bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Customer Involvement in Sustainable Supply Chain Management
Authors: Sigala Marianna
Published: October 2013

Through a review of sustainability research, this paper offers a framework for studying the customer’s role in managing sustainability throughout a hospitality or tourism firm’s supply chain. With advances in social media that have empowered customers and their social communities to actively participate in sustainable practices, the role of the customers in achieving sustainability in all supply chain operations within the tourism industry has grown. Social media also constitute a force that encourages customers to support sustainability practices. This paper proposes an overall framework that identifies and synthesizes the various roles and impact of the customers’ involvement in implementing sustainable supply chain management in tourism. This involves the following four dimensions: factors motivating customer involvement in sustainability, the degree of customer involvement, management strategies for customer involvement, and outcomes of customer involvement. The paper offers examples in support of the framework that demonstrate various ways in which customers are contributing to sustainability at various points in the supply chain.
Porcine incisional hernia model: Evaluation of biologically derived intact extracellular matrix repairs
Authors: Monteiro Gary A , Delossantos Aubrey I , Rodriguez Neil L , Patel Paarun , Franz Michael G , Wagner Christopher T
Published: October 2013

We compared fascial wounds repaired with non-cross-linked intact porcine-derived acellular dermal matrix versus primary closure in a large-animal hernia model. Incisional hernias were created in Yucatan pigs and repaired after 3 weeks via open technique with suture-only primary closure or intraperitoneally placed porcine-derived acellular dermal matrix. Progressive changes in mechanical and biological properties of porcine-derived acellular dermal matrix and repair sites were assessed. Porcine-derived acellular dermal matrix–repaired hernias of additional animals were evaluated 2 and 4 weeks post incision to assess porcine-derived acellular dermal matrix regenerative potential and biomechanical changes. Hernias repaired with primary closure showed substantially more scarring and bone hyperplasia along the incision line. Mechanical remodeling of porcine-derived acellular dermal matrix was noted over time. Porcine-derived acellular dermal matrix elastic modulus and ultimate tensile stress were similar to fascia at 6 weeks. The biology of porcine-derived acellular dermal matrix–reinforced animals was more similar to native abdominal wall versus that with primary closure. In this study, porcine-derived acellular dermal matrix–reinforced repairs provided more complete wound healing response compared with primary closure.
Narratives From YouTube
Authors: Quennerstedt Mikael , Flintoff Anne , Webb Louisa
Published: October 2013

The aim of this paper is to explore what is performed in students’ and teachers’ actions in physical education practice in terms of “didactic irritations,” through an analysis of YouTube clips from 285 PE lessons from 27 different countries. Didactic irritations are occurrences that Rønholt describes as those demanding “didactic, pedagogical reflections and discussions, which in turn could lead to alternative thinking and understanding about teaching and learning.” Drawing on Barad’s ideas of performativity to challenge our habitual anthropocentric analytical gaze when looking at educational visual data, and using narrative construction, we also aim to give meaning to actions, relations, and experiences of the participants in the YouTube clips. To do this, we present juxtaposing narratives from teachers and students in terms of three “didactic irritations”: (a) stories from a track, (b), stories from a game, and (c), stories from a bench. The stories re-present events-of-moving in the data offering insights into embodied experiences in PE practice, making students’ as well as teachers’ actions in PE practice understandable.
Predicting native papilla biliary cannulation success using a multinational Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) Quality Network
Authors: Peng Chunyan , Nietert Paul J , Cotton Peter B , Lackland Daniel T , Romagnuolo Joseph
Published: October 2013

Background

Success in deep biliary cannulation via native ampullae of Vater is an accepted measure of competence in ERCP training and practice, yet prior studies focused on predicting adverse events alone, rather than success. Our aim is to determine factors associated with deep biliary cannulation success, with/ without precut sphincterotomy.

Methods

The ERCP Quality Network is a unique prospective database of over 10,000 procedures by over 80 endoscopists over several countries. After data cleaning, and eliminating previously stented or cut papillae, two multilevel fixed effect multivariate models were used to control for clustering within physicians, to predict biliary cannulation success, with and without allowing “precut” to assist an initially failed cannulation.

Results

13018 ERCPs were performed by 85 endoscopists (March 2007 - May 2011). Conventional (without precut) and overall cannulation rates were 89.8% and 95.6%, respectively. Precut was performed in 876 (6.7%). Conventional success was more likely in outpatients (OR 1.21), but less likely in complex contexts (OR 0.59), sicker patients (ASA grade (II, III/V: OR 0.81, 0.77)), teaching cases (OR 0.53), and certain indications (strictures, active pancreatitis). Overall cannulation success (some precut-assisted) was more likely with higher volume endoscopists (> 239/year: OR 2.79), more efficient fluoroscopy practices (OR 1.72), and lower with moderate (versus deeper) sedation (OR 0.67).

