bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Derrida en Corse? Hospitality as scale‐free abstraction
Authors: CANDEA MATEI
Published: June 2013

A few years after the French press resonated with the immigration debates which inspired Derrida's influential thoughts on hospitality, the paradoxes of hospitality once again gripped the French public imagination, this time in relation to sanctuary given to a suspected murderer on the island of Corsica. This paper traces Corsican hospitality, in its various ethnographic, media, and philosophical/literary incarnations. Through a careful ethnographic account of the material‐semiotic moves which enable events on one scale to have effects and significance on another, the paper argues that analytical or philosophical uses of hospitality as a scale‐free abstraction should be treated with caution.

Il y a quelques années, la presse française s'est faite la chambre d'écho d'un débat sur l'immigration qui inspira à Derrida des idées influentes sur l'hospitalité. Les paradoxes de l'hospitalité s'emparent à nouveau de l'imaginaire public français aujourd'hui, à cause cette fois du refuge qu'un homme soupçonné de meurtre a pu trouver en Corse. L'auteur retrace ici l'hospitalité corse sous ses différentes incarnations ethnographiques, médiatiques, et philosophiques ou littéraires. Par un compte‐rendu ethnographique scrupuleux des déplacements matériels et sémiotiques qui permettent aux événements à une échelle d'avoir un effet et une signification à une autre échelle, il recommande de se méfier des usages analytiques ou philosophiques de l'hospitalité considérée comme une abstraction dépourvue d'échelle.
Composite Indicator of Financial Development in a Benefit‐of‐Doubt Approach
Authors: GIAMBONA FRANCESCA , VASSALLO ERASMO
Published: June 2013

We use data by the World Economic Forum (WEF) to build a Composite Financial Development Index (CFDI) alternative to the WEF financial index. Unlike the WEF index, the CFDI optimally combines seven dimensions with non‐fixed weights determined endogenously without recourse to subjective opinions of experts. The CFDI is obtained by applying a Data Envelopment Analysis linear programming model with proportion restrictions on weights calculated in a Benefit‐of‐Doubt approach. In this way, the CFDI scores allow us to group 60 countries by different levels of financial development identifying dimensions that contribute to good or poor financial performances, taking into account the different characteristics of the financial systems in the countries under investigation.
Growth of Human Basal Cell Carcinomas Transplanted to C57/Balb/C bgJ/bgJ‐nu/nu (Beige‐Nude) Mice
Authors: GRIMWOOD RONALD E. , THARP MICHAEL D.
Published: June 2013

The purpose of this study was to measure growth parameters of transplanted basal cell carcinoma (BCC) to beige‐nude mice during a 4‐month observation time. Forty male beige‐nude mice were transplanted with human BCC with our reported subcutaneous implantation technique. Initial volume and wet weight were determined for each tumor. The tumors were measured every 2 weeks by calipers with a final volume determined at 120 days, at which time the tumors were harvested, weighed, and processed for routine histology. Thirty‐two tumor sites were positive for persistent tumor at harvest. Tumor volumes declined by an average of 51% and average tumor weight by 33%. There were increased numbers of mast cells surrounding the BCC tumor lobules. These results indicate that BCC can survive for 120 days in the beige‐nude mouse.
PHLEBOLOGY: Evaluation of Different Systems for Clinical Quantification of Varicose Veins
Authors: CORNU‐THÉNARD ANDRÉ , DE VINCENZI ISABELLE , MARAVAL MAX
Published: June 2013

One hundred twenty‐five lower limbs with varicose veins were studied clinically, essentially by palpation. Two specialists in venous pathology scored the severity of the varicose veins from 0 to 20. Comparison between the different clinical parameters and the scores of the specialists showed that two systems of clinical quantification gave good results and were easy to use. One system is the maximum diameter of the largest varicose vein; the other system is the sum of maximum diameters over 7 sections (3 for thigh, 3 for leg 1 for foot). This latter system gives a more precise evaluation of the clinical severity of the varicose veins.
Eyelid Anatomy
Authors: DAILEY ROGER A. , WOBIG JOHN L.
Published: June 2013

background
. The following anatomic information concerning the complex structure of the eyelids is distilled from gross and histologic study as well as surgical experience.

objective
. Our aim is to familiarize the reader with eyelid anatomy.

conclusion
. Appropriate shape, contour, height and mobility of the lids are essential to adequate protection and function of the eyes as well as overall appearance. A thorough understanding of eyelid anatomy is therefore necessary to achieve optimal surgical results. For the purpose of this discussion the eyelids can be divided into the following structural planes: 1) skin and subcutaneous tissue; 2) orbicularis muscle and submuscular fibroadipose layer; 3) orbital septum; 4) preaponeurotic fat; 5) eyelid retractors; and 6) the tarsi and conjunctiva. J Dermatol Surg Oncol 1992;18:1023–1027.
Postsclerotherapy Hyperpigmentation
Authors: THIBAULT PAUL , WLODARCZYK JOHN
Published: June 2013

