bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy efficiency comparison between distributed and co‐located MIMO systems
Authors: He Chunlong , Sheng Bin , Zhu Pengcheng , Wang Dongming , You Xiaohu
Published: March 2012

Energy efficiency (EE) is becoming more and more important in future wireless communications because of limited battery power in mobile terminals. In this paper, we compare EE of the distributed MIMO (D‐MIMO) and co‐located MIMO (C‐MIMO) in uplink systems. Taking into account both circuit and transmit power, we derive an analytical expression for EE of D‐MIMO and C‐MIMO systems in a composite Rayleigh‐lognormal channel. What is more, an optimization algorithm is proposed to get the optimal EE values while satisfying given spectral efficiency requirement for both D‐MIMO and C‐MIMO systems. Simulation results show that D‐MIMO systems are more energy effective than C‐MIMO systems when considering the realistic systems, and the optimal EE can be obtained by the proposed algorithm while satisfying given spectral efficiency requirement. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alterations in mast cell frequency and relationship to angiogenesis in the rat mammary gland during windows of physiologic tissue remodeling
Authors: Ramirez Robert A. , Lee Amy , Schedin Pepper , Russell Joshua S. , Masso‐Welch Patricia A.
Published: March 2012

Background: The mammary epithelium undergoes proliferation and regression accompanied by remodeling of the fibrocellular and vascular stroma. Mast cells are abundant in these compartments and have been implicated in remodeling during wound healing and cancer progression. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that mast cell abundance correlates with physiologic mammary tissue remodeling during estrous cycling, lactogenesis (pregnancy and lactation) and involution. Results: Mast cell and capillary frequency were quantified in the stroma surrounding ducts and lobules from mammary glands of rats. During estrous cycling, periductal mast cell numbers were unchanged, but lobule‐associated mast cells significantly increased in the regressive phase of diestrus II. During lactogenesis, lobular stroma mast cells peaked early in pregnancy, at D2, followed by a significant decrease throughout lactation. Involution was associated with a rapid return in mast cell numbers, similar to diestrus II. Lobular vascularization peaked during the state of metestrus, when limited secretory differentiation occurs. Lobular angiogenesis peaked at D7 of pregnancy, regressed, and then returned to high levels during lactation and early involution, when secretory differentiation is high. Conclusions: These results suggest mast cells are predominantly associated with regressive lobular remodeling during cycling and involution, whereas angiogenesis is predominantly associated with secretory differentiation. Developmental Dynamics 241:890–900, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Volcaniclastic aeolian deposits at Sunset Crater, Arizona: terrestrial analogs for Martian dune forms
Authors: Hooper Donald M. , McGinnis Ronald N. , Necsoiu Marius
Published: March 2012

Sunset Crater in north‐central Arizona (USA) is a 900‐year‐old scoria‐cone volcano. Wind action has redistributed its widespread tephra deposit into a variety of aeolian dune forms that serve as a terrestrial analog for similar landforms and aeolian processes on Mars. Fieldwork was conducted to collect essential geomorphological and sedimentological data, and to establish a baseline for the type and morphometry of dunes, physical properties, interactions with topography, and saltation pathways. Our analyses focused primarily on coppice dunes, falling dunes, wind ripples, and sand streaks. For all collected volcaniclastic aeolian sediment samples, the sand‐size fraction dominated, ranging from almost 100% sand to 74.6% sand. No sample contained more than 1.6% silt. The composition is overwhelmingly basaltic with non‐basaltic particles composing 2 to 6% of the total. Coppice (nebkha) dunes form where clumps of vegetation trap saltating particles and create small mounds or hummocks. Mean grain size for coppice dune samples is coarse sand. Measured dune height for 15 coppice dunes ranged from 0.3 to 3.3 m with a mean of 1 m. Mean length was 6.7 m and mean width was 4.8 m. Falling dunes identified in this study are poorly developed and thin, lacking a prominent ramp‐like structure. Mean wavelength for three sets of measured ripples ranged from 22 to 36 cm. Sand streaks extend downwind for more than a kilometer and are up to 200 m in width. They commonly occur on the lee side of mesas and similar landforms and are typically the downwind continuation of falling dunes. Falling dunes, wind ripples, and sand streaks have been identified on Mars, while coppice dunes are similar to Martian shadow or lee dunes in which sand accumulates in the lee of obstacles. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of snow melting upon landslides in the central Argentinean Andes
Authors: Moreiras Stella , Lisboa Maria Sol , Mastrantonio Leandro
Published: March 2012

This paper focuses on the historical range of variability of landslide activity and its relation to climate in the Aconcagua Park, Argentina. Landslide frequency data are obtained through historic compilation, including the review of more than 85 data sources and personal interviews with members of the local community. Based on these records, the study analyzes major landslide triggering mechanisms and evaluates the role of climate. Slope instability in Aconcagua Park appears to be mainly forced by the melting of snow accumulated during the winter season, which in turn promotes soil saturation and landslide occurrence the following spring–summer (December–February). This finding is supported by a strong correlation between landslides and stream flows of Andean rivers. These peaks occur during warmer seasons, fed by snow and ice‐glacier melting. In contrast, the correlation between landslide frequency and precipitation (diary/accumulative/monthly/annual) is less certain; and the relationship of landslide to temperature records (mean annual temperature/mean temperature during November–February period) is weak. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pennsylvania takes lead in taxing and regulating fracking
Authors: Sabino Michael A.
Published: March 2012

