bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of human papillomavirus in nongenital cancers
Authors: Zandberg Dan P. , Bhargava Ranjana , Badin Simon , Cullen Kevin J.
Published: December 2012

Answer questions and earn CME/CNE

Human papillomavirus (HPV), one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases worldwide, has an established role in the pathogenesis of genital malignancies such as cervical cancer. The virus has also been implicated in the oncogenesis of nongenital cancers including head and neck malignancies (specifically oropharyngeal cancers) as well as anal cancer. There is less clarity regarding its role in lung and esophageal cancers. Worldwide, the incidence and prevalence of HPV‐associated oropharyngeal cancer has been increasing over time. These patients have improved outcomes compared with those with HPV‐negative oropharyngeal cancers, and there is continued interest in designing treatments specifically for this HPV‐positive subgroup. Clinicians continue to gain an understanding of HPV in anal cancers and the risk factors associated with infection and progression to malignancy. This has potential implications for the eventual screening of high‐risk groups. While HPV vaccination is currently approved for the prevention of cervical cancer, it also has potential in the prevention of all HPV‐associated malignancies. In this review, current understanding of the role of HPV in nongenital cancers is discussed, as well as future implications for treatment and prevention. CA Cancer J Clin 2013. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
La réforme Obama du système américain de soins de santé
Authors: Witmeur Renaud , Désir Daniel , Hut Florence
Published: December 2012

Résumé Le système de soins de santé en vigueur aux États-Unis suscite de nombreuses interrogations en Europe. Il est le plus cher et le plus complexe de tous les pays de l’OCDE sans être pour autant l’un des plus performants, ni en termes de santé publique, ni en termes de qualité des soins ou d’accessibilité. L’élection présidentielle américaine du 6 novembre 2012 a attiré l’attention des Européens sur les réformes introduites par Barack Obama lors de son premier mandat, et que souhaitait abroger le Parti républicain représenté par Mitt Romney. La victoire démocrate assure le maintien de la loi du 23 mars 2010, surnommée Obamacare, qui oblige la plupart des Américains à s’assurer avant 2014. Pour atteindre cet objectif, des subventions sont accordées aux citoyens à bas revenus et les compagnies d’assurance ne peuvent plus refuser de couvrir une personne en raison de ses antécédents médicaux. La réforme devrait coûter 940 milliards de dollars sur dix ans. Après avoir présenté le système de soins de santé américain et ses réformes en cours, ce Courrier hebdomadaire analyse les implications politiques, sociales, fiscales, budgétaires et culturelles de la réforme menée par Barack Obama, non seulement pour les États-Unis mais également pour la planète entière. Outre ses effets en politique intérieure, l’Obamacare aura des répercussions internationales en raison du leadership scientifique et technologique des États-Unis dans le domaine médical.
Israël, l'infernale « terre promise »
Authors: Lagarde David
Published: December 2012

L’arrivée en Israël de réfugiés non juifs, originaires du Soudan ou de la Corne de l’Afrique ne peut qu’interroger dans un pays qui ne reconnaît pas le droit d’asile. Or depuis plusieurs années et, plus encore, depuis les « révolutions arabes », les entrées de migrants par le Sinaï ne font qu’augmenter, poussant le gouvernement israélien à prendre des mesures drastiques de fermeture des frontières. Au-delà de l’affichage, quelles en sont les conséquences sur le sort des réfugiés ?
Evaluación de la corrosión en estructuras de contención nuclear mediante el uso de técnicas electroquímicas no destructivas
Authors: Martínez I. , Castillo A. , Andrade C.
Published: December 2012

Son muchos los planteamientos que se realizan en relación al estado de estas estructuras nucleares y a la posibilidad de prorrogar su vida útil, siendo la corrosión uno de los problemas que más preocupa en la actualidad. Por ello, la evaluación y control de la corrosión en estructuras como los liners de los edificios de contención es extremadamente importante para que éste no sea el motivo que limite la vida de estas estructuras.

