bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teleoperation Through Apertures
Authors: Jones Keith S. , Johnson Brian R. , Schmidlin Elizabeth A.
Published: April 2011

Urban search and rescue (USAR) robots get stuck. Furthermore, USAR workers complained that it is difficult to judge whether a teleoperated robot can go through certain apertures. Two experiments tested teleoperators’ abilities to (a) judge whether a robot could fit through apertures (passability), (b) judge whether they could drive a robot through apertures (driveability), and (c) drive the robot through apertures. Experiment 1 examined teleoperators’ passability judgments and whether those same operators hit apertures that were wider than the robot. Experiment 2 replicated Experiment 1 and examined driveability judgments. Experiment 1 indicated that teleoperators made accurate passability judgments and routinely hit apertures that were wider than the robot. Experiment 2 successfully replicated Experiment 1 and demonstrated that teleoperators did not make accurate driveability judgments. Experiment 1 indicated that teleoperating a robot through an aperture is constrained by the robots’ physical dimensions plus a safety margin associated with how well the operators drive the robot. Thus, teleoperators should base decisions to enter an aperture on their ability to drive the robot. However, Experiment 2 indicated that teleoperators do not make accurate driveability judgments. These results have implications for teleoperator training and the design of robots for specific applications.
Antiphospholipid (Anticardiolipin) Syndrome Leading to Budd-Chiari Syndrome and Anomalous Hepatic Vein Collateral Formation
Authors: Polin Ann C. , Gutknecht Mary
Published: April 2011

Most cases demonstrating extrahepatic venous collateral formation are the result of extensions of the portal venous system. This provides an outlet for venous drainage from the congested liver, usually in cases of portal hypertension. The case presented here, in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus, antiphospholipid syndrome, and Budd-Chiari syndrome, is a demonstration of extrahepatic venous collateral formation originating from the hepatic veins in the liver. This rare case has features that are easily demonstrated using color and pulsed-wave Doppler sonography.
Characterisation of anomalies embedded in graphite fibre reinforced aluminium composite by chirplet parameters
Authors: Su J , Wu G H , Gou H S , Chen G Q , Jiang L T , Li Y
Published: April 2011

To characterise anomalies embedded in graphite fibre reinforced aluminium matrix composite, chirplet parameters of ultrasonic signals were obtained by chirplet signal decomposition method. It was confirmed that the parameters of decomposed chirplets can represent the characteristic of ultrasonic signals in time and frequency domains compared with conventional time and frequency analysis method. Chirplet parameters were used to identify three types of anomalies embedded in graphite fibre reinforced aluminium matrix composite. The variations of centre frequency and phase of three anomalies were interpreted by frequency dependent attenuation coefficient of composite and frequency dependent reflection coefficient of thin anomalies embedded in composite.
Role of alloying elements in nanostructured ferritic steels
Authors: Miller M K , Parish C M
Published: April 2011

The roles of the alloying elements in three nanostructured ferritic alloys (14YWT, MA957 and Eurofer 97) have been established through the characterisation of the microstructure by atom probe tomography and spectrum imaging in a transmission electron microscope. Cr, W, Mo, Ti and Y were found in the ferrite matrix and contributed to solid solution hardening. Ti, Y, C, O and N were found in high number densities of precipitates and nanoclusters both in the grain interior and on grain boundaries and thereby contributed to precipitation hardening. Cr, W and Mo were enriched at the intraparticle regions of the grain boundaries. The solute segregation and precipitation pinned the grain boundaries and contributed to the excellent creep properties of the alloys.
CD8 positive T cells express IL-17 in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Chang Ying , Nadigel Jessica , Boulais Nicholas , Bourbeau Jean , Maltais François , Eidelman David H , Hamid Qutayba
Published: April 2011

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive and irreversible chronic inflammatory disease of the lung. The nature of the immune reaction in COPD raises the possibility that IL-17 and related cytokines may contribute to this disorder. This study analyzed the expression of IL-17A and IL-17F as well as the phenotype of cells producing them in bronchial biopsies from COPD patients.

Methods

Bronchoscopic biopsies of the airway were obtained from 16 COPD subjects (GOLD stage 1-4) and 15 control subjects. Paraffin sections were used for the investigation of IL-17A and IL-17F expression in the airways by immunohistochemistry, and frozen sections were used for the immunofluorescence double staining of IL-17A or IL-17F paired with CD4 or CD8. In order to confirm the expression of IL-17A and IL-17F at the mRNA level, a quantitative RT-PCR was performed on the total mRNA extracted from entire section or CD8 positive cells selected by laser capture microdissection.

Results

IL-17F immunoreactivity was significantly higher in the bronchial biopsies of COPD patients compared to control subjects (P < 0.0001). In the submucosa, the absolute number of both IL-17A and IL-17F positive cells was higher in COPD patients (P < 0.0001). After adjusting for the total number of cells in the submucosa, we still found that more cells were positive for both IL-17A (P < 0.0001) and IL-17F (P < 0.0001) in COPD patients compared to controls. The mRNA expression of IL-17A and IL-17F in airways of COPD patients was confirmed by RT-PCR. The expression of IL-17A and IL-17F was co-localized with not only CD4 but also CD8, which was further confirmed by RT-PCR on laser capture microdissection selected CD8 positive cells.