The Marcellus Shale formation and accessing its vast potential via the controversial process of “fracking” continues to preoccupy the industry—and many others. Recently we addressed the narrow issue of how development of the Marcellus Shale interacts with established property law in Pennsylvania.1 Today we return to the Keystone State to provide what we hope will be a useful analysis of its newest statutory promulgation concerning the future of this new natural gas resource.
Gas producers: Shale‐gas cases important in state‐level upstream litigation
Authors: Kurth Thomas E.
Published: March 2012

Litigation claims between private parties arising in the context of exploration and production activities encompass a wide range of contract and tort issues. In Texas and other states, the fee simple ownership of land comprises both a surface and mineral estate. As a result, opportunities for disputes and litigation abound both between the two estates and within the “bundle of sticks” comprising the numerous interests in the mineral estate.1
Alternative energy sources: Solar project due diligence
Authors: Schnitzer Marie
Published: March 2012

While any energy project has risks, more conventional risks include anything in the wide area including site control, permitting, securing finance, equipment supply, operations and maintenance agreements, and confidence in energy production estimates. With renewable projects, the intermittent fuel or resource adds additional risk. Due to the nature and diversity of these challenges, independent assessments are encouraged throughout the project development life cycle.
Natural gas prices: Shale gas makes wall street go medieval on prices
Authors: Willett Robert E.
Published: March 2012

In Alan Greenspan's autobiography,1 he outlines his theory that the low inflation we saw through much of the time that he was chairman of the Federal Reserve was caused by a change in policy of the government of the People's Republic of China—it let the country folk come to town. There, at extremely low wages and in such abundance of people, they were able to produce enormous quantities of goods and make many US and European (and Latin American) industries obsolete, at least for the time being.
Natural gas matters: Gas‐electric harmonization moves to the front of the pack
Authors: Smead Richard G.
Published: March 2012

We have recently seen the emergence of inquiry and debate on gas‐electric harmonization, a new term for a longstanding and complex dialogue.
Technology: Limits to demand‐response programs can be stretched
Authors: Skinner R. Kenneth
Published: March 2012

It is no secret that the Obama administration has promoted energy policies that favor clean renewable energy and conservation in place of traditional fossil‐fueled generation. National and state policies combined with advances in communications, metering, security, storage, wind and photovoltaic generation, electric vehicles, efficient and smart appliances, lighting, and many others are already impacting the energy industry and are poised to completely change the energy landscape.
Examining carer stress in dementia: the role of subtype diagnosis and neuropsychiatric symptoms
Authors: Lee David R , McKeith Ian , Mosimann Urs , Ghosh‐Nodyal Arunima , Thomas Alan J
Published: March 2012

Introduction

Caring for people with dementia incurs significant stress for carers. Stress has been related to the duration of caring role, the number of weekly hours provided and severity of cognitive impairment. What remains less clear is the impact of neuropsychiatric symptoms and subtype of dementia on carer stress and this study aimed to examine these.

Methods

Dementia carers were recruited for people with a range of dementia subtypes. Carers were interviewed using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory with the Carer Distress Scale. Cognitive fluctuations were assessed using the Dementia Cognitive Fluctuations Scale. All patients were also examined with The Cambridge Assessment for mental disorders in the elderly.

Results

Dementia diagnostic subtype, the presence of cognitive fluctuations and some neuropsychiatric symptoms (psychosis and mood disturbance) did predict carer stress (all at p < 0.01) but age, gender and severity of cognitive impairment did not (all p > 0.33). Carers of people with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD) experienced more stress than those caring for patients with Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Carer stress was associated with higher levels of psychosis, mood disturbances, daytime sleep and cognitive fluctuations in the person with dementia.

Conclusions

This study identified the significant impact on carers of providing care for people with DLB and PDD dementia subtypes and also highlighted the significant impact of providing care for patients with high levels of psychosis, mood disturbances and cognitive fluctuations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Judging roughness by sight—A 7‐tesla fMRI study on responsivity of the primary somatosensory cortex during observed touch of self and others
Authors: Kuehn Esther , Trampel Robert , Mueller Karsten , Turner Robert , Schütz‐Bosbach Simone
Published: March 2012

Observing another person being touched activates our own somatosensory system. Whether the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) is also activated during the observation of passive touch, and which subregions of S1 are responsible for self‐ and other‐related observed touch is currently unclear. In our study, we first aimed to clarify whether observing passive touch without any action component can robustly increase activity in S1. Secondly, we investigated whether S1 activity only increases when touch of others is observed, or also when touch of one's own body is observed. We were particularly interested in which subregions of S1 are responsible for either process. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging at 7 Tesla to measure S1 activity changes when participants observed videos of their own or another's hand in either egocentric or allocentric perspective being touched by different pieces of sandpaper. Participants were required to judge the roughness of the different sandpaper surfaces. Our results clearly show that S1 activity does increase in response to observing passive touch, and that activity changes are localized in posterior but not in anterior parts of S1. Importantly, activity increases in S1 were particularly related to observing another person being touched. Self‐related observed touch, in contrast, caused no significant activity changes within S1. We therefore assume that posterior but not anterior S1 is part of a system for sharing tactile experiences with others. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Episodic autobiographical memory in amnestic mild cognitive impairment: What are the neural correlates?
Authors: Bastin Christine , Feyers Dorothée , Jedidi Haroun , Bahri Mohamed Ali , Degueldre Christian , Lemaire Christian , Collette Fabienne , Salmon Eric
Published: March 2012