Conclusion

Biliary cannulation success appears influenced by both patient and practitioner factors. Patient- and case-specific factors have greater impact on conventional (precut-free) cannulation success, but volume influences ultimate success; both may be used to select appropriate cases and can help guide credentialing policies.
Intracranial hypertension presenting with severe visual failure, without concurrent headache, in a child with nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Barnett Madeleine , Sinha Manish D , Morrison Danny , Lim Ming
Published: October 2013

Background

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is a condition typically characterised by headache, normal level of consciousness, papilloedema and raised cerebrospinal fluid pressure. Children often present with visual loss and atypical features of raised pressure, posing a diagnostic and management challenge. A range of renal disorders can predispose to developing this raised intracranial pressure syndrome. We present a case of severe visual failure in a child with nephrotic syndrome, with no headache when elevated pressure was proven. In nephrotic syndrome, visual failure related to elevated intracranial pressures without concurrent headache symptoms has not been reported previously.

Case presentation

We discuss a 5-year-old Caucasian girl with steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome who went on to become a late non-responder and presented with intracranial hypertension. Following initial response to steroids, she had a relapse of her nephrotic syndrome; her proteinuria did not resolve on steroid treatment, requiring addition of cyclosporine therapy to manage her nephrotic syndrome. Three months following this, she presented with visual failure in the right eye with bilateral central scotoma and papilloedema. At the time of presentation of visual impairment, she was otherwise well, with no symptoms of a raised intracranial pressure syndrome or associated systemic illness. Medical management was initiated following confirmation of a raised intracranial pressure. Her intracranial pressure remained elevated requiring serial therapeutic lumbar punctures before some improvement in visual acuity was observed. Later in the clinical course, she presented with worsening of her visual impairment with further deterioration of the vision in the left eye, again associated with elevated intracranial pressure. An urgent surgical cerebrospinal fluid diversion procedure was performed. At review, three years after presentation our patient has severe visual impairment with no perception of light in her right eye and 6/36 Snellen acuity in the left secondary to optic atrophy.

Conclusion

Our case demonstrates the occurrence of intracranial hypertension in nephrotic syndrome, highlighting the atypical presentation of severe visual failure without concurrent headache at presentation. This demonstrates the management complexities and the need for clear guidelines for ophthalmological surveillance to aim to reduce permanent visual impairment.
Immunological and clinical consequences of splenectomy in a multiple sclerosis patient treated with natalizumab
Authors: Lee De-Hyung , Waschbisch Anne , Lämmer Alexandra B , Doerfler Arnd , Schwab Stefan , Linker Ralf A
Published: October 2013

Objective

Here we report a case of a splenectomized white woman with natalizumab-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), occurring as early as after 11 infusions and provide blood fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analyses before and after natalizumab treatment.

Design

This is a report of a single case with immunological studies.

Methods

Methods comprised neurologic examination, magnetic resonance imaging, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) studies as well as immune cell FACS analyses from blood.

Results

Diagnosis of PML was established after positive John Cunningham virus (JCV) DNA was detected in the CSF. An immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome was treated with repeated cycles of steroid pulses and intravenous immunoglobulins. Reduced numbers of memory B cells, which might play an important role in antiviral immune response, were detected in the blood. Moreover the percentage of CD19+ B cells was elevated in our post-splenectomy patient as compared to a control cohort of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients under natalizumab therapy.

Conclusion

Splenectomy may increase the risk for the development of natalizumab-associated PML via effects on the B cell compartment. It may be regarded as a risk factor in MS patients independent from the duration of disease.
Quantitative LC-MS/MS analysis of seven ginsenosides and three aconitumalkaloids in Shen-Fu decoction
Authors: Guo Na , Liu Mingtao , Yang Dawei , Huang Ying , Niu Xiaohong , Wu Ruifan , Liu Ying , Ma Guizhi , Dou Deqiang
Published: October 2013

Background

Shen-Fu decoction is a traditional Chinese medicine prescription with a 3:2 ratio of Radix Ginseng and Fuzi (

Radix Aconiti lateralis praeparata

). Ginsenosides and alkaloids are considered to be the main active components of Shen-Fu decoction. However, no analytical methods have been used to quantitatively analyse both components in Shen-Fu decoction simultaneously.

Results

We successfully developed a rapid resolution liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (RRLC-MS/MS) method for the simultaneous analysis of seven ginsenosides and three aconitum alkaloids in Shen-Fu decoction, the decoction of Radix ginseng and Fuzi (

Radix Aconiti lateralis praeparata

). Chromatogrpahic separation by RPLC was achieved using a reversed-phase column and a water/acetonitrile mobile phase, containing 0.05% formic acid and using a gradient system. The method was optimized to allow for simultaneous analysis of all analytes in 11minutes without the need for baseline resolution of the components. Furthermore, the separation demonstrated good linearity (r > 0.9882), repeatability (RSD < 7.01%), intra- and inter-day precisions (RSD < 5.06%) and high yields of recovery (91.13-111.97%) for ten major constituents, namely ginsenoside-Re, Rg1, Rb1, Rc, Rb2, Rd, Rf, aconitine, hypacoitine and mesaconitine.

