bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical impact of second opinion in thyroid fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC): A study of 922 interinstitutional consultations
Authors: Bajaj Jaya , Morgenstern Nora , Sugrue Chiara , Wasserman Jason , Wasserman Patricia
Published: September 2011

Interinstitutional consultation in pathology has shown to improve patient safety by detecting interpretive errors that may significantly impact clinical management. We conducted a study of 922 cases of thyroid FNAC slides, referred to our institution over a 2‐year period, to assess the magnitude of discrepancies and determine the clinical impact of second opinion. Disagreements were categorized as none, minor or major, the latter two defined as one‐ or two‐step deviations respectively on the NCI diagnostic categories scale. There were 122 disagreements (13%), including 44 major and 78 minor. Seventy‐five patients underwent a change in management based on second opinion, in conjunction with clinical and radiologic findings (age, size of nodule, family history, ultrasonographic appearance, and solitary versus multiple nodules). The second opinion was supported on follow‐up in 57% of major discrepancies, and the initial diagnosis was concurrent with the surgical diagnosis in 7% cases. The remainder (36%) of major discrepancy cases did not undergo surgery, precluding tissue confirmation. Critics have alleged increased costs due to interinstitutional consultations. However, cost avoidance from lost wages, potential surgical complications, and litigation is not easily quantified. Using a simplified calculation to objectively measure the costs associated with changed diagnoses, we estimate that second opinion of these 922 cases resulted in potential cost saving of $940,166 based on current Medicare reimbursement codes. Our study indicates the need for a quality‐control program of outside thyroid FNA slides, especially in “high discrepancy categories” as discussed in the article. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2011;. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Input–output energy analysis in pistachio production of Turkey
Authors: Külekçi Murat , Aksoy Adem
Published: September 2011

The purpose of this study is to determine the energy consumption of input and output used in pistachio production in Turkey. Data were collected from 147 pistachio farms in Gaziantep, Turkey by using a face‐to‐face questionnaire. The sample farms were selected through a stratified random sampling technique. The population investigated was divided into two strata based on the size of pistachio farms as 0.1–10.0 ha (98 farms) and larger than 10.1 ha (49 farms). The results revealed that 23,454.33 MJ ha−1 energy were consumed by first group and 20,473.06 MJ ha−1 second group of farms. The input–output ratio was 0.40 in the first stratum and 0.43 in the second stratum. The energy productivity was 0.02 for both groups of farm. The economic analyses showed that the profit–cost ratios of farms were 1.52 and 1.69, respectively. Net returns calculated were 1429.10 $ ha−1 and 1595.11 $ ha−1 in the farms investigated. Large farms were more successful in use efficiency and economic performance. It was concluded that energy management at farm level could be improved to provide more efficient and economic use of energy. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 32: 128–133, 2013.
Wet versus slurry carbonation of EAF steel slag
Authors: Baciocchi Renato , Costa Giulia , Di Bartolomeo Elisabetta , Polettini Alessandra , Pomi Raffaella
Published: September 2011

The CO2 uptake and Ca‐to‐carbonate conversion yield attained by wet and slurry‐phase carbonation of stainless steel slag are reported. A maximum CO2 uptake of 180 g CO2/kg slag was achieved under wet conditions (50 °C, 3 bar CO2, 0.4 l/kg), corresponding to a Ca‐to‐carbonate conversion yield of 50%. The slurry‐phase process, even when adopting more energy‐intensive operating conditions, did not improve the CO2 uptake kinetics and conversion yield in comparison to the wet treatment. The mineralogy of the carbonated slag exhibited a decreased content of silicate phases (Ca2SiO4 in particular), a marked reduction of Ca and Mg oxides, and a noteworthy increase of calcite. © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Regression of melanoma metastases after immunotherapy is associated with activation of antigen presentation and interferon‐mediated rejection genes
Authors: Carretero Rafael , Wang Ena , Rodriguez Ana I. , Reinboth Jennifer , Ascierto Maria L. , Engle Alyson M. , Liu Hui , Camacho Francisco M. , Marincola Francesco M. , Garrido Federico , Cabrera Teresa
Published: September 2011

We present the results of a comparative gene expression analysis of 15 metastases (10 regressing and 5 progressing) obtained from 2 melanoma patients with mixed response following different forms of immunotherapy. Whole genome transcriptional analysis clearly indicate that regression of melanoma metastases is due to an acute immune rejection mediated by the upregulation of genes involved in antigen presentation and interferon mediated response (STAT‐1/IRF‐1) in all the regressing metastases from both patients. In contrast, progressing metastases showed low transcription levels of genes involved in these pathways. Histological analysis showed T cells and HLA‐DR positive infiltrating cells in the regressing but not in the progressing metastases. Quantitative expression analysis of HLA‐A,B and C genes on microdisected tumoral regions indicate higher HLA expression in regressing than in progressing metastases. The molecular signature obtained in melanoma rejection appeared to be similar to that observed in other forms of immune‐mediated tissue‐specific rejection such as allograft, pathogen clearance, graft versus host or autoimmune disease, supporting the immunological constant of rejection. We favor the idea that the major factor determining the success or failure of immunotherapy is the nature of HLA Class I alterations in tumor cells and not the type of immunotherapy used. If the molecular alteration is reversible by the immunotherapy, the HLA expression will be upregulated and the lesion will be recognized and rejected. In contrast, if the defect is structural the MHC Class I expression will remain unchanged and the lesion will progress.
OTX2 directly activates cell cycle genes and inhibits differentiation in medulloblastoma cells
Authors: Bunt Jens , Hasselt Nancy E. , Zwijnenburg Danny A. , Hamdi Mohamed , Koster Jan , Versteeg Rogier , Kool Marcel
Published: September 2011

