bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scanning of the Sacroiliac Joint and Entheses by Color Doppler Ultrasonography in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: HU YIZHOU , ZHU JIAAN , XUE QING , WANG NIANSONG , HU BING
Published: May 2011

Objective.

To assess Doppler ultrasonography by comparing its detection of sacroiliitis with detection of enthesitis in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Methods.

One hundred sixty-one patients with AS (according to modified New York criteria or Spondyloarthritis International Society classification criteria for axial spondyloarthritis) underwent ultrasonography (US) of the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) and major entheses of the lower limbs. Vascularization of the SIJ and morphologic changes and vascularization of entheses were observed. The resistive index of the SIJ was measured. Doppler ultrasonography examination was repeated in 20 patients by another ultrasonographer.

Results.

In the AS active group [Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) ≥ 4], 90.7% of SIJ showed vascularization; this was significantly more than in the inactive group (38.5%). The resistive index of the active group in the SIJ area was significantly lower than that of the inactive group. Doppler US scanning of the SIJ was more sensitive (92.0%) than that of the entheses (52.2%). Agreement of Doppler US scanning of the SIJ and BASDAI was good, while agreement of the entheses and BASDAI was poor.

Conclusion.

Lower resistive index value and vascularization in the SIJ had good agreement with AS activity. Doppler US is more sensitive in detecting sacroiliitis than in detecting enthesitis.
Continuation of Methotrexate Resulted in Better Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes Than Discontinuation upon Starting Etanercept in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: 52-week Results from the JESMR Study
Authors: KAMEDA HIDETO , KANBE KATSUAKI , SATO ERI , UEKI YUKITAKA , SAITO KAZUYOSHI , NAGAOKA SHOUHEI , HIDAKA TOSHIHIKO , ATSUMI TATSUYA , TSUKANO MICHISHI , KASAMA TSUYOSHI , SHIOZAWA SHUNICHI , TANAKA YOSHIYA , YAMANAKA HISASHI , TAKEUCHI TSUTOMU
Published: May 2011

Objective.

The aim of the Efficacy and Safety of Etanercept on Active Rheumatoid Arthritis Despite Methotrexate Therapy in Japan (JESMR) study is to compare the efficacy of continuation versus discontinuation of methotrexate (MTX) when starting etanercept (ETN) in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods.

In total, 151 patients with active RA who had been taking MTX were randomized to either ETN 25 mg twice a week with 6–8 mg/week MTX (the E+M group), or ETN alone (the E group). The primary endpoint at Week 52 was the radiographic progression assessed by van der Heijde-modified Sharp score.

Results.

The mean progression in total score at Week 52 was not significantly different, statistically, between the E+M group and the E group (0.8 vs 3.6, respectively; p = 0.06). However, a significant difference was observed in radiographic progression between Weeks 24 and 52 (0.3 vs 2.5; p = 0.03), and the mean progression of the erosion score was negative in the E+M group, which was significantly better than the E group at Week 52 (–0.2 vs 1.8; p = 0.02). Clinically, the cumulative probability plot of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR)-N values at Week 52 clearly demonstrated a superior response in the E+M group than in the E group. ACR20, 50, and 70 response rates at Week 52 in the E+M group (86.3%, 76.7%, and 50.7%) were significantly greater than those in the E group (63.8%; p = 0.003, 43.5%; p < 0.0001 and 29.0%; p = 0.01, respectively).

Conclusion.

MTX should be continued when starting ETN in patients with active RA. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00688103)
Using resistivity logs to estimate hydraulic conductivity of a Nubian sandstone aquifer in southern Egypt
Authors: Khalil Mohamed A. , Ramalho Elsa C. , Monteiro Santos Fernando A.
Published: May 2011

The present study was carried out in the Khor‐El‐Ramlah area, in a Nubian sandstone aquifer. It is located in the western bank of Nasser Lake, southern Egypt, in a tectonically active area, which is dissected by many regional faults extending towards the lake. For this reason, the Nubian sandstone aquifer in this area is expected to be recharged by a large amount of seepage water from the lake. One important parameter used to quantify seepage is hydraulic conductivity. Since in this area there is no available information about hydraulic conductivity via pumping tests or laboratory examination of core samples, an attempt is made in this study to estimate hydraulic conductivity using available resistivity logs by applying the Kozeny‐Carman model. The clay contamination effect on porosity estimation has been removed via application of the Waxman‐Smits model. The hydraulic conductivity is estimated to be 9.5 ± 2.5 m/day for the Nubian sandstone aquifer in this area. The present result is in agreement with the estimated and measured hydraulic conductivity values for the same aquifer in nearby areas and could be used to estimate seepage in this zone. The application of geophysical well logging often provides a cost‐effective and efficient alternative to estimate aquifer parameters.
Experimental study of near‐field effects in multichannel array‐based surface wave velocity measurements
Authors: Li Jianhua , Rosenblad Brent
Published: May 2011