Conclusion

These findings support the notion that Th17 cytokines could play important roles in the pathogenesis of COPD, raising the possibility of using this mechanism as the basis for novel therapeutic approaches.
Differentiated transplant derived airway epithelial cell cytokine secretion is not regulated by cyclosporine
Authors: Floreth Timothy , Stern Eric , Tu Yingli , Stern Randi , Garrity Edward R , Bhorade Sangeeta M , White Steven R
Published: April 2011

Background

While lung transplantation is an increasingly utilized therapy for advanced lung diseases, chronic rejection in the form of Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome (BOS) continues to result in significant allograft dysfunction and patient mortality. Despite correlation of clinical events with eventual development of BOS, the causative pathophysiology remains unknown. Airway epithelial cells within the region of inflammation and fibrosis associated with BOS may have a participatory role.

Methods

Transplant derived airway epithelial cells differentiated in air liquid interface culture were treated with IL-1β and/or cyclosporine, after which secretion of cytokines and growth factor and gene expression for markers of epithelial to mesenchymal transition were analyzed.

Results

Secretion of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α, but not TGF-β1, was increased by IL-1β stimulation. In contrast to previous studies using epithelial cells grown in submersion culture, treatment of differentiated cells in ALI culture with cyclosporine did not elicit cytokine or growth factor secretion, and did not alter IL-6, IL-8, or TNF-α production in response to IL-1β treatment. Neither IL-1β nor cyclosporine elicited expression of markers of the epithelial to mesenchymal transition E-cadherin, EDN-fibronectin, and α-smooth muscle actin.

Conclusion

Transplant derived differentiated airway epithelial cell IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α secretion is not regulated by cyclosporinein vitro; these cells thus may participate in local inflammatory responses in the setting of immunosuppression. Further, treatment with IL-1β did not elicit gene expression of markers of epithelial to mesenchymal transition. These data present a model of differentiated airway epithelial cells that may be useful in understanding epithelial participation in airway inflammation and allograft rejection in lung transplantation.
Detection of erbB2 copy number variations in plasma of patients with esophageal carcinoma
Authors: Andolfo Immacolata , Petrosino Giuseppe , Vecchione Loredana , De Antonellis Pasqualino , Capasso Mario , Montanaro Donatella , Gemei Marica , Troncone Giancarlo , Iolascon Achille , Orditura Michele , Ciardiello Fortunato , De Vita Fernando , Zollo Massimo
Published: April 2011

Background

Mortality is high in patients with esophageal carcinoma as tumors are rarely detected before the disease has progressed to an advanced stage. Here, we sought to isolate cell-free DNA released into the plasma of patients with esophageal carcinoma, to analyze copy number variations of marker genes in the search for early detection of tumor progression.

Methods

Plasma of 41 patients with esophageal carcinoma was prospectively collected before tumor resection and chemotherapy. Our dataset resulted heterogeneous for clinical data, resembling the characteristics of the tumor. DNA from the plasma was extracted to analyze copy number variations of the erbB2 gene using real-time PCR assays.

Results

The real-time PCR assays for erbB2 gene showed significant (P = 0.001) copy number variations in the plasma of patients with esophageal carcinoma, as compared to healthy controls with high sensitivity (80%) and specificity (95%). These variations in erbB2 were negatively correlated to the progression free survival of these patients (P = 0.03), and revealed a further risk category stratification of patients with low VEGF expression levels.

Conclusion

The copy number variation of erbB2 gene from plasma can be used as prognostic marker for early detection of patients at risk of worse clinical outcome in esophageal cancer.
Lactobacillus fermentum (PCC®) supplementation and gastrointestinal and respiratory-tract illness symptoms: a randomised control trial in athletes
Authors: West Nicholas P , Pyne David B , Cripps Allan W , Hopkins William G , Eskesen Dorte C , Jairath Ashok , Christophersen Claus T , Conlon Michael A , Fricker Peter A
Published: April 2011

Background

Probiotics purportedly reduce symptoms of gastrointestinal and upper respiratory-tract illness by modulating commensal microflora. Preventing and reducing symptoms of respiratory and gastrointestinal illness are the primary reason that dietary supplementation with probiotics are becoming increasingly popular with healthy active individuals. There is a paucity of data regarding the effectiveness of probiotics in this cohort. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a probiotic on faecal microbiology, self-reported illness symptoms and immunity in healthy well trained individuals.

Methods

Competitive cyclists (64 males and 35 females; age 35 ± 9 and 36 ± 9 y, VO2max 56 ± 6 and 52 ± 6 ml.kg-1.min-1, mean ± SD) were randomised to either probiotic (minimum 1 × 109
Lactobacillus fermentum (PCC®) per day) or placebo treatment for 11 weeks in a double-blind, randomised, controlled trial. The outcome measures were faecal L. fermentum counts, self-reported symptoms of illness and serum cytokines.

Results

Lactobacillus numbers increased 7.7-fold (90% confidence limits 2.1- to 28-fold) more in males on the probiotic, while there was an unclear 2.2-fold (0.2- to 18-fold) increase in females taking the probiotic. The number and duration of mild gastrointestinal symptoms were ~2-fold greater in the probiotic group. However, there was a substantial 0.7 (0.2 to 1.2) of a scale step reduction in the severity of gastrointestinal illness at the mean training load in males, which became more pronounced as training load increased. The load (duration×severity) of lower respiratory illness symptoms was less by a factor of 0.31 (99%CI; 0.07 to 0.96) in males taking the probiotic compared with placebo but increased by a factor of 2.2 (0.41 to 27) in females. Differences in use of cold and flu medication mirrored these symptoms. The observed effects on URTI had too much uncertainty for a decisive outcome. There were clear reductions in the magnitude of acute exercise-induced changes in some cytokines.