The transcription factor OTX2 has been implicated as an oncogene in medulloblastoma, which is the most common malignant brain tumor in children. It is highly expressed in most medulloblastomas and amplified in a subset of them. To study the role OTX2 has in medulloblastoma we investigated the downstream pathway of OTX2. We generated D425 medulloblastoma cells in which endogenous OTX2 can be silenced by inducible shRNA. Silencing of OTX2 strongly inhibited cell proliferation and resulted in a neuronal‐like differentiation. Expression profiling of time courses after silencing showed a progressive change in gene expression for many cellular processes. Downregulated genes were highly enriched for cell cycle and visual perception genes, while upregulated genes were enriched for genes involved in development and differentiation. This shift is reminiscent of expression changes described during normal cerebellum development where proliferating granule progenitor cells have high OTX2 expression, which diminishes when these cells exit the cell cycle and start to differentiate. ChIP‐on‐chip analyses of OTX2 in D425 cells identified cell cycle and perception genes as direct OTX2 targets, while regulation of most differentiation genes appeared to be indirect. The expression of many directly regulated genes correlated to OTX2 expression in primary tumors, suggesting the in vivo relevance of these genes and their potential as targets for therapeutic intervention. These analyses provide more insight in the molecular network of OTX2, demonstrating that OTX2 is essential in medulloblastoma and directly drives proliferation by regulation of cell cycle genes.
Failure in psychotherapy: an introduction
Authors: Lampropoulos Georgios K.
Published: September 2011

This article introduces an issue of the Journal of Clinical Psychology:In Session devoted to treatment failures in psychotherapy. In contrast to recent attention from the research perspective and cognitive‐behavioral orientation, this issue focuses on clinical material from multiple theoretical perspectives. This article provides an overview of some of the empirical and definitional issues on treatment failure and then outlines the five subsequent articles, each of which offers an interesting case illustration. The article concludes with several transtheoretical recommendations for reducing the incidence of therapeutic failures. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 67:1–3, 2011.
Morphological and functional diversity of the mandible in suckermouth armored catfishes (Siluriformes: Loricariidae)
Authors: Lujan Nathan K. , Armbruster Jonathan W.
Published: September 2011

We examined the mandibles of 377 individuals representing 25 species, 12 genera, 5 tribes, and 2 subfamilies of the Loricariidae, a species‐rich radiation of detritivorous–herbivorous neotropical freshwater fishes distinguished by having a ventral oral disk and jaws specialized for surface attachment and benthic feeding. Loricariid mandibles are transversely oriented and bilaterally independent, each rotating predominantly around its long axis, although rotational axes likely vary with mandibular geometry. On each mandible, we measured three traditional and three novel morphological parameters chosen primarily for their functional relevance. Five parameters were linear distances and three of these were analogous to traditional teleost in‐ and out‐levers for mandibular adduction. The sixth parameter was insertion area of the combined adductor mandibulae muscle (AMarea), which correlated with adductor mandibulae volume across a subset of taxa and is interpreted as being proportional to maximum force deliverable to the mandible. Multivariate analysis revealed distributions of phylogenetically diagnosed taxonomic groupings in mandibular morphospace that are consistent with an evolutionary pattern of basal niche conservatism giving rise to multiple adaptive radiations within nested clades. Correspondence between mandibular geometry and function was explored using a 3D model of spatial relationships among measured parameters, potential forces, and axes of rotation. By combining the model with known loricariid jaw kinematics, we developed explicit hypotheses for how individual parameters might relate to each other during kinesis. We hypothesize that the ratio [AMarea/tooth row length2] predicts interspecific variation in the magnitude of force entering the mandible per unit of substrate contacted during feeding. Other newly proposed metrics are hypothesized to predict variation in aspects of mandibular mechanical advantage that may be specific to Loricariidae and perhaps shared with other herbivorous and detritivorous fishes. 2011. © 2011Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Morphology, distribution, and evolution of apical structure of nematocysts in hexacorallia
Authors: Reft Abigail J. , Daly Marymegan
Published: September 2011