This paper examines the influence of source offset distance on surface wave phase velocity values determined from frequency‐wavenumber processing of multi‐channel data. Experimental surface wave data were collected over a broad range of frequencies at eleven deep soil sites in the Mississippi embayment of the central United States. Using analyses of multiple array configurations at each site, near‐field phase velocity values (determined with the source close to the array) were compared to far‐field velocity values. The source offset distance was expressed as a normalized value calculated as the distance from the source to the centre of the array, divided by the wavelength. The results from these field measurements showed that the influence of near‐field effects became evident when the normalized source offset distance was 0.5 or less, a value that is less restrictive than values determined from a recent study of near‐field effects using numerical simulations and experimental data. A possible reason for this discrepancy is the high Poisson’s ratio values in this study due to shallow water tables at the field test sites, a condition that was not examined in the previous study. Last, the effectiveness of processing using cylindrical beamforming for mitigating near‐field effects is also examined in this study and shown to provide a small improvement in velocity estimates in the near‐field.
Clinical Significance of Aspirin on Blood Flow through Stenotic Blood Vessels
Authors: Shah Sapna Ratan
Published: May 2011

In this present study a two-phase model for the influence of aspirin on peripheral layer viscosity for physiological characteristics of blood flow through stenosed blood vessels using Casson’s fluid model has been obtained. Flow of blood with axially non-symmetric but radially symmetric stenosis geometry is considered. The non-linear pressure equations have been solved with help of boundary conditions and the results are displayed graphically for different flow characteristics. It was found that the resistance to flow decreases as stenosis shape parameter increases whereas the resistance to flow increases with increasing values of stenosis length, stenosis size and peripheral layer viscosity. The effects of stenosis severity and wall shear stress are discussed in the present computational analysis. Comparisons between the measured and computed peripheral layer viscosity profiles are favourable to the solutions. As a result it can be concluded that a regular dose of Asprin decreases the blood viscosity by diluting the blood of diabetic patients which ultimately decreases the blood pressure. For the validation of the numerical model, the computation results are compared with the experimental data and results from published literature.
Trapping and Manipulation of Bioparticles by a 3-D Optimal Multiple-Designed Offset Carbon-Microelectrode Array in C-MEMS Fabrication
Authors: Malik M. Rizwan , Shi Tie Lin , Tang Zi Rong
Published: May 2011

A dielectrophoretic approach with latest developed three-dimensional (3-D) carbon micro-electro-mechanical system (C-MEMS) has been extended as a potential route with idyllic solution to recommend a low-cost, biocompatible and high throughput manipulation and positioning for bio-particles as compared to 2D-planar microelectrodes. Presented in this paper is a novel platform for modelling and simulation of C-MEMS microfabrication process for dielectrophoresis (DEP) force based on various 3-D offset-microelectrode configurations. Numerical solutions are employed to investigate the upshots of multi-designed microelectrodes, applied voltage, electrode edge-to-edge gap and geometric size of microelectrodes on the electric field intensity gradient, induced by an AC voltage for the deployment of broad categories of bioparticles creation, utilization and their manipulation (separation, concentration, transportation and focusing). Sharp edge electrodes are the principle focus of this paper for DEP manipulation that is more convenient to enhance the electric field intensity distribution. The results show that square column electrodes configuration comparatively create large gradient magnitude in electric field intensity as compared to all other configurations. It is also observed that electric field extends drastically with increases in microelectrode height. These findings are consistent with literature experimental reports and will provide vital strategy for optimal design of DEP devices with 3-D C-MEMS.
In Vitro Structural Changes of Nano-Bacterial Cellulose Immersed in Phosphate Buffer Solution
Authors: Chen Yan Mei , Xi Ting Fei , Zheng Yu Feng , Zhou Liang , Wan Yi Zao
Published: May 2011

Nano-bacterial cellulose (nBC), secreted by Acetobacter xylinum, is expected to have potential applications in tissue engineering. In this paper, the in-vitro degradation performance and the corresponding mechanism of nBC immersed in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) for different time periods was investigated. The pH value variation of solution, material degradation, and the swelling and structural changes of nBC was analysed successively. The results indicate that water molecules attack the exposed nBC fibrils, weakening the bonding strength of inter- and intra-molecular chains and disconnecting partial C-O-C bonds. The disconnection of C-O-C bonds is considered the primary reason for the degradation of nBC large molecular chains after nBC is immersed in PBS. The present work is instructive for controlling the in-vivo degradation performance of nBC acting as bone tissue engineered scaffold materials.
Passive and Facilitated Transport of Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) across Polymeric Membranes in Artificial Kidneys
Authors: Branham Michael L. , Ross Edward A.
Published: May 2011

