bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute thrombocytopenia in patients treated with amiodarone is caused by antibodies specific for platelet membrane glycoproteins
Authors: Sahud Mervyn A. , Caulfield Michael , Clarke Nigel , Koch Robert , Bougie Daniel , Aster Richard
Published: August 2013

Amiodarone has been implicated as a cause of thrombocytopenia but the responsible mechanism is unknown. We performed studies in three patients to characterize the pathogenesis of this complication. No amiodarone‐dependent, platelet‐reactive antibodies were identified using conventional serological techniques. However, water‐insoluble amiodarone solubilized in methanol and diluted to 1·0 mg/ml in aqueous buffer reproducibly promoted binding of IgG antibodies in patient serum to platelets. Solid phase assays identified drug‐dependent antibodies specific for platelet glycoproteins (GP)Ia/IIa (integrin α2β1) in each patient and a second antibody specific for GPIIb/IIIa (αIIbβ3 integrin) in one patient. When studied by ion mobility analysis and transmission electron microscopy, the serologically active amiodarone preparation, a milky suspension, was found to consist of particles 2–30 nm in diameter, typical of a coacervate, a state characteristic of amiodarone in aqueous medium. The findings provide evidence that thrombocytopenia in the three patients studied was caused by drug‐dependent antibodies specific for platelet glycoproteins GPIa/IIa and/or GPIIb/IIIa. We postulate that, in vivo, amiodarone may become incorporated into occult lipophilic domains in platelet glycoproteins, producing structural modifications that are immunogenic in some individuals, and that the resulting antibodies can cause platelet destruction in a person taking this drug.
Works Councils and Labour Productivity: Looking beyond the Mean
Authors: Mueller Steffen
Published: August 2013

After more than 25 years of empirical investigation, the analysis of works council effects on establishment productivity is still an active field of economic research. I present first evidence for works council regression coefficients along the unconditional log labour productivity distribution in Germany. The highest (lowest) coefficients were found at the bottom (top) of the distribution, which suggests that works councils have the most beneficial effects at low levels of productivity. Importantly, coefficients are positive at each productivity level. The results shed light on a classical theoretical argument concerning moderating factors for the productivity effect of employee participation.
Young children with cerebral palsy: families self‐reported equipment needs and out‐of‐pocket expenditure
Authors: Bourke‐Taylor H. , Cotter C. , Stephan R.
Published: August 2013

Background

Costs to families raising a child with cerebral palsy and complex needs are direct and indirect. This study investigated the self‐reported real‐life costs, equipment needs, and associated characteristics of children who had the highest equipment and care needs.

Method

The purposive sample (n= 29) were families with a child with cerebral palsy: gross motor function levels 5 (n= 20), level 4 (n= 5), level 3 (n= 4); complex communication needs (n= 21); medical needs (n= 14); hearing impairment (n= 5) and visual impairment (n= 9). Participants completed a specifically designed survey that included theAssistance toParticipateScale. Equipment and technology purchases were recorded in the areas of positioning, mobility, transport, home modifications, communication, splinting and orthoses, self‐care, technology, communication devices, medical, adapted toys/leisure items and privately hired babysitters/carers. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data.

Results

Families had purchased up to 25 items within the areas described. The highest median number of items were recorded for positioning (15 items), mobility devices (9 items) and adapted toys/leisure items (9 items). Median costs were highest for home modifications (AUD$23 000), transport (AUD$15 000), splints and orthoses (AUD$3145), paid carers (AUD$3080), equipment for toileting/dressing/bathing (AUD$2900) and technical/medical items ($2380). Children who needed more parental assistance to participate in play and recreation also required significantly more equipment overall for positioning, communication, self‐care and toys/leisure.

Conclusions

The equipment needs of young children with complex disability are extensive and out‐of‐pocket expenses and parental time to support participation in play/recreation excessive. Substantial financial support to offset costs are crucial to better support families in this life situation.
Shape Matching via Quotient Spaces
Authors: Ovsjanikov Maks , Mérigot Quentin , Pătrăucean Viorica , Guibas Leonidas
Published: August 2013

We introduce a novel method for non‐rigid shape matching, designed to address the symmetric ambiguity problem present when matching shapes with intrinsic symmetries. Unlike the majority of existing methods which try to overcome this ambiguity by sampling a set of landmark correspondences, we address this problem directly by performing shape matching in an appropriate quotient space, where the symmetry has been identified and factored out. This allows us to both simplify the shape matching problem by matching between subspaces, and to return multiple solutions with equally good dense correspondences. Remarkably, both symmetry detection and shape matching are done without establishing any landmark correspondences between either points or parts of the shapes. This allows us to avoid an expensive combinatorial search present in most intrinsic symmetry detection and shape matching methods. We compare our technique with state‐of‐the‐art methods and show that superior performance can be achieved both when the symmetry on each shape is known and when it needs to be estimated.
Connectivity Editing for Quad‐Dominant Meshes
Authors: Peng Chi‐Han , Wonka Peter
Published: August 2013