Conclusion

L. fermentum may be a useful nutritional adjunct for healthy exercising males. However, uncertainty in the effects of supplementation on URTI and on symptoms in females needs to be resolved.

Trial registration

The trial was registered in the Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12611000006943).
Porous silicon nanoparticles for cancer photothermotherapy
Authors: Hong Chanseok , Lee Jungkeun , Zheng Hongmei , Hong Soon-Sun , Lee Chongmu
Published: April 2011

The in vitro cell tests and in vivo animal tests were performed to investigate the feasibility of the photothermal therapy based on porous silicon (PSi) in combination with near-infrared (NIR) laser. According to the Annexin V- fluorescein isothiocyanate Apoptosis assay test results, the untreated cells and the cells exposed to NIR laser without PSi treatment had a cell viability of 95.6 and 91.3%, respectively. Likewise, the cells treated with PSi but not with NIR irradiation also had a cell viability of 74.4%. Combination of these two techniques, however, showed a cell viability of 6.7%. Also, the cell deaths were mostly due to necrosis but partly due to late apoptosis. The in vivo animal test results showed that the Murine colon carcinoma (CT-26) tumors were completely resorbed without nearly giving damage to surrounding healthy tissue within 5 days of PSi and NIR laser treatment. Tumors have not recurred at all in the PSi/NIR treatment groups thereafter. Both the in vitro cell test and in vivo animal test results suggest that thermotherapy based on PSi in combination with NIR laser irradiation is an efficient technique to selectively destroy cancer cells without damaging the surrounding healthy cells.
Synthesis and optical property of one-dimensional spinel ZnMn2O4 nanorods
Authors: Zhang Pan , Li Xinyong , Zhao Qidong , Liu Shaomin
Published: April 2011

Spinel zinc manganese oxide (ZnMn2O4) nanorods were successfully prepared using the previously synthesized α-MnO2 nanorods by a hydrothermal method as template. The nanorods were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, UV-Vis absorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, surface photovoltage spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The ZnMn2O4 nanorods in well-formed crystallinity and phase purity appeared with the width in 50-100 nm and the length in 1.5-2 μm. They exhibited strong absorption below 500 nm with the threshold edges around 700 nm. A significant photovoltage response in the region below 400 nm could be observed for the nanorods calcined at 650 and 800°C.
FTIR-ATR-based prediction and modelling of lignin and energy contents reveals independent intra-specific variation of these traits in bioenergy poplars
Authors: Zhou Guanwu , Taylor Gail , Polle Andrea
Published: April 2011

Background

There is an increasing demand for renewable resources to replace fossil fuels. However, different applications such as the production of secondary biofuels or combustion for energy production require different wood properties. Therefore, high-throughput methods are needed for rapid screening of wood in large scale samples, e.g., to evaluate the outcome of tree breeding or genetic engineering. In this study, we investigated the intra-specific variability of lignin and energy contents in extractive-free wood of hybrid poplar progenies (Populus trichocarpa × deltoides) and tested if the range was sufficient for the development of quantitative prediction models based on Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Since lignin is a major energy-bearing compound, we expected that the energy content of wood would be positively correlated with the lignin content.

Results

Lignin contents of extractive-free poplar wood samples determined by the acetyl bromide method ranged from 23.4% to 32.1%, and the calorific values measured with a combustion calorimeter varied from 17260 to 19767 J g-1. For the development of calibration models partial least square regression and cross validation was applied to correlate FTIR spectra determined with an attenuated total reflectance (ATR) unit to measured values of lignin or energy contents. The best models with high coefficients of determination (R2(calibration) = 0.91 and 0.90; R2(cross-validation) = 0.81 and 0.79) and low root mean square errors of cross validation (RMSECV = 0.77% and 62 J g-1) for lignin and energy determination, respectively, were obtained after data pre-processing and automatic wavenumber restriction. The calibration models were validated by analyses of independent sets of wood samples yielding R2= 0.88 and 0.86 for lignin and energy contents, respectively.

Conclusions

These results show that FTIR-ATR spectroscopy is suitable as a high-throughput method for lignin and energy estimations in large data sets. Our study revealed that the intra-specific variations in lignin and energy contents were unrelated to each other and that the lignin content, therefore, was no predictor of the energy content. Employing principle component analyses we showed that factor loadings for the energy content were mainly associated with carbohydrate ring vibrations, whereas those for lignin were mainly related to aromatic compounds. Therefore, our analysis suggests that it may be possible to optimize the energy content of trees without concomitant increase in lignin.
Mutational Status of the TP53 Gene As a Predictor of Response and Survival in Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Results From the LRF CLL4 Trial
Authors: Gonzalez David , Martinez Pilar , Wade Rachel , Hockley Sarah , Oscier David , Matutes Estella , Dearden Claire E. , Richards Sue M. , Catovsky Daniel , Morgan Gareth J.
Published: April 2011

Purpose

TP53 mutations have been described in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and have been associated with poor prognosis in retrospective studies. We aimed to address the frequency and prognostic value of TP53 abnormalities in patients with CLL in the context of a prospective randomized trial.

