bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Resale price maintenance in a model of consumer search
Authors: Hamilton Jonathan H. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractA retail search model of Salop and Stiglitz (1977) is adapted to analyze manufacturer incentives for resale price maintenance. For some retailer cost functions and distributions of consumer search costs, imposition of a minimum price for retailers causes a price distribution to collapse to an intermediate price. Manufacturers may benefit from price floors when sales to high‐search‐cost consumers that have obtained lower prices increase sufficiently so as to offset decreased sales to other consumers facing higher prices. In contrast to previous work, no free‐riding problem with respect to dealer services is necessary for manufacturers to prefer banning discounting of their products.
Respiratory therapies for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A primer
Authors: Gruis Kirsten L. , Lechtzin Noah 
Published: January 2012

AbstractRespiratory complications are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Treatment of respiratory insufficiency with noninvasive ventilation (NIV) improves ALS patients' quality of life and survival. Evidence‐based practice guidelines for the management of ALS patients recommend treatment of respiratory insufficiency with NIV as well as consideration of insufflation/exsufflation to improve clearance of airway secretions. Despite these recommendations respiratory therapies remain underused. In this review we provide a practical guide for the clinician to prescribe and manage respiratory therapies for the patient with ALS. Muscle Nerve 46: 313–331, 2012
Sample size considerations in human muscle architecture studies
Authors: Tuttle Lori J. , Ward Samuel R. , Lieber Richard L. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIntroduction:This report is a meta‐analysis of the human muscle architecture literature that analyzes the number of muscles, number of subjects, and muscle fiber length coefficient of variation (CV) by body region.Methods:Muscle fiber length data are used to make recommendations for dissection‐based architectural study sample sizes.Results:An average of 9 ± 10 (mean ± SD) muscles and an average of 9 ± 5 subjects were reported in the 26 studies considered. Across all studies, average fiber length CV was highly variable (18% ± 5%). This shows that sample sizes required to achieve adequate power varies by anatomical region.Conclusions:Studies involving muscle architecture should consider regional variability and effect size and determine sample size accordingly. Muscle Nerve 45: 742–745, 2012
Novel role for prepatterned nicotinic acetylcholine receptors during myogenesis
Authors: Bernareggi Annalisa , Luin Elisa , Formaggio Elena , Fumagalli Guido , Lorenzon Paola 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIntroduction:Before the nerve contacts the skeletal muscle, the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) form aggregates known as prepatterned clusters. We investigated their role in the occurrence of Ca2+ spikes and twitching during myogenesis.Methods:Cultured mouse myotubes were used as cell models. Cells were subjected to a combination of immunostaining, Ca2+ imaging and electrophysiological analysis.Results:A single prepatterned nAChR cluster per myotube was generally detected. A correlation between formation of the prepatterned clusters and occurrence of Ca2+ spikes and twitching was observed. Increase in size of the prepatterned clusters raised the frequency of Ca2+ spikes and twitching. Blockade of the electrical activity triggered by the autocrine activation of prepatterned nAChR induced over‐numbered nAChR clusters.Conclusions:Prepatterned nAChR aggregation is required for Ca2+ spikes and twitching of developing myotubes. Moreover, prepatterned nAChR‐driven electrical activity preserves the distribution of nAChRs, mimicking the effect of synaptic activity before innervation. Muscle Nerve 46: 112–121, 2012
Membrane dysfunction in Andersen‐Tawil syndrome assessed by velocity recovery cycles
Authors: Tan S. Veronica , Z'Graggen Werner J. , BoËrio Delphine , Rayan Dipa L. Raja , Howard Robin , Hanna Michael G. , Bostock Hugh 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIntroduction: Andersen‐Tawil syndrome (ATS) due to Kir2.1mutations typically manifests as periodic paralysis, cardiac arrhythmias and developmental abnormalities but is often difficult to diagnose clinically. This study was undertaken to determine whether sarcolemmal dysfunction could be identified with muscle velocity recovery cycles (MVRCs). Methods: Eleven genetically confirmed ATS patients and 20 normal controls were studied. MVRCs were recorded with 1, 2, and 5 conditioning stimuli and with single conditioning stimuli during intermittent repetitive stimulation at 20 Hz, in addition to the long exercise test. Results: ATS patients had longer relative refractory periods (P < 0.0001) and less early supernormality, consistent with membrane depolarization. Patients had reduced enhancement of late supernormality with 5 conditioning stimuli (P < 0.0001), and less latency reduction during repetitive stimulation (P < 0.001). Patients were separated completely from controls by combining MVRC and repetitive stimulation. Conclusions: MVRCs combined with repetitive stimulation differentiated ATS patients from controls more effectively than the conventional long‐exercise test. Muscle Nerve 46: 193–203, 2012
