bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Sturm‐Liouville Eigenproblem with Interior Singularities and a Perturbation Parameter
Authors: Acho Thomas Mbah
Published: July 2014

We devote this work to the discussion underpinning the derivation of eigenvalues and eigenfunction solutions for Sturm‐Liouville boundary value problems. The study reveals that the parameter dependent nonstandard Sturm‐Liouville boundary value problem with interior singularities may have more than two turning points. The Titchmarsh‐Weyl m‐function theory is applied here to obtain eigenfunction solutions valid for the whole interval in which pole singularities and two turning points are present. For the first time, with minimal constraints, the validity of the eigenfunction solutions are discussed when there are more than two turning points present. The eigenvalues are subsequently derived.
Low Power Upconversion Mixer for Medical Remote Sensing
Authors: Lioe De Xing , Shafie Suhaidi , Ramiah Harikrishnan , Tan Gim Heng
Published: July 2014

This work presents the design of a low power upconversion mixer adapted in medical remote sensing such as wireless endoscopy application. The proposed upconversion mixer operates in ISM band of 433 MHz. With the carrier power of −5 dBm, the proposed mixer has an output inferred 1 dB compression point of −0.5 dBm with a corresponding output third-order intercept point (OIP3) of 7.1 dBm. The design of the upconversion mixer is realized on CMOS 0.13 μm platform, with a current consumption of 594 μA at supply voltage headroom of 1.2 V.
The Tarsal Bone Test: A Basic Test of Health Sciences Students' Knowledge of Lower Limb Anatomy
Authors: Castillo-López José Manuel , Díaz-Mancha Juan Antonio , Heredia-Rizo Alberto Marcos , Fernández-Seguín Lourdes María , Polo-Padillo Juan , Domínguez-Maldonado Gabriel , Munuera Pedro V.
Published: July 2014

Objectives.The aim of the present study was to design an easy-to-use tool, the tarsal bone test (TBT), to provide a snapshot of podiatry students’ basic anatomical knowledge of the bones of the lower limb.Methods.The study included 254 podiatry students from three different universities, 145 of them were first-year students and 109 were in their fourth and final years. The TBT was administered without prior notice to the participants and was to be completed in 5 minutes.Results.The results show that 97.2% of the subjects(n=247)correctly labelled all tarsal bones, while the other 2.8%(n=7)incorrectly labelled at least one bone, that was either the cuboid (7 times) or the navicular (6 times). Although only one fourth-year student inaccurately identified one bone, no significant differences in the distribution of the correct and incorrect responses were found between first and fourth-year students.Conclusions.The TBT seems to be a straightforward and easy-to-apply instrument, and provides an objective view of the level of knowledge acquired at different stages of podiatry studies.
Effect of Vitamin D Replacement on Hemoglobin Concentration in Subjects with Concurrent Iron-Deficiency Anemia and Vitamin D Deficiency: A Randomized, Single-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Sooragonda Basavraj , Bhadada Sanjay Kumar , Shah Viral N. , Malhotra Pankaj , Ahluwalia Jasmina , Sachdeva Naresh
Published: July 2014

Background: The effect of vitamin D replacement on hemoglobin (Hb) concentration in subjects with concurrent deficiencies of vitamin D and iron is not known. Methods: We report on an investigator-initiated, randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled, 12-week interventional trial. Thirty subjects with iron-deficiency anemia (serum ferritin <15 µg/l) were randomized to an intervention arm (cholecalciferol, i.e. vitamin D3, 0.6 million units i.m. once) or placebo. In all subjects, iron deficiency was corrected with parental iron. Other causes of anemia were excluded with appropriate investigation. The primary end point was a rise in Hb concentration. Results: Baseline parameters of age, BMI, hemogram values and levels of serum ferritin, 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were similar in the 2 arms. Twelve weeks after vitamin D replacement, there was a significant increase in 25 (OH)D levels (57.7 ± 20.5 vs. 14.1 ± 6.2 ng/ml, p < 0.0001) and a decrease in PTH levels (32.4 ± 16.4 vs. 52.9 ± 18.4 pg/ml, p = 0.003) in subjects in the intervention arm when compared to the placebo arm. However, the increments in serum ferritin and Hb concentration in the intervention and placebo arm did not differ. Conclusion: Vitamin D replacement in subjects with iron-deficiency anemia after iron correction does not improve Hb concentration further.
Retrospective Analysis of Severe Neutropenia in Patients Receiving Concomitant Administration of Docetaxel and Clarithromycin
Authors: Tsuji Daiki , Kamezato Mana , Daimon Takashi , Taku Keisei , Hatori Masahiro , Ikeda Midori , Hayashi Hideki , Inoue Kazuyuki , Eto Takashi , Itoh Kunihiko
Published: July 2014

