bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managing Capital Market and Longevity Risks in a Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Authors: Cox Samuel H. , Lin Yijia , Tian Ruilin , Yu Jifeng
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACT

This article proposes a model for a defined benefit pension plan to minimize total funding variation while controlling expected total pension cost and funding downside risk throughout the life of a pension cohort. With this setup, we first investigate the plan's optimal contribution and asset allocation strategies, given the projection of stochastic asset returns and random mortality evolutions. To manage longevity risk, the plan can use either the ground‐up hedging strategy or the excess‐risk hedging strategy. Our numerical examples demonstrate that the plan transfers more unexpected longevity risk with the excess‐risk strategy due to its lower total hedge cost and more attractive structure.
COMPARISON OF SEVELAMER AND CALCIUM CARBONATE ON ENDOTHELIAL FUNCTION AND INFLAMMATION IN PATIENTS ON PERITONEAL DIALYSIS
Authors: Chennasamudram Sudha P. , Noor Tanjila , Vasylyeva Tetyana L.
Published: April 2013

Background

Hyperphosphataemia is a known independent risk factor for cardiovascular mortality. The objective of the study was to compare the effects of two phosphate binders, sevelamer carbonate and calcium carbonate on endothelial function (EF) and inflammation in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

Fifteen subjects with hyperphosphataemia discontinued all phosphate binders to undergo a two‐week washout and were assigned to sevelamer carbonate or calcium carbonate treatments for eight weeks. After a second two‐week washout period, subjects crossed over to either of the alternate treatments for another eight weeks. At the beginning and end of each treatment, biomarkers of EF, pro‐inflammatory cytokines, serum albumin, calcium, phosphate and lipids were measured.

Results

Sevelamer carbonate significantly improved lipid profile compared with calcium carbonate. Amongst the EF and pro‐inflammatory biomarkers, sevelamer carbonate decreased serum endothelin‐1, plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1, C‐reactive protein and interleukin‐6. Both phosphate binders were effective in decreasing serum phosphate but sevelamer had a positive effect on EF.

Conclusions

Treatment with sevelamer carbonate has beneficial effects compared with calcium carbonate in decreasing inflammation and improving EF in patients with T2DM on PD.
Employed and Unemployed Job Seekers and the Business Cycle
Authors: Longhi Simonetta , Taylor Mark
Published: April 2013

The job search literature suggests that on‐the‐job search reduces the probability of un employed people finding jobs. However, there is little evidence that employed and unemployed job seekers are similar or apply for the same jobs. We compare employed and unemployed job seekers in their individual characteristics, preferences over working hours, job‐search strategies and employment histories, and identify how differences vary over the business cycle. We find systematic differences which persist over the business cycle. Our results are consistent with a segmented labour market in which employed and unemployed job seekers are unlikely to directly compete with each other for jobs.
MIDGETconnectsCOP1‐dependent development with endoreduplication inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Schrader Andrea , Welter Bastian , Hulskamp Martin , Hoecker Ute , Uhrig Joachim F.
Published: April 2013

InArabidopsis thaliana, loss ofCONSTITUTIVE PHOTOMORPHOGENIC1 (COP1) function leads to constitutive photomorphogenesis in the dark associated with inhibition of endoreduplication in the hypocotyl, and a post‐germination growth arrest.MIDGET(MID), a component of theTOPOISOMERASE VI(TOPOVI) complex, is essential for endoreduplication and genome integrity inA. thaliana. Here we show thatMIDandCOP1 interactin vitroandin vivothrough the amino terminus ofCOP1. We further demonstrate thatMIDsupports sub‐nuclear accumulation ofCOP1. TheMIDprotein is not degraded in aCOP1‐dependent fashion in darkness, and the phenotypes of single and double mutants prove thatMIDis not a target ofCOP1 but rather a necessary factor for properCOP1 activity with respect to both, control ofCOP1‐dependent morphogenesis and regulation of endoreduplication. Our data provide evidence for a functional connection betweenCOP1 and theTOPOVIin plants linkingCOP1‐dependent development with the regulation of endoreduplication.
Dissemination of a pSCFS3-Like
cfr
-Carrying Plasmid in Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis Clinical Isolates Recovered from Hospitals in Ohio
Authors: Mendes Rodrigo E. , Deshpande Lalitagauri M. , Bonilla Hector F. , Schwarz Stefan , Huband Michael D. , Jones Ronald N. , Quinn John P.
Published: April 2013