En el presente trabajo se muestran resultados de la aplicación de técnicas electroquímicas no destructivas en estructuras reales de contención nuclear para la evaluación de la corrosión de armaduras o elementos metálicos embebidos en el hormigón, como son los liners antes mencionados.
Unravelling the environmental drivers of deep-sea nematode biodiversity and its relation with carbon remineralisation along a longitudinal primary productivity gradient
Authors: Pape E. , Bezerra T. N. , Jones D. O. B. , Vanreusel A.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. Alongside a primary productivity gradient between the Galicia Bank region in the northeast Atlantic and the more oligotrophic eastern Mediterranean basin, we investigated the bathymetric (1200–3000 m) and longitudinal variation in several measures for nematode taxon (Shannon–Wiener genus diversity, expected genus richness and generic evenness) and functional diversity (trophic diversity, diversity of life history strategies, biomass diversity and phylogenetic diversity). Our goals were to establish the form of the relation between diversity and productivity (measured as seafloor particulate organic carbon or POC flux), and to verify the positive and negative effect of sediment particle size diversity (SED) and the seasonality in POC flux (SVI), respectively, as observed for other oceanographic regions and taxa. In addition, we hypothesized that higher taxon diversity is associated with higher functional diversity, which in turn stimulates carbon remineralisation rates by nematode assemblages (determined from biomass-dependent respiration estimates). Taxon diversity showed a positive linear relationship with seafloor POC flux. Both SED (against our expectations) and SVI (as expected) had a negative influence on several nematode diversity indices. We observed a positive linear relation between taxon diversity and carbon remineralisation, but none of the functional diversity indices computed in the present study provided a mechanism through which taxon diversity may promote this ecosystem function. The present results suggest potential repercussions of climate change on deep-sea ecosystem functioning, but further also emphasize the need for a better understanding of nematode functions and their response to evolutionary processes.
Near-surface diurnal warming simulations: validation with high resolution profile measurements
Authors: Scanlon B. , Wick G. A. , Ward B.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. Sea surface temperature (SST) is an important property for governing the exchange of energy between the ocean and the atmosphere. Common in-situ methods of measuring SST often require a cool-skin and warm-layer adjustment in the presence of diurnal warming effects. A critical requirement for an ocean sub-model is that it can simulate the change in SST over diurnal, seasonal, and annual cycles. In this paper we use high-resolution near-surface profiles of SST to validate simulated near-surface temperature profiles from a modified version of the Kantha and Clayson 1-D mixed layer model. Additional model enhancements such as the incorporation of a parameterisation of turbulence generated by wave breaking and a solar absorption model are also validated. The model simulations show a strong variability in highly stratified conditions, with different models providing the best results depending on the specific criteria and conditions. In general, the models with enhanced wave breaking effects tended to underestimate the temperature profile measurements while the more coarse baseline and blended approaches produced the most accurate comparisons with the in-situ SST data.
Africans, Religion, and African Religion through the Nineteenth Century
Authors: Gomez Michael A.
Published: December 2012

This essay explores the intersections of colonialism, enslavement, freedom struggles, and religion in the African global experience, focusing on the critical navigational properties of leadership.
Organizational Models for Non-Core Processes Management: A Classification Framework
Authors: De Toni Alberto F. , Fornasier Andrea , Nonino Fabio
Published: December 2012

This study investigates the impact of different organizational models for the management of non-core processes in the facility management (FM) industry and seeks to suggest which is the best in terms of strategic and operative advantages and disadvantages.

A literature analysis of the empirical evidence as to business process outsourcing and, in particular, as to the practices of the FM business sector has been carried out. The analysis has allowed us to identify a total of 11 organizational models that are a consequence of five different strategic approaches. A comprehensive classification framework of the strategies and organizational models on the basis of two dimensions is proposed: the organizational role of a non-core processes manager (called a ‘facility manager’) and the typology of non-core process/service providers.

The framework enables the identification and the explanation of the main advantages and disadvantages of each strategy and to highlight how a company should coherently choose an organizational model on the basis of (a) the specialization/complexity of the non-core processes, (b) the focus on core processes, (c) its inclination towards know-how outsourcing, and (d) the desired level of autonomy in the management of non-core processes.
Hope ensina e reforça representações: estratégias da publicidade para o corpo feminino
Authors: Siqueira Denise da Costa Oliveira , Ribeiro Vanessa de Moraes
Published: December 2012

Neste artigo analisamos os desdobramentos da campanha publicitária “Hope ensina”, estrelada pela modelo Gisele Bündchen para a marca de lingerie em setembro de 2011. Na campanha, a sensualidade da “mulher brasileira” é usada como recurso para amenizar más notícias. Criada pela agência Giovanni+DraftFCB, a campanha chamou a atenção da Secretaria de Políticas para as Mulheres, que solicitou ao Conar a suspensão da publicidade e manifestou ao anunciante seu repúdio à campanha. Em termos metodológicos, reunimos um anúncio e três comerciais que foram descritos e analisados à luz da leitura de Mauss, Goldenberg e Lipovetsky
INTERTEXTUALIDADES CINEMATOGRÁFICAS NAS HISTÓRIAS EM QUADRINHOS D’OS TRAPALHÕES: CONTRIBUIÇÕES PARA A EDUCAÇÃO
Authors: Bona Rafael Jose
Published: December 2012

Nos últimos anos as histórias em quadrinhos (HQs) ficaram cada vez acessíveis para as pessoas graças à internet e ao baixo preço. Em diversas escolas do país, professores dos mais diversos níveis de ensino (do básico ao universitário) começaram a enxergar viabilidades educativas por meio delas. Este artigo tem o objetivo de contribuir para a utilização de HQs nos anos iniciais do Ensino Fundamental, propondo atividades, a partir das Revistas em quadrinhos d’Os Trapalhões (As Aventuras dos Trapalhões), editada de 1989 a 1994 (num total de 51 edições), que trabalhavam com intertextualidades cinematográficas, parodiando filmes dos mais diversos gêneros e enredos. Espera-se que as contribuições relatadas neste artigo possam despertar o interesse dos educadores e que contribuam na formação cultural das crianças e dos adolescentes.
Comunicação e tecnologia no movimento estudantil mexicano #YOSOY132
Authors: Bozza Gabriel , Panke Luciana
Published: December 2012