Cutaneous pigmentation is a common complication of sclerotherapy of dilated lower limb veins. Histologic examination has shown that the pigment is due to hemosiderin deposition predominantly in the superficial dermis. Optimal technique will reduce the incidence of pigmentation but it is likely that patient factors such as total body iron storage may explain why some patients are more prone to develop pigmentation. Traditional exfoliation therapies have not given reliable reproducible results and there is need to develop an effective treatment without adverse sequelae. In this study 16 patients with refractory postsclerotherapy pigmentation were treated with the copper vapor laser. Within 3 months of treatment 11 (69%) had significant clearing of the pigmentation. Four (25%) had slight improvement and one patient had no discernible improvement. No adverse sequelae were reported or observed. The treated patients and 16 matched control patients who had not developed pigmentation were investigated with serum iron, ferritin and transferrin levels. There was a trend towards higher serum iron and ferritin levels and lower transferrin levels in the patients who developed pigmentation compared with those who did not develop this sequela. This trend was statistically significant for ferritin levels in patients 50 years of age and younger. The results indicate that serum ferritin may be a good indicator of susceptibility to postsclerotherapy pigmentation.
Properties of Topical Sunscreen Formulations: A Review
Authors: PATEL NITA P. , HIGHTON ANITA , MOY RONALD L.
Published: June 2013

Sunscreens reduce the deleterious effects of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering photons. Ultraviolet radiation includes UVB, which is primarily responsible for sunburn and skin cancers, as well as UVA, which has been implicated in photoaging. Topical photoprotective agents include physical and chemical sunscreens. Physical sunscreens are important in individuals who are unusually sensitive to UVA and visible light such as those with photosensitizing diseases. Chemical sunscreens are more cosmetically appealing and can selectively absorb UVB and/or UVA. The increased awareness of the importance of sun protection has encouraged the regular use of sunscreens. This article will review physical and chemical sunscreens. The properties and vehicle design of various sunscreen formulations are also discussed.
A Review of Topical Agents for Wounds and Methods of Wounding
Authors: BROWN CHRISTINE D. , ZITELLI JOHN A.
Published: June 2013

This article reviews the effects of antiseptics, antimicrobials, hemostatic agents and surgical methods on the incidence of wound infection and the process of wound healing. A set of guidelines is provided to help decide what to apply topically to wounds and which method of wounding to select in order to achieve the best possible outcome in wound healing.
Electrical Stimulation to Heal Dermal Wounds
Authors: GENTZKOW GARY D.
Published: June 2013

background. Numerous human and animal efficacy studies have demonstrated that electrical stimulation of the correct charge, density and total energy causes dramatically improved healing of dermal wounds. The investigations of biological actions (in vitro, animal, and human) demonstrate several effects that go a long way to explaining why electrical stimulation works.

objective. To discuss recent research and advances in electrical stimulation of wound healing.

results. Based on the latest scientific understanding of the wound healing process, one would expect a beneficial outcome from a therapy what decreases edema, debrides necrotic tissue, attracts neutrophils and macrophages, stimulates receptor sites for growth factors, stimulates growth of fibroblasts and granulation tissue, increases blood flow, stimulates neurite growth, induces epidermal cell migration, prevents post‐ischemic oxygen radical‐mediated damage, inhibits bacteria, and reduces numbers of mast cells.

conclusion. Taken together, the efficacy studies and the “mechanism of action” studies provide compelling, scientific evidence that electrical stimulation is safe and effective for promoting the healing of dermal wounds.
Comparison of the Argon Tunable Dye Laser with the Flashlamp Pulsed Dye Laser in Treatment of Facial Telangiectasia
Authors: BROSKA PAMELA , MARTINHO ELENA , GOODMAN MATTHEW M.
Published: June 2013

background. A prospective, side‐by‐side comparison study of the argon tunable dye laser(ATDL) and the flashlamp pulsed dye laser (FPDL) for the treatment of solar‐induced telangiectasia was carried out in 14 patients with symmetrical bilateral cheek telangiectasias.

objective. The objective was to compare the efficacy of treatment by the two lasers.

methods. Patients were treated and examined at weeks 2, 4, and 6. Evaluation was done by direct Observation and questionnaire, as well as by Photographie slides projected to an impartial panel.

results. Final evaluation at week 6 showed 11 of 14 patients with excellent results at sites treated with the FPDL, compared with four of 14 with the ATDL. However, only six of 13 patients preferred the FPDL, due to the purpura and postinflammatory hyerpigmentation.

conclusion. We conclude that the objective final results favor the FPDL over the ATDL for treatment of facial telangiectasia, but that the ATDL is still an important Option for patient acceptance.
Pain of Injection and Duration of Anesthesia for Intradermal Infiltration of Lidocaine, Bupivacaine, and Etidocaine
Authors: HOWE NATHAN R. , WILLIAMS JOHN M.
Published: June 2013

background. Bupivacaine and etidocaine are local anesthetics said to be long acting based on nerve block data. There are insufficient data on pain of infiltration and duration of anesthesia when either is used for dermal infiltration to assess suitability for skin surgery.

objective. We conducted a randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blinded comparison of intradermal 1 % etidocaine, 0.5% bupivacaine, and 2% lidocaine for pain of injection and duration of anesthesia.

methods. Twenty subjects received the above three agents plus normal saline, each with and without epinephrine 1:200,000, with all solutions adjusted to pH 5.95 ± 0.15.

results. Lidocaine hurt least and etidocaine hurt most. Adrenalized solutions were more painful than plain. For plain solutions bupivacaine lasted longest and lidocaine lasted shortest by far. For adrenalized solutions bupivacaine lasted 27% longer than lidocaine and 45% longer than etidocaine.