Nineteen linezolid-resistant
Staphylococcus epidermidis
and two
Staphylococcus aureus
isolates recovered from two medical institutions in northeast Ohio and an
S. aureus
cfr
index strain previously collected in the same facilities during the 2007 SENTRY Antimicrobial Surveillance Program were investigated for the genetic basis of oxazolidinone resistance and the location of
cfr. S. aureus
isolates were typed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE),
spa
typing, and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). The location of
cfr
was determined by Southern blotting and hybridization. Plasmid sequencing was performed using the 454 Life Sciences (Roche) GS-FLX DNA platform. The two
S. aureus
isolates showed unique PFGE patterns but were multilocus sequence type 5 (ST5) and
spa
type t002, whereas the
S. aureus
index strain was ST239 and t037. Southern blot and hybridization experiments showed that
cfr
was plasmid located and that the
S. epidermidis
isolates, one of the
S. aureus
isolates, and the
S. aureus
index strain shared an identical
cfr
-carrying plasmid (39.3 kb). Sequencing results confirmed these findings. A 10-kb fragment containing
cfr
showed the highest identity (99.9%) to a 9.5-kb fragment of plasmid pSCFS3 from a bovine
Staphylococcus lentus
isolate from Germany. In addition, these 39.3-kb plasmids from human
S. epidermidis
and
S. aureus
exhibited BglII restriction profiles very similar to that observed for plasmid pSCFS3. The
cfr
-carrying plasmid detected in the remaining
S. aureus
isolate (7.9 kb) was distinct and showed the highest identity to the chromosomal
cfr
integrate found in the chromosomal DNA of a
Proteus vulgaris
isolate from a pig in China.
Analysis of Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome
mec
in BD GeneOhm MRSA Assay-Negative Strains
Authors: Zhang Meng , Ito Teruyo , Li Shanshuang , Misawa Shigeki , Kondo Shigemi , Miida Takashi , Ohsaka Akimichi , Hiramatsu Keiichi
Published: April 2013

The BD GeneOhm MRSA assay could identify methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) strains at a high ratio (97.8%). Analysis of 11 assay-negative MRSA strains suggested that insertion of non-
mec
staphylococcal cassette chromosome elements (SCCs) downstream of
orfX
, and carriage of SCC
mec
s with a left extremity that cannot be detected by the kit, might lead to their being given an incorrect negative status.
Safety and acceptability of practice-nurse-managed care of depression in patients with diabetes or heart disease in the Australian TrueBlue study
Authors: Schlicht K , Morgan M A J , Fuller J , Coates M J , Dunbar J A
Published: April 2013

Objectives

To determine the safety and acceptability of the TrueBlue model of nurse-managed care in the primary healthcare setting.

Design

A mixed methods study involving clinical record audit, focus groups and nurse interviews as a companion study investigating the processes used in the TrueBlue randomised trial.

Setting

Australian general practices involved in the TrueBlue trial.

Participants

Five practice nurses and five general practitioners (GPs) who had experienced nurse-managed care planning following the TrueBlue model of collaborative care.

Intervention

The practice nurse acted as case manager, providing screening and protocol-management of depression and diabetes, coronary heart disease or both.

Primary outcome measures

Proportion of patients provided with stepped care when needed, identification and response to suicide risk and acceptability of the model to practice nurses and GPs.

Results

Almost half the patients received stepped care when indicated. All patients who indicated suicidal ideations were identified and action taken. Practice nurses and GPs acknowledged the advantages of the TrueBlue care-plan template and protocol-driven care, and the importance of peer support for the nurse in their enhanced role.

Conclusions

Practice nurses were able to identify, assess and manage mental-health risk in patients with diabetes or heart disease.
Putting the ‘epi’ into epigenetics research in psychiatry
Authors: El-Sayed Abdulrahman M , Koenen Karestan C , Galea Sandro
Published: April 2013

During the past two decades, research concerned with the aetiology of psychopathology has generally progressed along two separate paths: investigations that have characterised the roles played by environmental determinants such as childhood adversity in the development of psychopathology, and those that have focused on neurobiological processes involving genetic and intracellular pathways. Epigenetic modifications, functionally relevant changes to gene expression that do not reflect changes in gene sequence, may explain how environmental exposures ‘get under the skin’ to modify the expression of genes and produce phenotypic variability. The potential of epigenetic research to unify two disparate strands of inquiry has contributed to substantial, and growing, interest in epigenetics in mental health research. However, there are several challenges with which investigators must contend in studies considering the role of epigenetic modifications in psychopathology. These include the development of causal models in study design, considerations about sample size and generalisability, and robust measurement of epigenetic modification. We employ an epidemiological lens to discuss these challenges and to provide recommendations for future studies in this area.
Growth of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in warm-temperate lakes: implications for environmental change
Authors: Blair Jennifer M. , Ostrovsky Ilia , Hicks Brendan J. , Pitkethley Robert J. , Scholes Paul
Published: April 2013

To predict potential effects of climate and anthropogenic impacts on fish growth, we compared growth rates of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in nine closely located warm-temperate lakes of contrasting morphometry, stratification and mixing regime, and trophic state. Analyses of long-term mark–recapture data showed that in deep oligotrophic and mesotrophic lakes, trout growth rates increased with increasing indices of lake productivity. In contrast, in shallow eutrophic lakes, where fish habitat volume is constrained by temperature and dissolved oxygen, trout growth rates declined with increasing productivity. Growth rates were higher in lakes with greater volumes of favourable habitat (i.e., dissolved oxygen > 6.0 mg·L−1and temperature < 21 °C) and lower in lakes with increased turbidity, chlorophyll a, and nitrogen concentrations. Our findings suggest that increases in lake productivity and temperatures as a result of global climatic change are likely to be more detrimental to salmonid habitat quality in shallower, productive lakes, while salmonids will better endure such changes in deeper, oligotrophic lakes. Fishery managers can use this information to aid future stocking decisions for salmonid fisheries in warm-temperate climates.
THE ENERGY GRAPH OF THE NONLINEAR SCHRÖDINGER EQUATION, OPEN PROBLEMS
Authors: PROCESI C.
Published: April 2013