Autobiographical memory in amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (aMCI) is characterized by impaired retrieval of episodic memories, but relatively preserved personal semantic knowledge. This study aimed to identify (via FDG‐PET) the neural substrates of impaired episodic specificity of autobiographical memories in 35 aMCI patients compared with 24 healthy elderly controls. Significant correlations between regional cerebral activity and the proportion of episodic details in autobiographical memories from two life periods were found in specific regions of an autobiographical brain network. In aMCI patients, more than in controls, specifically episodic memories from early adulthood were associated with metabolic activity in the cuneus and in parietal regions. We hypothesized that variable retrieval of episodic autobiographical memories in our aMCI patients would be related to their variable capacity to reactivate specific sensory‐perceptual and contextual details of early adulthood events linked to reduced (occipito‐parietal) visual imagery and less efficient (parietal) attentional processes. For recent memories (last year), a correlation emerged between the proportion of episodic details and activity in lateral temporal regions and the temporo‐parietal junction. Accordingly, variable episodic memory for recent events may be related to the efficiency of controlled search through general events likely to provide cues for the retrieval of episodic details and to the ability to establish a self perspective favouring recollection. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quadriplegia secondary to cervical spondylotic myelopathy—A rare complication of head and neck surgery
Authors: Chen Wei‐Fan , Kang Chung‐Jan , Lee Sai‐Cheung , Tsao Chung‐Kan
Published: March 2012

Background

Free tissue reconstruction after ablation of head and neck malignancy often requires extensive cervical manipulation, which may exacerbate preexisting cervical spondylosis and result in progression to cervical myelopathy. We present a rare case of postoperative quadriplegia caused by cervical spondylotic myelopathy after head and neck reconstruction.

Methods and Results

A 63‐year‐old man without a history of cervical spondylosis underwent resection of a gingivo‐buccal squamous cell carcinoma with immediate reconstruction with free fibula osteocutaneous flap. On postoperative day 4, the patient was found to have quadriplegia. MRI demonstrated severe cervical myelopathy. Decompressive laminectomy was performed. The patient underwent an extensive rehabilitation program but only realized moderate improvement.

Conclusion

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy is a rare but disastrous complication of head and neck surgery. We hypothesize that it is potentially avoidable with heightened awareness of this disease entity, preoperative identification of patients at risk, and prophylactic interventions © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013
Relevance of the primary lesion in the prognosis of metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ch'ng Sydney , Clark Jonathan R. , Brunner Markus , Palme Carsten E. , Morgan Gary J. , Veness Michael J.
Published: March 2012

Background

It remains unclear how primary tumor factors impact on prognosis in patients with nodal metastasis in head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The purpose of this study was to assess whether primary tumor characteristics are independent prognostic factors.

Methods

Patients treated for metastatic cutaneous SCC from 1978 to 2010 were identified (n = 239). A proportional hazards model was used to assess the effect of primary tumor variables.

Results

On multivariable analysis, tumor differentiation (hazard ratio [HR], 0.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.1–0.8; p = .03) was found to be significantly associated with disease‐specific survival (DSS), unlike margin status (p = .23), tumor size (p = .21), and thickness (p = .11). Patient, treatment, and nodal factors were confirmed to be important predictors of survival.

Conclusion

This article suggests that pathological features of the primary lesion bear little importance in the presence of established nodal metastasis, other than tumor differentiation. It validates the grouping of T1–3N1 as stage III under the current American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM staging system. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013
An Efficient One‐Pot Synthesis of Substituted 1H‐Naphtho[2,1‐b]pyrans and 4H‐1‐Benzopyrans (=Chromenes) under Solvent‐Free Microwave‐Irradiation Conditions
Authors: Shekhar Adimulam Chandra , Kumar Akula Ravi , Sathaiah Gangaram , Raju Kengiri , Rao Pamulaparthy Shanthan , Sridhar Madabhushi , Narsaiah Banda , Srinivas Punnamraju Venkata Satya Surya , Sridhar Balasubramanian
Published: March 2012

A facile heterogeneous synthesis of 3‐amino‐1‐aryl‐1H‐naphtho[2,1‐b]pyran and 2‐amino‐4‐aryl‐4H‐1‐benzopyran derivatives 3 and 5, respectively, was carried out efficiently by one‐pot three‐component coupling of an aromatic aldehyde 1, an active methylene compound 2, and naphthalen‐2‐ol or a phenol 4 in the presence of 5‐Å molecular sieves under solvent‐free microwave‐irradiation conditions (Scheme 1 and 2, Tables 1 and 2). The catalyst was recovered and recycled (Table 3).
Abieseconordines A and B, Two Novel Norditerpenoids with a 18‐Nor‐5,10 : 9,10‐disecoabietane Skeleton from Abies forrestii
Authors: Yu Ping , Zhang Shou‐De , Li Yong‐Li , Yang Xian‐Wen , Zeng Hua‐Wu , Li Hong‐Lin , Zhang Wei‐Dong
Published: March 2012