conclusion. Where epinephrine is contraindicated and long anesthesia matters, use plain bupivacaine. When epinephrine can be used, lidocaine lasts almost as long as bupivacaine and hurts less.
Q‐switched Ruby Laser Treatment of Labial Lentigines in Peutz‐Jeghers Syndrome
Authors: DePADOVA‐ELDER SANDRA M. , MILGRAUM SANDY S.
Published: June 2013

background. The Q‐switched ruby laser emits energy with a 694‐nm wavelength and has a pulse duration in the nanosecond range, which allows selective treatment of benign pigmented lesions. Labial and perioral pigmented macules associated with Peutz‐Jeghers Syndrome are often numerous and cosmetically disfiguring.

results/conclusion. We report successful treatment of these lentigines with the Q‐switched ruby laser and consider it the treatment of choice for these lesions.
Towards a Measure of Core Inflation using Singular Spectrum Analysis
Authors: Ruch Franz , Bester Dirk
Published: June 2013

This paper constructs a number of possible core measures of inflation using singular spectrum analysis (SSA). Annual changes in monthly inflation are decomposed into its trend, oscillatory and noise components in order to develop an understanding of the trend and cyclicality in South African headline inflation. Three cyclical components with differing amplitude and frequency are identified. The trend and cyclical components of inflation are found to be a good approximation of core inflation, the inertial part of inflation. These core measures are compared with other candidate core measures based on the properties of a good core inflation measure. Generally, the SSA measures outperform commonly used measures of core inflation based on both in‐ and out‐of‐sample performance.
European Union Actorness in International Institutions: Why the EU is Recognized as an Actor in Some International Institutions, but Not in Others
Authors: Gehring Thomas , Oberthür Sebastian , Mühleck Marc
Published: June 2013

This article examines why the European Union (EU) is recognized as a relevant actor in some international institutions, but not in others. Drawing on theories of international institutions and corporate action, it develops a theoretical approach toward EU actorness that demonstrates under which conditions third parties gain an interest in recognizing this actor as a relevant party to international institutions and how the EU can become an actor in its own right. The EU is expected to be recognized as a relevant actor in an international institution if it has acquired action capability in the relevant governance area, while formal status plays an inferior role. This hypothesis is subsequently assessed for six international institutions that vary regarding the degree of EU action capability and the EU's formal status, including the WTO and IMF, FAO and WHO as well as two international environmental regimes. Empirical results confirm the fruitfulness of the theoretical approach.
Morphology and Molecular Phylogeny of a New Marine Hypotrichous Ciliate, Hypotrichidium paraconicum n. sp. (Ciliophora, Hypotrichia)
Authors: Chen Lingyun , Liu Weiwei , Liu An , Al‐Rasheid Khaled A. S. , Shao Chen
Published: June 2013

A new saline hypotrich, Hypotrichidium paraconicum n. sp., found in coastal waters near Hong Kong, China, was investigated with emphasis on its living morphology, infraciliature, ontogenesis, and phylogenetic position. A body that is pyriform, with a posterior end that is twisted helically toward the left, a distinct tail and a dark colour, characterizes H. paraconicum n. sp. The buccal cavity is prominent and the cortical granules, which are scattered or sparsely distributed, are colourless, round, and about 1 μm in diam. The contractile vacuole is near the left middle of the cell and there are one or two frontal cirri, four meridional rows and five or six cirral rows which exhibit a left‐handed spiral and which are distributed in the posterior portion on both sides. Three dorsal kineties are distributed in the anterior portion of the dorsal side. In our molecular phylogenies, based on SSU rRNA gene sequences, the position of H. paraconicum n. sp. is rather poorly resolved, providing some indication of a relationship with Neokeronopsis aurea and Rubrioxytricha ferruginea, which fall into the assemblage of oxytrichids (s.l.).
Patients' experiences of postoperative health related to cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraoperative chemotherapy
Authors: Eriksson Hanna , Haglund Kristina , Leo Swenne Christine , Arakelian Erebouni
Published: June 2013

Aims and objectives

To study patients' descriptions of their health after cytoreductive surgery (CRS) before discharge.

Background

Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) affects the patient's recovery. The hospital stay is long, and it is important to study how patients experience their health postoperatively.

Design

Qualitative descriptive design.

Methods

Between January–May 2012, individual interviews were conducted with 20 patients in a university hospital in central Sweden using a semi‐structured interview guide. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

Three themes (a process, body and mind, and support) and nine categories emerged. The surgery was described as a turning point, followed by a period of hope and thankfulness. Nevertheless, patients had difficulty taking in their positive feelings because they were overwhelmed by their bodily ailments. Despite the patients' descriptions of being on an emotional roller coaster, thinking about death and an uncertain future, or being in a state somewhere between sleep and wakefulness, they described themselves as being in good mental health. Continuous individualised information and support from the surgeon and staff members were described as being important for the recovery process, and none of the patients asked for counselling before discharge.

Conclusion

Surgery was described as a turning point followed by an uncertain future. Despite the overwhelming nature of their bodily ailments and being on an emotional roller coaster postoperatively, patients described themselves as being in good psychological health and not needing any professional counselling. Continuous individualised information from the surgeon and staff members played an important role in the recovery process.