We discuss some combinatorial and algebraic problems which have arisen from the study of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation. In particular we discuss a combinatorial graph, which we call energy graph associated to a Cayley graph. Some important features of normal forms are hidden into properties of this graph. Some of these properties are at the moment only conjectural and we point out the state of the art.
PEOPLE WATCH
Authors: Kamis Sulastri
Published: April 2013

When the West meets the East.
APPLICATIONS OF GAME THEORY TO ECONOMICS
Authors: OWEN GUILLERMO
Published: April 2013

We look at the basic applications of cooperative game theory to economic situations. These include bargaining and cooperative equilibria, especially as the number of players increases without bound. The core and the Shapley value are the fundamental tools for these applications. We consider the relation between these two concepts. A comprehensive bibliography of work published over the last decade is included.
ON SOME OPEN PROBLEMS ARISING FROM THE APPLICATION OF COALITIONAL GAMES IN MEDICINE
Authors: MORETTI STEFANO
Published: April 2013

The purpose of this paper is to review some recent applications of coalitional games in medical research, and to illustrate some related open questions. We point out the fact that many problems which are still object of debate deal with the computation, the statistical comparison and the interpretation of solutions of coalitional games defined on large biological data-sets.
PREPARATION OF SiO2 HIERARCHICAL NANOSTRUCTURE VIA CATALYST-FREE THERMAL EVAPORATION METHOD
Authors: MA JUN , LI GONG-YI , LI XIAO-DONG , PENG GANG , LI YI-HE , CHEN HUA-YU
Published: April 2013

A novel hierarchical nanostructure of SiO2 nanowires standing on SiO2 microwires was synthesized through a catalyst-free thermal evaporation method in nitrogen atmosphere. The SiO2 nanowires have an average diameter of 100 nm and length of 2 μm, while the diameter of the SiO2 microwires is around 10 μm and the length is hundreds of micrometers. The photoluminescence spectrum of the SiO2 hierarchical nanostructure shows stable blue and green emission at 442 nm and 533 nm, respectively. An oxygen-assisted three-step growth mechanism was suggested to interpret the growth of the SiO2 hierarchical nanostructure.
DYNAMICS BEHAVIOR OF MUTATION DURING REPRODUCTION ON HIV-1 DRUG RESISTANCE
Authors: HUANG GUANGYU , FAN AIJUN , WANG KAIFA
Published: April 2013

To study the transition dynamics of resistant-type human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) in highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and the affect of neutral mutation in the evolution of HIV-1, a mathematical model is proposed when mutation occurs mainly during reproduction. The derived results show that the resistant-type will certainly colonize in patients once mutation occurs. Furthermore, a neutral mutation is closely related to the colonized pattern of resistant-type HIV-1 quasispecies and there are some changes in the pattern of transmission dynamics when mutation occurs mainly during reproduction or in the absence of reproduction, which may lead to significant strategies for predicting or checking HIV-1 drug resistance in HAART.
NITROGENATION AND SUBSEQUENT SURFACTANT-ASSISTED HIGH ENERGY BALL MILLING OF Sm2Fe17 MELT-SPUN POWDERS
Authors: ZHAO LIXIN , ZHENG LIYUN , HADJIPANAYIS GEORGE C.
Published: April 2013

Sm 2 Fe 17 melt-spun powders were subjected to the nitriding process and followed by surfactant-assisted high-energy ball milling (HEBM). The microstructures, morphology and magnetic properties were also investigated by X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope and vibrating sample magnetometer. The results showed that the coercivities of the nitrided Sm 2 Fe 17 powders were 1.64 kOe and 3.65 kOe when the nitriding temperatures were 350°C and 450°C, respectively. When the nitriding temperature was 350°C, there was a wasp-shaped hysteresis loop, due to the soft phase of iron, formed during the nitrogenation process. The subsequent surfactant-assisted HEBM can further improve the magnetic properties of the nitrided Sm 2 Fe 17 powders and a 3 h milling process increased the coercivity of the sample nitrided at 450°C reached a high value of 6.97 kOe.
Glucocorticoid-induced changes in gene expression in embryonic anterior pituitary cells
Authors: Jenkins Sultan A. , Ellestad Laura E. , Mukherjee Malini , Narayana Jyoti , Cogburn Larry A. , Porter Tom E.
Published: April 2013

Within the anterior pituitary gland, glucocorticoids such as corticosterone (CORT) provide negative feedback to inhibit adrenocorticotropic hormone secretion and act to regulate production of other hormones including growth hormone (GH). The ontogeny of GH production during chicken embryonic and rat fetal development is controlled by glucocorticoids. The present study was conducted to characterize effects of glucocorticoids on gene expression within embryonic pituitary cells and to identify genes that are rapidly and directly regulated by glucocorticoids. Chicken embryonic pituitary cells were cultured with CORT for 1.5, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h in the absence and presence of cycloheximide (CHX) to inhibit protein synthesis. RNA was analyzed with custom microarrays containing 14,053 chicken cDNAs, and results for selected genes were confirmed by quantitative reverse transcription real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Levels of GH mRNA were maximally induced by 6 h of CORT treatment, and this response was blocked by CHX. Expression of 396 genes was affected by CORT, and of these, mRNA levels for 46 genes were induced or repressed within 6 h. Pathway analysis of genes regulated by CORT in the absence of CHX revealed networks of genes associated with endocrine system development and cellular development. Eleven genes that were induced within 6 h in the absence and presence of CHX were identified, and eight were confirmed by qRT-PCR. The expression profiles and canonical pathways defined in this study will be useful for future analyses of glucocorticoid action and regulation of pituitary function.
HD-03/ES: A Herbal Medicine Inhibits Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Secretion in Transfected Human Hepatocarcinoma PLC/PRF/5 Cells
Authors: Varma Sandeep R. , Sundaram R. , Gopumadhavan S. , Vidyashankar Satyakumar , Patki Pralhad S.
Published: April 2013