Este trabalho discute o uso da comunicação tecnológica pelos jovens para sua visualidade, interação e transmissão de informação, principalmente quando integrantes de novos coletivos juvenis e movimentos sociais. O estudo apresenta o caso do movimento estudantil #YoSoy132 que foi eficaz no uso das tecnologias da informação e comunicação na promoção de mudanças no andamento das eleições presidenciais mexicanas de 2012. O grupo de estudantes, amparado pelas TICs, conseguiu promover mudanças inéditas no panorama eleitoral mexicano. Além de engajar jovens, a ação atraiu diversos segmentos da sociedade, gerando ações online e nas ruas contra a eleição do presidente eleito, Enrique Peña Nieto e pela democratização dos meios de comunicação.
Overview of Human Primary Tumorgraft Models: Comparisons with Traditional Oncology Preclinical Models and the Clinical Relevance and Utility of Primary Tumorgrafts in Basic and Translational Oncology Research
Authors: Lum David H. , Matsen Cindy , Welm Alana L. , Welm Bryan E.
Published: December 2012

Laboratory models that accurately replicate human tumor initiation and characteristics are integral to advancing knowledge in cancer research. However, comparative studies between commonly employed laboratory models and human tumors have demonstrated that some models have molecular and genomic alterations dissimilar to the cancer type they attempt to replicate. In contrast, several recent comparative studies suggest that because patient‐derived tumors grown in mice maintain many of the important characteristics of the original tumor, they represent an important tool for the development of new cancer therapeutics. Detailed in this overview are the advantages and disadvantages of the most commonly used cancer models for mechanistic and therapeutic research, with an emphasis on the advances made in the production and use of patient‐derived tumorgrafts. Curr. Protoc. Pharmacol. 59:14.22.1‐14.22.9. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Kress, Gunther
Authors: Bezemer Jeff , Blommaert Jan
Published: December 2012

Gunther Kress (1940– ) is a linguist, semiotician, and social theorist.
Hepatic lentiviral gene transfer is associated with clonal selection, but not with tumor formation in serially transplanted rodents
Authors: Rittelmeyer Ina , Rothe Michael , Brugman Martijn H. , Iken Marcus , Schambach Axel , Manns Michael P. , Baum Christopher , Modlich Ute , Ott Michael
Published: December 2012

Lentiviral (LV) vectors are promising tools for long-term genetic correction of hereditary diseases. In hematopoietic stem cell gene therapies adverse events in patients due to vector integration-associated genotoxicity have been observed. Only a few studies have explored the potential risks of LV gene therapy targeting the liver. To analyze hepatic genotoxicity in vivo, we transferred the fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (FAH) gene by LV vectors into FAH(-/-) mice (n = 97) and performed serial hepatocyte transplantations (four generations). The integration profile (4,349 mapped insertions) of the LV vectors was assessed by ligation-mediated polymerase chain reaction and deep sequencing. We tested whether the polyclonality of vector insertions was maintained in serially transplanted mice, linked the integration sites to global hepatocyte gene expression, and investigated the effects of LV liver gene therapy on the survival of the animals. The lifespan of in vivo gene-corrected mice was increased compared to 2-(2-nitro-4-trifluoromethylbenzoyl)-1,3-cyclohexanedione (NTBC) control animals and unchanged in serially transplanted animals. The integration profile (4,349 mapped insertions) remained polyclonal through all mouse generations with only mild clonal expansion. Genes close to the integration sites of expanding clones may be associated with enhanced hepatocyte proliferation capacity. Conclusion: We did not find evidence for vector-induced tumors. LV hepatic gene therapy showed a favorable risk profile for stable and long-term therapeutic gene expression. Polyclonality of hepatocyte regeneration was maintained even in an environment of enforced proliferation. (HEPATOLOGY 2013)
Kinetic and thermodynamic studies on molecular interaction of antipyrine donor and 2,3‐dichloro‐5,6‐dicyano‐1,4‐benzoquinone as an electron acceptor in different solvents
Authors: Hasani Masoumeh , Nikoee Sheler
Published: December 2012

The charge–transfer (CT) complex of donor antipyrine with Π‐acceptor 2,3‐dichloro‐5,6‐dicyano‐1,4‐benzoquinone (DDQ) has been investigated spectrophotometrically in different halocarbon and acetonitrile solvents. The results indicated immediate formation of an electron donor–acceptor complex (DA), which is followed by two relatively slow consecutive reactions. The pseudo–first‐order rate constants for the formation of the ionic intermediate and the final product at various temperatures were evaluated from the absorbance–time data. The activation parameters, viz. activation energy, enthalpy, entropy, and free energy of activation, were computed from temperature dependence of rate constants. The stoichiometry of the complex was found to be 1:1 by Job's method of continuous variation. The formation constants of the resulting DA complexes were determined by the Benesi–Hildebrand equation at four different temperatures. The enthalpies and entropies of the complex formation reactions have been obtained by temperature dependence of the formation constants using Van't Hoff equation. The results indicate that DDQ complexes of antipyrine in all solvents are enthalpy stabilized but entropy destabilized. Both the kinetics of the interaction and the formation constants of the complexes are dependent upon the polarity of the solvents. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 45: 81–91, 2013
Chewing areca nut as an independent risk factor for proteinuria in middle‐aged men
Authors: Liu Wen‐Hsin , Hsu Chih‐Cheng , Hsu Yueh‐Han
Published: December 2012

