bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic review of methodology used in ultrasound studies aimed at creating charts of fetal size
Authors: Ioannou C , Talbot K , Ohuma E , Sarris I , Villar J , Conde‐Agudelo A , Papageorghiou AT
Published: August 2012

Please cite this paper as: Ioannou C, Talbot K, Ohuma E, Sarris I, Villar J, Conde‐Agudelo A, Papageorghiou A. Systematic review of methodology used in ultrasound studies aimed at creating charts of fetal size. BJOG 2012;119:1425–1439.

Background  Reliable ultrasound charts are necessary for the prenatal assessment of fetal size, yet there is a wide variation of methodologies for the creation of such charts.

Objective  To evaluate the methodological quality of studies of fetal biometry using a set of predefined quality criteria of study design, statistical analysis and reporting methods.

Search strategy  Electronic searches in MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL, and references of retrieved articles.

Selection criteria  Observational studies whose primary aim was to create ultrasound size charts for bi‐parietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference and femur length in fetuses from singleton pregnancies.

Data collection and analysis  Studies were scored against a predefined set of independently agreed methodological criteria and an overall quality score was given to each study. Multiple regression analysis between quality scores and study characteristics was performed.

Main results  Eighty‐three studies met the inclusion criteria. The highest potential for bias was noted in the following fields: ‘Inclusion/exclusion criteria’, as none of the studies defined a rigorous set of antenatal or fetal conditions which should be excluded from analysis; ‘Ultrasound quality control measures’, as no study demonstrated a comprehensive quality assurance strategy; and ‘Sample size calculation’, which was apparent in six studies only. On multiple regression analysis, there was a positive correlation between quality scores and year of publication: quality has improved with time, yet considerable heterogeneity in study methodology is still observed today.

Conclusions  There is considerable methodological heterogeneity in studies of fetal biometry. Standardisation of methodologies is necessary in order to make correct interpretations and comparisons between different charts. A checklist of recommended methodologies is proposed.
Transfection of a human glioblastoma cell line with liver‐type glutaminase (LGA) down‐regulates the expression of DNA‐repair gene MGMT and sensitizes the cells to alkylating agents
Authors: Szeliga Monika , Zgrzywa Agata , Obara‐Michlewska Marta , Albrecht Jan
Published: August 2012

O6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) is a DNA‐repair protein promoting resistance of tumor cells to alkylating chemotherapeutic agents. Glioma cells are particularly resistant to this class of drugs which include temozolomide (TMZ) and carmustine (BCNU). A previous study using the RNA microarray technique showed that decrease of MGMT mRNA stands out among the alterations in gene expression caused by the cell growth‐depressing transfection of a T98G glioma cell line with liver‐type glutaminase (LGA) [Szeliga et al. (2009) Glia, 57, 1014]. Here, we show that stably LGA‐transfected cells (TLGA) exhibit decreased MGMT protein expression and activity as compared with non‐transfected or mock transfected cells (controls). However, the decrease of expression occurs in the absence of changes in the methylation of the promoter region, indicating that LGA circumvents, by an as yet unknown route, the most common mechanism of MGMT silencing. TLGA turned out to be significantly more sensitive to treatment with 100–1000 μM of TMZ and BCNU in the acute cell growth inhibition assay (MTT). In the clonogenic survival assay, TLGA cells displayed increased sensitivity even to 10 μM TMZ and BCNU. Our results indicate that enrichment with LGA, in addition to inhibiting glioma growth, may facilitate chemotherapeutic intervention.
Eye movement analysis of reading from computer displays, eReaders and printed books
Authors: Zambarbieri Daniela , Carniglia Elena
Published: August 2012

Citation information: Zambarbieri D & Carniglia E. Eye movement analysis of reading from computer displays, eReaders and printed books. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2012, 32, 390–396.. doi: 10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2012.00930.x

Purpose:  To compare eye movements during silent reading of three eBooks and a printed book. The three different eReading tools were a desktop PC, iPad tablet and Kindle eReader.

Methods:  Video‐oculographic technology was used for recording eye movements. In the case of reading from the computer display the recordings were made by a video camera placed below the computer screen, whereas for reading from the iPad tablet, eReader and printed book the recording system was worn by the subject and had two cameras: one for recording the movement of the eyes and the other for recording the scene in front of the subject.

Results:  Data analysis provided quantitative information in terms of number of fixations, their duration, and the direction of the movement, the latter to distinguish between fixations and regressions. Mean fixation duration was different only in reading from the computer display, and was similar for the Tablet, eReader and printed book. The percentage of regressions with respect to the total amount of fixations was comparable for eReading tools and the printed book.