HD-03/ES is a herbal formulation used for the treatment of hepatitis B. However, the molecular mechanism involved in the antihepatitis B (HBV) activity of this drug has not been studied using in vitro models. The effect of HD-03/ES on hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) secretion and its gene expression was studied in transfected human hepatocarcinoma PLC/PRF/5 cells. The anti-HBV activity was tested based on the inhibition of HBsAg secretion into the culture media, as detected by HBsAg-specific antibody-mediated enzyme assay (ELISA) at concentrations ranging from 125 to 1000 μg/mL. The effect of HD-03/ES on HBsAg gene expression was analyzed using semiquantitative multiplex RT-PCR by employing specific primers. The results showed that HD-03/ES suppressed HBsAg production with an IC50 of 380 μg/mL in PLC/PRF/5 cells for a period of 24 h. HD-03/ES downregulated HBsAg gene expression in PLC/PRF/5 cells. In conclusion, HD-03/ES exhibits strong anti-HBV properties by inhibiting the secretion of hepatitis B surface antigen in PLC/PRF/5 cells, and this action is targeted at the transcription level. Thus, HD-03/ES could be beneficial in the treatment of acute and chronic hepatitis B infections.
Emergent Laparoscopic Repair of a Spigelian Hernia: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Barker Reid , Gill Richdeep S. , Brar Avneet S. , Birch Daniel W. , Karmali Shahzeer
Published: April 2013

A spigelian hernia is a protrusion through an anterior abdominal wall defect along the linea semilunaris. The traditional method of repair consists of an open surgical technique requiring a lengthy abdominal incision to allow visualization of the defect. However, with the emergence and availability of laparoscopic techniques, a minimally invasive approach is feasible. Only eight prior case reports have documented emergent laparoscopic repair of a spigelian hernia. We describe the first successful laparoscopic repair of a spigelian hernia in an emergent setting at our institution.
Implicit Iterative Scheme for a Countable Family of Nonexpansive Mappings in 2-Uniformly Smooth Banach Spaces
Authors: Tian Ming , Jin Xin
Published: April 2013

Implicit Mann process and Halpern-type iteration have been extensively studied by many others. In this paper, in order to find a common fixed point of a countable family of nonexpansive mappings in the framework of Banach spaces, we propose a new implicit iterative algorithm related to a strongly accretive and Lipschitzian continuous operatorF:xn=αnγV(xn)+βnxn-1+((1-βn)I-αnμF)Tnxnand get strong convergence under some mild assumptions. Our results improve and extend the corresponding conclusions announced by many others.
Flocculation Efficiency of Poly(Acrylamide-Co-Acrylic Acid) Obtained by Electron Beam Irradiation
Authors: Craciun Gabriela , Manaila Elena , Stelescu Maria-Daniela
Published: April 2013

A correlation between physicochemical characteristics of flocculants obtained by electron beam irradiation and their efficiency for wastewater treatment is presented. For real wastewater treatment, our interest was focused upon total suspended solids, fatty matter, and chemical oxygen demand. Flocculation studies were carried out using a standard jar test. A treatment option based on poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) for wastewater taken from a slaughterhouse plant is presented.
Self-Eating: Friend or Foe? The Emerging Role of Autophagy in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Margaritopoulos George A. , Tsitoura Eliza , Tzanakis Nikos , Spandidos Demetrios A. , Siafakas Nikos M. , Sourvinos George , Antoniou Katerina M.
Published: April 2013

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is the most common and severe form of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias. Despite an exponential increase in our understanding of potentially important mediators and mechanisms, the pathogenesis remains elusive, and little therapeutic progress has been made in the last few years. Mortality in 3–5 years is still 50%. Autophagy, a highly conserved homeostatic mechanism necessary for cell survival, has been recently implicated in the pathogenesis of pulmonary disorders. In this paper we aim to highlight some key issues regarding the process of autophagy and its possible association with the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
The Interspinous Spacer: A New Posterior Dynamic Stabilization Concept for Prevention of Adjacent Segment Disease
Authors: Nachanakian Antoine , El Helou Antonios , Alaywan Moussa
Published: April 2013