Clearance of molecules by closed-circuit low-volume dialysis systems is limited by the accumulation of compounds in the dialysate and loss of the diffusion gradient. We sought to maintain dialysance of selected solutes by inducing “sink conditions” through the use of antibody-specific binding in the receiver compartment. Vitamin B12 was used as the test molecule since it is of clinically relevant size (molecular weight 1355 Da) and its clearance has been well-characterized for many dialyzer membranes. Using an in vitro haemodialysis model we perfused high-flux polymethylmethacrylate and low-flux polysulfone dialyzer membranes with known amounts of vitamin B12 through the intracapillary space. Clearances over time were calculated until equilibrium was reached within the fixed dialysate volume after 60 minutes. Anti-B12 monoclonal antibodies were then added to the receiver compartment reservoir. Under these sink conditions B12 clearance was restored, amounting to 77% and 118% of the integrated pre-equilibrium clearance for the high- and low-flux haemofilters, respectively. The magnitude of enhancement was such that the antibodies increased vitamin B12 clearance in low-flux dialyzers to levels observed in the high-flux devices. These studies demonstrate the feasibility of antibody-based sink conditions so as to promote substantial and highly selective solute clearance into small volume recirculating extracorporeal circuits.
Mechanics in Leaf Venation Morphogenesis and their Biomimetic Inspiration to Construct a 2-Dimensional Reinforcement Layout Model
Authors: Li Yong Xin , Xue Kai
Published: May 2011

This paper concerns biomimetic exploration of the leaf rib layout problem. Biological venation of organisms is observed to be similar to reinforced plate/shell systems. Similarity analysis makes it clear that dicotyledonous leaves are an ideal research subject. In this paper, global and local regularities are summarized and existing theories on venation morphogenesis are discussed and compared. An energy hypothesis is proposed to cater for interdisciplinary applications. A venation growing model was then used to construct a two-dimensional reinforcement layout model. The biomechanical expressions developed can be an alternative to describe rib-in-plate or fibre-in-composite materials.
Bioactivity of a Chitosan Based Nanocomposite
Authors: Paluszkiewicz Czeslawa , Stodolak-Zych Ewa , Kwiatek Wojciech , Jelen Piotr
Published: May 2011

In this work, experiments to produce a series of nanocomposites based on natural chitosan and nano-clay (MMT) were conducted. Commercially available montmorillonite (MMT) was used as a nanofiller. CS-MMT nanocomposites were prepared using the casting method. Thin nanocomposite foils were neutralized in NaOH solution, then the nanocomposite foils were soaked in simulated body fluid (SBF). Kinetics of crystallization of the apatite structure was observed using PIXE, FTIR-ATR and SEM/EDS techniques. It was shown that high concentrations of calcium and phosphate ions were located inside the nanocomposite structure. Bioactivity phenomena was initiated first in the nanocomposite foils (CS/MMT) and then in pure chitosan foils. These results suggest that the nano-clay particles (MMT) distributed in the biopolymer matrix acted as nucleaction centers of apatite. An apatite layer on pure chitosan crystallized much more slowly than in the case of nanocomposite materials. The CS-MMT nanocomposites therefore seem to be promising materials for bone repair implants because of their inherent bioactivity.
Analysis of the Factors Affecting the Value-Added to Dried Pineapple Fruits Using a Simple Interactive Computer Model
Authors: Manyele Samwel Victor
Published: May 2011

In this work, the effect of peel and reject losses on the value added to the dried pineapple fruits was analyzed. The major factors include final moisture content, Xwf; peel loss rate, Rp; reject loss rate, Rrj; and the reject-to-peel ratio, Rrj/Rp. The value added was expressed as the percent increase in value (PVA) which is an indication of price of dried fruits. Material losses were expressed as percent raw material lost (PRML), and total raw material lost per kg of raw material. The PVA decreases with increasing Xwf for all levels of initial moisture content. The PVA increases faster for Rp > 0.1 kg/kg from 67% to 90%. The PVA decreased with increasing Rrj/Rp. The PRML, on the other hand, increased faster with Rp for Rp > 0.1 kg/kg. However, PRML decreased faster as Rrj/Rp was increased. The total losses decreased with increasing Rrj/Rp and also with increasing Rrj.
Natural Gas Hydrates – A Review of the Resources Offshore Nigeria and around the Globe
Authors: Igboanusi U.P. , Okere J.U.
Published: May 2011

Natural gas hydrates are ice-like materials which exist in permafrost regions and in the continental margins of oceans. They constitute a huge unconventional reservoir of natural gas around the globe including offshore Nigeria. The paper is a review of this important global resource with particular focus on the Nigerian deposits. The reasons for the interest on hydrates are discussed including the potential for the recovery of large quantities of methane, the climate change and ocean floor instability that may result from their dissociation. They may also be exploited for large-scale CO2 sequestration. The geographical distribution of hydrates deposits on earth, the thermodynamics of why they occur in those particular places and source of the methane gas that is eventually enchlathrated into hydrates are discussed. The natural gas in the Nigerian hydrate is essentially biogenic in origin and is almost pure methane (more than 99% methane). The hydrates exist in finely disseminated or massive aggregate forms within clay-rich sediment.
A Review of Materials Characterisation by Quantitative Microscopy
Authors: Chama C.C.
Published: May 2011

Quantitative microscopy techniques for manually measuring parameters on light, scanning, and transmission electron microscope images are presented in this review. The numerical techniques contained in this paper are also employed in the algorithms of automated image analysers. Only the most important parameters are covered in detail and these are grain and particle sizes in addition to the volume fractions and mean free path of the microconstituents. Apart from metallic materials, some of the techniques which are described in this review can also be used for polymeric, ceramic and biological materials.
Effect of Squeeze Pressure on Microstructure, Aging and Mechanical Properties of A357/ ZrO2 Composite
Authors: Abou El Khair M.T.
Published: May 2011

