang I. , Kropp J. , Cuvellier S. , Gautreau A. , Polesskaya A.
Published: March 2014

Post‐transcriptional regulation of gene expression by RNA‐binding proteins and by small non‐coding RNAs plays an important role in cell biology. Our previous results show that in murine skeletal myoblasts, the expression of Pinch‐2, a focal adhesion remodeling factor that regulates cell motility, is repressed by an RNA‐binding protein IMP‐2/Igf2bp2. We now show that the expression of Pinch‐2 is also regulated by the miRNA let‐7g. Let‐7g and IMP‐2 repress Pinch‐2 expression independently of each other. A knock‐down of let‐7g leads to an increase in Pinch‐2 expression, and to a decrease of cell motility, which can be reversed by a simultaneous knock‐down of Pinch‐2. We conclude that let‐7g controls the motility of mouse myoblasts in cell culture by post‐transcriptionally regulating the expression of Pinch‐2.
Risk factors for repeat abortion and implications for addressing unintended pregnancy in Vietnam
Authors: Ngo Thoai D. , Keogh Sarah , Nguyen Thang H. , Le Hoan T. , Pham Kiet H.T. , Nguyen Yen B.T.
Published: March 2014

Objective

To determine predictors of repeat abortion in 3 provinces in Vietnam.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional study between August and December 2011, women who underwent abortion were interviewed after the procedure in 62 public health facilities in Hanoi, Khanh Hoa, and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). Information on sociodemographic factors, contraceptive and reproductive history and intentions, and opinions and experience of abortion services was collected. The primary outcome was repeat (≥ 2) abortions.

Results

Overall, 1224 women were interviewed: 534 from Hanoi, 163 from Khanh Hoa, and 527 from HCMC. The mean age and parity of the respondents were 29 years and 1.8, respectively, and 79.6% were married. Approximately half of the respondents were not using contraception before pregnancy. The prevalence of repeat abortion was 31.7%. In multivariate models, significant predictors of repeat abortion included living in Hanoi, higher parity, age 35 years or older, and having 2 or more daughters (versus 1) or no sons (versus 1) after controlling for parity (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Repeat abortion remains high in Vietnam, fueled partly by inadequate contraceptive use. Son preference seems to be an important predictor of repeat abortion. Strengthening post‐abortion contraceptive counseling and promoting long‐acting contraceptive methods are essential to reduce repeat abortion.
Service users’ attributes associated with the uptake of medical versus surgical abortion at public health facilities in Vietnam
Authors: Ngo Thoai D. , Free Caroline , Le Hoan T. , Edwards Phil , Pham Kiet H.T. , Nguyen Yen B.T. , Nguyen Thang H.
Published: March 2014

Objective

To investigate the attributes of service users associated with uptake of medical abortion (MA) versus manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) at public health facilities in Vietnam.

Methods

Structured exit interviews were conducted among women who underwent termination at 62 public health facilities in Hanoi, Khanh Hoa, and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) between August and December 2011. Data on sociodemographic, abortion‐related, and service‐related factors were compared between women who underwent MVA versus MA.

Results

Overall, 1233 women completed the study survey: 541 (43.9%) from Hanoi; 163 (13.2%) from Khanh Hoa; and 529 (42.9%) from HCMC. Almost one‐quarter of women (23.1%) had chosen MA. After controlling for sociodemographic factors, women living in Khanh Hoa (odds ratio [OR], 13.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.3–33.8) and HCMC (OR, 5.8; 95% CI, 2.1–15.9) were more likely to have undergone MA than women in Hanoi. Older women were less likely to have undergone MA (P < 0.05), and those who had previously heard of MA were twice as likely to have undergone MA (P = 0.020).