Background: Neutropenia is one of the most important dose-limiting toxicities of docetaxel. Docetaxel is metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). Clarithromycin, a potent inhibitor of CYP3A4, is occasionally used in combination with docetaxel. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the risk of severe neutropenia induced by docetaxel was increased by concomitant administration of clarithromycin. Methods: Patients with advanced lung cancer receiving docetaxel were identified from an electronic medical record system and divided into 2 groups: concomitant administration of clarithromycin and no concomitant administration of clarithromycin. The proportion of patients experiencing grade 4 neutropenia between the 2 groups was compared. Potential risk factors associated with grade 4 neutropenia were also examined using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: One hundred and fifty-eight patients were analysed. Grade 4 neutropenia was more frequently detected in the patients receiving clarithromycin than in those not receiving the drug (63.2 vs. 35.3%; p = 0.025). Multivariate analysis showed that co-administration of clarithromycin [odds ratio (OR) 4.98; p = 0.004], pre-treatment absolute neutrophil count (OR 2.62; p = 0.011) and female gender (OR 2.75; p = 0.029) resulted in an increase in the incidence of grade 4 neutropenia. Conclusions: This study shows that concomitant administration of clarithromycin potentiated docetaxel-induced myelosuppression.
Educating Neonatal Nurses in Brazil: A Before-and-After Study with Interrupted Time Series Analysis
Authors: Gilbert Clare , Darlow Brian , Zin Andrea , Sivasubramaniam Selvaraj , Shah Shaheen , Gianini Nicole , Beecroft Gina , Lopes Moreira Maria Elisabeth
Published: July 2014

Background: Preterm birth contributes significantly to infant mortality and morbidity, including blindness from retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Access to intensive neonatal care is expanding in many countries, but care is not always optimal, one factor being that nursing is often by inadequately trained nurse assistants. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether an educational package for nurses improves a range of outcomes including survival rates and severe ROP in 5 neonatal units in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Methods: The study design included an uncontrolled before-and-after study in 5 units, with interrupted time series analysis. Participatory approaches were used to develop a self-administered educational package for control of pain, oxygenation, infection, nutrition, and temperature and to improve supportive care (‘POINTS of Care'). Educational materials and DVD clips were developed and training skills of nurse tutors were enhanced. There were two 1-year periods of data collection before and after a 3-month period of self-administration of the education package. Results: Overall, 74% of 401 nurses and nurse assistants were trained. A total of 679 and 563 infants were included in the pre- and post-training periods, respectively. Despite improvement in knowledge and nursing practices, such as the delivery and monitoring of oxygen, there was no change in survival (pre-training 80%, post-training 78.2%), severe ROP (1.6 vs. 2.8%), sepsis (11.3 vs. 12.3 cases per 1,000 infant days) or other outcomes. Outcomes worsened over the pre-intervention period but the change to an improvement after the intervention was not statistically significant. During the study period many trained staff left the units, but few were replaced. Conclusions: Future studies need to focus on barriers to implementation, team building, leadership and governance, as well as the acquisition of knowledge and skills.
Differences in Short-Term Versus Long-Term Outcomes of Older Black Versus White Patients With Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Mathews Robin , Chen Anita Y. , Thomas Laine , Wang Tracy Y. , Chin Chee Tang , Thomas Kevin L. , Roe Matthew T. , Peterson Eric D.
Published: July 2014

Background—

Blacks are less likely than whites to receive coronary revascularization and evidence-based therapies after acute myocardial infarction, yet the impact of these differences on long-term outcomes is unknown.

Methods and Results—

We linked Can Rapid Risk Stratification of Unstable Angina Patients Suppress Adverse Outcomes With Early Implementation of American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guidelines (CRUSADE) registry data to national Medicare claims, creating a longitudinal record of care and outcomes among 40 500 patients with non–ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction treated at 446 hospitals to examine mortality and readmission rates (mean follow-up, 2.4 years) among black and white patients. Relative to whites (n=37 384), blacks (n=3116) were more often younger and female; more often had diabetes mellitus and renal failure; and received less aggressive interventions, including cardiac catheterization (60.7% versus 54.0%;
P
<0.001), percutaneous coronary intervention (32.1% versus 23.8%;
P
<0.001), and coronary bypass surgery (9.2% versus 5.7%;
P
<0.001). Although blacks had lower 30-day mortality (9.1% versus 9.9%; adjusted hazard ratio, 0.80; 95% confidence interval, 0.71–0.92), they had higher observed mortality at 1 year (27.9% versus 24.5%;
P
<0.001), although this was not significant after adjustment on long-term follow-up (hazard ratio, 1.00; 95% confidence interval, 0.94–1.07). Black patients also had higher 30-day (23.6% versus 20.0%;
P
<0.001) and 1-year (62.0% versus 54.6%;
P
<0.001) all-cause readmission, but these differences were no longer significant after risk adjustment on 30-day (hazard ratio, 1.02; 95% confidence interval, 0.92–1.13) and long-term (hazard ratio, 1.05; 95% confidence interval, 1.00–1.11) follow-up.

Conclusions—

Although older blacks with an acute myocardial infarction had lower initial mortality rates than whites, this early survival advantage did not persist during long-term follow-up. The reasons for this are multifactorial but may include differences in comorbidities and postdischarge care.
Refined Mapping of a Hypertension Susceptibility Locus on Rat Chromosome 12
Authors: Prisco Sasha Z. , Prokop Jeremy W. , Sarkis Allison B. , Yeo Nan Cher , Hoffman Matthew J. , Hansen Colin C. , Jacob Howard J. , Flister Michael J. , Lazar Jozef
Published: July 2014