AlSiMg (A357) composites containing 10 vol. % zirconia (ZrO2) particulates have been synthesized by the stir process followed by squeeze casting. Pressures of 25 and 50 MPa were maintained during solidification in specially designed die and ram and maintained at 250°C. Results show that with increasing squeeze pressure, the density increases while porosity decreases. The hardness of squeeze cast composite is higher than that of stir casting by about 10%. The compression properties have been evaluated and compared. The results show that compressive strength increases with squeeze pressure.
An Integer Linear Programming Model for Project Portfolio Selection in a Community
Authors: Anyaeche C.O. , Okwara R.A.
Published: May 2011

Project portfolio selection involves decision making and it plays a crucial role in any organization. Therefore selecting not just the right projects but also the right mix of projects for the portfolio is considered as one of the most important tasks for organisations to ensure the achievement of the corporate strategy within limited resources and capabilities of the organization. Prioritizing and selecting optimal project portfolio can be very challenging especially with a large number of projects with multiple constraints and interdependences. In an ideal world with unlimited budget the project selection process would be very straightforward. However, this is not the case in life situations. In this work, an attempt is made to address this challenge. An integer linear programming model for project selection was developed and applied in a selected organization in Nigeria. The model seeks to optimize the mix of the projects to be undertaken while keeping the total cost and project interdependency as constraints. The analysis of the results showed that a total of 11 projects out of 16 were eligible for selection in the period under review. The total cost of the selected project was 92,840,000 Naira, which was about 90% of the total budget. Ordinarily, apart from not prioritizing and obtaining an optimal project mix, the community would have spread its entire resources on the 16 projects with some of them being abandoned later. The model can also be used to plan an optimal mix of project portfolio for a future date within the limitations of a given set of constraints and interdependence.
Neuro-Fuzzy Based Modeling of Electrostatic Fields for Harmattan Season in Zaria
Authors: Akinsanmi Olaitan , Adegboye B.A. , Olarinoye G.A. , Soroyewun M.B.
Published: May 2011

This paper presents a Neuro-Fuzzy based modeling of electrostatic fields for harmattan season in Zaria, Nigeria based on online based data capturing mechanism, which involved the use of a data acquisition system interfaced with a digital electrostatic field strength meter (model 257D) and a computer system. The acquired electric field data were captured by the computer using the Microsoft Office Excel Program for twenty-four months (February 2007 – February 2009). The focus of the analysis is determining the effect of environmental factors such as temperature, pressure and relative humidity on the static electric field during the harmattan season. The plots of the electrostatic field against the variation of the environmental factors were used as the qualitative analytical tools and yielded a non-linear relationship. The data was analyzed using Neuro-Fuzzy technique, which is a hybrid intelligent system combining the benefits of computational techniques of Fuzzy Logic and Artificial Neural Networks. The result of the analyses yielded good neural statistical values of Root Mean Square (RMS) of 0.32, Average Absolute Error of 0.18, and Pearson R value of 0.96 for the harmattan scenario, which are reflections of a good model. The result was further buttressed by the 3D plot of the Neuro-Fuzzy based modeling of the experimental parameters. With the insignificant values of the RMS and Average Absolute value, the empirical model gave a fairly good prediction which could be relied upon to predict the electrostatic fields during harmattan in Zaria, Nigeria.
Comparative Gamma Delta T Cell Immunology: A Focus on Mycobacterial Disease in Cattle
Authors: Plattner Brandon L. , Hostetter Jesse M.
Published: May 2011

A theme among many pathogenic mycobacterial species affecting both humans and animals is a prolonged asymptomatic or latent period that can last years to decades. The mechanisms that favor progression to active disease are not well understood. Pathogen containment is often associated with an effective cell-mediated or T-helper 1 immune profile. With certain pathogenic mycobacteria, such asMycobacterium aviumsubspeciesparatuberculosis, a shift to active clinical disease is associated with loss of T-helper 1 immunity and development of an ineffective humoral or T-helper 2 immune response. Recently γδ T cells have been shown to play a role early in mycobacterial infections and have been hypothesized to influence disease outcome. The purpose of this paper is to compare recent advancements in our understanding of γδ T cells in humans, cattle, and mice and to discuss roles of γδ T cells in host response to mycobacterial infection.
Optimal Hemodialysis Prescription: Do Children Need More Than a Urea Dialysis Dose?
Authors: Michel Fischbach , Ariane Zaloszyc , Betti Schaefer , Claus Peter Schmitt
Published: May 2011