No previous large‐scale research has reported the association of chewing areca nut (AN) with proteinuria. The aim of this study was to investigate such an association in men over a 7‐year study. In this cross‐sectional research, we retrospectively reviewed the records of health check‐ups in a community hospital setting from 2003 to 2009. Laboratory tests, medical histories, and the status of smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, and chewing AN were obtained for each participant. Proteinuria was defined as having +/– or heavier protein response (including +/– to 4+) in a urine test performed by an automated chemical analyzer. We compared characteristics in participants with and without proteinuria, and analyzed the adjusted risk for proteinuria with chewing AN in middle‐aged men. We also compared the changes in adjusted risk for proteinuria under a stricter definition of proteinuria (≥ 1+ proteinuria). There were 11,991 men with a mean age of 58.94 ± 12.06 years. The prevalence of proteinuria in AN chewers was 13.7%, and 11.2% for non‐chewers (p = 0.005). Of the 1381 participants with proteinuria, the proportion chewing AN was 15.3%, and 12.6% for those without proteinuria (p = 0.005). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis with three different levels of adjustment models, with adjustment factors for age, drinking, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, body mass index, chronic kidney disease, anemia, liver dysfunction, and hyperuricemia, the odds ratios of proteinuria for chewing AN were 1.61, 1.55 and 1.40 (allp = 0.000). With the stricter definition of proteinuria, the odds ratios became weaker (1.40, 1.36 and 1.19;p = 0.009, 0.029 and 0.24). We concluded that chewing AN was independently associated with risk of proteinuria in middle‐aged Chinese men.
Vibrations Induced by Harmonic Loadings Applied at Circular Plate on Layered Medium
Authors: Liou Gin-Show
Published: December 2012

A systematic procedure is developed to calculate ground vibration at any specific location in layered medium due to harmonic loadings applied at a circular plate on the medium. In the procedure, the technique decomposing the interaction tractions between excited plate and layered medium will be employed. The decomposed tractions will automatically match boundary values of general solutions of three dimensional wave equations in cylindrical coordinates. In numerical results, the effect of layered stratum on ground vibration will be investigated and how ground vibration in layered medium decreases with depth will be presented. Also, from the numerical results, one can observe ground vibration may not decay monotonically along distance away from vibration source. The presented scheme is proved to be effective and efficient for accurately predicting near-field ground response to harmonic loadings applied at a rigid circular plate on layered medium. Comments on the presented scheme and numerical results will be given.
Interface Reconstruction with Split Lagrangian Advection for Two-Dimensional Interfacial Flows
Authors: Wu C. S. , Young D. L.
Published: December 2012

This paper contributes to propose a 2D practical interface tracking algorithm of volume-of-fluid (VOF) method through the improved interface reconstruction, namely using both mixed Youngs centered column method (MYCCM) and the Lagrangian split advection scheme. A computationally efficiency and second-order accuracy for interface reconstruction method is presented and approximated by heuristic algorithms based on the piecewise linear interface calculation (PLIC) concept. The method can be accurately estimated by a regular structured mesh without any geometrical modifications. Besides, a linear mapping technique is implemented to improve the efficiency of numerical simulations with regard to the approximation for capturing the interface. The computational tests include widely used benchmark cases, such as the solid-body translations and rotations and the swirled single vortex of fluid body. Its performances of the improved algorithm are compared against other classical VOF advection methods. Good results are obtained by using present algorithm.
PLANT-DERIVED AEROSOL-SMOKE AND SMOKE SOLUTIONS INFLUENCE AGRONOMIC PERFORMANCE OF A TRADITIONAL CEREAL CROP, TEF
Authors: GHEBREHIWOT HABTEAB , KULKARNI MANOJ , BAIRU MICHAEL , VAN STADEN JOHANNES
Published: December 2012

The positive role of plant-derived smoke on seed germination and post-germination processes is well documented. The present study examined if plant-derived smoke with various methods of application influence the agronomic performance of a traditional cereal crop, tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter]. Comparisons were made in potted tef plants, which germinated from seeds treated with smoke-water (1:500 dilution), Karrikinolide1 (KAR1, 10−8 M) solutions and seeds pretreated with cool aerosol-smoke for 10 min (rinsed and unrinsed afterwards). The smoke-related treatments modified a number of physiological, morphological and agronomic features of Eragrostis tef. Compared with the control, KAR1 and aerosol-smoke treatment of the seeds significantly improved plant height. All the smoke-related treatments significantly promoted stem-thickness whereas number of tillers and grain and dry biomass responded positively to aerosol-smoke and smoke-water treatments. These findings indicate that the plant-derived smoke treatment has a great potential to improve grain and dry biomass yields of tef. Moreover, due to its positive role in improving stem-thickness, smoke treatment may assist in combating lodging problems in cereals such as rice, wheat and barley, provided they are responsive to smoke treatments.
COMPARISON OF APPROPRIATE TROPICAL SEED STORAGE TECHNIQUES FOR GERMPLASM CONSERVATION IN MOUNTAINOUS SUB-TROPICAL CLIMATES WITH RESOURCE CONSTRAINTS
Authors: CROFT MARCIA , BICKSLER ABRAM , MANSON JAMES , BURNETTE RICK
Published: December 2012