Introduction. Posterior Dynamic stabilization using the interspinous spacer device is a known to be used as an alternative to rigid fusion in neurogenic claudication patients in the absence of macro instability. Actually, it plays an important in the management of adjacent segment disease in previously fused lumbar spine.Materials and Method. We report our experience with posterior dynamic stabilization using an interspinous spacer. 134 cases performed in our institution between September 2008 and August 2012 with different lumbar spine pathologies. The ages of our patients were between 40 and 72 years, with a mean age of 57 years. After almost 4 years of follow up in our patient and comparing their outcome to our previous serious we found that in some case the interspinous distracter has an important role not only in the treatment of adjacent segment disease but also in its prevention.Results and Discussion. Clinical improvement was noted in ISD-treated patients, with high satisfaction rate. At first, radicular pain improves with more than 3/10 reduction of the mean score on visual analog scale (VAS). In addition, disability score as well as disc height and lordotic angle showed major improvement at 3 to 6 months post operatively. And, no adjacent segment disease was reported in the patient operated with interspinous spacer.Conclusion. The interspinous spacer is safe and efficient modality to be used not only as a treatment of adjacent segment disease but also as a preventive measure in patients necessitating rigid fusion.
A Description of Multiscale Modeling for the Head-Disk Interface Focusing on Bottom-Level Lubricant and Carbon Overcoat Models
Authors: Jhon Myung S. , Chung Pil Seung , Smith Robert L. , Biegler Lorenz T.
Published: April 2013

The challenges in designing future head disk interface (HDI) demand efficient theoretical modeling tools with flexibility in investigating various combinations of perfluoropolyether (PFPE) and carbon overcoat (COC) materials. For broad range of time and length scales, we developed multiscale/multiphysical modeling approach, which can bring paradigm-shifting improvements in advanced HDI design. In this paper, we introduce our multiscale modeling methodology with an effective strategic framework for the HDI system. Our multiscale methodology in this paper adopts a bottom to top approach beginning with the high-resolution modeling, which describes the intramolecular/intermolecular PFPE-COC degrees of freedom governing the functional oligomeric molecular conformations on the carbon surfaces. By introducing methodology for integrating atomistic/molecular/mesoscale levels via coarse-graining procedures, we investigated static and dynamic properties of PFPE-COC combinations with various molecular architectures. By bridging the atomistic and molecular scales, we are able to systematically incorporate first-principle physics into molecular models, thereby demonstrating a pathway for designing materials based on molecular architecture. We also discussed future materials (e.g., graphene for COC, star-like PFPEs) and systems (e.g., heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR)) with higher scale modeling methodology, which enables the incorporation of molecular/mesoscale information into the continuum scale models.
Predictors of Success for Smoking Cessation at the Workplace: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Stolz Daiana , Scherr Andreas , Seiffert Bruno , Kuster Martin , Meyer Anja , Fagerström Karl-Olov , Tamm Michael
Published: April 2013

Background: The effectiveness of worksite interventions to reduce smoking is debatable. Objectives: A comprehensive smoking cessation intervention was implemented in a community of more than 17,000 employees at three different health care companies. The primary endpoint was abstinence at 24 months (self-reported and confirmed by exhaled carbon monoxide ≤6 parts per million). Predictors of long-term abstinence were analysed by multivariable regression analysis. Methods: The study was designed as an investigator-initiated and investigator-driven, open, multicentre, cohort study; 887 smokers were enrolled in the programme. The intervention included intensive individual counselling as well as nicotine replacement and/or bupropion according to individual preferences. Re-interventions for relapse were offered during the 24-month follow-up. Results: The abstinence rate was 37% at 24 months and did not differ among the various medication groups (p > 0.05 for all). Predictors of successful cessation were higher age (odds ratio, OR 1.47, 95% confidence interval, CI 1.08-2.00, p < 0.01), breathlessness on exertion (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.1-4.9, p = 0.03), and a higher educational level (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.06-3.09, p = 0.03). Higher Fagerström (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.59-0.97, p < 0.01) and craving scores (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.63-0.89, p < 0.01), chronic sputum production (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.31-0.87, p = 0.01) and use of antidepressants (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.32-0.91, p = 0.02) were associated with ongoing smoking. Conclusion: A comprehensive smoking cessation intervention at the workplace achieves high, stable, long-term abstinence rates. Elderly, well-educated employees with breathlessness on exertion have higher odds of quitting smoking. In contrast, those with high physical dependency and more intense craving, and those reporting use of antidepressant medication or sputum production have poorer chances to quit.
Two new species of Squalius, S. adanaensis and S. seyhanensis (Teleostei: Cyprinidae), from the Seyhan River in Turkey
Authors: TURAN DAVUT , KOTTELAT MAURICE , DOĞAN ESRA
Published: April 2013

Two new species of Squalius are described from the Seyhan River drainage in Turkey: S. adanaensis from the lower part of the drainage and S. seyhanensis from the upper part. Squalius adanaensis is distinguished from the other species of the genus in Anatolia, among other characters, by having the flank scales with a dark spot on each scale pocket but covered by the posterior margin of the previous scale, and very few melanophores along the posterior margin; 38–42 + 1–2 lateral line scales; and a maximum known size of 157 mm SL. Squalius seyhanensis is distinguished from other species of the genus in Anatolia, among other characters, by having the flank scales with a dark spot on each scale pocket, exposed, and densely-set melanophores along the posterior margin, forming a conspicuous reticulate pattern; 42–44 + 1–2 lateral line scales; and a maximum know size of 240 mm SL.
Considering Streamflow Trend Analyses Uncertainty in Urbanizing Watersheds: A Baseflow Case Study in the Central United States
Authors: Hubbart Jason A. , Zell Chris
Published: April 2013