When prescribing hemodialysis in children, the clinician should first establish an adequate regimen, before seeking to optimize the treatment (Fischbach et al. 2005). A complete dialysis dose should consist of a urea dialysis doseanda determined convective volume. Intensified and more frequent dialysis regimens should not be considered exclusively as rescue therapy. Interestingly, a recent single-center study demonstrated that frequent on-line HDF provides an optimal dialysis prescription, both in terms of blood pressure control (and therefore avoidance of left ventricular hypertrophy), and catch-up growth, that is, no malnutrition or cachexia and less resistance to growth hormone. Nevertheless, this one-center experience would benefit from a prospective randomized study.
Acute Renal Failure, Thrombocytopenia, and Elevated Liver Enzymes after Concurrent Abuse of Alcohol and Cocaine
Authors: Hosseinnezhad Alireza , Vijayakrishnan Rajakrishnan , Farmer Mary Jo S.
Published: May 2011

Cocaine has been associated with known adverse effects on cardiac, cerebrovascular and pulmonary systems. However, the effect of cocaine on other organs has not been extensively reported. A middle age man presented with abdominal pain and nausea after inhalation of crack cocaine. On admission, he was found to be hypertensive and tachycardic. Physical examination revealed mild abdominal tenderness without rebound. Laboratory investigations were significant for acute kidney failure with elevated serum creatinine (3.72 mg/dL), thrombocytopenia (platelet count 74,000/UL), elevated alanine and aspartate transaminases (ALT 331 U/L; AST 462 U/L) and elevated creatine phosphokinase (CPK 5885 U/L). Urine toxicology screening solely revealed cocaine. A clinical diagnosis of cocaine toxicity was made and patient was admitted to the intensive care unit because of multi organ failure. Despite downward trending of liver enzymes during the hospital course, he continued to have residual renal insufficiency and a low platelet count at the time of discharge. In a patient with history of recent cocaine use presenting with these manifestations, cocaine itself should be considered as a likely cause.
Preoperative Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Levels as a Prognostic Marker for Stage II or III Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Kemik Ozgur , Kemik Ahu Sarbay , Sümer Aziz , Purisa Sevim , Dulger A. Cumhur , Begenik Hüseyin , Hasirci Ismail , Tuzun Sefa
Published: May 2011

Background

The aim of the present study was to determine whether serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) can provide prognostic information independent of carcinoembryonic antigen levels in patients undergoing curative surgery.

Methods

Serum samples were collected from 158 patients with colorectal cancer and from 100 controls. Serum and tissue levels of VEGF were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum VEGF levels in colorectal cancer patients were compared with those in healthy controls, and we retrospectively assessed the association between serum VEGF levels and clinicopathologic findings and survival.

Results

VEGF expression was significantly higher in colorectal cancer tissue compared with nontumor tissue. Mean serum VEGF levels in patients were significantly higher than those in controls, and significantly higher in patients with large tumors, lymph node involvement, and distant metastases.

Conclusion

Elevated serum VEGF was significantly associated with poor survival, but was only an independent risk factor for poor survival in Stage II and/or III disease. Elevated serum VEGF is significantly associated with development of colorectal cancer, and lymph or distant invasive phenotypes and survival, especially in Stage II and III patients.
Prevention and Treatment of Venous Thromboembolic Events: Focus on Dabigatran Etexilate
Authors: Cheng Judy W.M.
Published: May 2011

This article reviews the pharmacology and clinical evidence of the use of dabigatran etexilate (DE) in the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Published data in English language were identified from MEDLINE and Current Content database (1966 to January 30, 2011) using the search terms dabigatran, VTE, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism. Citations from available articles were reviewed for additional references. DE is an oral direct thrombin inhibitor that has a rapid onset of action, achieving peak anticoagulation effect in 0.5–2 hours. In clinical studies, DE has demonstrated superiority and non-inferiority to enoxaparin for VTE prophylaxis and non-inferiority to warfarin for VTE treatment. A common side effect of DE is gastrointestinal complaints. The overall rates of major bleeding were low, and minor bleeding was commonly noted but similar in incidence to other anticoagulant (enoxaparin and warfarin). Future studies should focus on long-term efficacy and safety compared to other anticoagulants, and for other clinical indications.
Safety and Efficacy of the Newer Biological Therapeutics in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Navarro-Compán Victoria , Navarro-Sarabia Federico
Published: May 2011

Biological therapies have been a major advance in RA treatment. However, remission or response is not achieved in all patients. Therefore, new drugs seem necessary. Most recent trials have focused in the development of three different groups of molecules: those against commercialized targets but minimizing side effects or improving administration, others molecules against new targets, and a third group including small molecules. Some of them have been shown to be clinically efficacious and safe in RA patients, including: two new anti-TNFα therapies (golimumab and certolizumab pegol), three anti-CD (ocrelizumab, ofatumumab and a SMIP), subcutaneous abatacept, anti-IL17 therapy, tasocitinib and fostamatinib disodium. Therefore, a wide spectrum of new RA therapeutics are promising, but more studies are necessary to confirm these results.
The Impact of Densification by Means of Informal Shacks in the Backyards of Low-Cost Houses on the Environment and Service Delivery in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Govender Thashlin , Barnes Jo M. , Pieper Clarissa H.
Published: May 2011