Changes in seed viability over 12 months of low-input storage conditions were monitored on five diverse seed species grown in the tropics: amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus), lablab bean (Lablab purpureus), moringa (Moringa oleifera), pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Because the costs of maintaining low-temperature storage can be prohibitively expensive in developing countries, this study explored alternatives to low-temperature storage at the Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization (ECHO) Asia Impact Center Seed Bank in Northern Thailand. Specifically, this research compared the effects of vacuum sealing and refrigeration on stored seed viability in both laboratory and field settings. While seed species was an influential factor in determining seed longevity, the relative importance of vacuum sealing and refrigeration differed for the dependent variables of seed moisture content, germination rate, mean time to 50% germination and field emergence. Although the combination of vacuum sealing and refrigeration was most effective at conserving seed quality as measured by each of these variables, the storage of seeds in vacuum-sealed packages at ambient temperatures was more effective than unsealed but refrigerated packets at conserving low moisture content and high germination and field emergence rates across species. This suggests that for resource-constrained seed banks in the tropics, vacuum sealing with or without refrigeration may represent a viable alternative to other expensive and energy-intensive storage techniques.
DRY MATTER PRODUCTION AND NUTRIENT CONTENT OF LONGAN GROWN ON AN ACID ULTISOL
Authors: GOENAGA RICARDO
Published: December 2012

Little is known about the adaptability of longan (Dimocarpus longan) to acidic soils high in aluminum (Al). A two-year field study was conducted to determine the effects of various levels of soil Al on dry matter production, plant growth and nutrient content in shoots of four cultivars of longan. Soil Al and cultivars were statistically different for all variables measured in the study. Total leaf, petiole, stem and root dry weights significantly decreased at soil Al concentrations ranging from 5.1 to 12.1 cmol kg−1 but this reduction was of a smaller magnitude in roots than in other organs. Increments in soil Al resulted in a significant reduction in the concentration of leaf Ca and a significant increase in leaf Al in all cultivars. Shoot content of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn and Al declined with increase in soil Al. The result of this study demonstrates that longan is highly susceptible to acid soils.
Non-parametric approaches to the impact of Holstein heifer growth from birth to insemination on their dairy performance at lactation one
Authors: SAUDER C. , CARDOT H. , DISENHAUS C. , LE COZLER Y.
Published: December 2012

Parametric approaches have been used widely to model animal growth and study the impact of growth profile on performance. Individual variation is often not considered in such approaches. However, non-parametric modelling allows this. Such an approach, based on spline functions, was used to study the importance of growth profiles from age 0 to 15 months (i.e. insemination) on milk yield and composition in primiparous cows. A dataset of 447 heifers was used for analysis of growth performance; 296 of them were also used to study impact on lactation. All of them originated from a French experimental herd and were born between 1986 and 2006. Clustering methods were also tested. Comparison of spline methods showed that a cubic spline interpolation method, with no smoothing parameter, was best suited to studying heifer growth. Similarly, partitioning around medoids proved the most accurate clustering method for classifying heifer growth into groups. The results of these analyses agreed with those previously published, supporting the utility of these methods. A final study on the impact of breakdowns in the growth curves was performed. A breakdown was considered only when the derivative of the interpolation function was negative or zero. Of the 447 heifers initially used, 125 (Gr0), 175 (Gr1) and 147 (Gr2) had no, one, or two or more breakpoints during the 0–15 months of age period. Milk yield on a 305 d basis was significantly reduced with an increased number of breakpoints (6548v.6828 and 6905 kg for Gr2, Gr1 and Gr0 animals, respectively). Fat content was also higher in Gr2 than in Gr0 groups, but overall, no difference in total fat or protein-corrected milk production was noted. The intersection between groups for growth and groups for breakdowns confirmed that animals with two or more breakdowns belonged more frequently to the group with the lowest growth performance. These results offer the possibility of analysing large databases, originating from an automatic collecting system (e.g. milking robots) or from different herds, breeds, genetics, etc. These approaches could also be used for studies on body score index, girth development, lactation profiles, etc. and in other species, such as dairy goats or beef cattle. They could find use in the development of new models of prediction, e.g. the probability of heat appearance on an animal basis, which could be included among useful management tools.
Paragonimiasis in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa
Authors: Appleton C.C.
Published: December 2012