Assuming pro rata reductions in baseflow resulting from urban development may not be valid in all urbanizing watersheds. Anthropogenic offsets or compensatory contributions to baseflow (e.g., net exfiltration from sewer lines, wastewater effluents, and lawn irrigation) may mask or confound fundamental changes in hydrologic pathways. These offsets illustrate the complexities of urban flow processes and the need for improved understanding to mitigate urban development impacts. The authors used two dissimilar automated baseflow separation algorithms and Monte Carlo techniques to evaluate urban baseflow and estimation uncertainty using data from a representative urban watershed in the central United States. Three uncertainties affecting trend determinations were assessed, including algorithm structure, precipitation–runoff relationships, and baseflow algorithm parameterization. Results indicate that, despite ongoing population growth and development, annual streamflow metrics in the authors' representative watershed have not significantly increased or decreased (p > 0.05) from 1967 to 2010. However, several streamflow metrics featured shallow insignificant (p > 0.05) slopes in the direction hypothesized for an urbanizing (less pervious) watershed, including a downward slope for baseflow index (BFI) and increases in runoff volume coefficient. Median annual baseflow estimations differed by 29% between techniques (85.3 versus 118.9 mm yr−1). In the absence of direct tracer measurements, uncertainties associated with precipitation–runoff relationships, algorithm structure, and parameterization should be included in analyses evaluating alterations from baseline hydrologic conditions in urban watersheds. To advance application of separation algorithms for urban watersheds and support regulatory reductions in runoff volume, future work should include calibration of model parameters to available hydrogeologic and tracer data.
Turks and Caicos Islands Climate and Its Impacts
Authors: Jury Mark R.
Published: April 2013

The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) climate is described using mesoscale ocean and atmosphere datasets with a focus on thermodynamic versus kinematic controls, the influence of the nearby island of Hispaniola, and factors affecting early colonization and fluctuations of marine resources. The key findings include the following: trade winds accelerate to 7 m s−1 north of Hispaniola and enhance anticyclonic subsidence; there is a dry-south/wet-north pattern of rainfall that opposes surface temperature and salinity fields; ocean currents near TCI are northwestward but there is a counterclockwise gyre near Haiti that guided colonization; conch catch increases when trade winds strengthen and SST declines; TCI's dry climate limits groundwater resources, food production, and population density; and Caicos Island sheds a wind wake that boosts SST and local convection, as evident in Quick Scatterometer (QuikSCAT) observations and operational model products. Further studies of small island climates will benefit from an ever-increasing stream of mesoscale datasets.
Cartilage repair of experimentally 11 induced osteochondral defects in New Zealand White rabbits
Authors: Aulin C , Jensen-Waern M , Ekman S , Hägglund M , Engstrand T , Hilborn J , Hedenqvist P
Published: April 2013

Articular cartilage has a limited capacity for self-repair in adult humans, and methods used to stimulate regeneration often result in re-growth of fibrous cartilage, which has lower durability. No current treatment option can provide complete repair. The possibility of growth factor delivery into the joint for cartilage regeneration after injury would be an attractive treatment option. A full thickness osteochondral defect of 4 mm in diameter and 2 mm deep was created by mechanical drilling in the medial femoral condyle in 20 female adult New Zealand White rabbits. In an attempt to improve regeneration a hyaluronic hydrogel system, with or without bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) was delivered intraarticularly. The contralateral joint defect was treated with saline as control. Throughout the study, rabbits were clinically examined and after 12 ( n = 6) or 24 ( n = 9) weeks, the rabbits were euthanized and the joints evaluated by histology. The defects healed with fibrocartilage like tissue, and the filling of the defects ranged from less than 25% to complete. The healing of the defects varied both inter- and intra-group wise. Treatment with hyaluronan gel with or without BMP-2 had no effect on cartilage regeneration compared with controls. Instead, severe ectopic bone formation was found in seven joints treated with BMP-2. In conclusion, the present study shows that neither treatment with hyaluronic gel alone, nor in combination with BMP-2, improves the healing of an induced cartilage defect in rabbits. It further shows that BMP-2 can induce ectopic bone formation, which severely affects the functionality of the joint.
Thrombus formation using endovenous lasers: an in vitro experiment
Authors: Hennings T , Hennings D , Lindsay C
Published: April 2013

Objectives: The purpose of these experiments was to simulate thrombus formation during endovenous laser closure by measuring coagulum formation of in vitro laser exposures in porcine blood and investigate the role of procedures and equipment in thrombus formation.

Methods: Continuous wave 810, 940, 980, 1310 and 1470 nm lasers and microsecond pulsed wave 1064 nm Nd:YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet), 1320 nm Nd:YAG and 2100 nm THC:YAG (thulium holmium chromium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet) lasers were tested with standard fibres with diameters of 365, 550 and 600 μm as well as two prototype modified tip fibres.

Results: The results show that pulsed lasers with high-peak power densities form less coagulum. Fibre specifications were found not to influence coagulum formation, and prototype modified tip fibres designed to prevent contact between the fibre tip and the vein wall did not eliminate coagulum formation.