Relevance to clinical practice

Both staff and future patients may benefit from the patients' experiences after CRS and HIPEC described in this study. The knowledge gained from this study could be used in designing a care plan for future patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC.
A deep dig––hindsight on Holocene vegetation composition from ancient environmental DNA
Authors: Gugerli Felix , Alvarez Nadir , Tinner Willy
Published: June 2013

Want a glimpse at past vegetation? Studying pollen and other plant remains, which are preserved for example in lake sediments or mires for thousands of years, allows us to document regional occurrences of plant species over radiocarbon‐dated time series. Such vegetation reconstructions derived from optical analyses of fossil samples are inherently incomplete because they only comprise taxa that contribute sufficient amounts of pollen, spores, macrofossil or other evidences. To complement optical analyses for paleoecological inference, molecular markers applied to ancient DNA (aDNA) may help in disclosing information hitherto inaccessible to biologists. Parducci et al. (2013) targeted aDNA from sediment cores of two lakes in the Scandes Mountains with generic primers in a meta‐barcoding approach. When compared to palynological records from the same cores, respective taxon lists show remarkable differences in their compositions, but also in quantitative representation and in taxonomic resolution similar to a previous study (Jørgensen et al. 2012). While not free of assumptions that need critical and robust testing, notably the question of possible contamination, this study provides thrilling prospects to improve our knowledge about past vegetation composition, but also other organismic groups, stored as a biological treasure in the ground.
Perceiving Immaterial Paths
Authors: Cumhaill Clare Mac
Published: June 2013

In what sense does empty space feature in visual experience? In the first part of this essay I sketch a view advanced by Soteriou (2011) and Richardson (2009) on which one's visual awareness of empty space is explained by appeal to ‘structural’ features of the phenomenology of visual experience, in particular the phenomenology of experiencing one's visual field as bounded. I suggest that although this ‘structuralist’ view is silent on whether empty space has a phenomenal appearance, the very appeal to structural features seems a natural foil to some such thought. In the second part, I outline a view on which it can be granted that empty space does, after all, have a phenomenal appearance and, so, is not best cast as a species of absence perception as the structuralist avows, at least on a certain construal of ‘absence perception’. After O'Shaughnessy (2002), I contend that although some privations have a phenomenal appearance, ‘absence perception’ should single out the putative perception of phenomena that lack phenomenal reality. I finally consider how the descriptive phenomenology that the structuralist points to, and which I urge should be embraced, can nonetheless be reconciled with the view I spell out.
How safe is safe: new human immunodeficiency virus Type 1 variants missed by nucleic acid testing
Authors: Müller Benjamin , Nübling C. Micha , Kress Julia , Roth W. Kurt , De Zolt Silke , Pichl Lutz
Published: June 2013

Background

Nucleic acid amplification techniques (NAT) in routine blood donor screening considerably reduce the diagnostic window phase period. Nevertheless, several reports of false‐negative NAT results were published. Here, four cases of human immunodeficiency virus Type 1 (HIV‐1) RNA–positive blood donations that escaped detection by NAT screening are described.

Study Design and Methods

A total of 2.7 million blood donations were screened for viral infections between January 2010 and October 2012 in our German Red Cross blood donation service. Four plasma specimens with false‐negative NAT results were comparatively investigated with 12 CE‐marked NAT assays. In two cases of putative HIV‐1 variants the target region of the NAT assay was sequenced allowing comparison with the respective primers and probes.

Results

Most of the NAT assays used in routine blood donor screening with the 5′‐long terminal repeat (LTR) as target region demonstrated deficiencies in detecting the viral variants and the low‐viral‐carrier donations. Sequence analysis revealed in one case a deletion of 56 nucleotides within the 5′‐LTR preventing the binding of the probe accompanied by a neighbored insertion of another 52 nucleotides and several primer mismatches in another case. No false‐negative results were obtained for these cases using dual‐target assays. The viral load of the remaining two false‐negative results was below the NAT's limit of detection.

Conclusion

HIV‐1 is characterized by a high mutation rate and rapid generation of new viral variants. By the use of one target region for HIV‐1 NAT assays there is a certain risk of false‐negative results. Employing HIV‐1 multi‐ and dual‐target assays in routine blood donor screening seems to be a reasonable possibility to minimize this problem.
Canine indolent and aggressive lymphoma: clinical spectrum with histologic correlation
Authors: Aresu L. , Martini V. , Rossi F. , Vignoli M. , Sampaolo M. , Aricò A. , Laganga P. , Pierini A. , Frayssinet P. , Mantovani R. , Marconato L.
Published: June 2013

Sixty‐three dogs with newly diagnosed lymphoma underwent complete staging and received the same chemotherapy. Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma was the leading histotype (44.4%), followed by peripheral T‐cell lymphoma (20.6%). Indolent lymphomas accounted for 30.2% of cases. Most dogs with aggressive B‐cell lymphoma had stage IV disease. Dogs with indolent and aggressive T‐cell lymphoma had more often stage V disease and were symptomatic. Liver and bone marrow were predominantly involved in B‐cell and T‐cell lymphoma, respectively. The clinical stage was significantly related to substage, sex and total lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. Aggressive B‐cell lymphomas were more likely to achieve remission. Median survival was 55 days for aggressive and indolent T‐cell lymphoma, 200 and 256 days for indolent and aggressive B‐cell lymphoma, respectively. The prognosis of advanced indolent lymphoma does not appear to be appreciably different from that of aggressive disease. Familiarity with the various histotypes is critical to make the correct diagnosis and drive therapy.
Influenza Virus Infection but Not H1N1 Influenza Virus Immunization Is Associated with Changes in Peripheral Blood NK Cell Subset Levels
Authors: Juárez-Reyes A. , Noyola D. E. , Monsiváis-Urenda A. , Alvarez-Quiroga C. , González-Amaro R.
Published: June 2013