Epidemiology of adult idiopathic inflammatory myopathies in a U.S. managed care plan
Authors: Furst Daniel E. , Amato Anthony A. , Iorga Şerban R. , Gajria Kavita , Fernandes Ancilla W. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIntroduction: Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies have a reported incidence of 0.1 to 1 per 100,000 person‐years and prevalence of 0.55 to 6 per 100,000 in the United States. Methods: We retrospectively examined medical claims for adults aged ≥18 years with myositis (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes 710.3 [dermatomyositis], 710.4 [polymyositis], and 728.81 [interstitial myositis]) from 2003 to 2008 in a large US managed care database. Results: The incidence and prevalence cohorts comprised 1,941 and 3,112 subjects, respectively. From 2003 to 2008, the adjusted annual incidence of myositis ranged from 5.8 to 7.9 per 100,000 person‐years, and the annual prevalence of myositis ranged from 14.0 to 17.4 per 100,000. Conclusions: The incidence and prevalence of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies in the managed care plan studied was higher than previously reported in the United States. Because of the limitations inherent in claims analysis, additional research is needed to substantiate these results. Muscle Nerve, 2012
The contribution of lobby regulation initiatives in addressing political corruption in Latin America
Authors: dos Santos Luiz Alberto , da Costa Paulo Mauricio Teixeira 
Published: January 2012

AbstractFor most of its history, Latin America has lived under authoritarian and elite rule where public decisions were often crafted in the shadows by cabinets and parliaments to the benefit of a small minority. Recently, the development of participatory political systems has brought some transparency to the policy‐making process. Such scrutiny reveals evidence of the capture of aspects of policy‐making by private interests that use obscure strategies to achieve their political goals. As a consequence, a widespread movement for regulating the role and tactics of interest groups emerged, which is seen as a necessary step to address the root causes of political corruption.This article provides an overview of efforts to regulate lobbying in Latin America. It explains attempts at regulation in four countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Peru), evaluates the level of success of these efforts, and assesses prospects for the future regarding reducing corruption through the instrument of lobby regulations. The authors argue that such regulations alone cannot eliminate political corruption. However, lobby regulations can contribute to increased transparency and aid in developing an anti‐corruption culture. It will be shown that lobby laws in Latin America exhibit many of the problems long identified with similar regulations across western democracies. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Selective analysis of cell‐free DNA in maternal blood for evaluation of fetal trisomy
Authors: Sparks Andrew B. , Wang Eric T. , Struble Craig A. , Barrett Wade , Stokowski Renee , McBride Celeste , Zahn Jacob , Lee Kevin , Shen Naiping , Doshi Jigna , Sun Michel , Garrison Jill , Sandler Jay , Hollemon Desiree , Pattee Patrick , Tomita‐Mitchell Aoy , Mitchell Michael , Stuelpnagel John , Song Ken , Oliphant Arnold 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo develop a novel prenatal assay based on selective analysis of cell‐free DNA in maternal blood for evaluation of fetal Trisomy 21 (T21) and Trisomy 18 (T18).MethodsTwo hundred ninety‐eight pregnancies, including 39 T21 and seven T18 confirmed fetal aneuploidies, were analyzed using a novel, highly multiplexed assay, termed digital analysis of selected regions (DANSR™). Cell‐free DNA from maternal blood samples was analyzed using DANSR assays for loci on chromosomes 21 and 18. Products from 96 separate patients were pooled and sequenced together. A standard Z‐test of chromosomal proportions was used to distinguish aneuploid samples from average‐risk pregnancy samples. DANSR aneuploidy discrimination was evaluated at various sequence depths.ResultsAt the lowest sequencing depth, corresponding to 204 000 sequencing counts per sample, average‐risk cases where distinguished from T21 and T18 cases, with Z statistics for all cases exceeding 3.6. Increasing the sequencing depth to 410 000 counts per sample substantially improved separation of aneuploid and average‐risk cases. A further increase to 620 000 counts per sample resulted in only marginal improvement. This depth of sequencing represents less than 5% of that required by massively parallel shotgun sequencing approaches.ConclusionDigital analysis of selected regions enables highly accurate, cost efficient, and scalable noninvasive fetal aneuploidy assessment. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determining the most effective concentration of cypermethrin and the appropriate carrier particle size for fire ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) bait