Conclusions:  The analysis of eye movements during reading an eBook from different eReading tools suggests that subjects’ reading behaviour is similar to reading from a printed book.
Microstructural and functional MRI studies of cognitive impairment in epilepsy
Authors: Braakman Hilde M. H. , van der Kruijs Sylvie J. M. , Vaessen Maarten J. , Jansen Jacobus F. A. , Debeij‐van Hall Mariette H. J. A. , Vles Johan S.H. , Aldenkamp Albert P. , Backes Walter H. , Hofman Paul A. M.
Published: August 2012

Cognitive impairment is the most common comorbidity in children with epilepsy, but its pathophysiology and predisposing conditions remain unknown. Clinical epilepsy characteristics are not conclusive in determining cognitive outcome. Because many children with epilepsy do not have macrostructural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities, the underlying substrate for cognitive impairment may be found at the microstructural or functional level. In the last two decades, new MRI techniques have been developed that have the potential to visualize microstructural or functional abnormalities associated with cognitive impairment. These include volumetric MRI, voxel‐based morphometry (VBM), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), MR spectroscopy (MRS), and functional MRI (fMRI). All of these techniques have shed new light on various aspects associated with, or underlying, cognitive impairment, although their use in epilepsy has been limited and focused mostly on adults. Therefore, in this review, the use of all these different MRI techniques to unravel cognitive impairment in epilepsy is discussed both in adults and children with epilepsy. Volumetric MRI and VBM have revealed significant volume losses in the area of the seizure focus as well as in distant areas. DTI adds evidence of loss of integrity of connections from the seizure focus to distant areas as well as between distant areas. MRS and fMRI have shown impaired function both in the area of the seizure focus as well as in distant structures. For this review we have compiled and compared findings from the various techniques to conclude that cognitive impairment in epilepsy results from a network disorder in which the (micro)structures as well as the functionality can be disturbed.
Globalization, product differentiation, and wage inequality
Authors: Bastos Paulo , Straume Odd Rune
Published: August 2012

Abstract This paper develops a two‐country, general equilibrium model of oligopoly in which the degree of horizontal product differentiation is endogenously determined by firms’ strategic investments in product innovation. Consumers seek variety and product innovation is more skill intensive than production. Stronger import competition increases innovation incentives, and thereby the relative demand for skill. An intra‐industry trade expansion following trade liberalization can therefore increase wage inequality between skilled and unskilled workers. As long as some industries remain shielded from international competition, the welfare implications of globalization are found to be generally ambiguous.
Multilateral tariff cooperation under fairness and reciprocity
Authors: Hadjiyiannis Costas , İriş Doruk , Tabakis Chrysostomos
Published: August 2012

Abstract This paper explores the impact of fairness and reciprocity on multilateral tariff cooperation. Reciprocal countries reward kind behaviour (positive reciprocity), but retaliate against countries behaving unkindly (negative reciprocity). We demonstrate that reciprocal countries that are moderately demanding from their trading partners regarding their commercial policy can support a greater degree of cooperation than self‐interested ones. However, when only very liberal import policies are considered fair, then reciprocity could have a detrimental effect on multilateral tariff cooperation.Thus, our model provides a novel perspective on the role of expectations in trade negotiations.
The extent of the market and stages of agricultural specialization
Authors: Emran M. Shahe , Shilpi Forhad
Published: August 2012

Abstract This paper provides empirical evidence of an U‐shaped causal relationship between the extent of the market (size of the relevant urban market) and the pattern of crop specialization in a village economy. We use the recent two‐stage estimator developed by Lewbel (2012) and exploit heteroscedasticity for identification. The results suggest that the portfolio of crops in a village economy becomes more diversified initially as the extent of the market increases. However, after the market size reaches a threshold, the production structure starts to specialize again. This evidence on the stages of agricultural diversification is consistent with the stages of diversification identified in the recent literature for the economy as a whole and also for the manufacturing sector.
Female labour force participation in an era of organizational and technological change
Authors: Adshade Marina
Published: August 2012

Abstract The supply of skilled female labour increased significantly at the beginning of the twentieth century as women assumed positions in the newly created clerical workforce. Evidence suggests that despite this increase in labour supply, the wage paid to female clerical workers increased over the period and that the ratio of female clerical wages to male manufacturing wages was roughly constant. These labour market facts can be accounted for in a dynamic general equilibrium model in which an exogenous increase in human capital induces an increase in demand for skilled clerical workers. While induced technological change that favours skilled workers may account for the observed increase in female real wages, explaining the stagnate relative weekly wages paid to female clerical workers requires a framework that includes organizational change.
Economic Effects of State‐Level Tax and Expenditure Limitations
Authors: Bae Suho , Moon Seong‐gin , Jung Changhoon
Published: August 2012

As a result of devolution, state governments have taken on greater responsibility for financing and providing public services. Increasingly, states have adopted state‐level tax and expenditure limitations (TELs) to manage the growth and size of state budgets. The adoption of TELs is supported by claims that they have a positive effect on state economies, although such claims lack empirical evidence and have been contested by several scholars. Despite the ongoing debate about validating the actual economic effects of state‐level TELs, there is a lack of empirical assessments of their effects. The empirical results of this article indicate that the presence of state‐level TELs has a negative effect on the level of employment but no effect on the state's personal income per capita. The presence of state‐level TELs has no effect on either the growth of personal income per capita or the growth of employment.
Complete Absence of Precordial R Waves Due to Absence of Left‐Sided Pericardium
Authors: Steinberg Christian , Pelletier Marie‐Josée , Champagne Jean
Published: August 2012