Conclusion

Uptake of MA was lower than that of MVA and varied by province. Women in Vietnam will make their own judgment about which method to choose if they have prior knowledge of both.
Missed opportunities for diagnosis of female genital mutilation
Authors: Abdulcadir Jasmine , Dugerdil Adeline , Boulvain Michel , Yaron Michal , Margairaz Christiane , Irion Olivier , Petignat Patrick
Published: March 2014

Objective

To investigate missed opportunities for diagnosing female genital mutilation (FGM) at an obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) department in Switzerland.

Methods

In a retrospective study, we included 129 consecutive women with FGM who attended the FGM outpatient clinic at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at the University Hospitals of Geneva between 2010 and 2012. The medical files of all women who had undergone at least 1 previous gynecologic exam performed by an OB/GYN doctor or a midwife at the study institution were reviewed. The type of FGM reported in the files was considered correct if it corresponded to that reported by the specialized gynecologist at the FGM clinic, according to WHO classification.

Results

In 48 (37.2%) cases, FGM was not mentioned in the medical file. In 34 (26.4%) women, the diagnosis was correct. FGM was identified but erroneously classified in 28 (21.7%) cases. There were no factors (women's characteristics or FGM type) associated with missed diagnosis.

Conclusion

Opportunities to identify FGM are frequently missed. Measures should be taken to improve FGM diagnosis and care.
Fetal brain magnetic resonance imaging and long‐term neurodevelopmental impairment
Authors: Banović Vladimir , Škrablin Snježana , Banović Maja , Radoš Marko , Gverić‐Ahmetašević Snježana , Babić Ivan
Published: March 2014

Objective

To determine the incidence of fetal brain injury by fetal brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in pregnancies complicated with preterm labor (PL), preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM), and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and to compare fetal brain MRI with prenatal surveillance methods, and with immediate and long‐term neurodevelopmental outcome.

Methods

Between February 2007 and January 2009, high‐risk pregnancies were analyzed by MRI at 1.5 Tesla after 24 weeks of gestation at the Clinical Hospital Center Zagreb, Croatia. Long‐term outcome was defined as neurodevelopmental outcome at 24 months.

Results

Among 70 pregnancies analyzed, 40.0% had abnormal fetal brain MRI. The highest incidence occurred in the PL group. There was no correlation between abnormal MRI and fetal surveillance methods (ultrasound, Doppler blood flow analysis, cardiotocography, biophysical profile) or immediate neonatal outcome (1‐minute Apgar score, umbilical cord pH). Via MRI, fetal brain injury would have been diagnosed for 45.7% of fetuses with a long‐term neurodevelopmental handicap. Binary logistic regression showed that, as compared with other surveillance methods, fetal brain MRI was the best predictor of long‐term neurodevelopmental disability.

Conclusion

PL, IUGR, and PPROM were associated with an early intrauterine CNS insult that was not accurately detected by existing prenatal testing options.
National variations in operative vaginal deliveries in Ireland
Authors: Daly Niamh , Bonham Sheelagh , O'Dwyer Vicky , O'Connor Clare , Kent Etaoin , Turner Michael J.
Published: March 2014

Objective

To compare the percentage of operative vaginal delivery (OVD) among all publicly funded maternity hospitals in Ireland and to develop quality control performance tables to facilitate national benchmarking.

Methods

The analysis included deliveries of neonates weighing 500 g or more in publicly funded hospitals in Ireland in 2010. Information was obtained from the Irish National Perinatal Reporting System. Maternities delivering in 1 private hospital or at home, and those with unknown parity were excluded. Mean ± SD OVD rates were calculated per hospital. Quality control tables were devised.

Results

In 2010, there were 75 600 deliveries, of which 73 029 met the inclusion criteria. The number of deliveries per hospital ranged from 1284 to 9759. The OVD rate per hospital was 15.3 ± 2.6% (range, 11.7–20.4%). The OVD rate was 29.1% among primigravidas (n = 30 468) compared with 6.7% among multigravidas (n = 42 561) (P < 0.001). Using quality control tables, 52.6% (n = 10) and 31.6% (n = 6) of hospitals were more than 1 SD outside the national mean for forceps and ventouse delivery, respectively.