Nine cases of paragonimiasis have been reported from cats (4), dogs (2) and children (3) in South Africa, with an additional suspected case in an adult female patient. Details of these cases are reviewed. All nine cases, and perhaps the adult case as well, were from the province of KwaZulu-Natal but locality data are only available for six of them. These six cases represent four localities which all lie below 100 m above sea level in the province's lowlands, suggesting that there may be a focus of transmission here. The molluscan first intermediate host must be one of the two prosobranch snail species present in the area,Melanoides tuberculataorTomichia natalensis, and the decapod second intermediate host the common river crabPotamonautes sidneyi. All infected cats and dogs had pulmonary infections, while two human cases for which there is sufficient information had extrapulmonary infections. Transmission appears to be ongoing but the invasive snailTarebia graniferamay be competing with bothM. tuberculataandT. natalensis.If so, this may bring transmission to an end.
Unresponsiveness ofMycobacterium wvaccine in managing acute and chronicLeishmania donovaniinfections in mouse and hamster
Authors: TANDON RATI , MISRA PRAGYA , SONI VISHAL KUMAR , BANO NASREEN , MISRA-BHATTACHARYA SHAILJA , DUBE ANURADHA
Published: December 2012

The role ofMycobacterium w(Mw) vaccine as an immunomodulator and immunoprophylactant in the treatment of mycobacterial diseases (leprosy and pulmonary tuberculosis) is well established. The fact that it shares common antigens with leishmanial parasites prompted its assessment as an immunostimulant and as an adjunct to known anti-leishmanials that may help in stimulating the suppressed immune status ofLeishmania donovani-infected individuals. The efficacy ofMwvaccine was assessed as an immunomodulator, prophylactically either alone or in combination with anti-leishmanial vaccine, as well as therapeutically as an adjunct to anti-leishmanial treatment inL. donovani-infected hamsters, representing a chronic human Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) model. Similarly, its efficacy was also evaluated inL. donovani-infected BALB/c mice, representing an acute VL model. The preliminary studies revealed thatMwwas ineffective as an immunostimulant and/or immunoprophylactant in hamsters infected withL. donovani, as estimated by T-cell immunological responses. However, in the BALB/c mice-VL model it appeared as an effective immunostimulant but a futile prophylactic agent. It is therefore inferred that, contrary to its role in managing tuberculosis and leprosy infections,Mwvaccine has not been successful in controlling VL infection, emphasizing the need to find detailed explanations for the failure of this vaccine against the disease.
Mixed infection in the anteater Tamandua tetradactyla (Mammalia: Pilosa) from Pará State, Brazil: Trypanosoma cruzi, T. rangeli and Leishmania infantum
Authors: DE ARAÚJO VITOR ANTÔNIO L. , BOITÉ MARIANA C. , CUPOLILLO ELISA , JANSEN ANA MARIA , ROQUE ANDRÉ LUIZ R.
Published: December 2012

Some Trypanosoma and Leishmania species are multi-host parasites whose distribution overlaps in several parts of the Brazilian Amazon basin. Despite being a common trait among wild mammals, mixed infections and their consequences for the host's health and parasite transmission are still a poorly known phenomenon. Here we describe a triple mixed infection – Trypanosoma cruzi, T. rangeli and Leishmania infantum – in a bone marrow sample from an anteater Tamandua tetradactyla captured in a house backyard from the endemic Abaetetuba municipality in the Amazon basin. T. cruzi was also isolated from blood samples. The mini-exon multiplex PCR characterization detected the infection by T. rangeli and T. cruzi (TcI genotype), while L. infantum infection was confirmed by an ITS-PCR followed by amplicon sequencing. This is the first description of T. rangeli isolation from bone marrow and the first report of L. infantum infection in xenarthrans. The implications of this finding are discussed considering the influence of mixed infections in the role of this mammal species as a putative reservoir host of these 3 trypanosomatid species.
Prehospital Emergency Medical Services in Lebanon: Overview and Prospects
Authors: El Sayed Mazen J. , Bayram Jamil D.
Published: December 2012

Prehospital emergency medical services in Lebanon are based on volunteer systems with multiple agencies. In this article, a brief history of the development of prehospital care in Lebanon is presented with a description of existing services. Also explored are the different aspects of prehospital care in Lebanon, including funding, public access and dispatch, equipment and supplies, provider training and certification, medical direction, and associated hospital-based emergency care.

El Sayed MJ, Bayram JD. Prehospital Emergency Medical Services in Lebanon: overview and prospects. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2013;28(2):1-3.
Religious Regulation and the Muslim Democracy Gap
Authors: Sarkissian Ani
Published: December 2012

This article argues that high levels of government regulation of religion help to explain the “democracy gap” in majority Muslim countries. Controlling for previously hypothesized determinants of democracy, it finds that as levels of regulation increase, levels of democracy decline. Examination of specific types of religious regulation in Muslim-majority countries uncovers a pattern of repression of religious expression that may be used to mobilize citizens politically. These regulations are targeted more often at Muslims who seek independence from state-controlled religion or who wish to challenge authoritarian governments, rather than at non-Muslim minorities or at religious worship more generally. Thus, authoritarian and semi-authoritarian regimes in Muslim-majority states successfully use policies toward religion to restrict political competition and inhibit democratic transition.
Radar on a chip for cars – the RoCC project
Authors: Lachner Rudolf
Published: December 2012