We propose a connectivity editing framework for quad‐dominant meshes. In our framework, the user can edit the mesh connectivity to control the location, type, and number of irregular vertices (with more or fewer than four neighbors) and irregular faces (non‐quads). We provide a theoretical analysis of the problem, discuss what edits are possible and impossible, and describe how to implement an editing framework that realizes all possible editing operations. In the results, we show example edits and illustrate the advantages and disadvantages of different strategies for quad‐dominant mesh design.
Discrete Line Congruences for Shading and Lighting
Authors: Wang J. , Jiang C. , Bompas P. , Wallner J. , Pottmann H.
Published: August 2013

Two‐parameter families of straight lines (line congruences) are implicitly present in graphics and geometry processing in several important ways including lighting and shape analysis. In this paper we make them accessible to optimization and geometric computing, by introducing a general discrete version of congruences based on piecewise‐linear correspondences between triangle meshes. Our applications of congruences are based on the extraction of a so‐called torsion‐free support structure, which is a procedure analogous to remeshing a surface along its principal curvature lines. A particular application of such structures are freeform shading and lighting systems for architecture. We combine interactive design of such systems with global optimization in order to satisfy geometric constraints. In this way we explore a new area where architecture can greatly benefit from graphics.
Approximating Functions on a Mesh with Restricted Voronoï Diagrams
Authors: Nivoliers V. , Lévy B.
Published: August 2013

We propose a method that computes a piecewise constant approximation of a function defined on a mesh. The approximation is associated with the cells of a restricted Voronoï diagram. Our method optimizes an objective function measuring the quality of the approximation. This objective function depends on the placement of the samples that define the restricted Voronoï diagram and their associated function values. We study the continuity of the objective function, derive the closed‐form expression of its derivatives and use them to design a numerical solution mechanism. The method can be applied to a function that has discontinuities, and the result aligns the boundaries of the Voronoï cells with the discontinuities. Some examples are shown, suggesting potential applications in image vectorization and compact representation of lighting.
Fast and Robust Approximation of Smallest Enclosing Balls in Arbitrary Dimensions
Authors: Larsson Thomas , Källberg Linus
Published: August 2013

In this paper, an algorithm is introduced that computes an arbitrarily fine approximation of the smallest enclosing ball of a point set in any dimension. This operation is important in, for example, classification, clustering, and data mining. The algorithm is very simple to implement, gives reliable results, and gracefully handles large problem instances in low and high dimensions, as confirmed by both theoretical arguments and empirical evaluation. For example, using a CPU with eight cores, it takes less than two seconds to compute a 1.001‐approximation of the smallest enclosing ball of one million points uniformly distributed in a hypercube in dimension 200. Furthermore, the presented approach extends to a more general class of input objects, such as ball sets.
An algorithm for triangulating multiple 3D polygons
Authors: Zou Ming , Ju Tao , Carr Nathan
Published: August 2013

We present an algorithm for obtaining a triangulation of multiple, non‐planar 3D polygons. The output minimizes additive weights, such as the total triangle areas or the total dihedral angles between adjacent triangles. Our algorithm generalizes a classical method for optimally triangulating a single polygon. The key novelty is a mechanism for avoiding non‐manifold outputs for two and more input polygons without compromising optimality. For better performance on real‐world data, we also propose an approximate solution by feeding the algorithm with a reduced set of triangles. In particular, we demonstrate experimentally that the triangles in the Delaunay tetrahedralization of the polygon vertices offer a reasonable trade off between performance and optimality.
Relationships between total and regional adiposity and epicardial fat in obese women: how can dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry be associated with echocardiographic epicardial fat measurements?
Authors: Bazzocchi A. , Diano D. , Vicennati V. , Pizzi C. , De Filippo M. , Pasquali R. , Rossi C. , Battista G.
Published: August 2013

What is already known about this subject

Obesity is an increasingly prevalent metabolic disorder and it is associated with a large number of comorbidities, including cardiovascular diseases.

Adipose tissue is an active endocrine organ and its ectopic depots and distribution have different metabolic meanings on risks for health; as a matter of fact, epicardial fat seems to play a specific role in cardiovascular diseases.

The use of dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) to evaluate and follow‐up patients affected by obesity is becoming a very important point in the management of the disease.

What this study adds

An investigation of the association between epicardial fat and regional adiposity by DXA in female obese patients.

The total amount of central (trunk) fat mass is more strongly correlated than android visceral fat mass to epicardial thickness in obese women.

In the interpretation of whole‐body DXA data, physician should consider trunk fat mass for good and independent predictivity on epicardial fat depots.