Conclusions

The developed method could be used as a rapid and reliable approach for assessment of the quantity of the major constituents in Shen-Fu decoction.
Mapping out the structural changes of natural and pretreated plant cell wall surfaces by atomic force microscopy single molecular recognition imaging
Authors: Zhang Mengmeng , Chen Guojun , Kumar Rajeev , Xu Bingqian
Published: October 2013

Background

Enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass (mainly plant cell walls) is a critical process for biofuel production. This process is greatly hindered by the natural complexity of plant cell walls and limited accessibility of surface cellulose by enzymes. Little is known about the plant cell wall structural and molecular level component changes after pretreatments, especially on the outer surface. Therefore, a more profound understanding of surface cellulose distributions before and after pretreatments at single-molecule level is in great need. In this study, we determined the structural changes, specifically on crystalline cellulose, of natural, dilute sulfuric acid pretreated and delignified cell wall surfaces of poplar, switchgrass, and corn stover using single molecular atomic force microscopy (AFM) recognition imaging.

Results

The AFM tip was first functionalized by a family 3 carbohydrate-binding module (CBM3a) (Clostridium thermocellum Scaffoldin) which specifically recognizes crystalline cellulose by selectively binding to it. The surface structural changes were studied at single molecule level based on the recognition area percentage (RAP) of exposed crystalline cellulose over the imaged cell wall surface. Our results show that the cell wall surface crystalline cellulose coverage increased from 17-20% to 18-40% after dilute acid pretreatment at 135°C under different acid concentrations and reached to 40-70% after delignification. Pretreated with 0.5% sulfuric acid, the crystalline cellulose surface distributions of 23% on poplar, 28% on switchgrass and, 38% on corn stover were determined as an optimized result. Corn stover cell walls also show less recalcitrance due to more effective pretreatments and delignification compared to poplar and switchgrass.

Conclusions

The dilute acid pretreatment can effectively increase the cellulose accessibility on plant cell wall surfaces. The optimal acid concentration was determined to be 0.5% acid at 135°C, especially for corn stover. This study provides a better understanding of surface structural changes after pretreatment such as lignin relocation, re-precipitation, and crystalline cellulose distribution, and can lead to potential improvements of biomass pretreatment.
Early onset muscle weakness and disruption of muscle proteins in mouse models of spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Boyer Justin G , Murray Lyndsay M , Scott Kyle , De Repentigny Yves , Renaud Jean-Marc , Kothary Rashmi
Published: October 2013

Background

The childhood neuromuscular disease spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by mutations or deletions of the survival motor neuron (SMN1) gene. Although SMA has traditionally been considered a motor neuron disease, the muscle-specific requirement for SMN has never been fully defined. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate muscle defects in mouse models of SMA.

Methods

We have taken advantage of two different mouse models of SMA, the severe Smn

-/-
;SMN2 mice and the less severe Smn

2B/-
mice. We have measured the maximal force produced from control muscles and those of SMA model mice by direct stimulation using an ex vivo apparatus. Immunofluorescence and immunoblot experiments were performed to uncover muscle defects in mouse models of SMA. Means from control and SMA model mice samples were compared using an analysis of variance test and Student’s t tests.

Results

We report that tibialis anterior (TA) muscles of phenotype stage Smn

-/-
;SMN2 mice generate 39% less maximal force than muscles from control mice, independently of aberrant motor neuron signal transmission. In addition, during muscle fatigue, the Smn

-/-
;SMN2 muscle shows early onset and increased unstimulated force compared with controls. Moreover, we demonstrate a significant decrease in force production in muscles from pre-symptomatic Smn

-/-
;SMN2 and Smn

2B/-
mice, indicating that muscle weakness is an early event occurring prior to any overt motor neuron loss and muscle denervation. Muscle weakness in mouse models of SMA was associated with a delay in the transition from neonatal to adult isoforms of proteins important for proper muscle contractions, such as ryanodine receptors and sodium channels. Immunoblot analyses of extracts from hindlimb skeletal muscle revealed aberrant levels of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase.

Conclusions

The findings from this study reveal a delay in the appearance of mature isoforms of proteins important for muscle contractions, as well as muscle weakness early in the disease etiology, thus highlighting the contributions of skeletal muscle defects to the SMA phenotype.
Predictive value of specific IgE for clinical peanut allergy in children: relationship with eczema, asthma, and setting (primary or secondary care)
Authors: van Veen Wilma J , Dikkeschei Lambert D , Roberts Graham , Brand Paul LP
Published: October 2013

The usefulness of peanut specific IgE levels for diagnosing peanut allergy has not been studied in primary and secondary care where most cases of suspected peanut allergy are being evaluated. We aimed to determine the relationship between peanut‐specific IgE levels and clinical peanut allergy in peanut‐sensitized children and how this was influenced by eczema, asthma and clinical setting (primary or secondary care). We enrolled 280 children (0–18 years) who tested positive for peanut‐specific IgE (> 0.35 kU/L) requested by primary and secondary physicians. We used predefined criteria to classify participants into three groups: peanut allergy, no peanut allergy, or possible peanut allergy, based on responses to a validated questionnaire, a detailed food history, and results of oral food challenges.

Fifty‐two participants (18.6%) were classified as peanut allergy, 190 (67.9%) as no peanut allergy, and 38 (13.6%) as possible peanut allergy. The association between peanut‐specific IgE levels and peanut allergy was significant but weak (OR 1.46 for a 10.0 kU/L increase in peanut‐specific IgE, 95% CI 1.28‐1.67). Eczema was the strongest risk factor for peanut allergy (aOR 3.33, 95% CI 1.07‐10.35), adjusted for demographic and clinical characteristics. Asthma was not significantly related to peanut allergy (aOR 1.93, 95% CI 0.90‐4.13). Peanut allergy was less likely in primary than in secondary care participants (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.25‐0.86), at all levels of peanut‐specific IgE.