Patients and Methods

We analyzed 529 CLL samples from the LRF CLL4 (Leukaemia Research Foundation Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia 4) trial (chlorambucil v fludarabine with or without cyclophosphamide) at the time of random assignment for mutations in the TP53 gene. TP53 mutation status was correlated with response and survival data.

Results

Mutations of TP53 were found in 40 patients (7.6%), including 25 (76%) of 33 with 17p deletion and 13 (3%) of 487 without that deletion. There was no significant correlation between TP53 mutations and age, stage, IGHV gene mutations, CD38 and ZAP-70 expression, or any other chromosomal abnormality other than 17p deletion, in which concordance was high (96%). TP53 mutations were significantly associated with poorer overall response rates (27% v 83%; P < .001) and shorter progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS; 5-year PFS: 5% v 17%; 5-year OS: 20% v 59%; P < .001 for both). Multivariate analysis that included baseline clinical variables, treatment, and known adverse genetic factors confirmed that TP53 mutations have added prognostic value.

Conclusion

TP53 mutations are associated with impaired response and shorter survival in patients with CLL. Analysis of TP53 mutations should be performed in patients with CLL who have progressive disease before starting first-line treatment, and those with mutations should be selected for novel experimental therapies.
Reaction of 2-(Aminomethyl)pyridine with Selenium Dioxide: Synthesis and Structure of Selenium-bridged Imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine Derivatives
Authors: Niyomura Osamu , Yamaguchi Yoshimi , Tamura Souhei , Minoura Mao , Okamoto Yoshihisa
Published: April 2011

Reaction of 2-(aminomethyl)pyridine with selenium dioxide leads to the formation of imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine (2-azaindolizine) skeleton in a single step. The major products of the reactions are 3-(2-pyridyl)imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine, bis[3-(2-pyridyl)imidazo[1,5-a]pyridin-1-yl] selenide, or the corresponding diselenide depending upon the reaction conditions. The structures of these selenium-bridged imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine derivatives are disclosed by X-ray crystal structural analyses. For the diselenide, the unusual dihedral angle C–Se–Se–C of 56.0° was observed indicating π–π intramolecular interaction between the fused six-membered rings.
The Economics of Credence Goods: An Experiment on the Role of Liability, Verifiability, Reputation, and Competition
Authors: Dulleck Uwe , Kerschbamer Rudolf , Sutter Matthias
Published: April 2011

Credence goods markets are characterized by asymmetric information between sellers and consumers that may give rise to inefficiencies, such as under- and overtreatment or market breakdown. We study in a large experiment with 936 participants the determinants for efficiency in credence goods markets. While theory predicts that liability or verifiability yield efficiency, we find that liability has a crucial, but verifiability at best a minor, effect. Allowing sellers to build up reputation has little influence, as predicted. Seller competition drives down prices and yields maximal trade, but does not lead to higher efficiency as long as liability is violated. (JEL D12, D82)
Heterogeneity in Risky Choice Behavior in a Broad Population
Authors: von Gaudecker Hans-Martin , van Soest Arthur , WengstrÖm Erik
Published: April 2011

We analyze risk preferences using an experiment with real incentives in a representative sample of 1,422 Dutch respondents. Our econometric model incorporates four structural parameters that vary with observed and unobserved characteristics: utility curvature, loss aversion, preferences toward the timing of uncertainty resolution, and the propensity to choose randomly rather than on the basis of preferences. We find that all four parameters contribute to explaining choice behavior. The structural parameters are significantly associated with socioeconomic variables, but it is essential to incorporate unobserved heterogeneity in each of them to match the rich variety of choice patterns in the data. (JEL D12, D81)
Deferred Compensation in Multiperiod Labor Contracts: An Experimental Test of Lazear's Model
Authors: Huck Steffen , Seltzer Andrew J , Wallace Brian
Published: April 2011

This paper provides the first experimental test of Edward Lazear's (1979) model of deferred compensation. We examine the relation ship between firms' wage offers and workers' effort supply in a multi-period environment. If firms can ex ante commit to a wage schedule with deferred compensation, workers should respond by supplying sufficient effort to avoid dismissal. We contrast this full-commitment case to controls with no commitment and computer-generated wages in order to examine the roles of monetary incentives, social preferences, and reciprocity. Finally, we examine a setup without formal commitment, but where firms can build a reputation for paying deferred wages. (JEL D86, J22, J31, J33, J41)
Coordination in the Presence of Asset Markets
Authors: Kogan Shimon , Kwasnica Anthony M , Weber Roberto A
Published: April 2011

We explore the relationship between outcomes in a coordination game and a pre-play asset market where asset values are determined by outcomes in the subsequent coordination game. Across two experiments, we vary the payoffs from the market relative to the game, the degree of interdependence in the game, and whether traders' asset payoffs are dependent on outcomes in their own or another game. Markets lead to significantly lower efficiency across treatments, even when they produce no distortion of incentives in the game. Market prices forecast game outcomes. Our experiments shed light on how financial markets may influence affiliated economic outcomes. (JEL C91, D83, G13, G14)
The Willingness to Pay—Willingness to Accept Gap, the “Endowment Effect,” Subject Misconceptions, and Experimental Procedures for Eliciting Valuations: Comment
Authors: Isoni Andrea , Loomes Graham , Sugden Robert
Published: April 2011