Authors: Kafle Lekhnath , Shih Cheng‐Jen 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the most effective particle size of DDGS (distiller's dried grains with solubles) as fire ant bait carrier, as well as the most effective concentration of cypermethrin as a toxicant against the red imported fire ant (RIFA) Solenopsis invicta Buren under laboratory conditions.RESULTS: The DDGS particle size did not affect the fire ant's preference for the bait, but it did affect the mass of DDGS being carried back to the nest. The size of the DDGS particles and the mass of DDGS being carried back to the nest were positively correlated. The most efficient particle size of DDGS was 0.8–2 mm. The concentration of cypermethrin has a specific range for killing fire ants in an efficient manner. Neither a very low nor a very high concentration of cypermethrin was able to kill fire ants efficiently. The most effective concentration of cypermethrin was 0.13% in DDGS when mixed with 15% shrimp shell powders and 11% soybean oil.CONCLUSION: Based on its ability to kill fire ants when mixed with cypermethrin, as well as the advantage of having a larger area coverage when sprayed in the field, DDGS as the carrier and cypermethrin as the toxicant can be considered to be an efficient way to prepare fire ant bait for controlling fire ants in infested areas. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
A fast and selective method for anthocyanin profiling of red wines by direct‐infusion pneumatic spray mass spectrometry
Authors: Flamini Riccardo , Agnolin Fabio , Seraglia Roberta , Rosso Mirko De , Panighel Annarita , Marchi Fabiola De , Vedova Antonio Dalla , Traldi Pietro 
Published: January 2012

RATIONALEAnthocyanins confer the color to red wines. During wine aging, new anthocyanin derivatives with peculiar chromatic characteristics are formed. A fast and selective method for screening the anthocyanin composition of wine has been developed.METHODSDirect‐infusion electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS/MS) analysis of wine extracts has been performed by operating in positive ion mode with a low spray capillary voltage (0.5 kV) to detect only the species already present in ionic form. The method has been called direct‐infusion pneumatic spray (DIPS) mass spectrometry. The anthocyanin profiles of thirteen red wines at different aging stages were studied. Using malvidin‐3,5‐diglucoside as internal standard, the indices of wine color and of wine color evolution were estimated.RESULTSBy decreasing the spray capillary voltage a dramatic increase in selectivity toward anthocyanins has been observed and the related peaks are the most abundant in the spectra. Several anthocyanins and anthocyanin derivatives (pyranoanthocyanins and derivatives formed by reaction with flavan‐3‐ols) have been identified in the wines. The younger wines showed higher total anthocyanin index. The aged wines showed color evolution index higher than 20% while it was lower in the younger samples.CONCLUSIONSThe anthocyanin fingerprint is effective for estimating the aging state of wine. The color evolution index can be correlated to barrel conditions during wine aging and used to distinguish between aged and younger wines. The study of pyranoanthocyanins and anthocyanin‐flavanol derivatives can be useful to predict wine color stability. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reaction pathways of Rh+ (3F and 1D) with CH3OCH3 in the gas phase
Authors: Chen Xiangfeng , Yeung Hoi‐sze , Ding Ning 
Published: January 2012

RATIONALEThe mass spectrometric studies of transition metal ion‐ether reactions are informative in elucidating the principles of metal ion mediated demethanation and dehydrogenation. In order to obtain a deeper understanding of the role of metal ions, it is essential to explore the detailed reaction mechanisms of these reactions, here studied using Rh+ and dimethyl ether as a model system.METHODSThe gas‐phase demethanation and dehydrogenation pathways of dimethyl ether mediated by Rh+ (3F and 1D) were investigated by density functional theory in conjunction with the Stuttgart RSC + 6‐311 + G(d) basis set. Both singlet and triplet states of reactivity were explored.RESULTSThe results indicate that both C–O and C–H bond activation of dimethyl ether mediated by Rh+ could induce the demethanation reaction. The triplet state demethanation reaction prefers to proceed through C–O bond activation, while the singlet state demethanation channel via C–H bond activation is energetically more favorable. The singlet state dehydrogenation of the ionic product (formaldehyde/Rh+) occurs by decomposition of rhodium carbonyl dihydride, while the triplet state dehydrogenation is induced by dissociation of the carbonyl(η2‐dihydrogen) rhodium species.CONCLUSIONSBased on the results, it is believed that the demethanation reaction of dimethyl ether mediated by transition metal monocation would preferably occur through the C–O bond activation pathway. Combined with previous studies, a general reaction mechanism of the transition metal monocation with dimethyl ether is proposed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The ESA Lunar Robotics Challenge: Simulating operations at the lunar south pole