Poor R‐wave progression (PRWP) in the precordial leads on random ECG is relatively frequent in the general population and includes a broad differential diagnosis. Here, we present for the first time a case of complete absence of precordial R waves associated with a prominent R wave in aVR due to the absence of the left‐sided pericardium in a 44‐year‐old woman who experienced sudden cardiac death.
Patients with Tombstoning Pattern on the Admission Electrocardiography Who Have Undergone Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Anterior Wall ST‐Elevation Myocardial Infarction: In‐Hospital and Midterm Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Ayhan Erkan , Isık Turgay , Uyarel Huseyin , Ergelen Mehmet , Cicek Gokhan , Altay Servet , Eren Mehmet , Michael Gibson Charles
Published: August 2012

Background: A tombstoning pattern (T‐pattern) is associated with in‐hospital poor outcomes patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), but no data are available for midterm follow‐up. We sought to determine the prognostic value of a T‐pattern on admission electrocardiography (ECG) for in‐hospital and midterm mortality in patients with anterior wall STEMI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods: After exclusion, 169 consecutive patients with anterior wall STEMI (mean age: 55 ± 12.9 years; 145 men) undergoing primary PCI were prospectively enrolled in this study. Patients were classified as a T‐pattern (n = 32) or non–T‐pattern (n = 137) based upon the admission ECG. Follow‐up to 6 months was performed.

Results: In‐hospital mortality tended to be higher in the T‐pattern group compared with non–T‐pattern group (9.3% vs 2.1% respectively, P = 0.05). All‐cause mortality was higher in the T‐pattern group than non–T‐pattern group for 6 month (P = 0.004). After adjusting the baseline characteristics, the T‐pattern remained an independent predictor of 6‐month all‐cause mortality (odds ratio: 5.18; 95% confidence interval: 1.25–21.47, P = 0.02).

Conclusion: A T‐pattern is a strong independent predictor of 6‐month all‐cause mortality in anterior STEMI treated with primary PCI. Therefore, it may be an indicator of high risk among patients with anterior wall STEMI.
Brugada Phenocopy: New Terminology and Proposed Classification
Authors: Baranchuk Adrian , Nguyen Timothy , Ryu Min Hyung , Femenía Francisco , Zareba Wojciech , Wilde Arthur A.M. , Shimizu Wataru , Brugada Pedro , Pérez‐Riera Andrés R.
Published: August 2012

Brugada syndrome is a channelopathy characterized on ECG by coved ST‐segment elevation (≥2 mm) in the right precordial leads and is associated with an increased risk of malignant ventricular arrhythmias. The term Brugada phenocopy is proposed to describe conditions that induce Brugada‐like ECG manifestations in patients without true Brugada syndrome. An extensive review of the literature identified case reports that were classified according to their suspected etiological mechanism. Future directions to learn more about these intriguing cases is discussed.
Processing Route to Fully Dense Nanostructured HAp Bioceramics: From Powder Synthesis to Sintering
Authors: Lukić Miodrag J. , Škapin Srečo Davor , Marković Smilja , Uskoković Dragan
Published: August 2012

The study is devoted to the processing of hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanopowder to develop fully dense nanostructured bioceramics by pressureless sintering. The sintering behavior of stoichiometric HAp prepared by hydrothermal processing was investigated by nonisothermal, two‐step, and conventional sintering. By low‐temperature two‐step sintering (TSS), at 900°C and 850°C, with appropriate dwell time, dense bioceramics without final‐stage grain growth and average grain size of 75 nm was obtained. A concept of master sintering curve was applied, enabling control of sintering process, estimation of effective activation energy for sintering of HAp nanopowder, and qualitative understanding of sintering mechanisms. According to estimated activation energy of 412.6 kJ/mol, low sintering temperature and particles' microstructure as the dominant sintering mechanism we proposed diffuse‐viscous flow controlled by grain boundary diffusion. HAp nanoparticles comprising of different interior and boundary regions as ordered/disordered microstructure are found to be of an advantage for low‐temperature sintering.
Female mating failure and the failure of ‘mating’ in sterile insect programs
Authors: Pérez‐Staples Diana , Shelly Todd E. , Yuval Boaz
Published: August 2012

The sterile insect technique (SIT) involves the inundative release of irradiated (sterile or partially sterile) insects to decrease population levels in a target pest species. The effectiveness of SIT programs depends on sterile males mating successfully and inducing reproductive failure in wild females, or in the F1 generation in the case of lepidopteran species. Thus, from the perspective of insect control, female mating failure involves mating with a mass‐reared, sterilized male, which then results in female reproductive failure. Here, we review female mating failure in the context of SIT at two stages. First, at the pre‐copulatory stage we consider factors that affect female mating failure with sterile males, such as differences between sterile and wild males in terms of male courtship success, male discrimination of females, pheromone production, and dispersal. We emphasize studies with some degree of ecological realism and review certain factors that can affect female sexual development and choice, such as diet, age, and sex ratio. Second, at the post‐copulatory stage we consider factors that functionally result in female reproductive failure, such as ejaculate transfer and control of female remating. Sterile insect technique operations strive to incorporate methods that increase wild female mating with sterile males so that ultimately population‐wide reproductive failure is achieved in the target species.
Do western boxelder bugs sunbathe for sanitation? Inferences from in vitro experiments
Authors: Schwarz Joseph J. , Punja Zamir , Goettel Mark , Gries Gerhard
Published: August 2012