Previously, we found that transferring 6.1 Mb of salt-sensitive (SS) chromosome 12 (13.4–19.5 Mb) onto the consomic SS-12
BN
background significantly elevated mean arterial pressure in response to an 8% NaCl diet (178±7 versus 144±2 mm Hg;
P
<0.001). Using congenic mapping, we have now narrowed the blood pressure locus by 86% from a 6.1-Mb region containing 133 genes to an 830-kb region (chr12:14.36–15.19 Mb) with 14 genes. Compared with the SS-12
BN
consomic, the 830-kb blood pressure locus was associated with a ∆+15 mm Hg (
P
<0.01) increase in blood pressure, which coincided with elevated albuminuria (∆+32 mg/d;
P
<0.001), proteinuria (∆+48 mg/d;
P
<0.01), protein casting (∆+154%;
P
<0.05), and renal fibrosis (∆+79%;
P
<0.05). Of the 14 genes residing in the 830-kb locus, 8 were differentially expressed, and among these,
Chst12
(carbohydrate chondroitin 4 sulfotransferase 12) was most consistently downregulated by 2.6- to 4.5-fold (
P
<0.05) in both the renal medulla and cortex under normotensive and hypertensive conditions. Moreover, whole genome sequence analysis of overlapping blood pressure loci revealed an ≈86-kb region (chr12:14 541 567–14 627 442 bp) containing single-nucleotide variants near
Chst12
that are unique to the hypertensive SS strain when compared with the normotensive Brown Norway, Dahl salt-resistant, and Wistar-Kyoto strains. Finally, the 830-kb interval is syntenic to a region on human chromosome 7 that has been genetically linked to blood pressure, suggesting that insight gained from our SS-12
BN
congenic strain may be translated to a better understanding of human hypertension.
Application Potential of Four Nontraditional Similarity Metrics in Hydrometeorology
Authors: Mo Ruping , Ye Chengzhi , Whitfield Paul H.
Published: July 2014

This paper presents a review and assessment of four nontraditional similarity metrics that can be applied to hydrological and meteorological data. These metrics are 1) the uncentered correlation coefficient, 2) the Hodgkin–Richards index, 3) the Petke index, and 4) the Wang–Bovik index. The first metric has been widely used in hydrometeorology, and the other three have been proposed in other disciplines for similarity analysis. It is demonstrated that these similarity metrics, in their original formulations, either do not actually have the purported advantage over the traditional Pearson correlation coefficient or are not suitable for some hydrometeorological applications. They are reformulated in this study to address these deficiencies. The resulting modified metrics are unitless, bounded, and proportional to the Pearson correlation coefficient, and three of them have the confirmed advantage of explicitly penalizing for differences in the mean and/or in the variance. Two application examples are used to demonstrate the applicability of these similarity metrics in hydrometeorology. A metavalidation model and a graphical tool (Taylor diagram) are used to evaluate the performances of these similarity metrics. In a case study of analog analysis, the Wang–Bovik index stands out as the best metric for simulation of the human perception of similarity between two-dimensional patterns, whereas the modified Petke index and the traditional root-mean-square distance may perform slightly better than the others in the regions with a very large difference between the variances.
Validation of Satellite Rainfall Products for Western Uganda
Authors: Diem Jeremy E. , Hartter Joel , Ryan Sadie J. , Palace Michael W.
Published: July 2014

Central equatorial Africa is deficient in long-term, ground-based measurements of rainfall; therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the accuracy of three high-resolution, satellite-based rainfall products in western Uganda for the 2001–10 period. The three products are African Rainfall Climatology, version 2 (ARC2); African Rainfall Estimation Algorithm, version 2 (RFE2); and 3B42 from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission, version 7 (i.e., 3B42v7). Daily rainfall totals from six gauges were used to assess the accuracy of satellite-based rainfall estimates of rainfall days, daily rainfall totals, 10-day rainfall totals, monthly rainfall totals, and seasonal rainfall totals. The northern stations had a mean annual rainfall total of 1390 mm, while the southern stations had a mean annual rainfall total of 900 mm. 3B42v7 was the only product that did not underestimate boreal-summer rainfall at the northern stations, which had ~3 times as much rainfall during boreal summer than did the southern stations. The three products tended to overestimate rainfall days at all stations and were borderline satisfactory at identifying rainfall days at the northern stations; the products did not perform satisfactorily at the southern stations. At the northern stations, 3B42v7 performed satisfactorily at estimating monthly and seasonal rainfall totals, ARC2 was only satisfactory at estimating seasonal rainfall totals, and RFE2 did not perform satisfactorily at any time step. The satellite products performed worst at the two stations located in rain shadows, and 3B42v7 had substantial overestimates at those stations.
The Coordinated Curriculum
Authors: Sweet Stephen , McElrath Kevin , Kain Edward L.
Published: July 2014

Content analysis of 77 college and university catalogs and department websites assesses conformity with select recommendations for the sociology major. The majority of institutions have programs that fulfill some recommendations examined, but the minority fulfills most of the recommendations. Some sociology programs are much more coordinated than others. Fewer than one in three institutions with sociology majors have programs that fully or nearly fully conform to the measured recommendations. Benchmarking current levels of curricular coordination leads to identification of institutions that may represent “gold standards” and aspirational models. Institutional theory informs methods of using benchmark data to advance curricular coordination.
Defense Policy “Walmart Style”
Authors: Leuprecht Christian , Sokolsky Joel J.
Published: July 2014