Conclusion: Microsecond-pulsed wave lasers with high-peak power densities may be a better choice to minimize soft thrombus formation during endovenous laser ablation treatments.
Sclerotherapy in venous malformation
Authors: Rabe E , Pannier F
Published: April 2013

Venous malformations are the result of an arrested development of the venous system during the embryogenesis. In the treatment of venous malformations the standard of care is a multidisciplinary approach including the use of traditional surgical therapy if applicable and endovascular treatment. Endovascular techniques include embolization therapy for instance with coils but also sclerotherapy with liquid or foamed sclerosants. The aim of this paper is to give an overview of foam sclerotherapy in venous malformations. Sclerotherapy of venous malformations has been performed in superficial and intramuscular malformations. In many cases ethanol has been used for the treatment. Since more than 10 years, less aggressive sclerosants like polidocanol and sodiumtetradecyl sulphate have been used to treat venous malformations. These substances can be used without anaesthesia and the rate of side-effects is much lower. Yamaki and Cabrera are the first who used foam sclerotherapy for the treatment of symptomatic venous malformations. Compared with liquid sclerotherapy foam sclerotherapy has the advantage of a better and longer lasting contact of the sclerosing agent with the vessel wall which leads to a more effective treatment and to a reduction of concentrations needed. In a recent European Guideline on Sclerotherapy foam sclerotherapy is recommended over liquid therapy for the treatment of venous malformations. Foam sclerotherapy is an effective treatment option for low flow extratruncular and truncular venous malformations. Foam is significantly more effective than liquid sclerotherapy and side-effects with polidocanol or sodiumtetradecyl sulphate foam are less compared with sclerotherapy with ethanol. With foam sclerotherapy a significant reduction of pain and volume of the venous malformations can be reached.
Regimes of Meaning
Authors: Demetry Daphne
Published: April 2013

Drawing on participant observation of a high-end restaurant, I examine how work group culture and discourse are formulated through the organization of space and time. To date, scholars have typically divided the study of space and time into two separate fields of inquiry, but the two constructs are intimately integrated. I use a natural ethnographic experiment, observing two different kitchen regimes while keeping the space and occupational pressures constant, to illustrate that groups can arrange time and space according to local cultures. My findings reveal that internally created pressures (i.e., chefs creating constraints via their managerial style) combined with external demands influence both how restaurant workers use the kitchen space during particular moments and what forms of speech they deem acceptable in those spaces and times. My study demonstrates the social organization of time and space, particularly in the context of a restaurant kitchen.
Relationship Between Diet Texture and Discharge Due to Deteriorating Health Condition in Nursing Home Residents in Japan
Authors: Taniguchi Erika , Asakura Keiko , Murakami Kentaro , Masayasu Shizuko , Sasaki Satoshi
Published: April 2013

We conducted a multicenter 1-year prospective study to evaluate the relationship between diet texture and discharge due to deteriorating health condition. The staff dietitian at each nursing home in Japan retrieved participants’ data (N = 9528) from nursing records. Diet texture was categorized into 4 groups: “normal,” “chopped,” “pureed,” and “parenteral nutrition.” Discharge status was categorized into 2 groups: “discharge due to deteriorating health condition” and “stable health condition.” Multivariate adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for “discharge due to deteriorating health condition” (n = 1820) were 1 (reference) for “normal”, 1.23 (95% CI = 1.05-1.45) for “chopped,” 1.82 (95% CI = 1.48-2.24) for “pureed,” and 1.82 (95% CI = 1.41-2.35) for “parenteral nutrition.” In conclusion, even after adjusting for baseline health status, texture-modified diets and parenteral nutrition were independently and positively associated with discharge due to deteriorating health condition.
Development and Validation of the Sorokin Psychosocial Love Inventory for Divorced Individuals
Authors: D’Ambrosio Joseph G. , Faul Anna C.
Published: April 2013

Objective:

This study describes the development and validation of the Sorokin Psychosocial Love Inventory (SPSLI) measuring love actions toward a former spouse.

Method:

Classical measurement theory and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were utilized with an a priori theory and factor model to validate the SPSLI.

Results:

A 15-item scale containing five subscales (intensity, extensity, purity, adequacy, and duration) showed good fit, statistically significant factor loadings, good reliability, and validity. Multigroup CFA indicated both measurement equivalence and structural equivalence between males and females.

Discussion:

The SPSLI supports Sorokin’s multidimensional theory of love and provides clinicians a method to measure love actions of divorcing individuals. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
Indian Media Coverage of Kashmir
Authors: Nazakat Syed
Published: April 2013

This commentary provides an insight into the security risks and inclination, albeit unconsciously, to be swayed by national interests, that journalists face in their coverage of war and sectarian conflicts. The author, a journalist with The Week magazine in New Delhi, alludes to the issues of verification, attribution and personal security in his coverage of the conflict in Kashmir. He concludes that as long as editors and news organisations support the journalist, one should pursue the story despite the security risks.
Common Trends in News Reporting from Asia Pacific Journalism Students
Authors: Gondo Harumi
Published: April 2013

Despite the vast differences in cultures, economies and political make-up of countries in the Asia Pacific, UPI’s journalism training organization, UPIU, has found that the journalism students struggle with similar issues—mainly the absence of sources, news hook (or news angle) and organization (or structure). This commentary describes how UPIU addresses these issues.
Microarray determination of Bcl-2 family protein inhibition sensitivity in breast cancer cells
Authors: Hudson Sandra G , Halleran Devin R , Nevaldine Barbara , Shapiro Anna , Hutchison Robert E , Hahn Peter J
Published: April 2013