Plott and Zeiler (2005) report that the willingness-to-pay/willingness-to-accept disparity is absent for mugs in a particular experimental setting, designed to neutralize misconceptions about the procedures used to elicit valuations. This result has received sustained attention in the literature. However, other data from that same study, not published in that paper, exhibit a significant and persistent disparity when the same experimental procedures are applied to lotteries. We report new data confirming both results, thereby suggesting that the presence or absence of a disparity may be a more complex issue than some may have supposed. (JEL C91, D12, D81, D83)
Buying from the Babbling Retailer? The Impact of Availability Information on Customer Behavior
Authors: Allon Gad , Bassamboo Achal
Published: April 2011

Provision of real-time information by a firm to its customers has become prevalent in recent years in both the service and retail sectors. In this paper, we study a retail operations model where customers are strategic in both their actions and in the way they interpret information, whereas the retailer is strategic in the way it provides information. This paper focuses on the ability (or the lack thereof) to communicate unverifiable information and influence customers' actions. We develop a game-theoretic framework to study this type of communication and discuss the equilibrium language emerging between the retailer and its customers. We show that for a single retailer and homogeneous customer population setting, the equilibrium language that emerges carries no information. In this sense, a single retailer providing information on its own cannot create any credibility with the customers. We study how the results are impacted due to the heterogeneity of the customers. We provide conditions under which the firm may be able to influence the customer behavior. In particular, we show that the customers' willingness to pay and willingness to wait cannot be ranked in an opposite manner. However, even when the firm can influence each customer class separately, the effective demand is not impacted.

This paper was accepted by Yossi Aviv, operations management.
Going, Going, Gone? The Apparent Demise of the Accruals Anomaly
Authors: Green Jeremiah , Hand John R. M. , Soliman Mark T.
Published: April 2011

Consistent with public statements made by sophisticated practitioners, we document that the hedge returns to Sloan's (Sloan, R. G. 1996. Do stock prices fully reflect information in accruals and cash flows about future earnings? Accounting Rev. 71(3) 289–315) accruals anomaly appear to have decayed in U.S. stock markets to the point that they are, on average, no longer reliably positive. We explore some potential reasons why this has happened. Our empirical analyses suggest that the anomaly's demise stems in part from an increase in the amount of capital invested by hedge funds into exploiting it, as measured by hedge fund assets under management and trading volume in extreme accrual firms. A decline in the size of the accrual mispricing signal, as measured by the magnitude of extreme decile accruals and the relative persistence of cash flows and accruals, may also play a (weaker) role.

This paper was accepted by Stefan Reichelstein, accounting.
Not All Bridging Ties Are Equal: Network Imprinting and Firm Growth in the Nashville Legal Industry, 1933–1978
Authors: McEvily Bill , Jaffee Jonathan , Tortoriello Marco
Published: April 2011

In this paper we focus on the temporal and historical conditions under which bridging ties from the past affect current organizational outcomes. Whereas previous research has shown that bridging ties have high decay rates and short-term effects, we explore the possibility that bridging ties may produce benefits over an extended period of time. In particular, we contrast the conventional view of bridging ties having rapidly decaying effects with two alternative network dynamics suggesting “accumulating” and “imprinting” effects. We propose that bridging ties have accumulating effects as a result of learning and redeployment of cumulated knowledge. We also predict that bridging ties exhibit an imprinted effect whereby the founding conditions surrounding the formation of some, but not all, ties yield long-lasting network benefits. We test our theory in the context of Nashville's legal industry, studying the formation and evolution of the professional network of lawyers' coemployment ties between 1933 and 1978. Consistent with our theory, we find that bridging ties produce network benefits over an extended period of time and trace back to the point of tie formation. Surprisingly, we also find that the imprinted effect is more robust than the rapidly decaying effect of bridging ties.
Reconfiguring Boundary Relations: Robotic Innovations in Pharmacy Work
Authors: Barrett Michael , Oborn Eivor , Orlikowski Wanda J. , Yates JoAnne
Published: April 2011

Robotics is a rapidly expanding area of digital innovation with important implications for organizational practice in multioccupational settings. This paper explores the influence of robotic innovations on the boundary dynamics of three different occupational groups—pharmacists, technicians, and assistants—working in a hospital pharmacy. We extend Pickering's tuning approach [Pickering, A. 1995. The Mangle of Practice: Time, Agency, and Science. University of Chicago Press, Chicago] to examine the temporally emergent process that entangled the mechanical elements and digital inscriptions of a dispensing robot with the everyday practices of hospital pharmacy work. We found that engagement with the robot's hybrid and dynamic materiality over time reconfigured boundary relations among the three occupational groups, with important and contradictory consequences for the pharmacy workers' skills, jurisdictions, status, and visibility.
Saintly Biography and the Cult of San Felipe de Jesús in Mexico City, 1597-1697
Authors: Conover Cornelius
Published: April 2011

By the late seventeenth century, the cult of San Felipe de Jesús (ca. 1572-97), native of Mexico City and martyr in Japan, had taken a stable form in Mexico City, where he was born. Each year on February 5, the dignitaries of the viceregal capital gathered for a procession through the city center and a liturgical ceremony in the cathedral to praise the saint and his city, but for the rest of the year, residents largely ignored him. A multitude of social interests had led to this less-than-wholehearted embrace, among them rivalry between religious orders, civic self-promotion, and religious beliefs.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Holotranscobalamin, Methylmalonic Acid, Serum Cobalamin, and Other Indicators of Tissue Vitamin B12 Status in the Elderly
Authors: Valente Edward , Scott John M , Ueland Per-Magne , Cunningham Conal , Casey Miriam , Molloy Anne M
Published: April 2011

BACKGROUND

Vitamin B12 deficiency is common among the elderly, and early detection is clinically important. However, clinical signs and symptoms have limited diagnostic accuracy and there is no accepted reference test method.