Authors: Belo Felipe A. W. , Birk Andreas , Brunskill Christopher , Kirchner Frank , Lappas Vaios , Remy C. David , Roccella Stefano , Rossi Claudio , Tikanmäki Antti , Visentin Gianfranco 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIn 2008, the European Space Agency (ESA) challenged universities to design, develop, and test teleoperated robotic systems for a soil‐sampling mission in a simulated lunar‐crater‐like environment. Eight teams participated and developed a wide range of engineering solutions that addressed the various technical and operational challenges posed by the unfavorable terrain and harsh environment. The robotic concepts developed by the teams are presented and evaluated in this paper. We highlight operational and technical issues that the teams experienced during an intensive 8‐day field campaign, report on design solutions that were adopted to assist in operating a robotic system in a lunar environment, and describe the lesson learned through participation in this field‐testing event. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Traveling performance evaluation of planetary rovers on loose soil
Authors: Sutoh Masataku , Yusa Junya , Ito Tsuyoshi , Nagatani Keiji , Yoshida Kazuya 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIn designing a planetary rover, it is important to consider and evaluate the influence of parameters such as the weight and dimensions of the rover on its traveling performance. In this study, the influence of a rover's weight on its performance was evaluated by conduct experiments using a monotrack rover and an inline four‐wheeled rover with different rover weights. Then the influence of the wheel diameter and width was quantitatively determined by performing experiments using a two‐wheeled rover, equipped with wheels, with different diameters and widths. The results of the experiments were compared with those of a numerical simulation based on terramechanics. Finally, the influence of the wheel surface pattern on the traveling performance of planetary rovers was evaluated by conducting experiments using a two‐wheeled rover equipped with wheels with different numbers of lugs (i.e., grousers) on their surfaces. Based on the results of these experiments, we confirmed the following influences of the parameters: in the case of the track mechanism, the traveling performance does not change with the increase in rover weight. On the other hand, in the case of the wheel mechanism, an increase in rover weight decreases the traveling performance. Moreover, the experimental results show that the wheel diameter contributes more to the high traveling performance than the wheel width. In addition, a comparison between the experimental and simulation results shows that it is currently difficult to accurately predict the traveling performance of lightweight vehicles on the basis of terramechanics models. Finally, the experimental results show that having lugs always improves the traveling performance, even at the expense of wheel diameter. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Single‐Molecule Conductance of π‐Conjugated Rotaxane: New Method for Measuring Stipulated Electric Conductance of π‐Conjugated Molecular Wire Using STM Break Junction
Authors: Kiguchi Manabu , Nakashima Shigeto , Tada Tomofumi , Watanabe Satoshi , Tsuda Susumu , Tsuji Yasushi , Terao Jun 
Published: January 2012

AbstractAn electronic conductance with small fluctuations, which is stipulated in single‐molecule junctions, is necessary for the precise control of single‐molecule devices. However, the suppression of conductance fluctuations in conventional molecular junctions is intrinsically difficult because the fluctuations are related to the contact fluctuations and molecular motion. In the present study involving experimental and theoretical investigations, it is found that covering a single π‐conjugated wire with an α‐cyclodextrin molecule is a promising technique for suppressing conductance fluctuations. The conductance histogram of the covered molecular junction measured with the scanning tunneling microscope break‐junction technique shows that the conductance peak for the covered junction is sharper than that of the uncovered junction. The covering technique thus has two prominent effects: the suppression of intramolecular motion, and the elimination of intermolecular interactions. Theoretical calculations of electronic conductance clearly support these experimental observations.