Radar sensors operating in the 76 81 GHz range are considered as essential parts of future vehicle safety systems and could significantly contribute in reducing the number of traffic casualties. Yet high manufacturing costs prevented their broad utilization in cars in the past. Today's SiGe processes show high potential to bring down cost of millimeter (mm)-wave systems into a range where they become attractive for mid- to low-priced cars. However, despite the impressing results achieved so far there is still a lot of work left to be done to achieve the final goal of “affordable radar safety for all”.
Placental expression of the obesity-associated gene FTO is reduced by fetal growth restriction but not by macrosomia in rats and humans
Authors: Mayeur S. , Cisse O. , Gabory A. , Barbaux S. , Vaiman D. , Vambergue A. , Fajardy I. , Deloof S. , Junien C. , Laborie C. , Vieau D. , Lesage J.
Published: December 2012

Genetic variants in the FTO (fat mass- and obesity-associated) gene have the highest association of all obesity-associated genes. Its placental expression was shown to relate to birth weight, suggesting that it may participate in the control of fetal weight gain. To gain more insight into the implication of FTO in fetal growth, we measured its placental expression in samples including extremes of abnormal fetal growth, such as after intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or macrosomia in both rats and humans. In rats, fetal growth was modulated by maternal nutritional modifications. In humans, placental villi were collected from pathological pregnancies (i.e. with IUGR or fetal macrosomia). Placental FTO mRNA expression was reduced by IUGR but was not significantly affected by macrosomia in either rats or humans. Our data suggest that placental FTO may participate in interactions between the in utero environment and the control of fetal growth under IUGR conditions by modulating epigenetic processes.
A three-dimensional, polarization-insensitive superconducting nanowire avalanche photodetector
Authors: Verma V. B. , Marsili F. , Harrington S. , Lita A. E. , Mirin R. P. , Nam S. W.
Published: December 2012

We demonstrate an approach to improving the detection efficiency, removing the polarization dependence, and increasing the signal-to-noise ratio of conventional superconducting nanowire single photon detectors (SNSPDs) by vertically stacking two WSi SNSPDs and electrically connecting them in parallel, forming a three-dimensional superconducting nanowire avalanche photodetector. We measure a peak system detection efficiency of 87.7% ± 0.5% and a polarization dependence of less than 2%, representing nearly an order of magnitude improvement in both system detection efficiency and reduction of polarization dependence compared to conventional SNSPDs.
Critical shell thickness for InAs-AlxIn1−xAs(P) core-shell nanowires
Authors: Haapamaki C. M. , Baugh J. , LaPierre R. R.
Published: December 2012

InAs nanowires with AlxIn1−xP or AlxIn1−xAs shells were grown on GaAs substrates by the Au-assisted vapour-liquid-solid method in a gas source molecular beam epitaxy system. Core diameters and shell thicknesses were measured by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). These measurements were then related to selected area diffraction patterns to verify either interface coherency or relaxation through misfit dislocations. A theoretical strain model is presented to determine the critical shell thickness for given core diameters. Zincblende stiffness parameters are transformed to their wurtzite counterparts via a well known tensor transformation. An energy criterion is then given to determine the shell thickness, at which coherency is lost and dislocations become favourable. Our model only considers axial strain relieved by edge dislocations since they were the only type of dislocation observed directly by TEM.
Two-site Hubbard molecule with a spinless electron-positron pair
Authors: Cossu F. , Schuster C. , Schwingenschlögl U.
Published: December 2012

We determine the eigenvalues of the two-site Hubbard molecule with one electron and one positron to describe the characteristics of electron-positron interactions in solids. While the effect of hopping is, in general, opposite to the effect of on-site interaction, we find a complex scenario for the electron-positron pair with a non-vanishing potential drop. We give analytical solutions and discuss the combined effects of the model parameters.
Characterizing the field-dependent T1-relaxation and imaging of ferrofluids using high-Tc superconducting quantum interference device magnetometer in low magnetic fields
Authors: Liao S. H. , Yang Hong-Chang , Horng H. E. , Liu C. W. , Chen H. H. , Chen M. J. , Chen K. L. , Liu C. I. , Wang L. M.
Published: December 2012

In this paper, we investigate the field-dependent T1-relaxation and T1-contrast imaging of ferrofluids using high-Tc superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID)-detected nuclear magnetic resonance and imaging in low magnetic fields, where T1 is the spin-lattice relaxation time. It was found that the 1/T1 of ferrofluids increases when the prepolarization field increases. We attribute this to the enhanced magnetic-field gradients generated from the induced magnetization that accelerates the T1-relaxation more in a high strength of fields in comparison to a low strength of fields. Using phantoms with different relaxation times, the T1-contrast images are demonstrated in low magnetic fields, which can be promising for discriminating tumors.
Simulations of magnetic nanoparticle Brownian motion
Authors: Reeves Daniel B. , Weaver John B.
Published: December 2012