METHODS

In elderly subjects (n = 700; age range 63–97 years), we investigated the ability of serum cobalamin, holotranscobalamin (holoTC), total homocysteine (tHcy), methylmalonic acid (MMA), serum and erythrocyte folate, and other hematologic variables to discriminate cobalamin deficiency, defined as red blood cell cobalamin <33 pmol/L.

RESULTS

Serum holoTC was the best predictor, with area under the ROC curve (95% CI) 0.90 (0.86–0.93), and this was significantly better (P ≤ 0.0002) than the next best predictors; serum cobalamin, 0.80 (0.75–0.85), and MMA, 0.78 (0.72–0.83). For these 3 analytes, we constructed a 3-zone partition of positive and negative zones and a deliberate indeterminate zone between. The boundaries were values of each test that resulted in a posttest probability of deficiency of 60% and a posttest probability of no deficiency of 98%. The proportion of indeterminate observations for holoTC, cobalamin, and MMA was 14%, 45%, and 50%, respectively. Within the holoTC indeterminate zone (defined as 20–30 pmol/L), discriminant analysis selected only erythrocyte folate, which correctly allocated 65% (58/89) of the observations. Renal dysfunction compromised the diagnostic accuracy of MMA but not holoTC or serum cobalamin.

CONCLUSIONS

This study supports the use of holoTC as the first-line diagnostic procedure for vitamin B12 status.
Pharmacogenetics of tacrolimus after renal transplantation: analysis of polymorphisms in genes encoding 16 drug metabolizing enzymes
Authors: Tavira Beatriz , Garciá Eliecer Coto , Díaz-Corte Carmen , Ortega Francisco , Arias Manuel , Torres Armando , Díaz Juan M. , Selgas Rafael , López-Larrea Carlos , Campistol Josep M. , Alvarezca Victoria
Published: April 2011

Background: Tacrolimus (Tac) is an immunosuppressive drug used to prevent post-transplant (PT) organ rejection. Continuous Tac monitoring is necessary to adjust the dose and prevent toxicity or rejection. Tac is metabolized by cytochrome-P450 (CYP) enzymes, and variation at the CYP and other drug metabolizing enzymes could influence Tac bio-availability and dose requirements. Our aim was to define the effect of DNA variants at 16 drug metabolising enzymes on Tac dose in patients with kidney transplants.

Methods: The REDINREN Pharmacogenetics Project was a multicenter study designed to evaluate the effect of DNA polymorphisms on Tac dose requirements. A total of 200 patients who received a first cadaveric kidney and Tac as primary immunosuppressive drug were genotyped for 96 DNA polymorphisms on 16 genes. Significant associations were further replicated in a second group of 200 patients. The Tac daily dose was adjusted to achieve a blood concentration of 10–15 ng/mL in the period 0–3 months PT, and 5–10 ng/mL thereafter. The dose of tacrolimus dose and blood concentrations were compared between genotypes at 1 week, 6 months, and 1 year PT.

Results: The CYP3A5 genotype (SNP rs776746) was the strongest predictor of Tac dose requirements. Patients who were CYP3A5*3*3 (CYP3A5 non-expressors) received significantly higher Tac dose at 1 week, 6 months, and 1 year PT (p<0.0001). At 1 week, 41% of the CYP3A5 non-expressors achieved target blood concentrations compared to 26% of the CYP3A5 expressors (p=0.007). We also found a significant effect of CYP3A4 genotype (SNP rs2740574) on Tac dose requirements in patients who were CYP3A5 non-expressors. None of the other polymorphisms were related to Tac dose requirements or modified the effect of the CYP3A5 genotype.

Conclusions: rs776746 (CYP3A5) and rs2740574 (CYP3A4) were the only SNPs associated with Tac dosage. The genotyping of these polymorphisms could be a useful pharmacogenetic tool to determine the Tac dose immediately after transplantation.
Impact at Age 11 Years of Major Neonatal Morbidities in Children Born Extremely Preterm
Authors: Farooqi Aijaz , Hägglöf Bruno , Sedin Gunnar , Serenius Fredrik
Published: April 2011

BACKGROUND:

Uncertainty continues regarding the extent to which neonatal morbidities predict poor long-term outcome and functional abilities in extremely preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE:

The goal of this study was to determine the impact of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), ultrasonographic signs of brain injury, and severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) on 11-year outcomes in infants born at <26 weeks' gestation.

METHODS:

A total of 247 infants were born alive before 26 completed weeks of gestation from 1990 through 1992 in all of Sweden, and 98 (40%) survived to a postmenstrual age of 36 weeks. Main outcome measures were (1) poor outcome, defined as combined end point of death after 36 weeks' postmenstrual age or survival with at least 1 major disability at 11 years, and (2) consequences of chronic conditions in the survivors according to a validated instrument administered to parents.