The innate immune system constitutes the first line of defense against viral agents, and NK cells seem to have an important protective role during the early phases of influenza virus infections. We decided to assess the levels of NK and NKT lymphocytes and the expression levels of different membrane receptors (NKp44, NKp46, NKG2A, killer cell immune-like receptor [KIR] 3DL1/DS1, KIR2DL1/DS1, and CD161) in peripheral blood samples of patients with influenza (
n
= 17) and healthy individuals immunized against this virus (seasonal and [H1N1]pdm2009 influenza vaccines;
n
= 15 and 12, respectively). Blood samples were obtained from all individuals, and NK and NKT cell subsets were analyzed by multiparametric flow cytometry. We found that the patients with severe influenza (
n
= 9) showed significant increases in the percentages of NKp46
+
NKp44
+
NK cells and the proportions of NK and NKT lymphocytes expressing KIR2DL1 and KIR3DL1 and reductions in the percentages of NKp46
+
NKp44
−
NK cells compared to those in the healthy controls (
n
= 27). In contrast, influenza immunization, against either the seasonal or the pandemic H1N1 virus, was not associated with important changes in the levels of NK and NKT lymphocytes or the expression levels of the different receptors by these cells. Our data suggest that severe influenza is associated with important and complex alterations on NK cells, which might contribute to the pathogenesis of this condition.
Evaluation of the LightCycler Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Advanced Test for Detection of MRSA Nasal Colonization
Authors: Yam W. C. , Siu Gilman K. H. , Ho P. L. , Ng T. K. , Que T. L. , Yip K. T. , Fok Cathie P. K. , Chen Jonathan H. K. , Cheng Vincent C. C. , Yuen K. Y.
Published: June 2013

Rapid detection of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) nasal colonization is crucial for the prevention and control of MRSA infections in health care settings. The LightCycler MRSA Advanced Test (Roche Diagnostics) is a commercially available real-time PCR assay for direct detection of MRSA nasal colonization by targeting of the staphylococcal cassette chromosome
mec
(SCC
mec
)-
orfX
junction. The diagnostic performance of the assay was compared with that of ChromID MRSA agar (bioMérieux) culture and an in-house duplex real-time PCR assay. Among 1,246 nasal swab specimens collected from 2 general hospitals in Hong Kong, 174 (14%) were considered true positive for MRSA. Chromogenic culture and the in-house real-time PCR assay identified 147 (84.5%) and 133 (76.4%) true-positive cases with specificities of 100% and 98.6%, respectively. Based on the target melting temperature (

T
m

) values (57.0 to 62.0°C) defined by the manufacturer, the LightCycler MRSA Advanced Test identified only 85 (48.9%) true-positive specimens. Interestingly, an additional 60 (34.5%) true-positive specimens were detected despite atypical

T
m

values of 55°C, providing overall sensitivity and specificity values of 83.3% and 99%, respectively. Among isolates with

T
m

values of 55°C, most were typed as clonal complex 45 (CC45). By sequence analysis of the SCC
mec-orfX
junction, characteristic single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified only in isolates with

T
m

values of 55°C and not in those with typical

T
m

values. It is conceivable that those SNPs were located inside the target region of the proprietary hybridization probes, which resulted in a

T
m

shift in the melting curve analysis. Our study highlights the importance of a global evaluation of commercial kits so that the interpretation algorithm covers different lineages of MRSA clones prevalent in various geographical regions.
Effects of Aggregate and Individual Antibiotic Exposure on Vancomycin MICs for Staphylococcus aureus Isolates Recovered from Pediatric Patients
Authors: Rose Lucia , Chan Shannon , Hossain Jobayer , Di Pentima M. Cecilia
Published: June 2013

We evaluated the evolution of vancomycin MICs for
Staphylococcus aureus
and their relationship with vancomycin use among hospitalized children.
S. aureus
isolates recovered from sterile sites were prospectively tested for vancomycin susceptibility using the Etest between 1 April 2000 and 31 March 2008. Vancomycin MICs were grouped into three categories: ≤1, 1.5, and 2 μg/ml. The association between vancomycin MICs and aggregate vancomycin use and individual patient vancomycin exposure 6 months prior to the documented infection was assessed. The geometric mean values for vancomycin MICs for
S. aureus
fluctuated over time without a significant trend (
P
= 0.146). Of the 436 patients included in the study, 363 (83%) had methicillin-susceptible
S. aureus
(MSSA) and 73 (17%) had methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
(MRSA) infections. The rate of isolates with a vancomycin MIC of 2 μg/ml increased from 4% (2 of 46) in 2000 to 2001 to 24% (11 of 46) in 2007 to 2008, despite a decrease in vancomycin use (
r
= −0.11;
P
= 0.825). The percentage of isolates with a vancomycin MIC of 2 μg/ml was higher for MRSA (15%; 11 of 73) than for MSSA strains (5.2%; 19 of 363) (χ
2
= 9.2;
P
= 0.01). Individual patient vancomycin exposure was not associated with a higher vancomycin MIC. In the unadjusted model, in which we compared patients with
S. aureus
infections with MICs of ≤1 μg/ml, the odds ratios of exposure rates for patients with isolates with MICs of 1.5 μg/ml and 2 μg/ml were 1.02 (
P
= 0.929) and 1.13 (
P
= 0.767), respectively. In our experience, the geometric means of vancomycin MICs from
S. aureus
isolates recovered from hospitalized children oscillated over time and were not associated with previous individual patient vancomycin exposure or aggregate vancomycin use.
Acute-Phase CD8 T Cell Responses That Select for Escape Variants Are Needed to Control Live Attenuated Simian Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Harris Max , Burns Charles M. , Becker Ericka A. , Braasch Andrew T. , Gostick Emma , Johnson Randall C. , Broman Karl W. , Price David A. , Friedrich Thomas C. , O'Connor Shelby L.
Published: June 2013