This study tests the hypothesis that reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) microarrays can be used to predict the relative sensitivity to induction of apoptosis in breast cancer cells exposed to inhibitors of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins. Four cell lines, MDA-MB-231 (MDA-231) and MDA-MB-468 (MDA-468), BT-20 and T47-D were screened for relative expression of Bcl-2 family members A1, Mcl-1, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and Bcl-w mRNA by RT-PCR microarrays and Western analysis. The four cell lines were treated with 1 μmol/L obatoclax (GX15-070) and/or 2 Gy radiation (RT) and monitored for apoptosis after 48 h. Cell lines showing the highest total fold-increase of Bcl-2 family member mRNA, MDA-231 and MDA-468, also showed the highest levels of apoptosis induction (approximately 70% with obatoclax alone and 82% with obatoclax plus RT). Cell lines with little or no increase in Bcl-2 family mRNA (BT-20 and T47-D) showed less apoptosis (30% following treatment with obatoclax and 42% with obatoclax plus RT). RT-PCR arrays can predict the relative apoptosis response of breast cancer cells to the pan Bcl-2 inhibitor obatoclax alone or when combined with radiation.
A Fast Method to Estimate the Wall Shear Stress Waveform in Arteries
Authors: Yang Xin , Hollis Lyam , Adams Fiona , Khan Faisel , Hoskins Peter R
Published: April 2013

Introduction

Ultrasound has been applied to measure vessel diameter and blood flow velocity to compute the wall shear rate (WSR) in arteries. This paper describes a fast technique to assess the WSR waveform using an image of a pulsed Doppler waveform downloaded from a modern clinical ultrasound scanner.

Methods

A walled vascular phantom has been developed to mimic the physiological condition of brachial arteries, from where measurements were made. A MATLAB program has been developed and used to compute the WSR waveform in a flow phantom from a pulsed Doppler image. The mean WSR obtained from the WSR waveform was compared with the mean WSR derived from the flow rate obtained from a timed collection method. Measurement errors in Doppler velocity estimates from ultrasound scanners were also investigated and used to determine correction factors in WSR calculations.

Results

For three different flow phantom depths, 9.5,14.5 and 19.5 mm, the mean percentage errors between the true and measured WSR were found to be 4.5% (SD = 4.0), 7.4% (SD = 5.1) and 14.2% (SD = 4.1) respectively.

Conclusions

The results demonstrated the feasibility of calculating WSR based solely on an image of the Doppler spectrum and arterial diameter measurement, which opens up the possibility of obtaining WSR estimates from generic scanners.
An efficient post-hoc integration method improving peak alignment of metabolomics data from GCxGC/TOF-MS
Authors: Jeong Jaesik , Zhang Xiang , Shi Xue , Kim Seongho , Shen Changyu
Published: April 2013

Background

Since peak alignment in metabolomics has a huge effect on the subsequent statistical analysis, it is considered a key preprocessing step and many peak alignment methods have been developed. However, existing peak alignment methods do not produce satisfactory results. Indeed, the lack of accuracy results from the fact that peak alignment is done separately from another preprocessing step such as identification. Therefore, a post-hoc approach, which integrates both identification and alignment results, is in urgent need for the purpose of increasing the accuracy of peak alignment.

Results

The proposed post-hoc method was validated with three datasets such as a mixture of compound standards, metabolite extract from mouse liver, and metabolite extract from wheat. Compared to the existing methods, the proposed approach improved peak alignment in terms of various performance measures. Also, post-hoc approach was verified to improve peak alignment by manual inspection.

Conclusions

The proposed approach, which combines the information of metabolite identification and alignment, clearly improves the accuracy of peak alignment in terms of several performance measures. R package and examples using a dataset are available at http://mrr.sourceforge.net/download.html.
Reevaluation of the evolutionary events within recA/RAD51 phylogeny
Authors: Chintapalli Sree V , Bhardwaj Gaurav , Babu Jagadish , Hadjiyianni Loukia , Hong Yoojin , Todd George K , Boosalis Casey A , Zhang Zhenhai , Zhou Xiaofan , Ma Hong , Anishkin Andriy , van Rossum Damian B , Patterson Randen L
Published: April 2013

Background

The recA/RAD51 gene family encodes a diverse set of recombinase proteins that affect homologous recombination, DNA-repair, and genome stability. The recA gene family is expressed across all three domains of life - Eubacteria, Archaea, and Eukaryotes - and even in some viruses. To date, efforts to resolve the deep evolutionary origins of this ancient protein family have been hindered by the high sequence divergence between paralogous groups (i.e. ~30% average pairwise identity).

Results

Through large taxon sampling and the use of a phylogenetic algorithm designed for inferring evolutionary events in highly divergent paralogs, we obtained a robust, parsimonious and more refined phylogenetic history of the recA/RAD51 superfamily.

Conclusions

In summary, our model for the evolution of recA/RAD51 family provides a better understanding of the ancient origin of recA proteins and the multiple events that lead to the diversification of recA homologs in eukaryotes, including the discovery of additional RAD51 sub-families.
Extended p-adic q-invariant integrals on "Equation missing" associated with applications of umbral calculus
Authors: Araci Serkan , Acikgoz Mehmet , Kilicman Adem
Published: April 2013

The fundamental aim of this paper is to consider some applications of umbral calculus by utilizing from the extended p-adic q-invariant integral on

Z
p

. From those considerations, we derive some new interesting properties on the extended p-adic q-Bernoulli numbers and polynomials. That is, a systemic study of the class of Sheffer sequences in connection with generating function of the p-adic q-Bernoulli polynomials are given in the present work.

MSC:05A10, 11B65, 11B68, 11B73.