Our aim was to analyse in a population of obese women the relationship between the amount of epicardial fat as measured by transthoracic echocardiography (US) and the parameters of regional adiposity by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA), with particular reference to a new software for visceral fat assessment and to a new ‘heart‐suited’ regions of interests (ROIs). Sixty patients who satisfied technical inclusion criteria underwent whole‐body DXA scan and US on the same day. Total and android fat mass (FM) and FM percentage (FM%) were considered as well as visceral fat (VAT) subcompartment in the android region; moreover, six new ROIs were designed on whole‐body DXA images for the investigation of adiposity parameters at heart level. US provided epicardial fat thickness (EPI‐thickness) and area (EPI‐area), as measured following previously validated methods. Body mass index (BMI), gynoid and lower limbs (FM and FM%) were found not statistically correlated with EPI‐thickness. The highest correlation was achieved by trunk FM (and FM%, with r = 0.544 and 0.480 respectively, P < 0.001), followed by ROI‐1 FM (ROI‐1 was drawn following thoroughly the cardiac profile), and android FM. Multivariate analysis including age, weight, BMI, trunk FM and the new ROIs (added one by one), retained in the final model trunk FM. Correlations of DXA with EPI‐area were superimposable. In obese women, VAT or other new‐designed ROIs are not better correlated than traditional ROIs (i.e. trunk) with epicardial fat amount.
The dynamic changes of zinc transporter 8 autoantibodies in Czech children from the onset of Type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Petruzelkova L. , Ananieva‐Jordanova R. , Vcelakova J. , Vesely Z. , Stechova K. , Lebl J. , Dusatkova P. , Sumnik Z. , Coles R. , Powell M. , Furmaniak J. , Rees Smith B. , Kolouskova S.
Published: August 2013

Aims

The prevalence of autoantibodies to zinc transporter 8 (ZnT8) in Czech children at the onset of Type 1 diabetes mellitus and dynamic changes in ZnT8 autoantibody levels during disease progression were studied. The value of ZnT8 autoantibody measurements in diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes was assessed.

Methods

Serum samples from 227 children with newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes and from 101 control children without diabetes were analysed in a retrospective cross‐sectional study. One hundred and seventy‐one samples from 116 of the patients with diabetes were analysed in a follow‐up study at (median) intervals of 1, 3, 5 and 10 years after onset of Type 1 diabetes. ZnT8 autoantibodies were measured using a bridging enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, while antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase, insulinoma antigen 2 and insulin were measured by radioimmunoassays.

Results

ZnT8 autoantibodies were detected in 163/227 (72%) of children at Type 1 diabetes onset and in 1/101 (1%) of the control subjects. Sixteen out of 227 (7%) patients with Type 1 diabetes were antibody negative based on three antibodies (glutamic acid decarboxylase, insulinoma antigen 2 and insulin). This false‐negative rate was reduced to 10/227 (4.4%) (P < 0.05) after inclusion of ZnT8 autoantibody measurements. Of the children, 142/227 (63%) were positive for at least three antibodies and the most common combination was insulinoma antigen 2, glutamic acid decarboxylase and ZnT8. ZnT8 autoantibody levels decreased over time after Type 1 diabetes onset and the presence and level of ZnT8 autoantibodies correlated with IA‐2 autoantibodies.

Conclusions

A ZnT8 autoantibody enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay showed 72% disease sensitivity and 99% specificity at Type 1 diabetes onset. Measurements of ZnT8 autoantibodies are important for Type 1 diabetes diagnosis and should be included in the panel of autoantibodies tested at the onset of Type 1 diabetes.
Putting your eggs in several baskets: oviposition in a wasp that walks between several figs
Authors: Suleman Nazia , Raja Shazia , Quinnell Rupert J. , Compton Stephen G.
Published: August 2013

The interaction between figs (Ficus spp., Moraceae) and their pollinator fig wasps (Hymenoptera: Agaonidae) is an obligate mutualism, but females of dioecious fig trees exploit fig wasps without providing rewards. Figs are closed inflorescences that typically trap pollinator females after entry, but some fig wasp species can re‐emerge (although wingless) and subsequently oviposit in and pollinate further figs. Using glasshouse populations, we examined the sex ratios and clutches laid by single foundresses of Kradibia tentacularis (Grandi) in their first and subsequent male figs of Ficus montana Blume, and how the probability of emergence and entering a second fig varied between seasons. A maximum of four figs were entered by any one foundress. Wingless foundresses were able to locate and enter figs up to 60 cm from the first fig they entered, but the probability of entry declined sharply with distance from that fig. The foundresses that re‐emerged produced slightly higher adult offspring totals than those that failed to re‐emerge. Clutch sizes of a single foundress in its first fig equalled those in all the subsequent figs combined, with clutch size per fig decreasing when more figs were entered. Smaller clutches had less female‐biased sex ratios. Figs were more numerous in summer than in winter, but the proportion of figs entered by only wingless foundresses remained unchanged. Movement between figs increases pollinator reproductive success in male figs, thereby encouraging foundresses that encounter a female tree to also move between and pollinate several female figs.
Impact of Ceratocystis wilt on eucalyptus tree growth and cellulose pulp yield
Authors: Mafia R. G. , Ferreira M. A. , Zauza E. A. V. , Silva J. F. , Colodette J. L. , Alfenas A. C.
Published: August 2013