When western boxelder bugs, Boisea rubrolineata (Barber) (Hemiptera: Rhopalidae), form aggregations in warm sunlight, they release from their posterior dorsal abdominal gland an odorous blend of monoterpenes with heretofore unknown biological function. In laboratory analyses and experiments, we show that bugs in warm sunlight, but not in shade, exude and spread copious amounts of monoterpenes onto their cuticle. These monoterpenes do not serve as a pheromone, but rather as a means of sanitation. They inhibit germination of conidia of the fungal pathogen Beauveria bassiana (Bals.‐Criv.) Vuill. (Hypocreales) as well as halt the growth of germinated spores. This prophylactic defense against pathogens appears adaptive for phytophagous insects, like B. rubrolineata, that are prone to infections by microbes thriving on leaf surfaces and in the insects' overwintering microhabitat.
Buccal bone plate in immediately placed and restored implant with Bio‐Oss® collagen graft: a 1‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Degidi Marco , Daprile Giuseppe , Nardi Diego , Piattelli Adriano
Published: August 2012

Objectives

The aim of this study was to radiographically assess the vertical and horizontal alterations of buccal alveolar bone after the insertion of a post‐extractive implant using Bio‐Oss® Collagen graft.

Material and methods

The study was designed as a prospective study. Adult patients were eligible for the study if they needed one or more immediately inserted and immediately restored implant replacing teeth to be extracted within region 15–25. After the insertion, the buccal gap was carefully grafted using Bio‐Oss® Collagen and the implant immediately restored. Cone‐Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) was performed immediately after surgery and a series of measurements were made to determine the dimension of the buccal bone plate and the void between implant and extraction socket. A second CBCT was taken and the measurements repeated after 12 months.

Results

Altogether, 69 patients were included in the study; a total of 69 implants were inserted. The study demonstrated that the extraction of a tooth and the immediate insertion of an implant together with an xenograft resulted in alterations of the vertical and horizontal dimension of the buccal bone plate (respectively, 25.6% and 29.3%). Nevertheless, the vertical and horizontal gap reduction was nearly complete (respectively, 99.3% and 99.1%) and the implant was normally in contact with buccal bone.

Conclusions

Implant placement into extraction sockets can result in favorable radiological results even in the presence of evident alterations of the buccal bone wall.
Journal‐Based Learning, a new learning experience building on PBL at HKU
Authors: Botelho M. G. , Lo E. C. M. , Bridges S. , McGrath C. , Yiu C. K. Y.
Published: August 2012

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of a new journal‐based learning (JBL) programme designed to equip students with skills necessary to understand dental research publications, thereby preparing them for continuing professional development.

Materials and Methods

A baseline evaluation of knowledge relating to key research terms was conducted on 52 final‐year BDS students. 11 weekly seminars were conducted from 8 clinical disciplines driven by a reading list of 2–5 journal articles along with a series of ‘guidance’ questions relating to research terms and content knowledge aspects of each paper to focus their reading and learning. Seminars were facilitated by discipline experts with supporting notes. An exit test based on research process and terminologies for the programme was conducted with 4 repeated questions from the baseline assessment. A systematic marking scheme was used and the results analysed. A focus group was run to collect feedback regarding students' views and experiences on the JBL experience.

Findings

Students showed significant improvements over the baseline score. The mean score rose from 3.5 to 11.5 in the repeated questions (P < 0.001). The focus group revealed that students had learnt new information about journal classification, evidence level determination, new research terms and the structure of research papers. From the first 4 years of PBL, students recognized the importance of learning from research papers since year 1. However, JBL gave them a deeper understanding of research and the development of critical appraisal skills.

Implications

JBL provided final‐year students the opportunity to learn significantly more about dental research, terminologies, paper structure, critical analysis and content knowledge through active‐learning small group seminars.
The importance of ‘student voice’ in dental education
Authors: Subramanian J. , Anderson V. R. , Morgaine K. C. , Thomson W. M.
Published: August 2012

Although much published school and higher education research have established a strong conceptual foundation for eliciting student feedback, this element is relatively poorly developed in dental education research. This paper examines ‘student voice’ as a conceptual/theoretical framework and justification for attending to students' perspectives in dental education. The aims of this review paper were: to explore the concept of student voice, including some pragmatic considerations and key critiques of listening to student feedback; to critically analyse key debates about the importance of a research focus on student perceptions using themes from the seminal and contemporary educational literature on student voice from the school, higher and dental educational sectors; to identify gaps in the dental education literature in relation to students' perceptions of their learning, and highlight some practical implications drawn from the ‘student voice’ literature for dental education; and to assist dental educational researchers in developing a strong rationale for listening to student voice in dental educational institutions. This paper is intended to assist dental educational researchers in justifying future research projects which require eliciting dental student feedback/perceptions.
Effective and ineffective supervision in postgraduate dental education: a qualitative study
Authors: Subramanian J. , Anderson V. R. , Morgaine K. C. , Thomson W. M.
Published: August 2012

Introduction: Research suggests that students' perceptions should be considered in any discussion of their education, but there has been no systematic examination of New Zealand postgraduate dental students' learning experiences. This study aimed to obtain in‐depth qualitative insights into student and graduate perceptions of effective and ineffective learning in postgraduate dental education.