The relationship between peanut‐specific IgE and peanut allergy in children is weak, is strongly dependent on eczema, and is weaker in primary compared to secondary care. This limits the usefulness of peanut‐specific IgE levels in the diagnosis of peanut allergy in children.
In-vitro experimental evaluation of skin-to-surface recovery of four bacterial species by antibacterial and non-antibacterial medical examination gloves
Authors: Leitgeb Johannes , Schuster Rupert , Eng Aik-Hwee , Yee Bit-New , Teh Yee-Peng , Dosch Verena , Assadian Ojan
Published: October 2013

Background

The number of bacteria recovered from a stainless steel coupon after touching a pigskin substrate with an examination glove coated on its outside with polyhexanide (PHMB), as compared to the number of bacteria recovered in the same manner with non-coated control gloves was evaluated.

Methods

Suspensions containing 1 × 109 colony-forming units of 4 clinically relevant bacterial species (Enterococcus faecium ATCC #51559; Escherichia coli ATCC #25922; Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC #4352; and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC #33591) were used to contaminate Gamma-irradiated pigskin substrates. Bacterial recoveries from the pigskin substrate, stainless steel coupons, and each glove swatch were performed. A difference in the bacterial recovery from the stainless steel coupons after touching with coated and uncoated control gloves was measured.

Results

For E. faecium, the coated glove showed a reduction of 4.63 log10 cfu recovery, when compared to control gloves. For E. coli, the coated glove showed 5.48 log10 cfu, for K. pneumoniae 5.03 log10 cfu, and for S. aureus 5.72 log10 cfu recovery, when compared to the non-coated control glove.

Conclusion

An in-vitro experiment designed to mimic cross-contamination of clinically relevant bacteria in a simulated healthcare setting following glove contact with a contaminated biological surface and cross-transfer to a stainless steel surface has demonstrated that an examination glove coated on its outside surface with PHMB was able to reduce bacterial recovery from a contaminated surface by > 4 log10 cfu, compared to a control non-coated examination glove. These elaborated results may encourage further clinical investigation on the clinical impact of an antibacterial examination glove.
Grandparents’ Childcare and Female Labor Force Participation
Authors: Posadas Josefina , Vidal-Fernandez Marian
Published: October 2013

In the United States, approximately 20% of employed mothers with children under 5 use grandparents as their primary source of childcare. Using the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 (NLSY79), we investigate whether the availability of this source of childcare has a causal effect on mother’s labor force participation. We compare Ordinary Least Squares 0(OLS), women’s Fixed Effects (FE) and Instrumental Variables (IV) estimates. We find that OLS estimates overestimate the effect of grandparental childcare on young mothers’ labor force participation and are not significantly different from IV estimates. In our preferred specification, FE, we find that the availability of grandparental childcare significantly increases mothers’ labor force participation by 9 percentage points and that this effect is largely driven by minority, single or never married mothers. Our findings suggest that policies that raise retirement ages might increase older cohorts’ labor participation rates at the expense of young women’s through childcare availability.

JEL codes

J2; I3.
A simple and exact acoustic wavefield modeling code for data processing, imaging, and interferometry applications
Authors: Galetti Erica , Halliday David , Curtis Andrew
Published: October 2013

Improvements in industrial seismic, seismological, acoustic, or interferometric theory and applications often result in quite subtle changes in sound quality, seismic images, or information which are nevertheless crucial for improved interpretation or experience. When evaluating new theories and algorithms using synthetic data, an important aspect of related research is therefore that numerical errors due to wavefield modeling are reduced to a minimum. We present a new MATLAB code based on the Foldy method that models theoretically exact, direct, and scattered parts of a wavefield. Its main advantage lies in the fact that while all multiple scattering interactions are taken into account, unlike finite-difference or finite-element methods, numerical dispersion errors are avoided. The method is therefore ideal for testing new theory in industrial seismics, seismology, acoustics, and in wavefield interferometry in particular because the latter is particularly sensitive to the dynamics of scattering interactions. We present the theory behind the Foldy acoustic modeling method and provide examples of its implementation. We also benchmark the code against a good finite-difference code. Because our Foldy code was written and optimized to test new theory in seismic interferometry, examples of its application to seismic interferometry are also presented, showing its validity and importance when exact modeling results are needed.
Novel finite-element approach applied to borehole quadrupole dispersion analysis in stress-sensitive formations
Authors: Jørgensen Ole , Burns Dan
Published: October 2013