The overall CD8 T cell response to human/simian immunodeficiency virus (HIV/SIV) targets a collection of discrete epitope specificities. Some of these epitope-specific CD8 T cells emerge in the weeks and months following infection and rapidly select for sequence variants, whereas other CD8 T cell responses develop during the chronic infection phase and rarely select for sequence variants. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that acute-phase CD8 T cell responses that do not rapidly select for escape variants are unable to control viral replication
in vivo
as well as those that do rapidly select for escape variants. We created a derivative of live attenuated SIV (SIVmac239Δnef) in which we ablated five epitopes that elicit early CD8 T cell responses and rapidly accumulate sequence variants in SIVmac239-infected Mauritian cynomolgus macaques (MCMs) that are homozygous for the M3 major histocompatibility complex (MHC) haplotype. This live attenuated SIV variant was called m3KOΔnef. Viremia was significantly higher in M3 homozygous MCMs infected with m3KOΔnef than in either MHC-mismatched MCMs infected with m3KOΔnef or MCMs infected with SIVmac239Δnef. Three CD8 T cell responses, including two that do not rapidly select for escape variants, predominated during early m3KOΔnef infection in the M3 homozygous MCMs, but these animals were unable to control viral replication. These results provide evidence that acute-phase CD8 T cell responses that have the potential to rapidly select for escape variants in the early phase of infection are needed to establish viral control
in vivo
.
Carbonating magnesia for soil stabilization
Authors: Yi Yaolin , Liska Martin , Unluer Cise , Al-Tabbaa Abir
Published: June 2013

This paper investigates the potential for carbonating reactive magnesia (MgO) to serve as a more sustainable soil stabilization method by providing rapid and significant strength development of the stabilized soil through absorbing substantial quantities of CO2. Gaseous CO2was forced through laboratory-prepared reactive MgO-treated soil samples in a triaxial cell set-up, and their resulting mechanical and microstructural properties were investigated using unconfined compressive strength, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that adequately carbonated MgO-treated soils could, in a few hours, reach a similar strength range to corresponding 28 day Portland cement (PC)-stabilized soils. Hydrated magnesium carbonates, namely nesquehonite and hydromagnesite–dypingite, were the main products of the carbonated MgO in the soil, and were responsible for the significant strength development.
SEPARATING INVARIANTS FOR THE KLEIN FOUR GROUP AND CYCLIC GROUPS
Authors: KOHLS MARTIN , SEZER MÜFİT
Published: June 2013

We consider indecomposable representations of the Klein four group over a field of characteristic 2 and of a cyclic group of order pm with p, m coprime over a field of characteristic p. For each representation, we explicitly describe a separating set in the corresponding ring of invariants. Our construction is recursive and the separating sets we obtain consist of almost entirely orbit sums and products.
Provenance of late Palaeozoic terrestrial sediments on the northern flank of the Mid North Sea High: detrital zircon geochronology and rutile geochemical constraints
Authors: Lundmark Anders Mattias , Bue Edina Pózer , Gabrielsen Roy H. , Flaat Kjersti , Strand Tor , Ohm Sverre E.
Published: June 2013

Zircon U–Pb and rutile trace element data are used to investigate the provenance of late Devonian to early Permian terrestrial sandstones in the Embla and Flora oil fields on the north flank of the Mid North Sea High, central North Sea. Two Old Red Sandstone samples (ORS 1) are dominated by 1.2–0.9 Ga Grenvillian zircons and low- to medium-grade rutile, with sparse Cambro-Ordovician Caledonian zircons (2–4%) and high-grade rutiles (0–5%). The samples are interpreted as recycled metasediments from the Scottish Caledonides. Two other Old Red Sandstone samples (ORS 2) contain a high proportion of Caledonian, mainly Silurian zircons (15–19%) and high-grade rutiles (15–18%); we propose that these components are traceable to the Krummedal sequence on East Greenland (and related sediments). We interpret the data to reflect a temporal evolution of the regional drainage system from northwestern to northeastern sources, with high-grade detritus reaching the Mid North Sea High in the Famennian–early Carboniferous. A late Carboniferous and an early Permian sandstone yielded zircon and rutile signatures compatible with recycling of Palaeozoic sediments north of southernmost Scotland, probably reflecting inversion tectonics. Recycling of Mesoproterozoic to Palaeozoic sediments is thus a prominent feature of the studied late Palaeozoic sandstones.