This paper investigates the state-sponsored low cost housing provided to previously disadvantaged communities in the City of Cape Town. The strain imposed on municipal services by informal densification of unofficial backyard shacks was found to create unintended public health risks. Four subsidized low-cost housing communities were selected within the City of Cape Town in this cross-sectional survey. Data was obtained from 1080 persons with a response rate of 100%. Illegal electrical connections to backyard shacks that are made of flimsy materials posed increased fire risks. A high proportion of main house owners did not pay for water but sold water to backyard dwellers. The design of state-subsidised houses and the unplanned housing in the backyard added enormous pressure on the existing municipal infrastructure and the environment. Municipal water and sewerage systems and solid waste disposal cannot cope with the increased population density and poor sanitation behaviour of the inhabitants of these settlements. The low-cost housing program in South Africa requires improved management and prudent policies to cope with the densification of state-funded low-cost housing settlements.
Is Bumblebee Foraging Efficiency Mediated by Morphological Correspondence to Flowers?
Authors: Dohzono Ikumi , Takami Yasuoki , Suzuki Kazuo
Published: May 2011

Preference for certain types of flowers in bee species may be an adaptation for efficient foraging, and they often prefer flowers whose shape fits their mouthparts. However, it is unclear whether such flowers are truly beneficial for them. We address this issue by experimentally measuring foraging efficiency of bumblebees, the volume of sucrose solution consumed over handling time (μL/second), using long-tongued Bombus diversus Smith and short-tongued B. honshuensis Tkalcu that visit Clematis stans Siebold et Zuccarini. The corolla tube length of C. stans decreases during a flowering period, and male flowers are longer than female flowers. Long- and short-tongued bumblebees frequently visited longer and shorter flowers, respectively. Based on these preferences, we hypothesized that bumblebee foraging efficiency is higher when visiting flowers that show a good morphological fit between the proboscis and the corolla tube. Foraging efficiency of bumblebees was estimated using flowers for which nectar quality and quantity were controlled, in an experimental enclosure. We show that 1) the foraging efficiency of B. diversus was enhanced when visiting younger, longer flowers, and that 2) the foraging efficiency of B. honshuensis was higher when visiting shorter female flowers. This suggests that morphological correspondence between insects and flowers is important for insect foraging efficiency. However, in contradiction to our prediction, 3) short-tongued bumblebees B. honshuensis sucked nectar more efficiently when visiting younger, longer flowers, and 4) there was no significant difference in the foraging efficiency of B. diversus between flower sexes. These results suggest that morphological fit between the proboscis and the corolla tube is not a sole determinant of foraging efficiency. Bumblebees may adjust their sucking behavior in response to available rewards, and competition over rewards between bumblebee species might change visitation patterns in the wild. Thus, the determinants of foraging efficiency and visitation frequency for bee pollinators may be more complex than previously thought.
Dalfampridine: Review of its Efficacy in Improving Gait in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Sahraian M.A. , Maghzi A.H. , Etemadifar M. , Minagar A.
Published: May 2011

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive immune-mediated neurodegenerative disease of human central nervous system (CNS), which causes irreversible disability in young adults. The cause and cure for MS remain unknown. Pathophysiology of MS includes two arms: inflammatory demyelination and neurodegeneration. The inflammatory demyelination of MS which is mainly promoted by a massive activation of the immune system against putative CNS antigen(s) leads to loss of oligodendrocyte/myelin complex which slows down or halts impulse conduction in denuded axons. Practically, loss of myelin significantly reduces signal conduction along the demyelinated axons through alterations in the distribution of axonal ion channels. Dalfampridine (4-aminopyridine or 4-AP) is an oral potassium channel blocker, which was recently approved by FDA for symptomatic treatment of MS. Dalfampridine, which acts at the central and peripheral nervous systems, enhances conduction in demyelinated axons and improves walking ability of MS patients. A number of clinical trials have evaluated the safety and efficacy of fampridine in MS patients with the degree of gait improvement as the main outcome. The objective of this manuscript is to provide an overview of the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical trials, side effects and interactions of dalfampridine used in treatment of MS patients.
Tipografía y color, un análisis de la prensa gratuita vs. la prensa de pago en España
Authors: Del Olmo Barbero Jesús , Parratt Fernández Sonia
Published: May 2011

Este artículo pretende delimitar el modelo de diario gratuito desde el punto de vista formal, en base a su diseño, con especial incidencia en el formato, la tipografía y el color. Para definir su modelo, lo hemos comparado con la prensa de pago. El método empleado es el análisis cuantitativo, de tipo comparado, basado en el estudio de caso. La muestra utilizada comprende ocho diarios editados en España, los cuatro gratuitos de mayor tirada (Qué!, 20 Minutos, Metro Directo y Adn) y los cuatro que lideran el mercado de pago (El Mundo, El País, Abc y La Vanguardia). En el marco de una investigación mucho más amplia que pretende definir el modelo de los gratuitos desde el punto de vista de los emisores, del producto y de la audiencia, en este trabajo se presentan los resultados correspondientes al diseño del producto: una evidente similitud de formatos que esconde diferencias muy sutiles en el tratamiento de la tipografía y el color.
El spot electoral negativo
Authors: Peña Jiménez Palma
Published: May 2011