RESULTS:

Brain injury and severe ROP but not BPD correlated independently with poor outcome at 11 years of age. Among children who were free from BPD, brain injury, and severe ROP, 10% had a poor outcome. Corresponding rates with any 1, any 2, and all 3 neonatal morbidities were 19%, 58%, and 80%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that brain injury and severe ROP were associated with high rates of consequences of chronic conditions.

CONCLUSIONS:

In infants born extremely preterm who survive to a postmenstrual age of 36 weeks, severe ROP and brain injury separately predict the risk of death or major disability at 11 years of age. Thus, continued research to determine how to prevent these complications of prematurity is critical.
The Relationship Between Hispanic Parents and Their Preschool-Aged Children's Physical Activity
Authors: Ruiz Rachel , Gesell Sabina B. , Buchowski Maciej S. , Lambert Warren , Barkin Shari L.
Published: April 2011

OBJECTIVE:

The goal of this study was to examine activity pattern associations between Hispanic parents and their preschool-aged children.

METHODS:

We examined baseline data collected as part of a randomized controlled trial. Self-defined Hispanic parents with children aged 3 to 5 years were randomly assigned to either a weekly healthy lifestyle group (intervention) or a monthly school-readiness group (control) for 3 months. There were no weight eligibility criteria. All participants were instructed to wear an accelerometer for up to 7 consecutive days to measure physical activity.

RESULTS:

Of the 106 dyads enrolled in the study, 80 children and 85 parents provided useable actigraphy data. Mean percentage of time spent in sedentary behaviors was 82.0% (SD: 10.4) for parents and 69.8% (SD: 18.5) for preschool-aged children. Percentage of awake time per day spent in sedentary behavior was strongly correlated for parents and children (r = 0.597; P < .001). Correlations between activity level were large (r = 0.895 and 0.739 for low and moderate activity levels, respectively), except for vigorous activity level, for which the parent-child correlation was nonsignificant (P = .64) because of a near-0 level of vigorous parental activity. Child's age (P = .81) and gender (P = .43) were nonsignificant predictors of child activity levels.

CONCLUSIONS:

These results suggest that parental activity levels are a powerful explanation of preschool-aged child activity levels, except for vigorous activity, which children do on their own without parental participation. Hispanic parents play a critical role in setting physical activity patterns in their children.
Predation on small mammals by capuchin monkeys, Cebus cay
Authors: Milano Marja Zattoni , Monteiro-Filho Emygdio Leite Araújo
Published: April 2011

No abstract
Gastrointestinal parasites of owl monkeys (Aotus azarai azarai) in the Argentinean Chaco
Authors: Perea-Rodriguez J. P. , Milano A. M. , Osherov B. E. , Fernandez-Duque E.
Published: April 2011

In fragmented habitats, an increase in the proportion of available forest edge has been positively correlated to parasite richness. We evaluated how the presence of forest edge may affect parasite-host dynamics in a population of wild owl monkeys (Aotus azarai azarai) in an unlogged gallery forest in Formosa, Argentina. We collected 53 fecal samples from groups inhabiting edge territories (n = 7 groups, 33 samples) and groups inhabiting the interior of the forest (n = 3 groups, 15 samples). We compared the number of parasite species (richness) found between the two types of groups, as well as the frequency of samples with multiple infections (more than one parasite species in the sample) and the distribution of helminths on the forest floor between habitat types. The number of parasite species, the proportion of samples with multiple infections and the helminth distribution were not significantly different across the two habitat types.
New Cu (II) and Co(II) octaazamacrocyclic complexes with 2-amino-3-phenyl-propanoic acid
Authors: Vuckovic Gordana , Antonijevic-Nikolic Mirjana , Tanaskovic Sladjana , Zivkovic-Radovanovic Vukosava
Published: April 2011

New cationic Cu(II) and Co(II) complexes with
N,N',N'',N'''-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane
(tpmc) and the anion of 2-amino-3-phenyl-propanoic acid (S-phenylalanine)
were prepared. The complexes were analyzed and characterized by elemental
analysis, conductometric, polarimetric, magnetic and cyclic voltammetric
measurements, as well as by spectroscopic data (UV/Vis, IR). Both complexes
are binuclear with the general formula [M2(S-Phe)tpmc](ClO4)3?nH2O; S-PheH =
S-phenylalanine, M(II) = Cu, n = 7; Co, n = 0. Based on previously reported
data for some familiar complexes and the present results, pentacoordinated
geometry was proposed. Both of the central metal ions are coordinated with
two pyridyl and two cyclam nitrogens and bridged with -N-(CH2)3-N- portions
of the cyclam ring and oxygen atoms of the S-phenylalaninate ion.
Antimicrobial screening of the complexes, solvent, starting salts and
ligands alone was performed against fungi, mould and some bacteria. In
certain cases, enhanced activity of Co(II) complex towards bacteria compared
with the relevant free ligands and starting salts was detected.
Motion can amplify the face-inversion effect
Authors: Thornton Ian , Mullins Emma , Banahan Kara
Published: April 2011