Near a borehole, stress concentration effects may cause a complex spatial variation of elastic anisotropy. Stress-induced sonic anisotropy results when moduli and velocities are stress dependent and the state of stress is nonhydrostatic. For such cases, the appropriate material model is that of an elastic orthorhombic medium with material axes aligned with the principal axes of stress. We simulate the dispersion characteristics of quadrupole waves propagating along a borehole in a stress-sensitive formation. To include sensitivity to stress in the analysis, we derive a finite-element modeling approach which includes the stress-velocity relationship, the perturbed stress and velocity field near the borehole, and solutions to the full coupled anisotropic and 3D wave equation. We characterized the anisotropy around the borehole for different in situ stress conditions, and we derived the effects on quadrupole dispersion characteristics. Of particular interest was the phase velocity of the quadrupole wave, which at low frequencies provides an estimate of formation shear-wave velocity. Results indicated that the quadrupole mode dispersion was relatively insensitive to the hoop stress effects around a borehole giving greater confidence to shear-wave estimates made from these modes. The proposed ring-element formulation, which includes Fourier expansions of the field variables in the direction of the circumference, is well suited to this analysis and can be adapted to include other effects, such as a finite-length borehole.
Double-difference elastic-waveform inversion with prior information for time-lapse monitoring
Authors: Zhang Zhigang , Huang Lianjie
Published: October 2013

Quantitative time-lapse seismic monitoring can provide crucial information for enhanced oil recovery, geologic carbon storage, and enhanced geothermal systems. Recently developed double-difference elastic-waveform inversion has the potential to quantitatively monitor reservoirs using seismic reflection data. Because the approximate location of a reservoir or a target monitoring region is usually known, we incorporated this knowledge as prior information into double-difference elastic-waveform inversion. Using numerical examples of synthetic time-lapse models, we found that our new method can quantitatively monitor the changes of elastic properties within reservoirs. Therefore, the double-difference elastic-waveform inversion with prior information on the location of a monitoring region is a promising tool for quantitatively monitoring reservoir properties’ changes.
Sensitivity study of rock-physics parameters for modeling time-lapse seismic response of Norne field
Authors: Suman Amit , Mukerji Tapan
Published: October 2013

Time-lapse seismic modeling is an important step in joint inversion of time-lapse seismic and production data of a field. Rock-physics analysis is the basis for modeling the time-lapse seismic data. However, joint inversion of both types of data for estimation of reservoir parameters is highly nonlinear and complex with uncertainties at each step of the process. So it is essential, before proceeding with large-scale history matching, to investigate sensitive rock-physics parameters in modeling the time-lapse seismic response of a field. We used the data set of the Norne field to investigate sensitive parameters in time-lapse seismic modeling. We first investigated sensitive parameters in the Gassmann’s equation. The investigated parameters include mineral properties, water salinity, pore pressure, and gas-oil ratio. Next, we investigated parameter sensitivity for time-lapse seismic modeling of the Norne field. The investigated rock-physics parameters are clay content, cement fraction, average number of contact grains per sand, pore pressure, and fluid mixing. We observed that the average number of contact grains per sand had the most impact on time-lapse seismic modeling of the Norne field. The clay content was the most sensitive parameter in fluid substitution for calculating seismic velocities of the Norne field. Salinity and pore pressure had minimal impact on fluid substitution for this case. This sensitivity analysis helps to select important parameters for time-lapse (4D) seismic history matching, which is an important aspect of joint inversion of production and time-lapse seismic modeling of a field.
Dietary patterns and suicide in Japanese adults: The Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study
Authors: Nanri Akiko , Mizoue Tetsuya , Poudel-Tandukar Kalpana , Noda Mitsuhiko , Kato Masayuki , Kurotani Kayo , Goto Atsushi , Oba Shino , Inoue Manami , Tsugane Shoichiro
Published: October 2013

Background

Although dietary patterns have been linked to depression, a frequently observed precondition for suicide, no study has yet examined the association between dietary patterns and suicide risk.

Aims

To prospectively investigate the association between dietary patterns and death from suicide.

Method

Participants were 40 752 men and 48 285 women who took part in the second survey of the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study (1995–1998). Dietary patterns were derived from principal component analysis of the consumption of 134 food and beverage items ascertained by a food frequency questionnaire. Hazard ratios of suicide from the fourth year of follow-up to December 2005 were calculated.

Results

Among both men and women, a ‘prudent’ dietary pattern characterised by a high intake of vegetables, fruits, potatoes, soy products, mushrooms, seaweed and fish was associated with a decreased risk of suicide. The multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio of suicide for the highest v. lowest quartiles of the dietary pattern score was 0.46 (95% CI 0.28–0.75) (P for trend, 0.005). Other dietary patterns (Westernised and traditional Japanese) were not associated with suicide risk.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that a prudent dietary pattern may be associated with a decreased risk of death from suicide.
Post-traumatic stress reactions in survivors of the 2011 massacre on Utøya Island, Norway
Authors: Dyb Grete , Jensen Tine K. , Nygaard Egil , Ekeberg Øivind , Diseths Trond H. , Wentzel-Larsen Tore , Thoresen Siri
Published: October 2013

Background

Although youths in many countries have been exposed to terrorism, few studies have examined early risk and protective factors for the subsequent development of mental health problems.

Aims

To investigate the levels of post-traumatic stress in survivors of the 2011 massacre on Ut⊘ya Island compared with the general population in Norway, and to identify predictive factors.

Method

Four hundred and ninety survivors were invited to participate. Structured face-to-face interviews were performed 4–5 months after the attack.