El spot político tiene durante la campaña un objetivo final inequívoco: la consecución del voto favorable. Se dirige al cuerpo electoral a través de la televisión y de Internet, y presenta, en muchos casos, un planteamiento negativo, albergando mensajes destinados a la crítica frontal contra el adversario, más que a la exposición de propuestas propias. Este artículo se centra en el análisis del spot electoral negativo, en aquellas producciones audiovisuales construidas sin más causa que la reprobación del contrincante. Se trata de vídeos que, lejos de emplearse en difundir las potencialidades de la organización y las virtudes de su candidato –además de su programa electoral–, consumen su tiempo en descalificar al oponente mediante la transmisión de mensajes, muchas veces, ad hominem. Repasamos el planteamiento negativo del spot electoral desde su primera manifestación, que en España data de 1996, año de emisión del conocido como vídeo del dóberman, sin olvidar otros ejemplos que completan el objeto de estudio.
La autorregulación profesional ante los nuevos retos periodísticos: estudio comparativo europeo
Authors: González Esteban José Luis , García Avilés José Alberto , Karmasin Matthias , Kaltenbrunner Andy
Published: May 2011

El objetivo del presente artículo es comparar los sistemas de autorregulación de la profesión periodística en Austria, Alemania, Dinamarca, Estonia, España, Francia y Polonia. A partir del análisis de distintos casos y del estudio del estado de la cuestión en estos siete países, se comparan la existencia de códigos éticos, de defensores de los lectores y espectadores, de consejos de prensa y del audiovisual, así como el nivel de asociacionismo y sindicación en la profesión periodística. Los resultados revelan carencias en los distintos sistemas y también denotan avances en la implantación de herramientas de autocontrol para regular la profesión, fundamentalmente en el ámbito de los medios escritos y audiovisuales. En la mayoría de los países europeos analizados, el ámbito del periodismo online carece de autorregulación, salvo aquella que procede de las redacciones de los medios matrices.
The Development of an Enterprise Resource Planning System (ERP) for a Research and Technology Institute: The Case of the Nuclear and Energy Research Institute -Ipen
Authors: Souza Willy Hoppe de , Giardino Adriano , Trezza Maria Aparecida H
Published: May 2011

This paper reports the history of the development of an enterprise resource planning (ERP)
dedicated to managing the technical activities of the Nuclear and Energy Research Institute, a
governmental research and technology institute in Brazil. After the implementation of the new
planning process, the development of a new management information system named SIGEPI
was immediately initiated. The implementation of this system followed a strategy of integrating
databases already available and developing new ones in order to facilitate the data collecting
process and to improve the quality and the reliability of these data. This paper describes the
evolution of SIGEPI, its main features and it also reports the difficulties faced for almost ten
years of developments. The success factors of the case were classified into three groups:
strategic, technical and behavioral ones. The impact of these factors and recommendation for
future similar developments are presented.
Business Intelligence (BI) Implementation from the Perspective of Individual Change
Authors: Fetzner Maria Amélia de Mesquita , Freitas Henrique
Published: May 2011

Change is central in the implementation of Information Technology (IT). This paper reports on a
study in which the aim was to examine the nature of change at the individual level with an
analysis based on interviews with representatives from a Business Intelligence (BI) solution
provider and a group of clients. The implementations seemed to have occurred without great
difficulty, BI learning was quick, intuitive, and the process generated a positive affect. Changes
occurred in work practices, in the relationships between professionals, with regard to
information, and in decision making. The study uses different theoretical approaches and
proposes the application of an analytical perspective that includes affective, cognitive and
behavioral aspects in order to investigate IT adoption. On a practical level, the study contributes
to the knowledge regarding a particular technology - BI and, consequently, provides
professionals with the opportunity to expand their knowledge of the perceptions people have of
technology, which can lead to reflection and differentiated practices.
A Vision of Orkut´S Users: Studying this Phenomenon Through Cognitive Absorption
Authors: Löbler Mauri Leodir , Visentini Monize Sâmara , Estivalete Vania de Fátima Barros
Published: May 2011

This study aims to identify the influence that Cognitive Absorption has on the intention of using
Orkut. It happens due to the fact that Cognitive Absorption is related to the state of deep
involvement users carry with an individual task, performed with the support of Information
Technology (IT); it corroborates the study on this virtual community. Therefore, through
descriptive research with a quantitative character and with the aid of structural equations, 645
Orkut users were investigated. After the identification of suitability of all indexes tested and fit
for both constructs and the final model. The conclusion drawn is that Cognitive Absorption
explains the 41% intention of using Orkut, emphasizing that for this kind of IT the Cognitive
Absorption seems perfectly adequate to measure the Intention of Use.
DATA INFORMATION SYSTEM TO PROMOTE THE ORGANIZATION DATA OF COLLECTIONS – MODELING CONSIDERATIONS BY THE UNIFIED MODELIGN LANGUAGE (UML)Data Information System to Promote the Organization Data of Collections – Modeling Considerations by the Unified M
Authors: Barbosa Eduardo Batista de Moraes , Sena Galeno José de
Published: May 2011