Cnidae are complex intracellular capsules made by all cnidarians. The most diverse of these capsules are nematocysts, which are made by all members of the phylum; spirocysts and ptychocysts are made only by members of some lineages, and they show less functional and structural diversity. In nematocysts, the apex has been shown to be either a hinged cap (operculum) or three flaps that flex outward during discharge. The operculum is known only from medusozoan nematocysts; flaps are known only from nematocysts of members of the hexacorallian order Actiniaria, although they have been inferred to be characteristic of Anthozoa, the group to which Actiniaria belongs. Using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, we discover a third apical morphology in nematocysts, an apical cap, which we find in all nonactiniarian anthozoans examined. This apical cap is identical structurally to the apical cap of spirocysts, and it resembles the apical structure of ptychocysts, whose apex is documented here for the first time. Additionally, a full survey of nematocysts from all body structures of two actiniarians demonstrates that a particular type of nematocyst, the microbasic p‐mastigophore of the mesenterial filaments, does not have apical flaps. The observed variation does not correspond to conventional categorization of capsule morphology and raises questions about the function and structure of capsules across Cnidaria. Despite some ambiguity in optimization of ancestral states across cnidae, we determine that the apical cap is the plesiomorphic structure for anthozoan cnidae and that apical flaps are a synapomorphy of Actiniaria. At present, the operculum is interpreted as a synapomorphy for Medusozoa, but either it or an apical cap is the ancestral state for nematocysts. J. Morphol. 273:121–136, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A hybrid method of application of independent component analysis to in vivo1H MR spectra of childhood brain tumours
Authors: Hao Jie , Zou Xin , Wilson Martin , Davies Nigel P. , Sun Yu , C. Peet Andrew , N. Arvanitis Theodoros
Published: September 2011

Independent component analysis (ICA) can automatically extract individual metabolite, macromolecular and lipid (MMLip) components from a series of in vivo MR spectra. The traditional feature extraction (FE)‐based ICA approach is limited, in that a large sample size is required and a combination of metabolite and MMLip components can appear in the same independent component. The alternative ICA approach, based on blind source separation (BSS), is weak when dealing with overlapping peaks. Combining the advantages of both BSS and FE methods may lead to better results. Thus, we propose an ICA approach involving a hybrid of the BSS and FE techniques for the automated decomposition of a series of MR spectra. Experiments were performed on synthesised and patient in vivo childhood brain tumour MR spectra datasets. The hybrid ICA method showed an improvement in the decomposition ability compared with BSS‐ICA or FE‐ICA, with an increased correlation between the independent components and simulated metabolite and MMLip signals. Furthermore, we were able to automatically extract metabolites from the patient MR spectra dataset that were not in commonly used basis sets (e.g. guanidinoacetate). Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A branch‐and‐cut algorithm for the preemptive swapping problem
Authors: Bordenave Charles , Gendreau Michel , Laporte G.
Published: September 2011

In the swapping problem (SP), every vertex of a complete graph may supply and demand an object of a known type. A vehicle of unit capacity starting and ending its tour at an arbitrary vertex is available for carrying objects of given types between vertices. The SP consists of determining a minimum cost route that allows the vehicle to satisfy every supply and demand. This article investigates the preemptive version of the SP in which the objects are allowed to be dropped at temporary locations along the route. The problem is modeled as a mixed integer linear program which is solved by branch‐and‐cut. Computational results on random geometric instances containing up to 100 vertices and eight object types are reported. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2011
Measuring strategic performance
Authors: Chakravarthy Balaji S.
Published: September 2011

This paper demonstrates the inadequacy of traditional measures, that are based on a firm's profitability, for evaluating its strategic performance. Two other measures, one that attempts to assess the quality of a firm's transformations (and not merely its outcomes) and the other that attempts to measure the satisfaction of all of the firm's stakeholders (and not merely its stockholders), are shown here to be important discriminators of strategic performance. The performances of seven ‘excellent’ firms from the computer industry, featured in the recent book by Peters and Waterman, are contrasted with that of seven ‘non‐excellent’ firms from the same industry, to develop a framework for measuring strategic performance.
The learning curve, diffusion, and competitive strategy
Authors: Lieberman Marvin B.
Published: September 2011

This paper explores the implications of the learning curve for competitive strategy under a range of assumptions regarding competition and the nature of the learning process. A game‐theoretic model is used to examine how the learning rate and information diffusion affect entry barriers, profits, and price dynamics.
The relationship between growth, profitability, and firm value
Authors: Varaiya Nikhil , Kerin Roger A. , Weeks David
Published: September 2011

This research examined predictions drawn from value‐based planning models. Results indicate that profitability and growth do influence shareholder value in the manner predicted; however, the relationships are conditional. This study also shows that, the market‐to‐book value of equity ratio and Tobin's q‐ratio are theoretically and empirically, equivalent measures of value creation.
Research notes and communications: Characteristics distinguishing funded from unfunded business plans evaluated by venture capitalists
Authors: Macmillan Ian C. , Narasimha P. N. Subba
Published: September 2011

Business plans that were funded by venture capitalists were compared to unfunded plans. Comparisons on the basis of plan structure, plan organization, and financial projections indicate that plans which deviate too far from the norm of the variables studied tend to go unfunded. Implications for plan preparation are discussed.
Resistant starch and thermal, morphological and textural properties of heat‐moisture treated rice starches with high‐, medium‐ and low‐amylose content
Authors: da Rosa Zavareze Elessandra , Mello El Halal Shanise L. , de los Santos Diego G. , Helbig Elizabete , Pereira Juliane Mascarenhas , Guerra Dias Alvaro R.
Published: September 2011