Results

There were 325 study participants (response rate 66%). Survivors had been highly exposed to danger and loss. Post-traumatic stress levels were more than six times higher in survivors than in the general population. Predictors were female gender, minority ethnic status, high level of trauma exposure, pain, the loss of someone close and social support.

Conclusions

Survivor characteristics that can be assessed in the early aftermath of a terrorist attack strongly predict the subsequent mental health problems of exposed youths. The highly elevated symptoms observed were largely attributable to the traumatic experience and reflect the mental health costs of the terrorist attack.
USE OF ANTIPLATELET AGENTS FOR THE PREVENTION OF FIRST AND RECURRENT STROKE
Authors: Gorelick Philip B.
Published: October 2013

Antiplatelet agents are an important component of the neurologist's armamentarium for stroke prevention. This chapter reviews major antiplatelet agents that are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for stroke prevention. The discussion focuses primarily on the efficacy, safety, and cost of the following agents in recurrent stroke prevention: aspirin, aspirin plus extended-release dipyridamole, clopidogrel, and ticlopidine. The use of aspirin in prevention of a first stroke will also be discussed as will the concepts of aspirin "resistance" and "failure."
ORGANIZING A HOSPITAL SYSTEM FOR EFFECTIVE STROKE PREVENTION
Authors: Ruland Sean D.
Published: October 2013

Over the past few decades, many new discoveries in the field of stroke have led to a substantial expansion of evidence-based guidelines for stroke care. Examples such as acute reperfusion therapy for ischemic stroke, warfarin for atrial fibrillation, carotid endarterectomy for symptomatic and asymptomatic disease, endovascular treatments, antithrombotic therapy, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, blood pressure control, and rehabilitative techniques have focused attention on the stroke care delivery system in the United States and elsewhere. Despite the advances and existing guidelines, many authors have suggested that evidence-based stroke treatments are underused. Quality indicator identification, proposed legislation, stroke care delivery system development, and continuing research efforts are aimed at defining quality stroke care and improving its access and delivery.
Ni-Catalyzed Three-component Coupling Reaction of Conjugated Enyne, Carbonyls, and Dimethylzinc to Construct Allenyl Alcohols
Authors: Mori Yasuyuki , Onodera Gen , Kimura Masanari
Published: October 2013

Nickel catalyzes the three-component coupling reaction of dimethylzinc, enyne, and carbonyls to provide tetrasubstituted allenyl alcohols. Diethylzinc and diphenylzinc can participate in similar coupling reactions to provide the corresponding allenyl alcohols in reasonable yields.
Word-of-Mouth Communication and Percolation in Social Networks
Authors: Campbell Arthur
Published: October 2013

This paper develops a model of demand, pricing and advertising in the presence of social learning via word-of-mouth communication between friends. In the model consumers must receive information about a monopolist's product in order to consider purchasing it. The presence of word-of-mouth is not sufficient for demand to be more elastic and prices to be lower compared to an informed population. I derive the comparative static results of connectivity, mean-preserving spread of friendships, and clustering of friends on prices. The optimal targets for advertising are not, generically, the individuals with the most friends. (JEL L12, L14)
The Nature of Risk Preferences: Evidence from Insurance Choices
Authors: Barseghyan Levon , Molinari Francesca , O'Donoghue Ted , Teitelbaum Joshua C
Published: October 2013

We use data on insurance deductible choices to estimate a structural model of risky choice that incorporates “standard” risk aversion (diminishing marginal utility for wealth) and probability distortions. We find that probability distortions—characterized by substantial overweighting of small probabilities and only mild insensitivity to probability changes—play an important role in explaining the aversion to risk manifested in deductible choices. This finding is robust to allowing for observed and unobserved heterogeneity in preferences. We demonstrate that neither Kőszegi-Rabin loss aversion alone nor Gul disappointment aversion alone can explain our estimated probability distortions, signifying a key role for probability weighting. (JEL D14, D81, G22)
Surplus Maximization and Optimality
Authors: Schlee Edward E
Published: October 2013

Expected consumer's surplus rarely represents preferences over price lotteries. Still, I give sufficient conditions for policies which maximize aggregate expected surplus to be interim Pareto Optimal. Besides two standard partial equilibrium conditions, I assume that feasible prices satisfy a single-crossing property; and each consumer's indirect utility satisfies increasing differences in the price and income. I use the result to extend well-known welfare conclusions beyond the knife-edge quasilinear utility case. Since increasing differences puts no upper bound on risk aversion, the result is useful for applications in which risk aversion is important. (JEL D11, D24, D42, D81, D83, L42)
Estratégia Híbrida e Oligopólios: Um Estudo da Indústria do Alumínio
Authors: De Moraes Cláudio Alberto , Toledo Luciano Augusto
Published: October 2013

O estudo investigou as atividades de Estratégia Híbrida no oligopólio da produção de alumínio no Brasil. A pesquisa envolveu cinco produtores de alumínio com expressiva atuação no mercado. Por meio de análise fatorial identificou-se o perfil das estratégias genéricas das empresas, destacando-se as estratégias híbridas, Puras de diferenciação, diferenciação com foco e de liderança de custos. As principais ações de Estratégia Híbrida também foram identificadas e hierarquizadas, junto a três dos cinco produtores. Finalmente, é de surpreender o fato de apenas uma empresa (Alfa) estar praticando a estratégia pura de liderança de custo
Ecological features of titica vine (Heteropsis flexuosa (Kunth) GS Bunting) in Rondônia State, Northwest Brazilian Amazon
Authors: GAMA MICHELLINY M. BENTES , VIEIRA ABADIO H. , ROCHA RODRIGO B.
Published: October 2013