As the government of Canada cuts back on defense spending after years of significant increases, critics lament the supposed lack of a “grand strategy” when it comes to military expenditures. But the current reductions are actually a return to traditional Canadian grand strategy, albeit one that is not that “grand.” Put in retail shopping terms, Canada has tended to follow an economizing Walmart approach to defense spending as opposed to a more upscale Saks Fifth Avenue style. Though often criticized as nothing more than “free riding,” this approach may be more accurately described as “easy riding.” It is one that was deliberately and carefully chosen by successive Canadian policy makers, acting in accordance with “realism Canadian style.” It allowed the country to achieve security at home and to use the justifiably highly regarded Canadian Armed Forces to participate in a limited, yet effective and internationally appreciated manner in overseas military engagements as a stalwart Western ally without endangering the economy and social programs by spending more on defense than was absolutely necessary. While the Walmart approach can be taken too far, in these times of fiscal austerity when national budgets are difficult to balance without cutting defense spending and when interventionist exhaustion is afflicting many Western governments, including the United States, the lessons from the Canadian experience should resonate with policy makers and analysts well beyond Canada.
Life in a nutshell: evolution of a migratory metaphor in Spanish cartoons
Authors: Domínguez Martí , Pineda Felip , Mateu Anna
Published: July 2014

This article studies the image of the boat immigrants use to cross the Strait of Gibraltar, which separates Europe and Africa, through the analysis of 125 cartoons published in Spanish press between 2006 and 2012. Our study shows that in this span of seven years – which coincides with a period of growth for Spanish economy and the subsequent crisis – there was an interesting and meaningful conceptual evolution regarding the image of the immigrant boat. This situation resulted in argumentatively effective visual analogies, metaphors and metonymies which evolved all along this period, making this boat a cultural symbol of our time. The article also intends to highlight the importance of cartoons in opinion journalism as well as their importance in the mass media landscape today.
Lean social care and worker identity: The role of outcomes, supervision and mission
Authors: Baines Donna , Charlesworth Sara , Turner Darrell , O’neill Laura
Published: July 2014

Since the 1980s, many social care jobs have shifted from the public to the nonprofit sector, accompanied by funding cuts, government contracts, managerialism and performance management. Qualitative data collected in Australia, New Zealand and Canada show that agency mission and immediate supervisors remain centrally important to workers’ identity and willingness to remain employed in social care. With the exception of one study site (where targets were jointly resisted by managers and staff), outcome measures were seen by workers to detract from the quality of care and erode social justice. This article argues that agency mission and supportive supervision buffer the impact of poor wages and conditions in the sector, while outcome measures undermine workers’ identities as caring people, in effect making the ‘self’ a site of struggle and discontent. Resistance strategies that agencies, workers and unions have used to challenge the hegemony of outcome-oriented funding and management models are explored.
Explaining SME engagement in local sourcing: The roles of location-specific resources and patriotism
Authors: De Clercq Dirk , Thongpapanl Narongsak (Tek) , Voronov Maxim
Published: July 2014

This article draws upon the attention-based view when investigating how local sourcing is influenced by the personal resources and values of key decision makers within small firms. We argue that such firms are more likely to engage in local sourcing when key decision makers have access to location-specific human and social capital and strongly identify with their country. Using data from 204 Ontario-based restaurants regarding their decision to source local wines, we find evidence for the enabling role of location-specific resources and patriotism. In addition, we find that patriotism invigorates the effect of location-specific social capital such that local sourcing is stronger when key decision makers exhibit higher levels of patriotism.
Com(ple)menting the news on the financial crisis: The contribution of news users’ commentary to the diversity of viewpoints in the public debate
Authors: Baden Christian , Springer Nina
Published: July 2014

Does news users’ commentary contribute to widening the diversity of viewpoints represented in the news? This article comparatively analyses the interpretations of the current financial crisis in the online coverage of five German newspapers and the subsequent commentary of news users. Using an innovative strategy to identify the interpretative repertoires constructed by news and user frames, it assesses how user commentary deviates from those viewpoints represented in the news. Findings show that user accounts mostly remain within the wider interpretative repertoires offered by the media. However, they utilize media frame fragments rather freely to construct their own views, shifting focus and elaborating upon new aspects. While no consistent alternative repertoires were constructed, users thus valuably complemented the diversity of concerns discussed on news websites.
Book review: Clammer, John. 2012: Cultural, Development and Social Theory: Towards an Integrated Social Development
Authors: Fontefrancesco Michele
Published: July 2014

Clammer, John. 2012: Cultural, Development and Social Theory: Towards an Integrated Social Development. London: Zed Books. viii + 291 pp. £18.99 paperback. ISBN: 9781780323145.
Book review: Carrapatoso, Astrid and Kürzinger, Edith, editors. 2014: Climate-resilient Development: Participatory Solutions from Developing Countries
Authors: Forsyth Tim
Published: July 2014

Carrapatoso, Astrid and Kürzinger, Edith, editors. 2014: Climate-resilient Develop-ment: Participatory Solutions from Developing Countries. London and New York: Earthscan–Routledge. xx + 299 pp. £95 hardback. £80 e-book. ISBN: 978 0415 82078 3 hardback. ISBN: 978 0203 38598 2 e-book.
A competing risk model for dependent and imperfect condition–based preventive and corrective maintenances
Authors: das Chagas Moura Márcio , Droguett Enrique López , Firmino Paulo Renato Alves , Ferreira Ricardo José
Published: July 2014