This study investigated the effects of heat‐moisture treatment (HMT) on the resistant starch content and thermal, morphological, and textural properties of rice starches with high‐, medium‐ and low‐amylose content. The starches were adjusted to 15, 20 and 25% moisture levels and heated at 110°C for 1 h. The HMT increased the resistant starch content in all of the rice starches. HMT increased the onset temperature and the gelatinisation temperature range (Tfinish–Tonset) and decreased the enthalpy of gelatinisation of rice starches with different amylose contents. This reduction increased with the increase in the moisture content of HMT. The morphology of rice starch granules was altered with the HMT; the granules presented more agglomerated surface. The HMT affected the textural parameters of rice starches; the high‐ and low‐amylose rice starches subjected to 15 and 20% HMT possessed higher gel hardness.
Risk Factors and Outcome of Intra‐abdominal Hypertension in Patients with Severe Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Ke Lu , Ni Hai‐bin , Sun Jia‐kui , Tong Zhi‐hui , Li Wei‐qin , Li Ning , Li Jie‐shou
Published: September 2011

Background

Intra‐abdominal hypertension (IAH) is common in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). The aim of the present study was to investigate the risk factors of IAH in SAP patients and assess the prognosis of SAP combined with IAH.

Methods

To analyze the data from patients with SAP, both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied, using 16 indices, including age, gender, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores (APACHE II), 24 h fluid balance, hematocrit, serum calcium level, and so on. Clinical prognosis such as mortality, hospital duration, of SAP patients with or without IAH was also compared.

Results

First 24 h fluid balance (Odds Ratio [OR], 1.003; 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 1.001–1.006), number of fluid collections (OR, 1.652; 95% CI, 1.023–2.956), and serum calcium level (OR, 0.132; 95% CI, 0.012–0.775) were found to be independent risk factors for IAH in patients with SAP. Moreover, patients with SAP and IAH had significantly longer average length of stay, both in the hospital and in the intensive care unit, higher rates of systemic and local complications, and more invasive treatments.

Conclusions

The significant risk factors for IAH in patients with SAP include 24 h fluid balance (first day), number of fluid collections, and serum calcium level. Additionally, IAH is associated with extremely poor prognosis, evidenced by high rates of mortality, morbidity, and the need for invasive interventions.
Surgery, Public Health, and Pakistan
Authors: Zafar Syed Nabeel , McQueen K. A. Kelly
Published: September 2011

Background

Surgical healthcare is rapidly gaining recognition as a major public health issue. Surgical disparities are large, with poorest populations receiving the least amount of emergency and essential surgical care. In light of recent evidence, developing countries, such as Pakistan, must acknowledge surgical disease as a major public health issue and prioritize research and intervention accordingly.

Methods

We review information from various sources and describe the current situation of surgical health care in Pakistan and highlight areas of neglect.

Results

Pakistan suffers an annual deficit of 17 million surgeries. Surgical disease kills more people than infectious diseases inclusive of tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, diarrheal disease, and childhood infections. The incidence of trauma and maternal mortality ratio are staggeringly high. There is a severe dearth of surgical and anesthesia‐related epidemiological data. Important information that would help to drive policy and planning is not available. Corruption and neglect have led to a dilapidated health care infrastructure. Surgical care is largely inaccessible to the poor, especially those living in rural areas. The country faces a dearth of healthcare professionals, especially paramedics, anesthetists, and surgeons. Unsafe surgery and anesthesia poses a significant risk to patients. There is no national policy on surgical illness and the preventive aspects of surgery are nonexistent.

Conclusions

Consistent with other underdeveloped countries, surgical care in Pakistan is dismal. Neglecting surgery and safe anesthesia has led to countless deaths and disability. Physicians, researchers, policy makers, and the government health care system must engage and commit to provide access to emergency, essential, and safe surgical care.
Pore-scale mass and reactant transport in multiphase porous media flows
Authors: Parmigiani A. , Huber C. , Bachmann O. , Chopard B.
Published: September 2011

Reactive processes associated with multiphase flows play a significant role in mass transport in unsaturated porous media. For example, the effect of reactions on the solid matrix can affect the formation and stability of fingering instabilities associated with the invasion of a buoyant non-wetting fluid. In this study, we focus on the formation and stability of capillary channels of a buoyant non-wetting fluid (developed because of capillary instabilities) and their impact on the transport and distribution of a reactant in the porous medium. We use a combination of pore-scale numerical calculations based on a multiphase reactive lattice Boltzmann model (LBM) and scaling laws to quantify (i) the effect of dissolution on the preservation of capillary instabilities, (ii) the penetration depth of reaction beyond the dissolution/melting front, and (iii) the temporal and spatial distribution of dissolution/melting under different conditions (concentration of reactant in the non-wetting fluid, injection rate). Our results show that, even for tortuous non-wetting fluid channels, simple scaling laws assuming an axisymmetrical annular flow can explain (i) the exponential decay of reactant along capillary channels, (ii) the dependence of the penetration depth of reactant on a local Péclet number (using the non-wetting fluid velocity in the channel) and more qualitatively (iii) the importance of the melting/reaction efficiency on the stability of non-wetting fluid channels. Our numerical method allows us to study the feedbacks between the immiscible multiphase fluid flow and a dynamically evolving porous matrix (dissolution or melting) which is an essential component of reactive transport in porous media.
Oral inoculation of probioticsLactobacillus acidophilusNCFM suppresses tumour growth both in segmental orthotopic colon cancer and extra-intestinal tissue
Authors: Chen Chien-Chang , Lin Wei-Chuan , Kong Man-Shan , Shi Hai Ning , Walker W. Allan , Lin Chun-Yen , Huang Ching-Tai , Lin Yung-Chang , Jung Shih-Ming , Lin Tzou-Yien
Published: September 2011