A systematic phytochemical investigation on Abies forrestii afforded two new and 20 known compounds. Abieseconordines A and B (1 and 2) are the first two examples of norditerpenes with a novel 18‐nor‐5,10 : 9,10‐disecoabietane skeleton. Their structures were established mainly by analysis of 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR spectroscopic data. In addition, electronic circular‐dichroism calculations and molecular‐orbital analysis were utilized to confirm the absolute configuration of 1. Both compounds exhibited a potent effect in a bioassay inhibiting LPS‐stimulated NO production in RAW264.7 macrophages.
Rapid Synthesis of Novel and Known Coumarin‐3‐carboxylic Acids Using Stannous Chloride Dihydrate under Solvent‐Free Conditions
Authors: Karami Bahador , Farahi Mahnaz , Khodabakhshi Saeed
Published: March 2012

Various coumarin‐3‐carboxylic acid (=2‐oxo‐2H‐1‐benzopyran‐3‐carboxylic acid; CcaH) derivatives have been synthesized in good yields using catalytic amounts of SnCl2⋅2 H2O under solvent‐free conditions. This inexpensive, nontoxic, and readily available catalytic system (10 mol‐%) efficiently catalyzes the Knoevenagel condensation and intramolecular cyclization of various 2‐hydroxybenzaldehydes or acetophenones with Meldrum's acid. High product yields, use of inexpensive and safe catalyst, and solvent‐free conditions display both economic and environmental advantages.
Substrate Range of the Titanium TADDOLate Catalyzed Asymmetric Fluorination of Activated Carbonyl Compounds
Authors: Bertogg Andreas , Hintermann Lukas , Huber Dominique P. , Perseghini Mauro , Sanna Maria , Togni Antonio
Published: March 2012

The substrate range of the [TiCl2(TADDOLate)] (TADDOL=α,α,α′,α′‐tetraaryl‐1,3‐dioxolane‐4,5‐dimethanol)‐catalyzed asymmetric α‐fluorination of activated β‐carbonyl compounds has been investigated. Optimal conditions for catalysis are characterized by using 5 mol‐% of TiCl2(naphthalen‐1‐yl)‐TADDOLate) as catalyst in a saturated (0.14 mol/l) MeCN solution of F‐TEDA (1‐(chloromethyl)‐4‐fluoro‐1,4‐diazoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bis‐[tetrafluoroborate]) at room temperature. A series of α‐methylated β‐keto esters (3‐oxobutanoates, 3‐oxopentanoates) with bulky benzyl ester groups (60–90% ee) or phenyl ester (67–88% ee) have been fluorinated readily, whereas α‐acyl lactones were also readily fluorinated, but gave lower inductions (13–46% ee). Double stereochemical differentiation in β‐keto esters with chiral ester groups raised the stereoselectivity to a diastereomeric ratio (dr) of up to 96.5 : 3.5. For the first time, β‐keto S‐thioesters were asymmetrically fluorinated (62–91.5% ee) and chlorinated (83% ee). Lower inductions were observed in fluorinations of 1,3‐diketones (up to 40% ee) and β‐keto amides (up to 59% ee). General strategies for preparing activated β‐carbonyl compounds as important model substrates for asymmetric catalytic α‐functionalizations are presented (>60 examples).
Polyhydroxylated Steroids from the South China Sea Gorgonian Anthogorgia sp.
Authors: Sun Peng , Xu Yuanyuan , Liu Taofang , Tang Hua , Yi Yanghua , Krohn Karsten , Li Ling , Zhang Wen
Published: March 2012

Four new polyhydroxylated steroids, namely anthogorgsteroids A–D (1–4), were isolated from the South China Sea gorgonian Anthogorgia sp. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analyses and comparison with reported data.
Photocyclodimers of ‘Made‐to‐Measure’ Seven‐ and Six‐Membered Cyclic Enones
Authors: Schmidt Kerstin , Margaretha Paul
Published: March 2012

On irradiation (350 nm) in benzene as solvent, dioxepinone 6 and benzoxepinone 7 afford quantitatively mixtures of two diastereoisomeric head‐to‐head dimers, respectively. In both cases, on contact with SiO2 the minor dimer containing trans‐ring fusions undergoes spontaneous isomerization to the (major) cis‐transoid‐cis diastereoisomer. In contrast, thiopyranone 8 is converted selectively, but in very low yield, to dimer 13.
Synthesis of Bis‐Heterocyclic 1H‐Imidazole 3‐Oxides from 3‐Oxido‐1H‐imidazole‐4‐carbohydrazides
Authors: Pieczonka Adam Marek , Mlostoń Grzegorz , Heimgartner Heinz
Published: March 2012