This article develops a model for dependent and imperfect condition–based preventive and corrective maintenance actions. The approach is based on the combination of the intensity proportional repair alert, a competing risks-based model and the generalized renewal process. Typically, intensity proportional repair alert can identify either how preventive actions may modify the distribution of the time between critical failures or how corrective events may change the frequency of preventive maintenances, but this method fails to analyze the effectiveness of the maintenance actions because they are treated as being perfect. On the other hand, generalized renewal process is able to capture the quality of maintenance, classifying it as perfect, minimal or imperfect depending on the value of a rejuvenation parameter. However, generalized renewal process cannot distinguish how different types of maintenance influence each other as intensity proportional repair alert does. Therefore, the intensity proportional repair alert–generalized renewal process hybrid approach is proposed here to fill this gap. This article also develops the maximum likelihood estimators for the proposed model as well as a Monte Carlo–based algorithm to estimate the expected number of preventive and corrective maintenances over time. The proposed model is validated through two example applications for which the intensity proportional repair alert–generalized renewal process model results show close agreement with the failure datasets.
Reconstruction of perineo-scrotal defects from Fournier’s gangrene with the adipofascial anterolateral thigh flap
Authors: Onyekwelu O , Reid A , McGrouther DA
Published: July 2014

Objective:

To present a small case series of a novel solution, using pedicled adipofascial anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps for skin grafting, for the reconstruction of perineo-scrotal defects following Fournier’s gangrene (a complex surgical problem). Many options are described. We believe that this procedure overcomes the contracture complications of skin grafting alone and that it is a more supple reconstruction in the Western population.

Patients:

We performed pedicled adipofascial ALT flaps on three patients, for the reconstruction of complex perineo-scrotal wounds with exposed testes, following Fournier’s gangrene. Patients were of male gender, aged 38 – 56 years old and otherwise healthy. The adipofascial ALT flap was raised based on the lateral circumflex femoral artery and was inset with split-thickness skin graft coverage.

Results:

Study outcomes were time-to-healing and complications. Follow-up was between 6 months to 4 years. At routine outpatient follow-up, all three patients had healed wounds; and at long-term follow-up, all three patients were satisfied with their wound reconstruction. There were no surgical complications.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated that the pedicled adipofascial ALT flap is a reliable flap that is straightforward to raise, of an appropriate bulk, and has pliability for the neo-scrotum. The authors recommend this procedure as a good treatment option for reconstructing complex perineo-scrotal wounds following Fournier’s gangrene.
Greater Polar Moment of Inertia at the Tibia in Athletes Who Develop Stress Fractures
Authors: Weidauer Lee A. , Binkley Teresa , Vukovich Matt , Specker Bonny
Published: July 2014

Background:

Several previous investigations have determined potential risk factors for stress fractures in athletes and military personnel.

Purpose:

To determine factors associated with the development of stress fractures in female athletes.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 88 female athletes (cross-country, n = 29; soccer, n = 15; swimming, n = 9; track and field, n = 14; volleyball, n = 12; and basketball, n = 9) aged 18 to 24 years were recruited to participate in a longitudinal bone study and had their left distal tibia at the 4%, 20%, and 66% sites scanned by peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT). Patients included 23 athletes who developed stress fractures during the following year (cases). Whole body, hip, and spine scans were obtained using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Analysis of covariance was used to determine differences in bone parameters between cases and controls after adjusting for height, lower leg length, lean mass, fat mass, and sport.

Results:

No differences were observed between cases and controls in any of the DXA measurements. Cases had significantly greater unadjusted trabecular bone mineral content (BMC), greater polar moment of inertia (PMI) at the 20% site, and greater cortical BMC at the 66% site; however, after adjusting for covariates, the differences became nonsignificant. When analyses were repeated using all individuals who had ever had a stress fracture as cases (n = 31) and after controlling for covariates, periosteal circumference was greater in the cases than the controls (71.1 ± 0.7 vs 69.4 ± 0.5 mm, respectively; P = .04).

Conclusion:

A history of stress fractures is associated with larger bones. These findings are important because larger bones were previously reported to be protective against fractures and stress fractures, but study findings indicate that may not always be true. One explanation could be that individuals who sustain stress fractures have greater loading that results in greater periosteal circumference but also results in the development of stress fractures.
Informality in E-Waste Processing: An Analysis of the Indian Experience
Authors: Laha Somjita
Published: July 2014

This article examines the role of the informal economy in e-waste management in India employing field research conducted in the National Capital Region in 2011/12. It analyses the spatial linkages of the Indian e-waste industry with the international network of waste transfer and treatment using the global production network (GPN) framework. The article asserts that an understanding of the nature and functions of the informal sector, based on its theoretical foundations, enriches the global value chain (GVC) and GPN analyses. This is demonstrated through an analysis and discussion of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) production and processing and the (in)efficacy of legislation regulating these activities. Finally, the article locates Indian waste processing within the global architecture of e-waste movement and management and reflects on diverse perceptions of waste.
Kaolinite-potassium acetate and halloysite-potasium acetate complexes prepared by mechanochemical, solution and homogenization techniques: a comparative study
Authors: Mako É. , Kovács A. , Horváth E. , Kristóf J.
Published: July 2014