Modulation of the cellular response by the administration of probiotic bacteria may be an effective strategy for preventing or inhibiting tumour growth. We orally pre-inoculated mice with probioticsLactobacillus acidophilusNCFM (La) for 14 d. Subcutaneous dorsal-flank tumours and segmental orthotopic colon cancers were implanted into mice using CT-26 murine colon adenocarcinoma cells. On day 28 after tumour initiation, the lamina propria of the colon, mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) and spleen were harvested and purified for flow cytometry and mRNA analyses. We demonstrated thatLapre-inoculation reduced tumour volume growth by 50·3 %, compared with untreated mice at 28 d after tumour implants (2465·5 (sem1290·4)v. 4950·9 (sem1689·3) mm3,P < 0·001). Inoculation withLareduced the severity of colonic carcinogenesis caused by CT-26 cells, such as level of colonic involvement and structural abnormality of epithelial/crypt damage. Moreover,Laenhanced apoptosis of CT-26 cells both in dorsal-flank tumour and segmental orthotopic colon cancer, and the mean counts of apoptotic body were higher in mice pre-inoculated withLa(P < 0·05) compared with untreated mice.Lapre-inoculation down-regulated the CXCR4 mRNA expressions in the colon, MLN and extra-intestinal tissue, compared with untreated mice (P < 0·05). In addition,Lapre-inoculation reduced the mean fluorescence index of MHC class I (H-2Dd, -Kd and -Ld) in flow cytometry analysis. Taken together, these findings suggest that probioticsLamay play a role in attenuating tumour growth during CT-26 cell carcinogenesis. The down-regulated expression of CXCR4 mRNA and MHC class I, as well as increasing apoptosis in tumour tissue, indicated thatLamay be associated with modulating the cellular response triggered by colon carcinogenesis.
Influence of cow or goat milk consumption on antioxidant defence and lipid peroxidation during chronic iron repletion
Authors: Díaz-Castro Javier , Pérez-Sánchez Luis J. , Ramírez López-Frías Mercedes , López-Aliaga Inmaculada , Nestares Teresa , Alférez María J. M. , Ojeda M. Luisa , Campos Margarita S.
Published: September 2011

Despite Fe deficiency and overload having been widely studied, no studies are available about the influence of milk consumption on antioxidant defence and lipid peroxidation during the course of these highly prevalent cases. The objective of the present study was to assess the influence of cow or goat milk-based diets, either with normal or Fe-overload, on antioxidant defence and lipid peroxidation in the liver, brain and erythrocytes of control and anaemic rats after chronic Fe repletion. Weanling male rats were randomly divided into two groups: a control group receiving a normal-Fe diet (45 mg/kg) and an anaemic group receiving a low-Fe diet (5 mg/kg) for 40 d. Control and anaemic rats were fed goat or cow milk-based diets, either with normal Fe or Fe-overload (450 mg/kg), for 30 or 50 d. Fe-deficiency anaemia did not have any effect on antioxidant enzymes or lipid peroxidation in the organs studied. During chronic Fe repletion, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was higher in the group of animals fed the cow milk diet compared with the group consuming goat milk. The slight modification of catalase and glutathione peroxidise activities in animals fed the cow milk-based diet reveals that these enzymes are unable to neutralise and scavenge the high generation of free radicals produced. The animals fed the cow milk diet showed higher rates of lipid peroxidation compared with those receiving the goat milk diet, which directly correlated with the increase in SOD activity. It was concluded that goat milk has positive effects on antioxidant defence, even in a situation of Fe overload, limiting lipid peroxidation.
A magnetically tapered plasma density for overcoming electron dephasing
Authors: WANG C. M.
Published: September 2011

One of the main limitations of energy gain in laser wakefield accelerators is the electron dephasing, In order to resolve the dephasing problem, a tapered plasma channel is proposed and tested numerically. The tapered density is created by means of a laser heating, combining an axially increased external magnetic field. The locally strong magnetic field prevents the thermal energy transport crossing the field lines, and leads to a pressure buildup. The pressure gradient expels the plasma radially and tapers the density axially. A tapered plasma with a density contrast of 2.2 within a 6-cm channel is established. Propagating in the tapered plasma channel, the energy of an accelerated electron is expected to be enhanced greatly.
Cost-effectiveness of a lifestyle intervention in preventing Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Irvine Lisa , Barton Garry R. , Gasper Amy V. , Murray Nikki , Clark Allan , Scarpello Tracey , Sampson Mike
Published: September 2011

Objectives: Previous research has suggested people with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) are less likely to develop Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) if they receive prolonged structured diet and exercise advice. This study examined the within-trial cost-effectiveness of such lifestyle interventions.