Supplementary material:

Electron microprobe data from rutile trace element analyses, additional rutile temperature plots and zircon LA-ICPMS U–Pb data are available at
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18617
.
The cardiac sodium current Nav1.5 is functionally expressed in rabbit bronchial smooth muscle cells
Authors: Bradley E. , Webb T. I. , Hollywood M. A. , Sergeant G. P. , McHale N. G. , Thornbury K. D.
Published: June 2013

A collagenase-proteinase mixture was used to isolate airway smooth muscle cells (ASMC) from rabbit bronchi, and membrane currents were recorded using the whole cell patch-clamp technique. Stepping from −100 mV to a test potential of −40 mV evoked a fast voltage-dependent Na+ current, sometimes with an amplitude of several nanoamperes. The current disappeared within 15 min of exposure to papain + DTT ( n = 6). Comparison of the current in ASMC with current mediated by NaV1.5 α-subunits expressed in human embryonic kidney cells revealed similar voltage dependences of activation ( V1/2 = −42 mV for NaV1.5) and sensitivities to TTX (IC50 = 1.1 and 1.2 μM for ASMC and NaV1.5, respectively). The current in ASMC was also blocked by lidocaine (IC50 = 160 μM). Although veratridine, an agonist of voltage-gated Na+ channels, reduced the peak current by 33%, it slowed inactivation, resulting in a fourfold increase in sustained current (measured at 25 ms after onset). In current-clamp mode, veratridine prolonged evoked action potentials from 37 ± 9 to 1,053 ± 410 ms ( n = 8). Primers for NaV1.2–1.9 were used to amplify mRNA from groups of ∼20 isolated ASMC and from whole bronchial tissue by RT-PCR. Transcripts for NaV1.2, NaV1.3, and NaV1.5–1.9 were detected in whole tissue, but only NaV1.2 and NaV1.5 were detected in single cells. We conclude that freshly dispersed rabbit ASMC express a fast voltage-gated Na+ current that is mediated mainly by the NaV1.5 subtype.
Altered mitochondrial morphology and defective protein import reveal novel roles for Bax and/or Bak in skeletal muscle
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Iqbal Sobia , O'Leary Michael F. N. , Menzies Keir J. , Saleem Ayesha , Ding Shuzhe , Hood David A.
Published: June 2013

The function Bax and/or Bak in constituting a gateway for mitochondrial apoptosis in response to apoptotic stimuli has been unequivocally demonstrated. However, recent work has suggested that Bax/Bak may have unrecognized nonapoptotic functions related to mitochondrial function in nonstressful environments. Wild-type (WT) and Bax/Bak double knockout (DKO) mice were used to determine alternative roles for Bax and Bak in mitochondrial morphology and protein import in skeletal muscle. The absence of Bax and/or Bak altered mitochondrial dynamics by regulating protein components of the organelle fission and fusion machinery. Moreover, DKO mice exhibited defective mitochondrial protein import, both into the matrix and outer membrane compartments, which was consistent with our observations of impaired membrane potential and attenuated expression of protein import machinery (PIM) components in intermyofibrillar mitochondria. Furthermore, the cytosolic chaperones heat-shock protein 90 (Hsp90) and binding immunoglobulin protein (BiP) were markedly increased with the deletion of Bax/Bak, indicating that the cytosolic environment related to protein folding may be changed in DKO mice. Interestingly, endurance training fully restored the deficiency of protein import in DKO mice, likely via the upregulation of PIM components and through improved cytosolic chaperone protein expression. Thus our results emphasize novel roles for Bax and/or Bak in mitochondrial function and provide evidence, for the first time, of a curative function of exercise training in ameliorating a condition of defective mitochondrial protein import.
Plankton Resting Stages in the Marine Sediments of the Bay of Vlorë (Albania)
Authors: Rubino Fernando , Moscatello Salvatore , Belmonte Manuela , Ingrosso Gianmarco , Belmonte Genuario
Published: June 2013

In the frame of the INTERREG III CISM project, sediment cores were collected at 2 stations in the Gulf of Vlorë to study the plankton resting stage assemblages. A total of 87 morphotypes were identified and produced by Dinophyta, Ciliophora, Rotifera, and Crustacea. In 22 cases, the cyst belonged to a species absent from the plankton of the same period. The most abundant resting stages were those produced byScrippsiellaspecies (Dinophyta). Some calcareous cysts were identified as fossil species associated with Pleistocene to Pliocene sediment, although they were also found in surface sediments and some of them successfully germinated, thus proving their modern status. Total abundance generally decreased with sediment depth at station 40, while station 45 showed distinct maxima at 3 and 8 cm below the sediment surface. The depth of peak abundance in the sediment varied with species. This paper presents the first study of the plankton resting stages in the Bay of Vlorë. The study confirmed the utility of this type of investigation for a more correct evaluation of species diversity. In addition, the varying distribution with sediment depth suggests that this field could be of some importance in determining the history of species assemblages.
Order Batching in Warehouses by Minimizing Total Tardiness: A Hybrid Approach of Weighted Association Rule Mining and Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Azadnia Amir Hossein , Taheri Shahrooz , Ghadimi Pezhman , Mat Saman Muhamad Zameri , Wong Kuan Yew
Published: June 2013