It can be argued that technological developments (e.g., measuring instruments like software,
satellite and computers, as well as, the cheapening of storage media) allow organizations to
produce and acquire a great amount of data in a short time. Due to the data volume, research
organizations become potentially vulnerable to the information explosion impacts. An adopted
solution is the use of information system tools to assist data documentation, retrieval and
analysis. In the scientific scope, these tools are developed to store different metadata (data about
data) patterns. During the development process of these tools, the adoption of standards such as
the Unified Modeling Language (UML) stands out, whose diagrams assist the different scopes of
software modeling. The objective of this study is to present an information system tool that
assists organizations in the data documentation through the use of metadata and that highlights
the software modeling process, through the UML. The Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata
will be approached, widely used to the dataset cataloging by scientific organizations around the
world, and the dynamic and static UML diagrams like use cases, sequence and classes. The
development of the information system tools can be a way to promote the scientific data
organization and dissemination. However, the modeling process requires special attention during
the development of interfaces that will stimulate the use of the information system tools
CRM as a Support for Knowledge Management and Customer Relationship
Authors: Toriani Silvana , Angeloni Maria Terezinha
Published: May 2011

This paper aims to analyze the role of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) as a support for Knowledge Management (KM) and the Customer Relationship Strategy Definition in an Information Technology (IT) Company. This work is based on theories of KM, IT, and Relationship Marketing. Our survey uses a descriptive approach, in which data is gathered by means of content analysis of semi-structured interviews. The study results have shown us that the company implements an effective system for CRM, in which the system users transform data into information and knowledge in order to support decision-making and strategy definition.
Use and Development of Health Information Systems: The Experience of an Organizational Unit Responsible for the Technological Services at a Public Hospital
Authors: Oliveira Sonia Valle W. Borges de , Arroyo Cristiane Sonia , Oliveira Marcio Mattos Borges de , Ferreira Alessandra Henriques
Published: May 2011

The goal of this work is to present an overview of the use and development of health information systems (HIS) reporting the experience of the information management department of a public hospital. Recently, the implementation of HIS has received great prominence. The patient’s improvement process can be enriched with the introduction of the patient’s history by electronic means, among other technologies. A descriptive study with interviews conducted between the years 2004 and 2007 provided the experience obtained by the Center for Information and Analysis of HC-FMRP-USP. It can be concluded that the success of the HIS implementation can lead to cost reduction and improve the work quality of health care professionals as well as patient care services.
Controles de Governança de Tecnologia da Informação para a Terceirização de Processos de Negócio: Uma Proposta a Partir do Cobit
Authors: Luciano Edimara Mezzomo , Testa Mauricio Gregianin
Published: May 2011

The Business Service Provider is an outsourcing system which, offers a high level of delegation of tasks that involves many suppliers, and demands an effective control necessary for the services not to be interrupted. This paper’s objective is to define a set of elements, based on COBIT - Control Objectives for Information and related Technology, to better manage and control the BSP operations. This research, is exploratory, using specialists’ panel and a case study. The results show the need to adapt the COBIT controls to fit the BSP. This article proposes the adaptation and verification of the applicability to a case, defining deployment priorities.
Warmer more acidic conditions cause decreased productivity and calcification in subtropical coral reef sediment‐dwelling calcifiers
Authors: Sinutok Sutinee , Hill Ross , Doblin Martina A. , Wuhrer Richard , Ralph Peter J.
Published: May 2011

The effects of elevated CO2 and temperature on photosynthesis and calcification in the calcifying algae Halimeda macroloba and Halimeda cylindracea and the symbiont‐bearing benthic foraminifera Marginopora vertebralis were investigated through exposure to a combination of four temperatures (28°C, 30°C, 32°C, and 34°C) and four CO2 levels (39, 61, 101, and 203 Pa; pH 8.1, 7.9, 7.7, and 7.4, respectively). Elevated CO2 caused a profound decline in photosynthetic efficiency (FV : FM), calcification, and growth in all species. After five weeks at 34°C under all CO2 levels, all species died. Chlorophyll (Chl) a and b concentration in Halimeda spp. significantly decreased in 203 Pa, 32°C and 34°C treatments, but Chl a and Chl c2 concentration in M. vertebralis was not affected by temperature alone, with significant declines in the 61, 101, and 203 Pa treatments at 28°C. Significant decreases in FV : FM in all species were found after 5 weeks of exposure to elevated CO2 (203 Pa in all temperature treatments) and temperature (32°C and 34°C in all pH treatments). The rate of oxygen production declined at 61, 101, and 203 Pa in all temperature treatments for all species. The elevated CO2 and temperature treatments greatly reduced calcification (growth and crystal size) in M. vertebralis and, to a lesser extent, in Halimeda spp. These findings indicate that 32°C and 101 Pa CO2, are the upper limits for survival of these species on Heron Island reef, and we conclude that these species will be highly vulnerable to the predicted future climate change scenarios of elevated temperature and ocean acidification.