Methods: Screen-detected participants with either newly diagnosed T2DM or IFG were randomized 2:1 to intervention versus control (usual care) between February and December 2009, in Norfolk (UK). The intervention consisted of group based education, physiotherapy and peer support sessions, plus telephone contacts from T2DM volunteers. We monitored healthcare resource use, intervention costs, and quality of life (EQ-5D). The incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gain (incremental cost effectiveness ratio [ICER]), and cost effectiveness acceptability curves (CEAC) were estimated.

Results: In total, 177 participants were recruited (118 intervention, 59 controls), with a mean follow-up of 7 months. Excluding screening and recruitment costs, the mean cost was estimated to be £551 per participant in the intervention arm, compared with £325 in the control arm. The QALY gains were –0.001 and –0.004, respectively. The intervention was estimated to have an ICER of £67,184 per QALY (16 percent probability of being cost-effective at the £20,000/QALY threshold). Cost-effectiveness estimates were more favorable for IFG participants and those with longer follow-up (≥4 months) (ICERs of £20,620 and £17,075 per QALY, respectively).

Conclusions: Group sessions to prevent T2DM were not estimated to be within current limits of cost-effectiveness. However, there was a large degree of uncertainty surrounding these estimates, suggesting the need for further research.
Measuring compliance with the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative
Authors: Haiek Laura N
Published: September 2011

Objective

The WHO/UNICEF Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) is an effective strategy to increase breast-feeding exclusivity and duration but many countries have been slow to implement it. The present paper describes the development of a computer-based instrument that measures policies and practices outlined in the BFHI.

Design

The tool uses clinical staff/managers’ and pregnant women/mothers’ opinions as well as maternity unit observations to assess compliance with the BFHI's Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding (Ten Steps) and the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes (Code) by measuring the extent of implementation of two to fourteen indicators for each step and the Code. Composite scores are used to summarize results.

Setting

Examples of results from a 2007 assessment performed in nine hospitals in the province of Québec are presented to illustrate the type of information returned to individual hospitals and health authorities.

Subjects

Participants included nine to fifteen staff/managers per hospital randomly selected among those present during the interviewer-observer's 12 h hospital visit and nine to forty-five breast-feeding mothers per hospital telephoned at home after being randomly selected from birth certificates.

Results

The Ten Steps Global Compliance Score for the nine hospitals varied between 2·87 and 6·51 (range 0–10, mean 5·06) whereas the Code Global Compliance Score varied between 0·58 and 1 (range 0–1, mean 0·83). Instrument development, examples of assessment results and potential applications are discussed.

Conclusions

A methodology to measure BFHI compliance may help support the implementation of this effective intervention and contribute to improved maternal and child health.
Gender differences in public beliefs and attitudes about mental disorder in western countries: A systematic review of population studies
Authors: Holzinger A. , Floris F. , Schomerus G. , Carta M. G. , Angermeyer M. C.
Published: September 2011

Aims.

While quite a number of theories and hypotheses about gender differences in public beliefs and attitudes about mental illness have been proposed, the empirical evidence, particularly evidence based on population studies, is rather scarce.

Methods.

A systematic review of population-based studies providing information on gender differences in beliefs about mental disorders and attitudes towards the mentally ill was carried out.

Results.

While both genders are no different in their willingness to seek informal help for mental illness, women seem more ready to recommend professional help than men. They also evaluate treatment outcomes more favourably. Women are more likely to endorse psychosocial conceptualizations of mental illness than men, and, in consequence, are more in favour of psychotherapy. With a few exceptions, women do not seem to display more favourable attitudes than men towards people with mental disorder. Female patients seem to be rejected by the public less than male patients.

Conclusions.

Our review suggests that gender matters in public beliefs and attitudes about mental illness. Some theoretical assumptions are supported by empirical findings, others not. However, as evidence is rather scarce, further studies testing theory-driven hypotheses are needed.
Lung health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders: breathing easy is not so easy
Authors: O'Grady Kerry-Ann F. , Revell Amber , Maguire Graeme P. , Millonig Renate , Newman Michael A. , Reid David W. , Hill Deborah C. , Chang Anne B.
Published: September 2011