The reaction of 1H‐imidazole‐4‐carbohydrazides 1, which are conveniently accessible by treatment of the corresponding esters with NH2NH2⋅H2O, with isothiocyanates in refluxing EtOH led to thiosemicarbazides (=hydrazinecarbothioamides) 4 in high yields (Scheme 2). Whereas 4 in boiling aqueous NaOH yielded 2,4‐dihydro‐3H‐1,2,4‐triazole‐3‐thiones 5, the reaction in concentrated H2SO4 at room temperature gave 1,3,4‐thiadiazol‐2‐amines 6. Similarly, the reaction of 1 with butyl isocyanate led to semicarbazides 7, which, under basic conditions, undergo cyclization to give 2,4‐dihydro‐3H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐ones 8 (Scheme 3). Treatment of 1 with Ac2O yielded the diacylhydrazine derivatives 9 exclusively, and the alternative isomerization of 1 to imidazol‐2‐ones was not observed (Scheme 4). It is important to note that, in all these transformations, the imidazole N‐oxide residue is retained. Furthermore, it was shown that imidazole N‐oxides bearing a 1,2,4‐triazole‐3‐thione or 1,3,4‐thiadiazol‐2‐amine moiety undergo the S‐transfer reaction to give bis‐heterocyclic 1H‐imidazole‐2‐thiones 11 by treatment with 2,2,4,4‐tetramethylcyclobutane‐1,3‐dithione (Scheme 5).
In vivo and in vitro evidence for an association between the route‐specific transmission of HHV‐8 and the virus genotype
Authors: Matteoli Barbara , Broccolo Francesco , Scaccino Antonio , Cottoni Francesca , Angeloni Antonio , Faggioni Alberto , Ceccherini‐Nelli Luca
Published: March 2012

The study was performed to determine if there is an association between the genotype and transmission of HHV‐8 types A and C. These HHV‐8 subtypes are prevalent in the area of North of Sardinia, which is an island off west Italy's mainland that has a high HHV‐8 seroprevalence (35%). Blood and saliva samples from 30 patients with classic Kaposi's sarcoma who were lifetime residents of North Sardinia were analyzed to identify the HHV‐8 genotype and quantitate the viral load. Genotype A, especially A1 subtype, was found more frequently (9/30 patients) and had a significantly higher viral load in saliva compared to blood (P = 0.029), where type C was found more frequently but with a viral load lower than 103 copies/ml. To determine if there is a correlation between the viral genotype and cellular tropism, type A1 and C3 HHV‐8 viral particles were obtained from cell lines BCBL1 and BC3 infected chronically with HHV‐8 A1 and C3 genotypes respectively and used to infect HEK293 epithelial origin cells and PBMCs in vitro. The data indicate that the A1 HHV‐8 genotype is tropic and replicates at higher levels in the epithelial cell lines. J. Med. Virol. 84:786–791, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Risk factors for hepatitis C virus infection in Inland Brazil: An analysis of pooled epidemiological sectional studies
Authors: Souto Francisco José Dutra , Fontes Cor Jésus Fernandes , Pignati Luara Teófilo , Pagliarini Maria Emiliana Sarno , Menezes Valfredo da Mota , Martinelli Ana de Lourdes Candolo , Figueiredo José Fernando de Castro , Donadi Eduardo Antonio , Passos Afonso Diniz
Published: March 2012

In order to assess the contribution of different parenteral routes as risk exposure to the hepatitis C virus (HCV), samples from nine surveys or cross‐sectional studies conducted in two Brazilian inland regions were pooled, including a total of 3,910 subjects. Heterogeneity among the study results for different risk factors was tested and the results were shown to be homogeneous. Anti‐HCV antibodies were observed in 241 individuals, of which 146 (3.7%, 95% CI = 3.2–4.4) had HCV exposure confirmed by immunoblot analysis or PCR test. After adjustment for relevant variables, a correlation between confirmed HCV exposure and injection drug use, tattooing, and advance age was observed. In a second logistic model that included exposures not searched in all nine studies, a smaller sample was analyzed, revealing an independent HCV association with past history of surgery and males who have sex with other males, in addition to repeated injection drug use. Overall, these analyses corroborate the finding that injection drug use is the main risk factor for HCV exposure and spread, in addition to other parenteral routes. J. Med. Virol. 84:756–762, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Bayesian approach to detecting change points in climatic records
Authors: Ruggieri Eric
Published: March 2012

Given distinct climatic periods in the various facets of the Earth's climate system, many attempts have been made to determine the exact timing of ‘change points’ or regime boundaries. However, identification of change points is not always a simple task. A time series containing N data points has approximately Nk distinct placements of k change points, rendering brute force enumeration futile as the length of the time series increases. Moreover, how certain are we that any one placement of change points is superior to the rest? This paper introduces a Bayesian Change Point algorithm which provides uncertainty estimates both in the number and location of change points through an efficient probabilistic solution to the multiple change point problem. To illustrate its versatility, the Bayesian Change Point algorithm is used to analyse both the NOAA/NCDC annual global surface temperature anomalies time series and the much longer δ18O record of the Plio‐Pleistocene. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
The Application of the Socialisation, Externalisation, Combination and Internalisation Model in Cross‐cultural Contexts: Theoretical Analysis
Authors: Easa Nasser Fathi , Fincham Robin
Published: March 2012

This study aims to provide theoretical analysis for the applicability of Nonaka's socialisation, externalisation, combination and internalisation (SECI) model in cross‐cultural contexts. Many Japanese companies are most probably quite successful and a world leader such as Sony, Toyota, Canon, Honda, Hitachi and Olympus. Therefore, proofing the validity of SECI model of creating knowledge in Japanese firms gave the model its great value. The model was produced in 1995 in Japanese context and has been widely quoted in approaches to classifying, creating, documenting, sharing and transferring knowledge from a knowledge management perspective. However, the universal applicability of this model is arguable. It was clear that not all SECI' modes are applicable in the same culture as some of them were widely spread, whereas some were not. Therefore, it is concluded that not all SECI processes reflect traditional Japanese values, but they should be adapted in order to be successfully applied in different contexts. Being aware of culture and its impact on knowledge creation and the application of SECI will enrich the insight of an organisation into their knowledge creation and the processes involved in it. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Breaking away: A new model for innovation
Authors: Stevenson Jane , Kaafarani Bilal
Published: March 2012