One of the cost‐intensive issues in managing warehouses is the order picking problem which deals with the retrieval of items from their storage locations in order to meet customer requests. Many solution approaches have been proposed in order to minimize traveling distance in the process of order picking. However, in practice, customer orders have to be completed by certain due dates in order to avoid tardiness which is neglected in most of the related scientific papers. Consequently, we proposed a novel solution approach in order to minimize tardiness which consists of four phases. First of all, weighted association rule mining has been used to calculate associations between orders with respect to their due date. Next, a batching model based on binary integer programming has been formulated to maximize the associations between orders within each batch. Subsequently, the order picking phase will come up which used a Genetic Algorithm integrated with the Traveling Salesman Problem in order to identify the most suitable travel path. Finally, the Genetic Algorithm has been applied for sequencing the constructed batches in order to minimize tardiness. Illustrative examples and comparisons are presented to demonstrate the proficiency and solution quality of the proposed approach.
The Correlations of Disease Activity, Socioeconomic Status, Quality of Life, and Depression/Anxiety in Chinese Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Shen Biyu , Tan Wei , Feng Guijuan , He Yan , Liu Jinwei , Chen Weijun , Huang Xiaoqin , Da Zhanyun , Xu Xujuan , Liu Hong , Gu Zhifeng
Published: June 2013

The prevalence of psychological problems is frequent in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and appears to be increasing. The current study investigated the relationship among disease parameters, quality of life, and the psychological status in Chinese patients with SLE. A self-report survey design was administered to 170 SLE patients and 210 healthy individuals using the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, the Self-Rating Depression Scale, and the Short Form 36 health survey (SF-36). Our results showed that 20.3% SLE patients had anxiety, and 32.9% had depression, which were significantly higher than the control group (7.1%, 14.3%, resp.). And there were significant correlations among socioeconomic status (SES), disease activity, and anxiety/depression in SLE patients. Meanwhile, SF-36 analysis results revealed that VT, PF, and RP scales were the most powerful predictors of anxiety of SLE patients, and SLEDAI, VT, PF, SF, and RE domains were significantly accounted for anxiety. In summary, there were significant relationships among disease parameters, quality of life, and anxiety/depression in Chinese SLE patients. Therefore, it is necessary to have psychiatric and psychological evaluations and formulate an integrated approach for managing mental health in Chinese lupus patients, especially those who have high disease activity, low SES, and poor quality of life.
Characterization of Deqi Sensation and Acupuncture Effect
Authors: Yang Xing-Yue , Shi Guang-Xia , Li Qian-Qian , Zhang Zhen-Hua , Xu Qian , Liu Cun-Zhi
Published: June 2013

Acupuncture stimulation elicits deqi, a composite of unique sensations. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), deqi experienced by patients is often described assuan(aching or soreness),ma(numbness or tingling),zhang(fullness, distention, or pressure), andzhong(heaviness) and is felt by the acupuncturists (needle grasping) as tense, tight, and full. It is believed that deqi may be an important variable in the studies of the mechanism and efficacy of acupuncture treatment. In recent years, great efforts have been made to understand deqi, which include a couple of questionnaires to qualify and quantify deqi sensations, neuroimaging studies of deqi and acupuncture, physiological mechanisms of deqi, and the relation between deqi and clinical efficacy. However, many problems need to be resolved, and more researches are required to be made in the future.
Ecological Study on Hospitalizations for Cancer, Cardiovascular, and Respiratory Diseases in the Industrial Area of Etang-de-Berre in the South of France
Authors: Pascal Laurence , Pascal Mathilde , Stempfelet Morgane , Goria Sarah , Declercq Christophe
Published: June 2013

The Etang-de-Berre area is a large industrialized area in the South of France, exposing 300,000 inhabitants to the plumes of its industries. The possible associated health risks are of the highest concern to the population, who asked for studies investigating their health status. A geographical ecological study based on standardized hospitalizations ratios for cancer, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases was carried out over the 2004–2007 period. Exposure to air pollution was assessed using dispersion models coupled with a geographic information system to estimate an annual mean concentration of sulfur dioxide (SO2) for each district. Results showed an excess risk of hospitalization for myocardial infarction in women living in districts with medium or high SO2exposure, respectively, 38% [CI 95% 4 : 83] and 54% [14 : 110] greater than women living in districts at the reference level exposure. A 26% [2 : 57] excess risk of hospitalization for myocardial infarction was also observed in men living in districts with high SO2levels. No excess risk of hospitalization for respiratory diseases or for cancer was observed, except for acute leukemia in men only. Results illustrate the impact of industrial air pollution on the cardiovascular system and call for an improvement of the air quality in the area.
Some Common Coupled Fixed Point Results for Generalized Contraction in Complex-Valued Metric Spaces
Authors: Kutbi Marwan Amin , Azam Akbar , Ahmad Jamshaid , Di Bari Cristina
Published: June 2013

We introduce and study the notion of common coupled fixed points for a pair of mappings in complex valued metric space and demonstrate the existence and uniqueness of the common coupled fixed points in a complete complex-valued metric space in view of diverse contractive conditions. In addition, our investigations are well supported by nontrivial examples.
Further Result on Finite-Time Stabilization of Stochastic Nonholonomic Systems
Authors: Gao Fangzheng , Yuan Fushun , Zhang Jian , Wu Yuqiang
Published: June 2013

This paper further investigates the problem of finite-time state feedback stabilization for a class of stochastic nonholonomic systems in chained form. Compared with the existing literature, the stochastic nonholonomic systems under investigation have more uncertainties, such as thex0-subsystem contains stochastic disturbance. This renders the existing finite-time control methods highly difficult to the control problem of the systems or even inapplicable. In this paper, by extending adding a power integrator design method to a stochastic system and by skillfully constructingC2Lyapunov function, a novel switching control strategy is proposed, which renders that the states of closed-loop system are almost surely regulated to zero in a finite time. A simulation example is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results.