Kaolinite- and halloysite-potassium acetate complexes were synthesized by cogrinding with solid potassium acetate (mechanochemical intercalation). The efficiency of mechanochemical intercalation was compared to the intercalation in solution and by homogenization. The effects of ageing and grinding parameters (grinding time, sample:grinding body mass ratio (SGMR), rotational speed) and the humidity on the intercalation were studied. The degree of intercalation increased exponentially with ageing of the samples prepared by mechanochemical and homogenization techniques. For the mechanochemical and homogenization techniques the required amount of potassium acetate per gram of kaolin (∼0.4 g/g) was two orders of magnitude lower than that for the solution intercalation (78.6 g/g). The highest degree of intercalation (86%) and the lowest structural deformation were achieved by the mechanochemical method (¼ h of co-grinding with 1:2 SGMR at 300 rpm), followed by 16 h ageing at 57% relative humidity.
Extracellular nucleotide and nucleoside signaling in vascular and blood disease
Authors: Idzko Marco , Ferrari Davide , Riegel Ann-Kathrin , Eltzschig Holger K.
Published: July 2014

Nucleotides and nucleosides—such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine—are famous for their intracellular roles as building blocks for the genetic code or cellular energy currencies. In contrast, their function in the extracellular space is different. Here, they are primarily known as signaling molecules via activation of purinergic receptors, classified as P1 receptors for adenosine or P2 receptors for ATP. Because extracellular ATP is rapidly converted to adenosine by ectonucleotidase, nucleotide-phosphohydrolysis is important for controlling the balance between P2 and P1 signaling. Gene-targeted mice for P1, P2 receptors, or ectonucleotidase exhibit only very mild phenotypic manifestations at baseline. However, they demonstrate alterations in disease susceptibilities when exposed to a variety of vascular or blood diseases. Examples of phenotypic manifestations include vascular barrier dysfunction, graft-vs-host disease, platelet activation, ischemia, and reperfusion injury or sickle cell disease. Many of these studies highlight that purinergic signaling events can be targeted therapeutically.
PKC-β as a therapeutic target in CLL: PKC inhibitor AEB071 demonstrates preclinical activity in CLL
Authors: El-Gamal Dalia , Williams Katie , LaFollette Taylor D. , Cannon Matthew , Blachly James S. , Zhong Yiming , Woyach Jennifer A. , Williams Erich , Awan Farrukh T. , Jones Jeffrey , Andritsos Leslie , Maddocks Kami , Wu Chia-Hsien , Chen Ching-Shih , Lehman Amy , Zhang Xiaoli , Lapalombella Rosa , Byrd John C.
Published: July 2014

Key Points

AEB071 demonstrates preclinical in vitro and in vivo activity against CLL independent of survival signaling and stromal cell protection. AEB071 can either inhibit or activate the WNT pathway emphasizing the importance of pharmacodynamic monitoring in its development.
Evaluation of mycotoxin sequestering agents for aflatoxin and deoxynivalenol: an in vitro approach
Authors: Kong Changsu , Shin Seung Youp , Kim Beob Gyun
Published: July 2014

An experiment was conducted to determine the efficacy of mycotoxin sequestering agents for binding or degrading aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and deoxynivalenol (DON) by an in vitro method. Ten toxin binder products including 5 bentonite clays (bentonite A, B, C, D, and E), 2 cellulose products (cellulose A and B), a yeast cell wall, an activated charcoal, and a mixture product containing minerals, microorganisms, and phytogenic substances were used in this experiment. An in vitro procedure was used to mimic the digestive process in pigs. The binding ability for AFB1 of the cellulose products was less compared with the values of other sequestering products (p < 0.05). The percent adsorption of AFB1 by bentonite clays, cellulose products, yeast cell wall product, activated charcoal product, and the mixture product were 92.5 (average of 5 bentonite products), −13.5 (average of 2 cellulose products), 92.7, 100.2, and 96.6, respectively. The respective values for DON were 3.24, 11.6, 22.9, 14.4, and 4.3. In conclusion, most toxin sequestering agents used in the present study had potential to bind AFB1 rather than DON based on the in vitro study which simulated the pH condition of the gastrointestinal tract of pigs.
A comparison of different diagnostic criteria of acute kidney injury in critically ill patients
Authors: Luo Xuying , Jiang Li , Du Bin , Wen Ying , Wang Meiping , Xi Xiuming ,   The Beijing Acute Kidney Injury Trial (BAKIT) workgroup
Published: July 2014

Introduction

Recently, the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) proposed a new definition and classification of acute kidney injury (AKI) on the basis of the RIFLE (Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss of kidney function, and End-stage renal failure) and AKIN (Acute Kidney Injury Network) criteria, but comparisons of the three criteria in critically ill patients are rare.