Innovation is an often‐misunderstood practice, according to Stevenson and Kaafarani. To be truly categorized as innovation, a product, company, or service must be unique; must deliver tangible value to the customer; and must be commercially viable. Their research uncovered four categories of innovation: transformational, category, marketplace, and operational. Each of these has defining characteristics and its own business attributes. Leaders must also find answers for the three Ws—who will buy, what is involved in development, and why will it make business sense to proceed.
The end of diversity: How leaders make differences really matter
Authors: Davidson Martin N.
Published: March 2012

Leaders who recognize the importance of diversity but treat it as a separate topic are not getting the full power of the concept, according to Davidson. The key is what he refers to as “Leveraging Difference.” He poses a provocative question: “What if the most important leadership activity was to catalyze diversity, not just manage it?” Leaders thus become emboldened to re‐vision everything they do. Such leaders connect to people who are different from them—those who may be considered informal leaders, or what he refers to as “leaders from the margin.”
Inspiring democracy in the workplace: From fear‐based to freedom‐centered organizations
Authors: Fenton Traci L.
Published: March 2012

Most of us would prefer to work in an environment ruled by democratic principles rather than one ruled by command and fear. Yet, unfortunately, according to Fenton, too many people still toil in the latter environment. Her research shows great benefits for organizations operating along democratic lines, such as lower absenteeism, better customer service, and more innovation. These workplaces are also generally better able to attract top talent, especially from Generation Y. She includes examples of democratic companies and provides a chart of democratic principles, including transparency, integrity, and accountability.
Medical costs and health‐care resource use in patients with inflammatory myopathies in an insured population
Authors: Furst Daniel E. , Amato Anthony A. , Iorga Şerban R. , Bancroft Tim , Fernandes Ancilla W.
Published: March 2012

Introduction:

In this study we determined the health‐care costs and resource utilization associated with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) in a large managed care plan in the USA.

Methods:

Myositis subjects ≥18 years of age with claims‐based evidence of IIMs were identified from a health plan database. Subjects were matched with unaffected controls, and costs and resource use were determined during a 12‐month period.

Results:

A total of 1781 newly diagnosed IIM subjects were matched to 5343 controls, and 2697 subjects with existing disease were matched to 8091 controls. Mean overall annual medical costs were higher among newly diagnosed subjects ($16,319 vs. $4926, P < 0.001) and subjects with an existing IIM ($15,539 vs. $5210, P < 0.001) in comparison to controls. IIM subjects had significantly higher mean counts of ambulatory visits, specialist visits, and inpatient hospital stays compared with controls (all P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Our analysis suggests that IIMs have increased medical costs and resource use. Muscle Nerve 46: 496–505, 2012
Power and Personality Perception in Real–Life Hierarchical Relationships
Authors: Leikas Sointu , Lönnqvist Jan–Erik , Verkasalo Markku , Nissinen Vesa
Published: March 2012

The present study examined how Big Five personality ratings of the same target individuals differ as a function of the power relation between the target and the judge. Our targets were 37 employees with leadership duties from two large organizations. The targets‘ subordinates (N = 352), peers (N = 186), and superiors (N = 62) constituted our groups of judges. The targets and judges also provided self–reports of personality. Subordinate judges showed higher consensus but not higher self–other agreement than peer or superior judges. Furthermore, the targets were judged as more extraverted, more emotionally stable, less agreeable, and less open to experience by their subordinates than by their superiors. The results suggest that (i) observer consensus, but not self–other agreement or assumed similarity varies as a function of real–life power; (ii) the effects of power on mean trait scores are mostly congruent with the previously observed effects of power on behaviour and on stereotypes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solution NMR structure of the ribosomal protein RP‐L35Ae from Pyrococcus furiosus
Authors: Snyder David A. , Aramini James M. , Yu Bomina , Huang Yuanpeng J. , Xiao Rong , Cort John R. , Shastry Ritu , Ma Li‐Chung , Liu Jinfeng , Rost Burkhard , Acton Thomas B. , Kennedy Michael A. , Montelione Gaetano T.
Published: March 2012

The ribosome consists of small and large subunits each composed of dozens of proteins and RNA molecules. However, the functions of many of the individual protomers within the ribosome are still unknown. In this article, we describe the solution NMR structure of the ribosomal protein RP‐L35Ae from the archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus. RP‐L35Ae is buried within the large subunit of the ribosome and belongs to Pfam protein domain family PF01247, which is highly conserved in eukaryotes, present in a few archaeal genomes, but absent in bacteria. The protein adopts a six‐stranded anti‐parallel β‐barrel analogous to the “tRNA binding motif” fold. The structure of the P. furiosus RP‐L35Ae presented in this article constitutes the first structural representative from this protein domain family. Proteins 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Oral iron: properties and current place in the treatment of anaemia
Authors: Chaplin Steve , Bhandari Sunil
Published: March 2012

Steve Chaplin and Professor Sunil Bhandari provide an overview of the properties of oral iron preparations and their current recommended place in the treatment of anaemia. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Interface Ltd
Utilising the NMS and MURs for safer discharge from hospital
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: March 2012