The aim of this study was to characterize the forest structure with H. flexuosa in Rondônia State, as a first step in developing sustainable harvest and conservation guidelines for the species. Crown attributes, total height (m) and diameter at breast height ≥ 10 (cm) of trees and palms with H. flexuosa were evaluated in three permanent plots (100 m x 150 m each) randomized in 219 ha. A total of 22 botanical families hosted H. flexuosa. It was not observed any specific preference for the species standing up itself. Nevertheless it was frequently associated to Burseraceae, Leguminosae, Sapotaceae, Annonaceae, Chrysobalanaceae, Apocynaceae, Moraceae and Myristicaceae and species with thick bark like Schweilera coriacea, Protium sp. and Licania membranaceae. The species was less frequent with taller and broader trees and tended to develop in understory light condition. Trunks or branches were the main position for the attaching of H. flexuosa (90.83%) and a low frequency of other lianas was observed on the same host trees. These highlight the need to promote appropriate management practices for root harvesting and species conservation in order to maintain the species in open ombrophylus forest habitat.
Centrifuge modelling of active slide–pipeline loading in soft clay
Authors: SAHDI F. , GAUDIN C. , WHITE D.J. , BOYLAN N. , RANDOLPH M.F.
Published: October 2013

Submarine slides are a significant hazard to the safe operation of pipelines in the proximity of continental slopes. This paper describes the results of a centrifuge testing programme aimed at studying the impact forces exerted by a submarine slide on an offshore pipeline. This was achieved by dragging a model pipe at varying velocities through fine-grained soil at various degrees of consolidation, hence exhibiting properties spanning from the fluid to the geotechnical domains, relevant to the state of submarine slide material. To simulate the high strain rates experienced by the soil while flowing around a pipe in the path of a submarine slide, tests were conducted at pipe–soil velocities of up to 4·2 m/s. The changing density and shear strength of the samples were back-calculated from T-bar penetrometer test results. A hybrid approach combining geotechnical and fluid-mechanics-based components of horizontal drag resistance was developed. This approach provides an improved method to link the density and strength of the slide material to the force applied on the pipe. Besides fitting the present observations, the method provides an improved reinterpretation of similar data from the literature.
Alternative Complement Pathway Activation Products in Urine and Kidneys of Patients with ANCA-Associated GN
Authors: Gou Shen-Ju , Yuan Jun , Wang Chen , Zhao Ming-Hui , Chen Min
Published: October 2013

Background and objectives

Previous study revealed that complement activation products of the alternative pathway could be detected in renal specimens of human ANCA-associated vasculitis. The current study aimed to investigate the clinical and pathologic significance of complement activation products in the urine and kidneys of patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Renal biopsy specimens from 29 patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis diagnosed at Peking University First Hospital from January of 2008 to December of 2010 were randomly collected. Urine samples from 27 of 29 patients in active stage and 22 ANCA-associated vasculitis patients in complete remission who were independent of the above-mentioned 29 patients were collected. Urine samples from 28 patients with lupus nephritis and 25 healthy individuals were also collected. The renal deposition of Bb, C3d, and C5b-9 were detected by immunohistochemistry. The urinary levels of Bb, C3a, C5a, and soluble C5b-9 were determined by ELISA.

Results

The deposition, measured by the mean optical density of Bb, which is an alternative complement pathway marker, in glomeruli correlated with the proportion of total crescents (r=0.50, P=0.006), the extent of interstitial infiltrate (r=0.59, P=0.001), interstitial fibrosis (r=0.45, P=0.01), and tubular atrophy (r=0.55, P=0.002), whereas it correlated inversely with the proportion of normal glomeruli (r=−0.49, P=0.008). The urinary levels of Bb, C3a, C5a, and soluble C5b-9 were all significantly higher in active compared with remission stage. The urinary levels of Bb in patients with active ANCA-associated vasculitis correlated with the serum creatinine (r=0.56, P=0.002) and correlated inversely with the proportion of normal glomeruli in renal specimens (r=−0.49, P=0.009).

Conclusions

The present study provides additional evidence that complement activation through the alternative pathway occurred in the development of ANCA-associated vasculitis. The renal deposition of Bb and urinary Bb levels were associated with the severity of renal injury.
Selection and Treatment of Data for Radiocarbon Calibration: An Update to the International Calibration (IntCal) Criteria
Authors: Reimer Paula J , Bard Edouard , Bayliss Alex , Beck J Warren , Blackwell Paul G , Ramsey Christopher Bronk , Brown David M , Buck Caitlin E , Edwards R Lawrence , Friedrich Michael , Grootes Pieter M , Guilderson Thomas P , Haflidason Haflidi , Hajdas Irka , Hatté Christine , Heaton Timothy J , Hogg Alan G , Hughen Konrad A , Kaiser K Felix , Kromer Bernd , Manning Sturt W , Reimer Ron W , Richards David A , Scott E Marian , Southon John R , Turney Christian S M , van der Plicht Johannes
Published: October 2013