Methods

We prospectively analyzed a clinical database of 3,107 adult patients who were consecutively admitted to one of 30 intensive care units of 28 tertiary hospitals in Beijing from 1 March to 31 August 2012. AKI was defined by the RIFLE, AKIN, and KDIGO criteria. Receiver operating curves were used to compare the predictive ability for mortality, and logistic regression analysis was used for the calculation of odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

Results

The rates of incidence of AKI using the RIFLE, AKIN, and KDIGO criteria were 46.9%, 38.4%, and 51%, respectively. KDIGO identified more patients than did RIFLE (51% versus 46.9%, P = 0.001) and AKIN (51% versus 38.4%, P <0.001). Compared with patients without AKI, in-hospital mortality was significantly higher for those diagnosed as AKI by using the RIFLE (27.8% versus 7%, P <0.001), AKIN (32.2% versus 7.1%, P <0.001), and KDIGO (27.4% versus 5.6%, P <0.001) criteria, respectively. There was no difference in AKI-related mortality between RIFLE and KDIGO (27.8% versus 27.4%, P = 0.815), but there was significant difference between AKIN and KDIGO (32.2% versus 27.4%, P = 0.006). The areas under the receiver operator characteristic curve for in-hospital mortality were 0.738 (P <0.001) for RIFLE, 0.746 (P <0.001) for AKIN, and 0.757 (P <0.001) for KDIGO. KDIGO was more predictive than RIFLE for in-hospital mortality (P <0.001), but there was no difference between KDIGO and AKIN (P = 0.12).

Conclusions

A higher incidence of AKI was diagnosed according to KDIGO criteria. Patients diagnosed as AKI had a significantly higher in-hospital mortality than non-AKI patients, no matter which criteria were used. Compared with the RIFLE criteria, KDIGO was more predictive for in-hospital mortality, but there was no significant difference between AKIN and KDIGO.
Degradative actions of microbial xylanolytic activities on hemicelluloses from rhizome of Arundo donax
Authors: Lama Licia , Tramice Annabella , Finore Ilaria , Anzelmo Gianluca , Calandrelli Valeria , Pagnotta Eduardo , Tommonaro Giuseppina , Poli Annarita , Di Donato Paola , Nicolaus Barbara , Fagnano Massimo , Mori Mauro , Impagliazzo Adriana , Trincone Antonio
Published: July 2014

Polysaccharidases from extremophiles are remarkable for specific action, resistance to different reaction conditions and other biotechnologically interesting features. In this article the action of crude extracts of thermophilic microorganisms (Thermotoga neapolitana,Geobacillus thermantarcticusandThermoanaerobacterium thermostercoris) is studied using as substrate hemicellulose from one of the most interesting biomass crops, the giant reed (Arundo donaxL.). This biomass can be cultivated without competition and a huge amount of rhizomes remains in the soil at the end of cropping cycle (10–15 years) representing a further source of useful molecules. Optimization of the procedure for preparation of the hemicellulose fraction from rhizomes ofArundo donax, is studied. Polysaccharidases from crude extracts of thermophilic microorganisms revealed to be suitable for total degradative action and/or production of small useful oligosaccharides from hemicelluloses fromA. donax. Xylobiose and interesting tetra- and pentasaccharide are obtained by enzymatic action in different conditions. Convenient amount of raw material was processed per mg of crude enzymes. Raw hemicelluloses and pretreated material show antioxidant activity unlike isolated tetra- and pentasaccharide. The body of results suggest that rhizomes represent a useful raw material for the production of valuable industrial products, thus allowing to increase the economic efficiency ofA. donaxcultivation.
Effect of Depression on Diagnosis, Treatment, and Mortality of Men With Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer
Authors: Prasad Sandip M. , Eggener Scott E. , Lipsitz Stuart R. , Irwin Michael R. , Ganz Patricia A. , Hu Jim C.
Published: July 2014

Purpose

Although demographic, clinicopathologic, and socioeconomic differences may affect treatment and outcomes of prostate cancer, the effect of mental health disorders remains unclear. We assessed the effect of previously diagnosed depression on outcomes of men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer.

Patients and Methods

We performed a population-based observational cohort study using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare linked data of 41,275 men diagnosed with clinically localized prostate cancer from 2004 to 2007. We identified 1,894 men with a depressive disorder in the 2 years before the prostate cancer diagnosis and determined its effect on treatment and survival.

Results

Men with depressive disorder were older, white or Hispanic, unmarried, resided in nonmetropolitan areas and areas of lower median income, and had more comorbidities (P < .05 for all), but there was no variation in clinicopathologic characteristics. In adjusted analyses, men with depressive disorder were more likely to undergo expectant management for low-, intermediate-, and high-risk disease (P ≤ .05, respectively). Conversely, depressed men were less likely to undergo definitive therapy (surgery or radiation) across all risk strata (P < .01, respectively). Depressed men experienced worse overall mortality across risk strata (low: relative risk [RR], 1.86; 95% CI, 1.48 to 2.33; P < .001; intermediate: RR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.49; P = .01; high: RR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.32; P = .02).

Conclusion

Men with intermediate- or high-risk prostate cancer and a recent diagnosis of depression are less likely to undergo definitive treatment and experience worse overall survival. The effect of depression disorders on prostate cancer treatment and survivorship warrants further study, because both conditions are relatively common in men in the United States.
Protection Against High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity in Helz2-Deficient Male Mice Due to Enhanced Expression of Hepatic Leptin Receptor
Authors: Yoshino Satoshi , Satoh Tetsurou , Yamada Masanobu , Hashimoto Koshi , Tomaru Takuya , Katano-Toki Akiko , Kakizaki Satoru , Okada Shuichi , Shimizu Hiroyuki , Ozawa Atsushi , Tuchiya Takafumi , Ikota Hayato , Nakazato Yoichi , Mori Munemasa , Matozaki Takashi , Sasaki Tsutomu , Kitamura Tadahiro , Mori Masatomo
Published: July 2014