In this study, we determined the effects of Ceratocystis fimbriata wilt on volumetric growth and cellulose pulp yield of eucalyptus. Seven‐year‐old healthy and infected trees were separated into different classes of severity, and the individual volume of each whole tree with bark was determined. Volumetric losses were found regardless of the class of disease severity, resulting in reduction in volumetric growth of the trees from 65% to 87%, depending on the infection level. Two approaches were used for evaluating the effects of the disease on cellulose pulp yield: (i) evaluation of wood basic density and chemical composition, contents of ethanol/toluene extractives and Klason lignin, and the alkaline load and screen yield across Kraft pulping to kappa number 18 ± 0.5 for both healthy and discoloured materials; (ii) determination of the alkaline load and yield across Kraft pulping to kappa number 18 ± 0.5 of woods with different levels of discoloration (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% of discoloured wood). Discoloured wood presented lower basic density, higher ethanol/toluene extractives and Klason lignin, higher alkaline load and lower pulp screened yield at kappa number 18 ± 0.5 compared with the healthy ones. Increasing the fraction of infected wood in chip furnishes resulted in proportionally increased alkaline load demand and decreased screen yields. Adding 50% of infected wood in the chip furnish resulted in 23.8% increase in the alkali load and 13.7% reduction in the pulp screen yield at kappa number 18 ± 0.5. The results obtained have proved that the disease reduces volumetric growth, increases wood consumption and reduces yield in eucalyptus pulp production.
Tundra ecosystems observed to be CO2sources due to differential amplification of the carbon cycle
Authors: Belshe E. F. , Schuur E. A. G. , Bolker B. M.
Published: August 2013

Are tundra ecosystems currently a carbon source or sink? What is the future trajectory of tundra carbon fluxes in response to climate change? These questions are of global importance because of the vast quantities of organic carbon stored in permafrost soils. In this meta‐analysis, we compile 40 years ofCO2flux observations from 54 studies spanning 32 sites across northern high latitudes. Using time‐series analysis, we investigated if seasonal or annualCO2fluxes have changed over time, and whether spatial differences in mean annual temperature could help explain temporal changes inCO2flux. Growing season netCO2uptake has definitely increased since the 1990s; the data also suggest (albeit less definitively) an increase in winterCO2emissions, especially in the last decade. In spite of the uncertainty in the winter trend, we estimate that tundra sites were annualCO2sources from the mid‐1980s until the 2000s, and data from the last 7 years show that tundra continue to emitCO2annually.CO2emissions exceedCO2uptake across the range of temperatures that occur in the tundra biome. Taken together, these data suggest that despite increases in growing season uptake, tundra ecosystems are currentlyCO2sources on an annual basis.
Warming effects on greenhouse gas fluxes in peatlands are modulated by vegetation composition
Authors: Ward Susan E. , Ostle Nicholas J. , Oakley Simon , Quirk Helen , Henrys Peter A. , Bardgett Richard D.
Published: August 2013

Understanding the effects of warming on greenhouse gas feedbacks to climate change represents a major global challenge. Most research has focused on direct effects of warming, without considering how concurrent changes in plant communities may alter such effects. Here, we combined vegetation manipulations with warming to investigate their interactive effects on greenhouse gas emissions from peatland. We found that although warming consistently increased respiration, the effect on net ecosystemCO2exchange depended on vegetation composition. The greatest increase inCO2sink strength after warming was when shrubs were present, and the greatest decrease when graminoids were present.CH4was more strongly controlled by vegetation composition than by warming, with largest emissions from graminoid communities. Our results show that plant community composition is a significant modulator of greenhouse gas emissions and their response to warming, and suggest that vegetation change could alter peatland carbon sink strength under future climate change.
Angiogenesis enhanced by Phyllocaulis boraceiensis mucus in human cells
Authors: de Toledo‐Piza Ana R. , Maria Durvanei A.
Published: August 2013

Phyllocaulis boraceiensis mucus is known to be a compound capable of inducing cell proliferation and enhancing the wound healing process. The process of angiogenesis is a chain of mechanisms responsible for the formation of new vessels, which are are involved in cell proliferation, and factors that will act in the healing process. Our aim was to demonstrate that the angiogenesis process is enhanced in cultures of endothelial cells and fibroblasts treated with P. boraceiensis mucus. Experiments were carried out with 105 cells·mL−1 of endothelial cells and fibroblasts treated with P. boraceiensis mucus in concentrations that have significant effects in proliferation assays, i.e. 0.012 μg·μL−1 and 0.18 μg·μL−1, both of which cause extreme responses. Aliquots of 100 μL of cell suspensions were incubated for 1 h at 4 °C with 1 μL of antibodies specific for the cell markers vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 and cluster of differentiation 34, and negative isotype controls. Reading and expression analysis of cell markers was performed on a FACSCalibur flow cytometer. Expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 and cluster of differentiation 34 expression were significantly increased in endothelial cells cultivated with 0.012 μg·μL−1 P. boraceiensis mucus, suggesting that this compound is capable of enhancing angiogenesis.
Altered neuropathic pain behaviour in a rat model of depression is associated with changes in inflammatory gene expression in the amygdala
Authors: Burke N. N. , Geoghegan E. , Kerr D. M. , Moriarty O. , Finn D. P. , Roche, M.
Published: August 2013