Methods: Data were collected in 2010 using semi‐structured individual interviews. Participants included final‐year students and graduates of the University of Otago Doctor of Clinical Dentistry programme. Using the Critical Incident Technique, participants were asked to describe atleast one effective and one ineffective learning experience in detail. Interview transcripts were analysed using a general inductive approach.

Results: Broad themes which emerged included supervisory approaches, characteristics of the learning process, and the physical learning environment. This paper considers students' and graduates' perceptions of postgraduate supervision in dentistry as it promotes or precludes effective learning. Effective learning was associated by participants with approachable and supportive supervisory practices, and technique demonstrations accompanied by explicit explanations. Ineffective learning was associated with minimal supervisor demonstrations and guidance (particularly when beginning postgraduate study), and aggressive, discriminatory and/or culturally insensitive supervisory approaches.

Conclusion: Participants' responses provided rich, in‐depth insights into their reflections and understandings of effective and ineffective approaches to supervision as it influenced their learning in the clinical and research settings. These findings provide a starting point for the development of curriculum and supervisory practices, enhancement of supervisory and mentoring approaches, and the design of continuing education programmes for supervisors at an institutional level. Additionally, these findings might also stimulate topics for reflection and discussion amongst dental educators and administrators more broadly.
Trigger finger, tendinosis, and intratendinous gene expression
Authors: Lundin A.‐C. , Aspenberg P. , Eliasson P.
Published: August 2012

The pathogenesis of trigger finger has generally been ascribed to primary changes in the first annular ligament. In contrast, we recently found histological changes in the tendons, similar to the findings in Achilles tendinosis or tendinopathy. We therefore hypothesized that trigger finger tendons would show differences in gene expression in comparison to normal tendons in a pattern similar to what is published for Achilles tendinosis. We performed quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction on biopsies from finger flexor tendons, 13 trigger fingers and 13 apparently healthy control tendons, to assess the expression of 10 genes which have been described to be differently expressed in tendinosis (collagen type 1a1, collagen 3a1, MMP‐2, MMP‐3, ADAMTS‐5, TIMP‐3, aggrecan, biglycan, decorin, and versican). In trigger finger tendons, collagen types 1a1 and 3a1, aggrecan and biglycan were all up‐regulated, and MMP‐3and TIMP‐3 were down‐regulated. These changes were statistically significant and have been previously described for Achilles tendinosis. The remaining four genes were not significantly altered. The changes in gene expression support the hypothesis that trigger finger is a form of tendinosis. Because trigger finger is a common condition, often treated surgically, it could provide opportunities for clinical research on tendinosis.
A perceptually oriented method for contrast enhancement and segmentation of dermoscopy images
Authors: Abbas Qaisar , Garcia Irene Fondón , Emre Celebi M. , Ahmad Waqar , Mushtaq Qaisar
Published: August 2012

Background/Purpose

Dermoscopy images often suffer from low contrast caused by different light conditions, which reduces the accuracy of lesion border detection. Accordingly for lesion recognition, automatic melanoma border detection (MBD) is an initial as well as crucial task.

Method

In this article, a novel perceptually oriented approach for MBD is presented by combing region and edge‐based segmentation techniques. The MBD system for color contrast and segmentation improvement consists of four main steps: first, the RGB dermoscopy image is transformed to CIE L*a*b* color space, lesion contrast is then enhanced by adjusting and mapping the intensity values of the lesion pixels in the specified range using the three channels of CIE L*a*b*, a hill‐climbing algorithm is used later to detect region‐of‐interest (ROI) map in a perceptually oriented color space using color channels (L*,a*,b*) and finally, an adaptive thresholding is applied to determine the optimal lesion border. Manually drawn borders obtained from an experienced dermatologist are utilized as a ground truth for performance evaluation.

Results

The proposed MBD method is tested on a total of 100 dermoscopy images. A comparative study with three state‐of‐the‐art color and texture‐based segmentation techniques (JSeg, dermatologists‐like tumor area extraction: DTEA and region‐based active contours: RAC), is also conducted to show the effectiveness of our MBD method using measures of true positive rate (TPR), false positive rate (FPR), and error probability (EP). Among different algorithms, our MBD algorithm achieved TPR of 94.25%, FPR of 3.56%, and EP of 4%.

Conclusions

The proposed MBD approach is highly accurate to detect the lesion border area. The MBD software and sample of dermoscopy images can be downloaded at http://cs.ntu.edu.pk/research.php.
A Conserved N‐terminal Arginine‐Motif in GOLPH3‐Family Proteins Mediates Binding to Coatomer
Authors: Tu Linna , Chen Lu , Banfield David K.
Published: August 2012