Objectives. In Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Queensland, to (a) determine the disease burden of common chronic lung diseases and (b) identify areas of need with respect to lung health services. Methods. Literature reviews and analyses of hospitalisation and mortality data were used to describe disease epidemiology and available programs and services. Key stakeholder interviews and an online survey of health professionals were used to evaluate lung health services across the state and to identify services, needs and gaps. Results. Morbidity and mortality from respiratory diseases in the Indigenous population is substantially higher than the non-Indigenous population across all age groups and regions. There are inadequate clinical services and resources to address disease prevention, detection, intervention and management in an evidence-based and culturally acceptable fashion. There is a lack of culturally appropriate educational resources and management programs, insufficient access to appropriately engaged Indigenous health professionals, a lack of multi-disciplinary specialist outreach teams, fragmented information systems and inadequate coordination of care. Conclusions. Major initiatives are required at all levels of the healthcare system to adequately address service provision for Indigenous Queenslanders with lung diseases, including high quality research to investigate the causes for poor lung health, which are likely to be multifactorial. What is known about the topic? Chronic diseases, including lung disease contribute to, and influence outcomes of, the well-known health and socioeconomic disadvantage among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. Nationwide, the most common reason for hospitalisation of Indigenous Australians is for lung diseases (after renal dialysis). What does this paper add? There is currently no state- or nation-wide comprehensive review of chronic lung disease burden and the health services available to prevent, treat and manage lung disease. This review fills this gap in Queensland and has found that chronic lung disease burden is not homogenous. There are substantial gaps in, and barriers to, the provision of high quality, evidence based services and a paucity of well-designed research to inform policy and health service delivery. What are the implications for practitioners? Evidence-based strategies are needed at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels of the healthcare system. Fourteen recommendations relevant to practitioners and policy makers were formulated.
Leaf stripe form of esca induces alteration of photosynthesis and defence reactions in presymptomatic leaves
Authors: Magnin-Robert Maryline , Letousey Patricia , Spagnolo Alessandro , Rabenoelina Fanja , Jacquens Lucile , Mercier Laurence , Clément Christophe , Fontaine Florence
Published: September 2011

Esca is a destructive disease in grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.) caused by at least three fungi and characterised by two different external symptoms, the apoplectic and leaf stripe form. This latter form can be discerned as soon as symptoms become visible, but the preceding discrete signs during incubation are poorly or not understood. To further understand the development of the leaf stripe form, the period preceding and following the appearance of symptoms was investigated by studying physiological and molecular markers associated with photosynthetic mechanisms and stress response. No perturbation of any targeted metabolism was observed in asymptomatic leaves of asymptomatic canes from vines showing the leaf stripe form of esca. Conversely, drastic alterations of photosynthesis functions were registered in presymptomatic leaves, as revealed by the decrease of gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence, and the repression of photosynthesis-related genes. These alterations were amplified during symptom development. Expression of defence-related genes was affected and detected early in presymptomatic leaves and amplified during symptom expression. Our results suggest that grapevines may react precociously by reducing photosynthesis and triggering defence mechanisms in response to the leaf stripe form of esca.
Kaindipsocinae is a sister taxon to the rest of Psocidae (Insecta:Psocodea:'Psocoptera'
Authors: Yoshizawa Kazunori , Bess Emilie , Johnson Kevin P.
Published: September 2011

The systematic status of Kaindipsocinae (formerly Kaindipsocini) is revised based on morphology of the male terminalia and on molecular data. The genera Clematostigma, Lasiopsocus and Tanystigma are newly assigned to this subfamily. The ‘Blaste’ lunulata species-group is also placed within Kaindipsocinae and is probably closest to Kaindipsocus. Both morphological and molecular data provide strong support for monophyly of Kaindipsocinae and molecular data support a sister relationship between this subfamily and the rest of Psocidae.
Conformational trapping of Mismatch Recognition Complex MSH2/MSH3 on repair-resistant DNA loops
Authors: Lang Walter H. , Coats Julie E. , Majka Jerzy , Hura Greg L. , Lin Yuyen , Rasnik Ivan , McMurray Cynthia T.
Published: September 2011

Insertion and deletion of small heteroduplex loops are common mutations in DNA, but why some loops are prone to mutation and others are efficiently repaired is unknown. Here we report that the mismatch recognition complex, MSH2/MSH3, discriminates between a repair-competent and a repair-resistant loop by sensing the conformational dynamics of their junctions. MSH2/MSH3 binds, bends, and dissociates from repair-competent loops to signal downstream repair. Repair-resistant Cytosine-Adenine-Guanine (CAG) loops adopt a unique DNA junction that traps nucleotide-bound MSH2/MSH3, and inhibits its dissociation from the DNA. We envision that junction dynamics is an active participant and a conformational regulator of repair signaling, and governs whether a loop is removed by MSH2/MSH3 or escapes to become a precursor for mutation.
Historical Obstacles to the Development of a Bourgeoisie in Iran
Authors: Ashraf Ahmad
Published: September 2011

The processes of development in the “Third World” are of great concern to historical sociologists and economic historians. However, despite the great interest displayed by the founding fathers of sociology in the nineteenth century in similar questions, and despite their historical orientation and liking of historical periodization, present day sociologists tend to be uninterested in both this subject matter and this orientation. In this respect they have lagged behind economists interested in questions of development and economic historians.