The association between chronic pain and depression is widely recognized, the comorbidity of which leads to a heavier disease burden, increased disability and poor treatment response. This study examined nociceptive responding to mechanical and thermal stimuli prior to and following L5‐L6 spinal nerve ligation (SNL), a model of neuropathic pain, in the olfactory bulbectomized (OB) rat model of depression. Associated changes in the expression of genes encoding for markers of glial activation and cytokines were subsequently examined in the amygdala, a key brain region for the modulation of emotion and pain. The OB rats exhibited mechanical and cold allodynia, but not heat hyperalgesia, when compared with sham‐operated counterparts. Spinal nerve ligation induced characteristic mechanical and cold allodynia in the ipsilateral hindpaw of both sham and OB rats. The OB rats exhibited a reduced latency and number of responses to an innocuous cold stimulus following SNL, an effect positively correlated with interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐10 mRNA expression in the amygdala, respectively. Spinal nerve ligation reduced IL‐6 and increased IL‐10 expression in the amygdala of sham rats. The expression of CD11b (cluster of differentiation molecule 11b) and GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein), indicative of microglial and astrocyte activation, and IL‐1β in the amygdala was enhanced in OB animals when compared with sham counterparts, an effect not observed following SNL. This study shows that neuropathic pain‐related responding to an innocuous cold stimulus is altered in an animal model of depression, effects accompanied by changes in the expression of neuroinflammatory genes in the amygdala.
Public Debt in Post-1850 German Economic Thought vis-à-vis the Pre-1850 British Classical School
Authors: Holtfrerich Carl-Ludwig
Published: August 2013

The positions of British and German economists on public debt in the long nineteenth century differed substantially from each other. Whereas British classical economists regarded any public debt as ruinous for the country, German economists promoted debt accumulation for productivity-enhancing public investment and current outlays with benefits for future fiscal years. This article summarizes the positions of the most prominent British economists before 1850, David Hume, Adam Smith, David Ricardo, Thomas R. Malthus and John Stuart Mill, and deals more extensively with those of their German colleagues Carl Dietzel, Lorenz von Stein and Adolph Wagner after 1855.
Clinicopathology of recurrent hepatocellular carcinomas after radiofrequency ablation treated with salvage surgery
Authors: Yamamoto Naoki , Okano Keiichi , Kushida Yoshio , Deguchi Akihiro , Yachida Shinichi , Suzuki Yasuyuki
Published: August 2013

Aim

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an effective standard local therapy for small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, local recurrence and/or tumor seeding after RFA remain major problems. For better understanding of underlying factors, we clarified clinicopathological features of recurrent HCC treated with RFA.

Methods

This retrospective study included 21 patients who underwent surgical resection for HCC disease recurrence after RFA. Clinicopathological findings, including patterns of recurrence, immunohistochemical expression of proliferation markers (Ki‐67 and p27Kip1) and survival outcome were assessed.

Results

The median time interval after RFA until the diagnosis of intrahepatic and/or extrahepatic tumor progression was 12 months (range, 3–84). Radical surgical resection was attempted for intrahepatic local recurrence in 16 patients (18 lesions), for peritoneal dissemination in four, for lymph node metastases in three and for adrenal metastasis in two. In 14 of the 21 (67%) patients, the recurrent HCC were histologically diagnosed as of poorly differentiated type. Their average Ki‐67 and p27Kip1 labeling indices were significantly higher (P = 0.020) and lower (P < 0.001), respectively, compared with values for the 108 HCC surgically resected at the initial treatment. Portal involvement was significantly higher (P = 0.01) in recurrent tumors after RFA (72%) than in HCC surgically resected at the initial treatment (43%). The mortality rate of salvage surgery was 0%, with cumulative survival rates at 1 and 3 years of 58.9% and 35.7%, respectively.

Conclusion

The recurrent tumors after RFA have characteristics of poor differentiation degree and abnormalities in cell‐cycle regulators and are associated with aggressive vascular invasiveness.
The prognostic value of glycerol‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase 1‐like expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Feng Zhien , Li Jian Nan , Wang Lin , Pu Yin Fei , Wang Yixiang , Guo Chuan Bin
Published: August 2013

Aims

In this study, we sought to determine the prognostic significance of glycerol‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase 1‐like (GPD1L) expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Methods and results