Vps74p, a member of the GOLPH3 protein family, binds directly to coatomer and the cytoplasmic tails of a subset of Golgi‐resident glycosyltransferases to mediate their Golgi retention. We identify a cluster of arginine residues at the N‐terminal end of GOLPH3 proteins that are necessary and sufficient to mediate coatomer binding. While loss of coatomer binding renders Vps74p non‐functional for glycosyltransferase retention, the Golgi membrane‐binding capabilities of the mutant protein are not significantly reduced. We establish that the oligomerization status and phosphatidylinositol‐4‐phosphate‐binding properties of Vps74p largely account for the membrane‐binding capacity of the protein and identify an Arf1p–Vps74p interaction as a potential contributing factor in Vps74p Golgi membrane association.
Exposure to ethinyl estradiol prenatally and/or after sexual maturity induces endometriotic and precancerous lesions in uteri and ovaries of mice
Authors: Koike Eiji , Yasuda Yoshiko , Shiota Mitsuru , Shimaoka Masao , Tsuritani Mitsuhiro , Konishi Hiroyoshi , Yamasaki Harufumi , Okumoto Katsumi , Hoshiai Hiroshi
Published: August 2012

Unrecognizable exposure to estrogenic substance may cause estrogen‐dependent diseases, endometriosis and cancer. Pregnant mice (ICR/Jcl, CLEA) were exposed to 0.01 mg ethinyl estradiol (EE2)/kg per day or vehicle (olive oil) through oral intubation from day 11 to 17 of gestation. They delivered their offspring and raised them. When the experimental female F1 mice were at 8 weeks of age, they were not exposed to EE2 or to the same dose of EE2 or to vehicle twice a week until 20 weeks of age. The control female F1 mice were exposed to the same dose of EE2 or vehicle alone, similarly. All mice were killed at 28 weeks of age. The resected uteri and ovaries were processed for microscopic examinations and for determination of the aromatase mRNA levels and aromatase protein through quantitative RT‐PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Adenomyosis and adenocarcinomatous changes were significantly discernible in the EE2‐exposed uteri, and incidence of ectopic glands and serous cysts were significantly increased in the prenatally EE2‐exposed ovaries as compared with respective controls. Significant upregulation of the aromatase mRNA was seen in the prenatally EE2‐exposed uteri and in the EE2‐exposed ovaries. The aromatase protein was identified in all ovaries examined, and in EE2‐exposed uteri but not in controls and confirmed its localization in eutopic and ectopic glands, abnormally proliferated lesions and the lining of the cysts. Taken together, continuous EE2 exposure may cause endometriotic and precancerous lesions due to excessive estrogen synthesis in both target organs.
Challenges in genetic counseling because of intra‐familial phenotypic variation of oral‐facial‐digital syndrome type 1
Authors: Shimojima Keiko , Shimada Shino , Sugawara Midori , Yoshikawa Naomi , Niijima Shinichi , Urao Masahiko , Yamamoto Toshiyuki
Published: August 2012

Oral‐facial‐digital syndrome type 1 (OFD1; MIM 311200) is characterized by multiple anomalies of the oral cavity, face and digits. We report a family with OFD1, where two female siblings and their mother shared the same mutation of the responsible gene (OFD1) c.1193_1196delAATC. Phenotypic variability was observed among them; the mother showed minimal features of OFD1, whereas her two daughters showed partial features and the full spectrum of OFD1, respectively. Thus, OFD1 was suspected only after a health check‐up during pregnancy of the second patient showing fetal brain anomaly and maternal polycystic kidney. For these reasons, there was a delay in the recognition of OFD1 in this family. Patients with OFD1 show phenotypic variability, which poses challenges for genetic counseling.
Unusual concurrence of heterotopic glial nodule of the scalp and congenital herpes simplex virus type‐2 infection
Authors: Marnerides Andreas , Sirotkina Meeli , Papadogiannakis Nikos
Published: August 2012

Heterotopic glial nodules are rare congenital cutaneous lesions; only 13 cases of scalp localized lesions of this kind are reported in the English medical literature. Herpes simplex virus is a rare cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality and is a rare cause of intrauterine infection. We report the first case of concurrent presence of a heterotopic glial nodule of the scalp and neonatal, in utero‐acquired, fatal herpes simplex virus type‐2 infection.
Overexpression of Rice Sphingosine‐1‐Phoshpate Lyase Gene OsSPL1 in Transgenic Tobacco Reduces Salt and Oxidative Stress Tolerance
Authors: Zhang Huijuan , Zhai Jing , Mo Jibo , Li Dayong , Song Fengming
Published: August 2012

Sphingolipids, including sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P), have been shown to function as signaling mediators to regulate diverse aspects of plant growth, development, and stress response. In this study, we performed functional analysis of a rice (Oryza sativa) S1P lyase gene OsSPL1 in transgenic tobacco plants and explored its possible involvement in abiotic stress response. Overexpression of OsSPL1 in transgenic tobacco resulted in enhanced sensitivity to exogenous abscisic acid (ABA), and decreased tolerance to salt and oxidative stress, when compared with the wild type. Furthermore, the expression levels of some selected stress‐related genes in OsSPL1‐overexpressing plants were reduced after application of salt or oxidative stress, indicating that the altered responsiveness of stress‐related genes may be responsible for the reduced tolerance in OsSPL1‐overexpressing tobacco plants under salt and oxidative stress. Our results suggest that rice OsSPL1 plays an important role in abiotic stress responses.
Effectiveness of nurse practitioner coordinated team group visits for type 2 diabetes in medically underserved Appalachia
Authors: Jessee Brenda Thomas , Rutledge Carolyn M.
Published: August 2012

Purpose: To study the effectiveness of multidisciplinary nurse practitioner coordinated team (NPCT) group visits in medically underserved Appalachia on the health, knowledge, and self‐efficacy of patients with type 2 diabetes (DM). The study also identified perceived barriers to participating in the diabetes programs.