The face-inversion effect (FIE) refers to increased response times or error
rates for faces that are presented upside-down relative to those seen in a
canonical, upright orientation. Here we report one situation in which this
FIE can be amplified when observers are shown dynamic facial expressions,
rather than static facial expressions. In two experiments observers were
asked to assign gender to a random sequence of un-degraded static or moving
faces. Each face was seen both upright and inverted. For static images, this
task led to little or no effect of inversion. For moving faces, the cost of
inversion was a response time increase of approximately 100 ms relative to
upright. Motion thus led to a disadvantage in the context of inversion. The
fact that such motion could not be ignored in favour of available form cues
suggests that dynamic processing may be mandatory. In two control experiments
a difference between static and dynamic inversion was not observed for
whole-body stimuli or for human-animal decisions. These latter findings
suggest that the processing of upside-down movies is not always more
difficult for the visual system than the processing of upside-down static
images.
Verbal vs. visual coding in modified mental imagery map exploration task
Authors: Cirovic Ivana , Zdravkovic Suncica
Published: April 2011

We modified classical mental exploration task introducing verbal modality.
Consequently, we could test robust effects from lexical processing in an
attempt to understand whether the underlying mental representation is
strictly propositional. In our three experiments, in addition to map modality
(visual or verbal), lexical frequency, concreteness and visual frequency were
also varied. The symbolic distance effect was replicated, regardless of map
modality. Exploration of distances was regularly faster on pictorial maps.
Effects of lexical frequency and concreteness were not significant for verbal
maps. However, when visual frequency was introduced on pictorial maps both
type of frequencies generated measurable effects. Our findings directly
contradict the assumptions of propositional theories (1) subjects were faster
in the visual modality, which would be difficult to explain if the perceptual
code had to be transformed into propositional, (2) word frequency and
concreteness did not contribute as would be expected if propositional code
were a default.
What is an Opinion Anyway?
Authors: Sparrow Nick
Published: April 2011

Traditional polls assume that opinions on any political or social issue can be collected simply by asking straightforward questions and recording the answers. Wrong. Many people have not carefully sifted the available information or formed a firm opinion prior to interview. Nevertheless a traditional poll counts all responses as having equal validity, however and whenever they are formed. Qualitative research, although allowing more open discussion, nevertheless exerts the same pressure on respondents to have a view. Group dynamics and the discussion guide and leader also combine to steer the group towards consensus. If only people were made to pay attention to the facts and substantive issues, as in a deliberative poll, then we would know what ‘informed’ public opinion would think. Trouble is, as the government has found, the answers obtained could be said to be critically dependent on the information the researchers choose to provide to respondents.

This paper investigates the potential for large-scale e-Delphi polling methods, simply giving large representative samples of voters simple questions on broad topic areas to consider. Via an iterative process, the job of researcher is then to observe what views people hold and give those views back to respondents to rate and comment on. The method allows people to think about the broad subject area, express a view in their own time, if they have one, and/or respond to the views of others. We can observe which thoughts are popular and which have an infectious capability. Critically, the job of the researcher is not to ask – but to listen.
Serologic investigation for bluetongue virus type 4, 9 and 16 in Anatolian water buffaloes
Authors: Gür Sibel , Özgünlük İrfan , Akça Yılmaz , Burgu İbrahim
Published: April 2011

Bluetongue has emerged as a threat for ruminant species especially in European countries; three serotypes of Bluetongue virus have been described in Turkey. In this study, a total of 380 sera were obtained from healthy adult buffaloes in 8 different provinces in Central and Northern Anatolia. Sera were tested using a Virus Neutralisation test for types 4, 9 and 16. Seropositivity rates of 16.5% (63/380), 7.1% (27/380), and 8.4% (32/380) were detected for types 4, 9, and 16, respectively. No positives were found in Northest province (41°17’). This is the first report of Bluetongue virus in buffaloes in Turkey.
Effects of exposure to 50 Hz, 1 Gauss magnetic field on reproductive traits in male albino rats
Authors: Saadeldin Islam M. , Fadel Ali M. , Hamada Mohamed M. Z. , El-Badry Adel A.
Published: April 2011

The effects of extremely low frequency magnetic field ELF-MF (50 Hz/1 Gauss) on male fertility were studied in rats. Twenty eight adult male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups, 2 experimental groups exposed to magnetic field for 21 days and 2 control groups (sham exposed). The first exposed group was sacrificed at the end of the exposure period, and the second exposed group was kept for extra 48 days post exposure to assess the delayed effects of exposure. Significant decrease in the testes weights, sperm motility, sperm count, normal sperms and live sperms was detected in the exposed groups compared to control. Serum testosterone concentrations were significantly increased after 21 days of exposure, and then these changes were corrected after 48 days post exposure. Superoxide dismutase, catalase activities and α-tocopherol concentration were significantly decreased after 21 days of exposure, while the later became non-significant after 48 days post exposure. L-ascorbate concentration was significantly increased after 21 days of exposure, and returned to normal 48 days post exposure. Histopathological examination of the testis from the exposed rats showed a disruption in its architecture with an increase in Leydig cell number and activity, whereas 48 days post exposure, the testicular germ cell layers increased with presence of high apoptotic rates. In conclusion, prolonged exposure to 50 Hz, 1 Gauss MF is biologically toxic to the testicular functions with oxidative stress on spermatogenesis that subsequently may affect male fertility and his sexual efficiency.