Following in Marx & Weber's tradition of social-economic science the objective of this paper is to demonstrate the importance of historical analysis for a deeper understanding of the problem of economic development. From the outset tha basic question will be the proper use of history to construct the historical processes of development both in the past and the future.
Aversive olfactory learning and associative long-term memory in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Amano Hisayuki , Maruyama Ichiro N.
Published: September 2011

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) adult hermaphrodite has 302 invariant neurons and is suited for cellular and molecular studies on complex behaviors including learning and memory. Here, we have developed protocols for classical conditioning of worms with 1-propanol, as a conditioned stimulus (CS), and hydrochloride (HCl) (pH 4.0), as an unconditioned stimulus (US). Before the conditioning, worms were attracted to 1-propanol and avoided HCl in chemotaxis assay. In contrast, after massed or spaced training, worms were either not attracted at all to or repelled from 1-propanol on the assay plate. The memory after the spaced training was retained for 24 h, while the memory after the massed training was no longer observable within 3 h. Worms pretreated with transcription and translation inhibitors failed to form the memory by the spaced training, whereas the memory after the massed training was not significantly affected by the inhibitors and was sensitive to cold-shock anesthesia. Therefore, the memories after the spaced and massed trainings can be classified as long-term memory (LTM) and short-term/middle-term memory (STM/MTM), respectively. Consistently, like other organisms including Aplysia, Drosophila, and mice, C. elegans mutants defective in nmr-1 encoding an NMDA receptor subunit failed to form both LTM and STM/MTM, while mutations in crh-1 encoding the CREB transcription factor affected only the LTM.
Efficiency of diversion of the first aliquot of blood and prestorage leukoreduction for preventing bacterial contamination in red blood cell concentrates assessed using a rapid polymerase chain reaction‐based bacterial detection system
Authors: Nakamura A. , Abe K. , Masuya M. , Imai S. , Ohishi K. , Mori Y. , Kojima T. , Wada H. , Katayama N. , Nobori T.
Published: September 2011

Objectives: Sepsis caused by the bacterial contamination of blood products is a major infection risk associated with blood transfusion. Diversion of the initial 25 mL of blood and prestorage leukoreduction were implemented in Japan in 2007 for all donated blood products. We assessed the efficacy of these new collection procedures in preventing bacterial contamination of red blood cell (RBC) concentrates.

Methods: Broad‐range 16S ribosomal RNA polymerase chain reaction was used to determine bacterial contamination in segment samples of RBCs before and after implementation of the new collection procedures. To evaluate whether these new procedures reduced bacterial contamination, we compared bacterial contamination rates of blood samples from diversion pouches with those of segment samples from the same donor's RBCs.

Results: The rate of bacterial contamination of RBCs before implementation of the new collection procedures was 1·27%. Most of the isolated bacteria were Staphylococcus epidermidis or Propionibacterium acnes. After implementation, this rate was significantly reduced to 0·10%. Of the 233 whole blood samples obtained from the Mie Red Cross Blood Center, 1·72% of blood samples from diversion pouches were contaminated, but no bacterial contamination was detected in segment samples from the same donor's RBCs after prestorage leukoreduction.

Conclusions: The new collection procedure significantly reduced bacterial contamination of RBC concentrates.
A case of erythema elevatum diutinum associated with peripheral ulcerative keratitis
Authors: Jiao Ting , Wang Mingyue , Zhu Xuejun
Published: September 2011

A young woman with recurrent painful lesions on the dorsal aspects of her hands associated with arthralgia presented with pain and redness of both eyes. After extensive investigations, a diagnosis of erythema elevatum diutinum accompanied by peripheral ulcerative keratitis was made. The patient was treated with dapsone 50 mg, t.i.d., and responded well.
A retrospective study of the clinical, histological, and immunohistochemical manifestations of 5 dogs originally diagnosed histologically as necrotizing scleritis
Authors: Denk Nora , Sandmeyer Lynne S. , Lim Christine C. , Bauer Bianca S. , Grahn Bruce H.
Published: September 2011

Purpose  To describe the clinical, histological, and immunohistochemical manifestations of canine necrotizing scleritis.

Methods  A retrospective examination of the clinical records and samples of ocular tissues from five dogs with a histological diagnosis ‘necrotizing scleritis’ was completed. Archived, formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded samples and two control globes were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Gram, periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) and Masson trichrome stains, and they were immunohistochemically labeled for CD3, CD18, and CD20.

Results  Of the five cases reviewed, only two could be confirmed as idiopathic necrotizing scleritis. The other three cases were retrospectively diagnosed as unilateral focal, non‐necrotizing scleritis, one as episcleritis and the third was scleritis secondary to a proptosed globe based on our retrospective clinical, histological, and immunohistochemical evaluations. In these two cases, idiopathic necrotizing scleritis manifested as a bilateral, progressive, inflammatory disease of the sclera and cornea that induces significant uveitis. Light microscopic examination confirmed collagen degeneration and granulomatous inflammation. There was no evidence for an infectious etiology based on Gram’s and PAS stainings. Immunohistochemical labeling revealed a predominance of B cells in idiopathic, bilateral necrotizing scleritis. Tinctorial staining abnormalities with Masson’s trichrome stain were present in scleral collagen of the two cases with idiopathic necrotizing scleritis as well as a case of secondary traumatic scleritis.

Conclusions  Based on a limited number of cases, idiopathic canine necrotizing scleritis shares similar histopathological features with non‐necrotizing scleritis and episcleritis; however, necrotizing scleritis is B‐cell‐dominated and bilateral, and significant collagen alterations manifest with Masson’s trichrome stain.