Data sources: A researcher‐developed tool was used to assess demographic data, clinical data, and barriers to care. The participants completed the Diabetes Knowledge Tests and the Diabetes Empowerment Scales. Two groups were assessed. One group participated in the diabetes intervention, and the other received usual care. Both groups completed the instruments prior to the intervention and after the intervention was completed.

Conclusions: The group that participated in the intervention had better clinical outcomes (blood glucose and A1Cs), greater knowledge, and better self‐efficacy following the intervention than the usual care groups. This suggests that the intervention was important in improving outcomes of patients with type 2 DM. Barriers to care included fuel, time, family, work, and transportation. Barriers need to be addressed in order to have more patients participate in such programs.

Implications for practice: NPCT group visits may represent an effective means of integrating diabetes self‐management education and medical management in a family practice clinic in medically underserved areas.
The Association Between Socio‐Ecological Factors and Having an After‐School Physical Activity Program
Authors: Van Acker Ragnar , De Bourdeaudhuij Ilse , De Martelaer Kristine , Seghers Jan , De Cocker Katrien , Cardon Greet
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND: After‐school physical activity (PA) programs promote PA among youth. Few studies have used socio‐ecological health models to identify barriers and facilitators of after‐school PA programs. This study examined which socio‐ecological factors are associated with having an after‐school PA program.

METHODS: A questionnaire was administered to key representatives of 114 elementary and 129 secondary schools. The association between socio‐ecological factors and having an after‐school PA program was analyzed at school level.

RESULTS: In both types of schools more knowledge about community schools was positively associated with having an after‐school PA program (odds ratio [OR] = 1.96; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.18–3.27; OR = 1.88; 95% CI = 1.27–2.80, respectively). In elementary schools, environmental factors associated with having an after‐school PA program included PA facilities (OR = 4.98; 95% CI = 1.08–23.05), a PA working group (OR = 3.37; 95% CI = 1.02–11.10), agreements with the community (OR = 1.60; 95% CI = 1.05–2.43), shortage of human resources (OR = 0.57; 95% CI = 0.37–0.89) and lack of support from teachers (OR = 0.51; 95% CI = 0.33‐0.80). In secondary schools, environmental factors included the presence of a remunerated coordinator (OR = 5.12; 95% CI = 1.38‐19.10) and partnerships with “sport and PA leaders” (OR = 3.54; 95% CI = 1.01‐12.41).

CONCLUSION: Having an after‐school PA program was associated with personal and environmental factors, which supports the use of socio‐ecological frameworks for explorative and intervention studies aiming to increase after‐school PA programs.
A Longitudinal Study of Childhood Obesity, Weight Status Change, and Subsequent Academic Performance in Taiwanese Children
Authors: Chen Li‐Jung , Fox Kenneth R. , Ku Po‐Wen , Wang Ching‐Hui
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND: This study examined the association among childhood obesity, weight status change, and subsequent academic performance at 6‐year follow‐up.

METHODS: First‐grade students from one elementary school district in Taichung City, Taiwan were followed for 6 years (N = 409). Academic performance was extracted from the school records at the end of each grade. Weight and height were measured at the beginning of each grade. A weight change variable was created based on each child's weight status difference at grades 1 and 6. A multivariate linear regression model for predicting academic performance at grade 6 was developed with adjustment for individual characteristics and family factors. A latent growth curve (LGC) showed the association between changes in body mass index (BMI) and in academic performance across a 6‐year period.

RESULTS: BMI in children increased significantly across 6 years. The rate of increase in BMI over 6 years was higher for children with higher baseline BMIs than it was for children with lower baseline BMIs. However, BMI changes were not significantly associated with changes of academic performance.

CONCLUSION: There was no significant relationship between initial obesity or change in weight status and subsequent academic performance. It appears that either being or becoming overweight/obese did not impact academic achievement for these Taiwanese children.
Continuity, change, and priorities: The quality and use of regulatory analysis across US administrations
Authors: Ellig Jerry , McLaughlin Patrick A. , Morrall III John F.
Published: August 2012

This paper compares the quality and use of regulatory analysis accompanying economically significant regulations proposed by US executive branch agencies in 2008, 2009, and 2010. We find that the quality of regulatory analysis is generally low, but varies widely. Budget regulations, which define how the federal government will spend money or collect revenues, have much lower‐quality analysis than other regulations. The Bush administration's “midnight” regulations finalized between Election Day and Inauguration Day, along with other regulations left for the Obama administration to finalize, tended to have lower‐quality analysis. Most differences between the Bush and Obama administrations depend on agencies' policy preferences. More conservative agencies tended to produce better analysis in the Obama administration, and more liberal agencies tended to do so in the Bush administration. This suggests that agencies more central to an administration's policy priorities do not have to produce as good an analysis to get their regulations promulgated.
Phenolic Antioxidants in Some Vigna Species of Legumes and their Distinct Inhibitory Effects on α‐Glucosidase and Pancreatic Lipase Activities
Authors: Sreerama Yadahally N. , Takahashi Yoko , Yamaki Kohji
Published: August 2012