Steve Chaplin discusses new guidance that aims to reduce the risk of medication error during transfer of patient care from hospitals to the community. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Interface Ltd
Laser‐induced front side etching of fused silica with KrF excimer laser using thin chromium layers
Authors: Lorenz Pierre , Ehrhardt Martin , Zimmer Klaus
Published: March 2012

Laser‐induced front side etching (LIFE) is a method for laser etching of transparent materials using thin absorber layers. This approach is a straightforward advancement of the back side etching techniques. Within this study the etching of fused silica with thin chromium layers as radiation absorbers is presented using nanosecond KrF excimer laser with a wavelength of 248 nm. The laser fluence up to 10 J/cm2, the number of pulses up to 10 as well as the layer thickness from 2 to 250 nm is varied. The treated fused silica was analysed with microscopic (white light interferometry, WLI, scanning electron microscopy, SEM) and spectroscopic methods (energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX)).

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Schematic illustration of the LIFE process.

The LIFE method allows the nm‐precision etching (rms ≤ 8 nm) of fused silica at moderate laser fluences (2–6 J/cm2).
Mechanism of high temperature hydrogen reduced polarization degradation in Pb(Zr1−xTix)O3 ferroelectric thin film capacitors
Authors: Hui Wenyuan , Chen Zhihui , Liu Xiaobing , Jiang Anquan
Published: March 2012

Annealing Pb(Zr1−xTix)O3 (PZT) thin films in the hydrogen ambient can result in the unacceptable degradation of ferroelectric properties due to interaction of H2 forming gas with the ferroelectric materials. Since the understanding of this degradation mechanism is limited, this issue arouses a big problem for the application of PZT in high‐density non‐volatile ferroelectric random access memories (NVFRAM). In order to resolve this problem, we investigate Pt/PZT/Pt capacitors before and after H2 annealing at various temperatures. The capacitors lost their ferroelectric properties during hydrogen annealing. The measurements of polarization hysteresis loops and leakage currents suggest that there are different degradation mechanisms for the reduced PZT films. Although hydrogen induced degradation can be partially recovered by post‐annealing of the thin films in the O2 ambient, all the remanent polarizations after recovery are much smaller than their virgin values, which indicates the irreversible damage of the ferroelectricity during the forming gas annealing (FGA) process. In order to investigate the degradation mechanism, X‐ray diffraction was performed before and after FGA, and atomic force microscopy images were taken to observe the topograghy and microstructure changes. A conductive Pt‐coated piezoelectric force microscope probe was used as a mobile top electrode to check ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties within microregions of PZT films before and after FGA.
Structurally induced magnetization in a La2/3Sr4/3MnO4 superlattice
Authors: Shah Amish B. , Nelson‐Cheeseman Brittany B. , Subramanian Ganesh , Bhattacharya Anand , Spence John C. H.
Published: March 2012

A structural transition has been observed in a digital superlattice of La2/3Sr4/3MnO4, which is correlated to a magnetization enhancement upon cooling the sample. These artificial superlattices were grown layer‐by‐layer using ozone‐assisted molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). Electron diffraction experiments show a phase transition below 150 K in nanopatches of the superlattice, which coincides with an enhanced magnetization starting below 110 K. Atomic scale electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) also shows changes in the Mn L2,3 and O K edges, which are related to valence, strain, and the atomic coordination within nanopatches.

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Atomic resolution image and EELS showing variations of oxygen and lanthanum signature edges in a La2/3Sr4/3MnO4 supperlattice.
Threshold voltage of the EOSFET: Reference electrode and oxide–electrolyte interface
Authors: Fromherz Peter
Published: March 2012

The threshold voltage of the EOSFET is derived in close analogy to the common MOSFET, addressing the role of the reference electrode and of the oxide–electrolyte interface. It is shown that the reference electrode is characterized by the work function of its redox system, and that the oxide–electrolyte interface contributes by a change of the electrical polarization when it is formed from the free surfaces. The threshold of the EOSFET can be obtained from the threshold of a homologous MOSFET, if the change of the interfacial polarization is known, e.g., from a molecular dynamics simulation. Vice versa, a measured difference of the thresholds provides information on the change of the interfacial polarization. In sensor applications, changes of the interfacial polarization as well as of the electrical double layer must be taken into account.
Adaptive blinded sample size adjustment for comparing two normal means—a mostly Bayesian approach
Authors: Hartley Andrew M.
Published: March 2012

Adaptive sample size redetermination (SSR) for clinical trials consists of examining early subsets of on‐trial data to adjust prior estimates of statistical parameters and sample size requirements. Blinded SSR, in particular, while in use already, seems poised to proliferate even further because it obviates many logistical complications of unblinded methods and it generally introduces little or no statistical or operational bias. On the other hand, current blinded SSR methods offer little to no new information about the treatment effect (TE); the obvious resulting problem is that the TE estimate scientists might simply ‘plug in’ to the sample size formulae could be severely wrong. This paper proposes a blinded SSR method that formally synthesizes sample data with prior knowledge about the TE and the within‐treatment variance. It evaluates the method in terms of the type 1 error rate, the bias of the estimated TE, and the average deviation from the targeted power. The method is shown to reduce this average deviation, in comparison with another established method, over a range of situations. The paper illustrates the use of the proposed method with an example. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Potential Role of Metabolomic Approaches for Chinese Medicine Syndromes and Herbal Medicine
Authors: Sun Hui , Zhang Aihua , Wang Xijun
Published: March 2012