The mRNA levels of GPD1L were measured in 70 paired HNSCC and corresponding adjacent normal tissues using real‐time PCR. GPD1L protein levels were evaluated in HNSCC from 135 patients using immunohistochemical staining. Correlations were analysed between GPD1L levels and local recurrence rate, regional recurrence rate, second primary malignancy rate), disease‐free survival (DFS) and disease‐specific survival (DSS). The results of real‐time PCR showed that, compared with the paired normal tissues, mRNA levels of GPD1L were decreased significantly in HNSCC (P < 0.001). Patients whose tumours showed high GPD1L protein expression had a significantly better prognosis than those whose tumours showed low expression (61.3% versus 21.4%, P < 0.001 for DFS; 68% versus 39.3%, P = 0.001 for DSS). High GPD1L expression was associated with a lower local recurrence rate than low GPD1L expression (P = 0.049). Multivariate survival analysis also showed that GPD1L expression was an independent prognostic factor (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Our results indicate that the GPD1L expression is a strong predictor for local recurrence and survival in HNSCC.
The Bonding Strength of HA/ZrO2‐Layered Biomaterials with Different Interfacial Patterns
Authors: Quan Renfu , Zhang Liang , Xu Jinwei , Wang Chunyan , Wei Xicheng , Yang Disheng
Published: August 2013

The study investigate three kinds of interfacial patterns (convex, corrugated, grid‐like) were designed so as to improve the interfacial bonding strengths of hydroxyapatite (HA)/ZrO2 biomaterials. The thicknesses of prepared HA coatings were 50–250 μm. Both shear and tensile bonding strengths of the composites with different interfacial patterns were improved compared with the tiled samples because of the different contact geometry. The analysis on the fracture surfaces by SEM and XRD confirmed that the adhesive modes of HA and ZrO2 were the combination of mechanical and physical bonding. The research is beneficial to the clinical application of HA for a layered composite.
Flour and anthocyanin extracts of jaboticaba skins used as a natural dye in yogurt
Authors: de Carvalho Alves Ana Paula , Corrêa Angelita Duarte , Pinheiro Ana Carla Marques , de Oliveira Flávia Cíntia
Published: August 2013

This study used the flour and anthocyanin extracts from jaboticaba skins as a dye in yogurt. Jaboticaba skins were lyophilised and ground. Yogurt that was made in the conventional fashion was treated with the addition of flour from jaboticaba skins in the concentrations of 0.1%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0% or with the anthocyanin extract in the concentrations of 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0% and 2.5%, with and without tannic acid; the yogurt samples were stored for 45 days. In general, the results of the acceptance test of the yogurt samples ranged between like slightly and like moderately. The highest scores received by the anthocyanin extract (like slightly) were obtained for the concentrations of 0.5–1.5%. The colour retention for all yogurt samples was above 70%. The average half‐life was greater than 2500 h, considered high. We conclude that the use of jaboticaba skins as additives to yogurt can be an alternative to add value to jaboticaba.
Effects of hydrogen sulphide on quality and antioxidant capacity of mulberry fruit
Authors: Hu Huali , Shen Wenbiao , Li Pengxia
Published: August 2013

Here we investigated the effect of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) on postharvest quality of mulberry fruit and possible underlying mechanisms. Endogenous H2S content first increased after harvest and then decreased sharply with the process of ripening and senescence. A fumigation with H2S released from 0.8 mm NaHS solution could significantly enhance the endogenous H2S content by increasing the activities of D‐cysteine desulfhydrase and L‐cysteine desulfhydrase. NaHS could significantly slow down the ripening rate of mulberry fruit and reduce the respiratory intensity and anthocyanin content. Moreover, H2S fumigation was able to obviously delay or slow down the decreases in soluble protein, titratable acidity and ascorbate contents. Further results showed that activities of representative antioxidant enzymes in H2S‐treated sample were higher than those of control samples during storage, resulting in a decrease in superoxide anion production. Together, these results clearly indicate that H2S fumigation has a potential role in the preservation of mulberries.
Clinical benefits and economic impact of post-surgical care provided by pharmacists in a Canadian hospital
Authors: Neville Heather L , Chevalier Bernadette , Daley Chris , Nodwell Lisa , Harding Claudia , Hiltz Anne , MacDonald Tammy , Skedgel Chris , MacKinnon Neil J , Slayter Kathryn
Published: August 2013

Objective

Clinical pharmacists improve the quality of patient care by reducing adverse drug events (ADEs), length of stay and mortality. This impact is currently not well described in surgery. The objective was to evaluate clinical and economic outcomes after clinical pharmacist services were added to two general surgical wards in an adult hospital.

Methods

This was a prospective, observational study. All clinical interventions to resolve drug therapy problems were documented and assessed for severity, value and the probability of preventing an ADE. Cost avoidance was calculated using two methods: by avoiding additional days in hospital (CA$3593/ADE) or additional hospital costs ($7215/ADE). Two clinical pharmacy specialists and the surgical care pharmacist independently categorized the interventions; disagreements were resolved by consensus.

Key findings

The pharmacists made 1097 interventions in 6 months with a 98% acceptance rate by surgical staff. Half of the interventions were rated significant for severity (561, 51.1%) and value (559, 51.0%). One-quarter of the interventions had a 40% or greater probability of preventing an ADE (270, 24.6%). Cost avoidance was estimated to be $0.68–1.36 million or $617–1239 per intervention. Pharmacists avoided an additional 867 days in the hospital for surgical patients.