Magnetic nanoparticles are useful in many medical applications because they interact with biology on a cellular level thus allowing microenvironmental investigation. An enhanced understanding of the dynamics of magnetic particles may lead to advances in imaging directly in magnetic particle imaging or through enhanced MRI contrast and is essential for nanoparticle sensing as in magnetic spectroscopy of Brownian motion. Moreover, therapeutic techniques like hyperthermia require information about particle dynamics for effective, safe, and reliable use in the clinic. To that end, we have developed and validated a stochastic dynamical model of rotating Brownian nanoparticles from a Langevin equation approach. With no field, the relaxation time toward equilibrium matches Einstein's model of Brownian motion. In a static field, the equilibrium magnetization agrees with the Langevin function. For high frequency or low amplitude driving fields, behavior characteristic of the linearized Debye approximation is reproduced. In a higher field regime where magnetic saturation occurs, the magnetization and its harmonics compare well with the effective field model. On another level, the model has been benchmarked against experimental results, successfully demonstrating that harmonics of the magnetization carry enough information to infer environmental parameters like viscosity and temperature.
Analysis of temperature dependence of electrical conductivity in degenerate n-type polycrystalline InAsP films in an energy-filtering model with potential fluctuations at grain boundaries
Authors: Kajikawa Y. , Okamura K. , Inoko Y. , Mizuki H.
Published: December 2012

Hall-effect measurements were performed in the temperature range of 10-400 K on degenerate n-type polycrystalline InAsxP1−x films deposited on glass substrates by molecular-beam deposition at 240 or 320  °C. For the analysis of the temperature dependence of electrical conductivity of these films, we use a model developed in our preceding paper, which is based on an energy-filtering model with potential fluctuations at grain boundaries, but with refining it so as to be applicable for a non-parabolic conduction band. Using the refined version of our energy-filtering model, the experimental curves of temperature-dependent electrical conductivity are fitted to deduce the mean free path as well as the mean value and the standard deviation of the barrier height. The analysis results show that, in almost of the InAsxP1−x films investigated, the grain-boundary potential barriers fluctuate in height across the Fermi level. Owing to the substantially low potential barrier height, the InAsxP1−x film with x = 0.65 exhibited a high electron mobility of about 250 cm2/(Vs) in spite of the low substrate temperature of 320  °C.
Magnetostructural transformation in Mn1+xNi1−xGe and Mn1−xNi1+xGe alloys
Authors: Zhang C. L. , Zhu C. , Chen J. , Wang T. Z. , Han Z. D.
Published: December 2012

The magnetostructural transformations of Mn1+xNi1−xGe and Mn1−xNi1+xGe alloys have been investigated. Both substitution Ni for Mn and substitution Mn for Ni reduce the stability of the orthorhombic phase in MnNiGe alloy remarkably. This result is considered to be closely related to the modification on the spiral antiferromagnetic state. The magnetostructural transformations from paramagnetic hexagonal phase to ferromagnetic-like orthorhombic phase are realized in Mn1+xNi1−xGe alloys.
Conduction model covering non-degenerate through degenerate polycrystalline semiconductors with non-uniform grain-boundary potential heights based on an energy filtering model
Authors: Kajikawa Y.
Published: December 2012

We propose a new conduction model associated with thermionic emission of carriers over potential barriers at grain boundaries, which is applicable to non-degenerate through degenerate polycrystalline semiconductors. We first assume the grain-boundary potential barriers of a uniform height and derive an analytical expression of the electrical conductivity on the basis of an energy filtering model with fully incorporating the Fermi-Dirac distribution of carriers. We then introduce fluctuations of the potential barrier height as a Gaussian distribution into the model. It is shown that the non-linear curves of Arrhenius plots of electrical conductivity in various polycrystalline semiconductors (Si, CdS, CdSe, ZnO, WO3, In2Se3) in literature are well fitted using the model with the effect of fluctuations taken into account, being regardless of whether carriers are degenerate or non-degenerate, without assuming other conduction mechanisms such as tunneling and variable range hopping.
Stability characteristics of solutocapillary Marangoni motion in evaporating thin films
Authors: Serpetsi Stefania K. , Yiantsios Stergios G.
Published: December 2012

The characteristics of solutocapillary Marangoni instability in evaporating thin films are analyzed by linear stability analysis and direct numerical simulations. As predicted by de Gennes [Eur. Phys. J. E 6, 421 (2001)10.1007/s10189-001-8055-3] when the surface tension increases with increasing concentration of a non-volatile solute the Marangoni stresses can sustain motion in the film and lead to the development of cellular patterns with small interfacial deformation, similar to the well-known hexagons of the thermally driven Marangoni motion. The critical Marangoni number is found to be proportional to the inverse square root of a dimensionless evaporation rate. There exists an additional mode of instability analogous to the deformational mode of thermocapillary instability. This mode is due to the coordinated action of capillary pressure and Marangoni stresses and is manifested as a long-wave oscillatory behavior leading to fast leveling of film thickness disturbances and subsequent reversal, as explained by Overdiep [Prog. Org. Coat. 14, 159 (1986)10.1016/0033-0655(86)80010-3]. This type of instability appears over a range of wavenumbers determined by the evaporation parameter and the capillary number and is likely to be observed at relatively small Marangoni numbers because otherwise it is overwhelmed by the cellular mode. Systems where the surface tension decreases with increasing solute concentration are not immune to instabilities either but there exists a long-wave deformational mode leading to monotonic growth of thickness disturbances. The above characteristics of evaporating film behavior are supported by experimental observations in the literature, where thin films of dried polymer solutions are found to have short-wave patterns and small roughness or long-wave patterns and significant roughness, depending on whether surface tension of the solvents increases or decreases by the polymer solutes.