Systems biology has significantly increased in recent years. Its method and design resemble those of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which is a unique medical system that assisted the ancient Chinese in dealing with disease. The technology platforms of systems biology, especially metabolomics, could provide more rapid, direct, concise and effective methods for disease research. In particular, metabolomics could provide useful tools for exploring the essence of Chinese medicine syndromes (CMS) disease, facilitating personalized TCM. Moreover, metabolomics has the potential to enable mapping of early biochemical changes in disease and hence provide an opportunity to develop predictive biomarkers that can trigger earlier interventions. A future hope for the metabonomic approach is the identification of biomarkers that are able to highlight individuals likely to suffer from disease and enable early diagnosis of the disease or the identification of those at risk, and it will help to understand CMS and modernize TCM. In this review, we focus on the key role of robust metabolomic approaches as an aid for traditional herbal medicine; particular attention will be paid to the past successes in applications of metabonomics to contribute to low‐molecular‐weight metabolites (biomarkers) discovery in TCM research. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Sutherlandia frutescens on the Lipid Metabolism in an Insulin Resistant Rat Model and 3T3‐L1 Adipocytes
Authors: MacKenzie Janine , Koekemoer Trevor C. , Roux Saartjie , van de Venter Maryna , Dealtry Gill B.
Published: March 2012

High fat diet induced insulin resistance correlates with dyslipidaemia and ectopic fat deposits in skeletal muscle and liver. The effects of Sutherlandia frutescens, an antidiabetic medicinal plant, on lipid metabolism were evaluated in an insulin resistant (IR) rat model and in 3 T3‐preadipocytes. Wistar rats received normal diet (ND) or high fat diet (HFD). After the onset of IR in the HFD group, the rats were subdivided into two subgroups, which either continued with HFD or were treated with 50 mg S. frutescens/kg BW/day and HFD (HFD + SF). After 4 weeks, the HFD + SF rats had a significantly lower body weight than the HFD rats (p < 0.05). Blood plasma analysis showed a decrease in insulin, free fatty acids and triglycerides. Related changes in lipid parameters were observed in the liver, skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. To investigate the effects of S. frutescens on adipose tissue, 3 T3‐L1 cells were used as a model. Treatment with S. frutescens led to a decrease in triglyceride accumulation, whilst glucose consumption and lactate production were increased (p < 0.05). These results indicate that S. frutescens directly affects mitochondrial activity and lipid biosynthesis in adipose tissue and provide a mechanism by which S. frutescens can restore insulin sensitivity by modulating fatty acid biosynthesis. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Negative Effects of Curcumin on Liver Injury Induced by Alcohol
Authors: Zhao Hai‐Long , Song Chang Ho , Chai Ok Hee
Published: March 2012

Curcumin is known for its antiinflammatory and antifibrotic properties in liver damage. However, the negative effects of curcumin on alcoholic liver damage are seldom reported. In this study, both advantageous and disadvantageous functions of curcumin on alcoholic liver injury were observed. In order to determine the effects of curcumin on liver fibrosis induced by alcohol, 5% ethanol and/or curcumin (1 × 10–3 or 1 × 10–4 m) were injected intravenously in mice. Hematoxylin‐eosin staining was performed to determine the value of liver injury by optical density analyses. Liver histology was evaluated by an experienced hepatopathologist blinded to the type of treatment received by the animals. Ethanol accelerates serum levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), liver injury, production of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β) and nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) during 5% ethanol‐induced liver injury. 1 × 10–3 m curcumin accelerates liver injury and liver cellular edema during only 5% ethanol‐induced liver injury evolution, whereas 1 × 10–4 m curcumin does not lead to (or protect) alcoholic liver injury. Therefore, it is suggested that curcumin may have dual effects on alcoholic liver injury depending on its concentration. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acute Effect of High‐dose Isoflavones from Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi on Lipid and Bone Metabolism in Ovariectomized Mice
Authors: Cho Hee Joon , Jun Hee‐jin , Lee Ji Hae , Jia Yaoyao , Hoang Minh Hien , Shim Jae‐Hoon , Park Kwan‐Hwa , Lee Sung‐Joon
Published: March 2012

We investigated the acute metabolic effects of isoflavones from Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi (IPL) in ovariectomized (OVX) mice. After 4 weeks of IPL feeding at 500 mg/day/kg body weight (OVX500), plasma 17β‐estradiol concentrations were significantly higher (+25%, p < 0.05), whereas plasma triglyceride levels were significantly lower in OVX mice (−15%, p < 0.05) compared with controls. Abdominal adipose tissue weight was marginally reduced in IPL‐fed groups compared with OVX controls and the plasma levels of liver enzymes were unchanged. In addition, IPL significantly inhibited the reduction of bone mineral density in the femurs of OVX mice (OVX200, +22%; OVX500, +26%; p < 0.05) compared with controls after 4 weeks of IPL feeding. In quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis the expression of aromatase was significantly suppressed and SULT1E1 was increased by IPL feeding, showing that IPL feeding may not alter the risk for breast cancer in mice. Our results suggest that IPL could ameliorate menopausal symptoms in mice. Further studies will confirm the effects of IPL in humans. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.