Conclusion

The pharmacist's role in the management of the drug therapy needs of the post-surgical patient has the potential to improve clinical and patient outcomes and avoid healthcare costs. The inclusion of clinical pharmacists in surgical wards may result in $7 in savings for every $1 invested.
Renal transplantation in Indigenous Australians of the Northern Territory: closing the gap
Authors: Majoni S. W. , Abeyaratne A.
Published: August 2013

Chronic kidney disease causes high morbidity and mortality among Indigenous Australians of the Northern Territory (NT). Studies have shown chronic kidney disease rates of 4–10 times higher in indigenous than non‐indigenous Australians and prevalent dialysis rates of 700–1200 per million population. For most patients with end‐stage renal failure, renal transplantation provides the optimal treatment for people with end‐stage renal disease. It reduces morbidity and mortality, and improves survival and quality of life. Graft and patient survival rates of over 80% at 5 years depending on the donor source (deceased vs living donor) are expected worldwide. However, this is not the case in Indigenous Australians of the NT where graft and patient survival are both around 50% at 5 years suggesting death with functioning graft as the most common cause of graft loss. It would provide the best treatment option for indigenous people most of who live in remote (18%) and very remote communities (63%). Many have to relocate from their communities to urban or regional centres for dialysis. Available options to avoid relocation include peritoneal dialysis, home haemodialysis and community health centre dialysis, but the acceptance rates for these are low, hence renal transplantation would provide the best option. There is evidence of identified barriers to renal transplantation for indigenous people of the NT. This review explores published data on why rates of renal transplantation in indigenous people of the NT are low and the reasons for poor outcomes highlighting possible areas of improvement.
Evaluating alternative Frequentist inferential approaches for optimal order quantities in the newsvendor model under Exponential demand
Authors: Halkos George E. , Kevork Ilias S.
Published: August 2013

Three estimation policies for the optimal order quantity of the classical newsvendor model when the demand is Exponentially distributed are evaluated in this paper. The evaluation is performed analytically for different combinations of sample sizes and values of the requested critical fractile. The statistical measures that have been chosen to perform the evaluation are (a) the actual critical fractile, namely, the actual probability for the estimated order quantities to meet the demand of the period, (b) the mean square error of the estimators for the optimal order quantity, and (c) the range of deviations of estimated order quantities from the optimal order quantity, provided that the probability of taking such a range is the same for the three estimation policies. For small and moderate sample sizes, no estimation policy predominates over the other two approaches, and the choice should be made on a subjective base according to the individual preferences of researchers or practitioners.
West Nile virus from an avian conservation perspective
Authors: Nemeth N. M. , Oesterle P. T.
Published: August 2013

West Nile virus (WNV) is a widespread and ecologically adaptable virus for which birds are major amplifying hosts. Its unexpected arrival to North America in 1999 gained worldwide attention, in part because of the resulting mortality in birds. The virus is now endemic in North America, and sporadic outbreaks continue in Africa, the Middle East, as well as Europe and Russia. Avian taxa vary in their susceptibility to WNV‐associated disease, with North American corvids being the most severely affected. Recent North American and European WNV strains have experimentally induced morbidity and mortality in birds; however, avian deaths have not been a prominent feature of WNV epidemiology outside of the United States and Canada. Bird species experiencing population declines include the Yellow‐billed magpie Pica nuttalli, American crow Corvus brachyrhynchos and Blue jay Cyanocitta cristata. The American robin Turdus migratorius is noteworthy for its important role in transmission. Methods to reduce WNV transmission range from screened enclosures to aerial pesticide spraying. In addition, numerous vaccines have been administered to birds with unreliable but occasionally encouraging results. Avian conservation efforts will continue to be challenged with controlling WNV spread and transmission owing to the wide geographic range of the virus, diversity and abundance of mosquito vectors and global climatic trends.
The Protection of Geographical Indications in Zimbabwe: An Overview of the Relevant Legislation, Institutional Framework and Mechanisms
Authors: Nyakotyo Stewart
Published: August 2013

In this paper, I examine the approach taken by Zimbabwe to regulate the use of geographical indications (GIs). In line with its obligations under the Trade‐Related Aspects of Intellectual Property, Zimbabwe enacted the Geographical Indications Act (chapter 26:06), thereby establishing a specific legal and institutional framework for the protection of GIs. Further, I take a closer look at the implications of this development and the relationship between the law on GIs and other pertinent pieces of legislation such as the trademark law. Despite the adoption of a sui generis law, Zimbabwe is yet to realize economic benefits, if any, from GIs. I make a proposition that an in‐depth study is necessary for the purposes of assessing the costs, benefits and potential contribution of GIs to the socio‐economic development of the country.
Nutrition and Nutraceutical Supplements for the Treatment of Hypertension: Part I
Authors: Houston Mark
Published: August 2013