Obesity arises from impaired energy balance, which is centrally coordinated by leptin through activation of the long form of leptin receptor (Leprb). Obesity causes central leptin resistance. However, whether enhanced peripheral leptin sensitivity could overcome central leptin resistance remains obscure. A peripheral metabolic organ targeted by leptin is the liver, with low Leprb expression. We here show that mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) and obese patients with hepatosteatosis exhibit increased expression of hepatic helicase with zinc finger 2, a transcriptional coactivator (Helz2), which functions as a transcriptional coregulator of several nuclear receptors, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ in vitro. To explore the physiological importance of Helz2, we generated Helz2-deficient mice and analyzed their metabolic phenotypes. Helz2-deficient mice showing hyperleptinemia associated with central leptin resistance were protected against HFD-induced obesity and had significantly up-regulated hepatic Leprb expression. Helz2 deficiency and adenovirus-mediated liver-specific exogenous Leprb overexpression in wild-type mice significantly stimulated hepatic AMP-activated protein kinase on HFD, whereas Helz2-deficient db/db mice lacking functional Leprb did not. Fatty acid-β oxidation was increased in Helz2-deficeint hepatocytes, and Helz2-deficient mice revealed increased oxygen consumption and decreased respiratory quotient in calorimetry analyses. The enhanced hepatic AMP-activated protein kinase energy-sensing pathway in Helz2-deficient mice ameliorated hyperlipidemia, hepatosteatosis, and insulin resistance by reducing lipogenic gene expression and stimulating lipid-burning gene expression in the liver. These findings together demonstrate that Helz2 deficiency ameliorates HFD-induced metabolic abnormalities by stimulating endogenous hepatic Leprb expression, despite central leptin resistance. Hepatic HELZ2 might be a novel target molecule for the treatment of obesity with hepatosteatosis.
Germline FH Mutations Presenting With Pheochromocytoma
Authors: Clark Graeme R. , Sciacovelli Marco , Gaude Edoardo , Walsh Diana M. , Kirby Gail , Simpson Michael A. , Trembath Richard C. , Berg Jonathan N. , Woodward Emma R. , Kinning Esther , Morrison Patrick J. , Frezza Christian , Maher Eamonn R.
Published: July 2014

Context:

At least a third of the patients with pheochromocytoma (PCC) or paraganglioma (PGL) harbor an underlying germline mutation in a known PCC/PGL gene. Mutations in genes (SDHB, SDHD, SDHC, and SDHA) encoding a component of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), are a major cause of inherited PCC and PGL. SDHB mutations are also, albeit less frequently, associated with inherited renal cell carcinoma. Inactivation of SDH and another tricarboxylic acid cycle component, fumarate hydratase (FH), have both been associated with abnormalities of cellular metabolism, responsible for the activation of hypoxic gene response pathways and epigenetic alterations (eg, DNA methylation). However, the clinical phenotype of germline mutations in SDHx genes and FH is usually distinct, with FH mutations classically associated with hereditary cutaneous and uterine leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma, although recently an association with PCC/PGL has been reported.

Objective and Design:

To identify potential novel PCC/PGL predisposition genes, we initially undertook exome resequencing studies in a case of childhood PCC, and subsequently FH mutation analysis in a further 71 patients with PCC, PGL, or head and neck PGL.

Results:

After identifying a candidate FH missense mutation in the exome study, we then detected a further candidate missense mutation (p.Glu53Lys) by candidate gene sequencing. In vitro analyses demonstrated that both missense mutations (p.Cys434Tyr and p.Glu53Lys) were catalytically inactive.

Conclusions:

These findings 1) confirm that germline FH mutations may present, albeit rarely with PCC or PGL; and 2) extend the clinical phenotype associated with FH mutations to pediatric PCC.
Uncoupling of Secretion From Growth in Some Hormone Secretory Tissues
Authors: Marx Stephen J.
Published: July 2014

Context:

Most syndromes with benign primary excess of a hormone show positive coupling of hormone secretion to size or proliferation in the affected hormone secretory tissue. Syndromes that lack this coupling seem rare and have not been examined for unifying features among each other.

Evidence Acquisition:

Selected clinical and basic features were analyzed from original reports and reviews. We examined indices of excess secretion of a hormone and indices of size of secretory tissue within the following three syndromes, each suggestive of uncoupling between these two indices: familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia, congenital diazoxide-resistant hyperinsulinism, and congenital primary hyperaldosteronism type III (with G151E mutation of the KCNJ5 gene).

Evidence Synthesis:

Some unifying features among the three syndromes were different from features present among common tumors secreting the same hormone. The unifying and distinguishing features included: 1) expression of hormone excess as early as the first days of life; 2) normal size of tissue that oversecretes a hormone; 3) diffuse histologic expression in the hormonal tissue; 4) resistance to treatment by subtotal ablation of the hormone-secreting tissue; 5) causation by a germline mutation; 6) low potential of the same mutation to cause a tumor by somatic mutation; and 7) expression of the mutated molecule in a pathway between sensing of a serum metabolite and secretion of hormone regulating that metabolite.

Conclusion:

Some shared clinical and basic features of uncoupling of secretion from size in a hormonal tissue characterize three uncommon states of hormone excess. These features differ importantly from features of common hormonal neoplasm of that tissue.