Conclusion

Wide variations were found in both the range of OVD and instrument choice among maternity hospitals in Ireland, raising questions about practice and training in contemporary obstetrics.
Shelley's Visual Imagination
Authors: Goslee Nancy Moore
Published: March 2014

Shelley's drafts and notebooks, which have recently been published for the first time, are very revealing about the creative processes behind his poems, and show - through illustrations and doodles - an unexpectedly vivid visual imagination which contributed greatly to the effect of his poetry. Shelley's Visual Imagination analyzes both verbal script and visual sketches in his manuscripts to interpret the lively personifications of concepts such as 'Liberty', 'Anarchy', or 'Life' in his completed poems. Challenging the persistent assumption that Shelley's poetry in particular, and Romantic poetry more generally, reject the visual for expressive voice or music, this first full-length study of the drafts and notebooks combines criticism with a focus upon bibliographic codes and iconic pages. The product of years of close examination of these remarkable texts, this much-anticipated book will be of great value for all students of Shelley and all those interested in the Romantic process of creation.
Muslims of Medieval Latin Christendom, c.1050–1614
Authors: Catlos Brian A.
Published: March 2014

Through crusades and expulsions, Muslim communities survived for over 500 years, thriving in medieval Europe. This comprehensive study explores how the presence of Islamic minorities transformed Europe in everything from architecture to cooking, literature to science, and served as a stimulus for Christian society to define itself. Combining a series of regional studies, Catlos compares the varied experiences of Muslims across Iberia, southern Italy, the Crusader Kingdoms and Hungary to examine those ideologies that informed their experiences, their place in society and their sense of themselves as Muslims. This is a pioneering new narrative of the history of medieval and early modern Europe from the perspective of Islamic minorities; one which is not, as we might first assume, driven by ideology, isolation and decline, but instead one in which successful communities persisted because they remained actively integrated within the larger Christian and Jewish societies in which they lived.
Sites of Memory, Sites of Mourning
Authors: Winter Jay
Published: March 2014

Jay Winter's powerful 1998 study of the 'collective remembrance' of the Great War offers a major reassessment of one of the critical episodes in the cultural history of the twentieth century. Dr Winter looks anew at the culture of commemoration and the ways in which communities endeavoured to find collective solace after 1918. Taking issue with the prevailing 'modernist' interpretation of the European reaction to the appalling events of 1914–18, Dr Winter instead argues that what characterised that reaction was, rather, the attempt to interpret the Great War within traditional frames of reference. Tensions arose inevitably. Sites of Memory, Sites of Mourning is a profound and moving book of seminal importance for the attempt to understand the course of European history during the first half of the twentieth century.
Islam, Democracy, and Cosmopolitanism
Authors: Mirsepassi Ali , Fernée Tadd Graham
Published: March 2014

This book presents a critical study of citizenship, state and globalization in societies that have been historically influenced by Islamic traditions and institutions. Interrogating the work of contemporary theorists of Islamic modernity such as Mohammed Arkoun, Abdul an-Na'im, Fatima Mernissi, Talal Asad, Saba Mahmood and Aziz Al-Azmeh, this book explores the debate on Islam, democracy and modernity, contextualized within contemporary Muslim lifeworlds. These include contemporary Turkey (following the 9/11 attacks and the onset of war in Afghanistan), multicultural France (2009–10 French burqa debate), Egypt (the 2011 Tahrir Square mass mobilizations), and India. Ali Mirsepassi and Tadd Graham Fernée critique particular counterproductive ideological conceptualizations, voicing an emerging global ethic of reconciliation. Rejecting the polarized conceptual ideals of the universal or the authentic, the authors critically reassess notions of the secular, the cosmopolitan and democracy. Raising questions that cut across the disciplines of history, anthropology, sociology and law, this study articulates a democratic politics of everyday life in modern Islamic societies.