Vascular biology, endothelial and vascular smooth muscle, and cardiac dysfunction play a primary role in the initiation and perpetuation of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and target organ damage. Nutrient‐gene interactions and epigenetics are predominant factors in promoting beneficial or detrimental effects in cardiovascular health and hypertension. Macronutrients and micronutrients may be able to prevent, control, or treat hypertension through numerous mechanisms related to vascular biology or other mechanisms. Oxidative stress, inflammation, and autoimmune dysfunction are some of the primary factors that initiate and propagate hypertension and cardiovascular disease. The literature suggests that there may be a complementary role of single and component nutraceutical supplements, vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals in the treatment of hypertension when combined with optimal nutrition and other lifestyle modifications. However, many of these studies are small and do not have long‐term follow‐up for efficacy and safety. The role of these nutrition and nutraceutical supplements will require careful review and additional studies to determine their exact role in the management of hypertension.
Efficacy of biologics in the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials with different time points
Authors: Puig L. , López A. , Vilarrasa E. , García I.
Published: August 2013

Background

Differences in response rates of biologics for the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis have been reported in several meta‐analyses published to date. However, the usefulness of these meta‐analyses is limited as they do not reflect currently approved recommendations in the Summaries of Product Characteristics (SmPCs) and clinical practice.

Objective

To estimate the efficacy of biologics in the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis in the currently approved conditions of use in the European Union (EU) at relevant time points for evaluation of response in clinical practice (failure assessment as recommended in the SmPCs and/or at the end of the induction phase).

Methods

Randomized placebo‐controlled studies of biologics currently authorized in the EU in adult patients with a diagnosis of moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis were searched in several databases. A meta‐analysis using fixed or random‐effects model depending on heterogeneity across and within studies was performed. The efficacy was estimated using risk difference (RD) of Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 50, PASI 75 and PASI 90 response rates at the endpoint in clinical trials, at the end of the induction phase (week 24) and at the time points recommended for evaluation of primary failure in the approved SmPCs. Several sensitivity analyses were performed to assess for robustness.

Results

Sixteen publications met the defined inclusion criteria. According to this meta‐analysis at the primary endpoint times, infliximab (at week 10) has the greatest probability of response with respect to placebo for all PASI‐based efficacy measures (PASI 50, PASI 75 and PASI 90). At the end of the induction phase (week 24), ustekinumab 45 mg has the greatest probability of achieving PASI 75 response (RD 75.5%, 95%CI 71.5–79.4%], followed by ustekinumab 90 mg, infliximab, adalimumab and etanercept. At the time points recommended for primary failure assessment according to the approved SmPCs, ustekinumab 45 mg (at week 28) also has the greatest probability of achieving PASI 50 response [RD 80.7%, 95%CI 77.2–84.2%], followed by ustekinumab 90 mg, infliximab, adalimumab and etanercept.

Conclusion

From a clinical practice perspective, and in terms of the most relevant efficacy measures (PASI 50 and PASI 75) and time points (end of induction phase [week 24] and time to assess primary failure as per the SmPCs), in the currently approved conditions of use ustekinumab is the most efficacious therapeutic alternative for moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis, followed by infliximab, adalimumab and etanercept.
The Effects of the Labor Contract Law on the Chinese Labor Market
Authors: Cui Fan , Ge Ying , Jing Fengchun
Published: August 2013

This article uses a micro‐level data set to investigate the effect of China's Labor Contract Law, implemented in 2008, on the Chinese labor market. Our empirical evidence shows that the labor law reform significantly improved employee benefit. This effect is greater for state‐owned enterprises, for large and domestic firms, and for regions with high unionization and high skill intensity. The Labor Contract Law significantly reduces the wage elasticity of labor demand, especially in highly unionized and skill‐intensive industries. However, this effect is less significant in globalized industries and female‐employee‐intensive industries. Overall, our results emphasize the important role of China's Labor Contract Law in improving employment protection, and substantial variations in the impact of labor law reform across different firms, regions, and industries.
How Jurors Evaluate Fingerprint Evidence: The Relative Importance of Match Language, Method Information, and Error Acknowledgment
Authors: Garrett Brandon , Mitchell Gregory
Published: August 2013

Fingerprint examiners use a variety of terms and phrases to describe a finding of a match between a defendant's fingerprints and fingerprint impressions collected from a crime scene. Despite the importance and ubiquity of fingerprint evidence in criminal cases, no prior studies examine how jurors evaluate such evidence. We present two studies examining the impact of different match phrases, method descriptions, and statements about possible examiner error on the weight given to fingerprint identification evidence by laypersons. In both studies, the particular phrase chosen to describe the finding of a match—whether simple and imprecise or detailed and claiming near certainty—had little effect on participants' judgments about the guilt of a suspect. In contrast, the examiner admitting the possibility of error reduced the weight given to the fingerprint evidence—regardless of whether the admission was made during direct or cross‐examination. In addition, the examiner providing information about the method used to make fingerprint comparisons reduced the impact of admitting the possibility of error. We found few individual differences in reactions to the fingerprint evidence across a wide range of participant variables, and we found widespread agreement regarding the uniqueness of fingerprints and the reliability of fingerprint identifications. Our results suggest that information about the reliability of fingerprint identifications will have a greater impact on lay interpretations of fingerprint evidence than the specific qualitative or quantitative terms chosen to describe a fingerprint match.