Physicochemical, structural, and digestibility properties of enzymatic modified plantain and mango starches
Authors: Casarrubias‐Castillo Maria G. , Hamaker Bruce R. , Rodriguez‐Ambriz Sandra L. , Bello‐Pérez Luis A. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe effect of two enzymatic treatments (increasing the branch density of starch and shortening of AP and amylose chains) on the fraction of slowly digestible starch (SDS) and resistant starch (RS) of plantain (Musa paradisiaca L.) and mango (Mangifera indica L.) starches was investigated. The enzymatic modifications were carried out using β‐amylase (β‐AMY) and β‐amylase‐transglucosidase (β‐AMY‐TGs), in gelatinized starches. Plantain starch showed an increase from 10.9 to 18.5% of SDS, when it was modified by β‐AMY‐TGs, while the treatment with β‐AMY alone showed reduction from 10.9 to 7.1% in SDS. RS content increased with both treatments. On the other hand, mango starch showed an increase in SDS from 6.3 to 22.3% using β‐AMY treatment and from 6.3 to 11.7% using β‐AMY‐TGs treatment. The latter treatment also increased RS content. The enzyme modified starches showed a reduction in the values of molar mass and gyration radius compared with the native starch. The content of short chains of AP, particularly in the DP range 5–12, increased, the percentage of crystallinity decreased in treated starches, and 1H NMR spectra showed a significant increase of α‐(1 → 6) linkages in the starches modified with β‐AMY‐TGs. These characteristics were related to an increase in the slow and resistant digestion properties of plantain and mango starches.
Reflex contraction of the levator ani in women symptomatic for pelvic floor disorders
Authors: Dietz H. P. , Erdmann M. , Shek K. L. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractObjectiveStress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common health problem in women. Reflex activation of muscular pelvic floor structures may play a role in preserving continence. In this study we aimed to analyze reflex pelvic floor activity on coughing in women seen for urodynamic testing.MethodsIn a retrospective cohort study we analyzed the data sets of 191 women who attended a tertiary referral service for multichannel urodynamic testing and four‐dimensional pelvic floor ultrasound scan between May 2009 and February 2010. Coughs were registered on volume ultrasound at a minimum of 16 Hz and analyzed by postprocessing at a later date, the operator being blinded against all clinical data.ResultsOf 175 analyzable cough volume datasets, a levator reflex was seen in 138 (79%), and clitoral reflex movement in 160 (91%). On multivariable analysis there was a significant relationship between urodynamic stress incontinence (USI) and the absence of a levator reflex (P = 0.045), and a negative relationship with the magnitude of such a reflex (P = 0.046). Reflex timing was not associated with SUI or USI.ConclusionReflex contraction of the levator ani can be observed on translabial ultrasound during sudden increases in intra‐abdominal pressure. These reflex contractions are common, even in women with symptoms and signs of pelvic floor dysfunction. The observation of a levator reflex on coughing, and its magnitude, show a weak inverse association with the presence of USI. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.