High-quality data from appropriate archives are needed for the continuing improvement of radiocarbon calibration curves. We discuss here the basic assumptions behind 14C dating that necessitate calibration and the relative strengths and weaknesses of archives from which calibration data are obtained. We also highlight the procedures, problems, and uncertainties involved in determining atmospheric and surface ocean 14C/12C in these archives, including a discussion of the various methods used to derive an independent absolute timescale and uncertainty. The types of data required for the current IntCal database and calibration curve model are tabulated with examples.
MgZnAl hydrotalcite-like compounds preparation by a green method: effect of zinc content
Authors: Sánchez-Cantú Manuel , Pérez-Díaz Lydia , Rubio-Rosas Efraín , Abril-Sandoval Victor , Merino-Aguirre Jorge , Reyes-Cruz Federico , Orea Laura
Published: October 2013

A series of MgZnAl hydrotalcite-like compounds with different zinc content (1–25 mass % of nominal zinc content) were prepared by a simple and environmentally-friendly method. The solids were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric (TG), nitrogen adsorption-desorption at −196°C (BET), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and CO2 temperature-programmed desorption (CO2-TPD). Transesterification of castor oil with methanol was selected as a probe reaction to stress the effect of zinc incorporation. From the XRD analysis of fresh samples it was demonstrated that the incorporation of zinc is feasible in the nominal range of 1–10 mass % while in the samples with higher zinc content, zinc nitrate and ZnO as secondary crystalline phases were observed. Furthermore, the analysis of samples calcined at 450°C indicated the coexistence of the ZnO and MgO crystalline phases. From the EDS and TG characterizations, the zinc percentage and thermal decomposition of the samples were determined. It was revealed that the samples exhibited the characteristic platy-like habit of hydrotalcite-like compounds. The BET analysis confirmed that the calcined samples presented an increment in their specific surface area values compared with the pristine ones. It was established that the amount of basic sites diminished with the zinc incorporation, which also affected the conversion degree of the transesterification reaction.
Efficient hydrolysis of glucose-1-phosphate catalyzed by metallomicelles with histidine residue
Authors: Liu Ying , Meng Xiang-Guang , Li Jian-Mei , Li Xiao-Hong , Yu Wei-Feng
Published: October 2013

Phosphate esters play an important role in genetic information transfer, cell signal transduction, energy transmission and metabolic processes of living beings. Efficient catalytic hydrolysis of phosphate esters is still an attractive and challenging problem. Here, a new 2-amino-N-dodecyl-3-(1H-imidazol-5-yl)propanamide (L2) surfactant was synthesized and its metallomicelles of La3+, Cu2+, Co2+, and Zn2+ complexes were used as mimic metalloenzymes to catalyze the hydrolysis of glucose-1-phosphate (G1P) in a buffer solution at 35°C. The metallomicelle systems can efficiently catalyze the hydrolysis of G1P. The rare-earth metallomicelle LaL2 has the highest catalytic activity compared with those of the transition metal micelles CuL2, CoL2, and ZnL2. Different association behaviors of metallomicelles and substrate G1P were proposed. The imidazole group might accelerate the hydrolysis by activating H2O associated with the metal into a metal-OH− group. A possible catalytic mechanism was also discussed.
Neuromuscular Training to Target Deficits Associated With Second Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury
Authors: Di Stasi Stephanie , Myer Gregory D. , Hewett Timothy E.
Published: October 2013

Synopsis

Successful return to previous level of activity following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is not guaranteed, and the prevalence of second ACL injury may be as high as 30%. In particular, younger athletes who return to sports activities within the first several months after ACL reconstruction may be at significantly greater risk of a second ACL rupture compared to older, less active individuals. Significant neuromuscular deficits and functional limitations are commonly identified in athletes following ACL reconstruction, and these abnormal movement and neuromuscular control profiles may be both residual of deficits existing prior to the initial injury and exacerbated by the injury and subsequent ACL reconstruction surgery. Following ACL reconstruction, neuromuscular deficits are present in both the surgical and nonsurgical limbs, and accurately predict second-ACL injury risk in adolescent athletes. While second ACL injury in highly active individuals may be predicated on a number of modifiable and nonmodifiable factors, clinicians have the greatest potential to address the modifiable postsurgical risk factors through targeted neuromuscular interventions. This manuscript will (1) summarize the neuromuscular deficits commonly identified at medical discharge to return to sport, (2) provide the evidence underlying second-ACL injury risk factors, (3) propose a method to assess the modifiable deficits related to second-ACL injury risk, and (4) outline a method of intervention to prevent second ACL injury. The program described in this clinical commentary was developed with consideration for the modifiable factors related to second-injury risk, the principles of motor learning, and careful selection of the exercises that may most effectively modify aberrant neuromuscular patterns. Future validation of this evidence-based, late-phase rehabilitation program may be a critical factor in maximizing return-to-activity success and reduction of second-injury risk in highly active individuals.

Level of Evidence

Therapy, level 5. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2013;43(11):777–792. Epub 10 October 2013. doi:10.2519/jospt.2013.4693