Abstract:  Phenolic extracts of 4 Vigna species of legumes (mung bean, moth bean, and black and red varieties of adzuki beans) were evaluated for phenolic contents, antioxidant activities, and inhibitory properties against α‐glucosidase and pancreatic lipase. Results showed that adzuki bean varieties contain higher phenolic indexes than mung bean and moth beans. Adzuki bean (black) variety was found to be the most active 2,2´‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl and superoxide anion scavenger. However, the hydrogen peroxide scavenging and metal chelating abilities were significantly higher in adzuki bean (red) variety. Mung bean exhibited least antioxidant activities in all the methods tested. Phenolic extracts from these legumes also showed distinct variations in the inhibition of enzymes associated with hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. Inhibitory activities of all the extracts against lipase were found to be more potent than α‐glucosidase. Although, α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity was superior in the black variety of adzuki bean (IC50, 26.28 mg/mL), both adzuki bean varieties (black and red) along with moth bean showed strong inhibitory activities on lipase with no significant difference in their IC50 values (7.32 to 9.85 mg/mL). These results suggest that Vigna species of legumes are potential source of antioxidant phenolics and also great sources of strong natural inhibitors for α‐glucosidase and lipase activities. This information may help for effective utilization of these legumes as functional food ingredients for promoting health.

Practical Application:  Vigna species of legumes are good sources of phenolic antioxidants and strong natural inhibitors of enzymes associated with diabetes and obesity. Therefore, utilization of these legumes in the development of functional foods with increased therapeutic value would be a significant step toward health promotion and wellness.
Deliberate Self‐Harm in Adolescents Aged 12–18: A Cross‐Sectional Survey of 18,104 Students
Authors: Watanabe Norio , Nishida Atsushi , Shimodera Shinji , Inoue Ken , Oshima Norihito , Sasaki Tsukasa , Inoue Shimpei , Akechi Tatsuo , Furukawa Toshi A. , Okazaki Yuji
Published: August 2012

Little is known about accurate prevalence and associated factors of deliberate self‐harm (DSH) among adolescents in Asian countries. In this study, the prevalence and associated factors of DSH among adolescents in Japan were examined. Data were derived from a cross‐sectional survey using an anonymous self‐report questionnaire and enrolling 8,620 adolescents aged 12–15 and 9,484 aged 15–18. DSH in the previous 12 months was reported by 3.3% (95% CI, 2.9–3.7) of junior and 4.3% (3.9%–4.7%) of senior high school respondents. The prevalence was more than four times as high among girls as among boys for both age groups. DSH was further strongly associated with having suicidal thoughts, having depression/anxiety symptoms, and having used recreational drugs. These associated factors were similar for both sexes and for both older and younger teenagers. A substantial minority of adolescents present with DSH, even among those aged 12–15. The prevalence of DSH in Japan was in the lower ranges of those reported for Western countries. The identified associated factors were not dissimilar from those reported in the West.
Forsterite‐bearing type B refractory inclusions from CV3 chondrites: From aggregates to volatilized melt droplets
Authors: BULLOCK Emma S. , MacPHERSON Glenn J. , NAGASHIMA Kazuhide , KROT Alexander N. , PETAEV Michail I. , JACOBSEN Stein B. , ULYANOV Alexander A.
Published: August 2012

Abstract– Detailed petrologic and oxygen isotopic analysis of six forsterite‐bearing Type B calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusions (FoBs) from CV3 chondrites indicates that they formed by varying degrees of melting of primitive precursor material that resembled amoeboid olivine aggregates. A continuous evolutionary sequence exists between those objects that experienced only slight partial melting or sintering through objects that underwent prolonged melting episodes. In most cases, melting was accompanied by surface evaporative loss of magnesium and silicon. This loss resulted in outer margins that are very different in composition from the cores, so much so that in some cases, the mantles contain mineral assemblages that are petrologically incompatible with those in the cores. The precursor objects for these FoBs had a range of bulk compositions and must therefore have formed under varying conditions if they condensed from a solar composition gas. Five of the six objects show small degrees of mass‐dependent oxygen isotopic fractionation in pyroxene, spinel, and olivine, consistent with the inferred melt evaporation, but there are no consistent differences among the three phases. Forsterite, spinel, and pyroxene are 16O‐rich with Δ17O ∼ −24‰ in all FoBs. Melilite and anorthite show a range of Δ17O from −17‰ to −1‰.
Pro‐market reforms and developing country multinational corporations
Authors: Dau Luis Alfonso
Published: August 2012

Building on the institution‐based view of strategy, I study the impact of pro‐market reforms on developing country firm multinationality. I propose that reforms increase multinationality by reducing institutional imperfections and increasing domestic competition, thus inducing firms to expand internationally. However, I argue the effect is higher for private firms than state firms because the former are compelled to be more responsive to institutional changes and opportunities in order to survive. Three‐level RCM Poisson analyses of a panel of the largest firms in Latin America for the period 1989 to 2009 provide robust support for the arguments.