bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A three-dimensional transient model to predict interfacial phenomena during chemical mechanical polishing using computational fluid dynamics
Authors: Mpagazehe Jeremiah N , Higgs C Fred
Published: December 2012

Interfacial phenomena between the wafer and the polishing pad during chemical mechanical polishing are an area of great interest as they affect post-chemical mechanical polishing wafer topographies. Traditionally, the Reynolds equation has been used to predict the fluid pressure between the wafer and the polishing pad. However, with computational fluid dynamics it is possible to predict the fluid pressure and obtain insight into the fluid motion at the leading edge and trailing edge of the wafer. Additionally, computational fluid dynamics allows for the added ability to increase the resolution of the fluid physics to the asperity scale. In this study, a model is developed to predict phenomena related to mixed lubrication chemical mechanical polishing using computational fluid dynamics. Contact mechanics between the wafer and the pad are resolved through a Winkler elastic foundation formulation. The wafer is mounted on a ball joint which allows free rotation to occur. Friction between the wafer and the polishing pad causes the wafer to assume a position which produces a sub-ambient pressure distribution similar to that obtained from experiments. The effects of different table speeds on the interfacial fluid pressure, as predicted by the computational fluid dynamics are presented.
Plate-out efficiency related to oil-in-water emulsions supply conditions on cold rolling strip
Authors: Fujita Noriki , Kimura Yukio
Published: December 2012

Oil-in-water emulsions are generally used in tandem cold rolling mills as lubricants, as they provide good lubricity and cooling performance. Lubricants are supplied by either a recirculation system or a direct application system. The dynamic concentration and the plate-out are known as the two main lubrication mechanisms, respectively, used in the two conventional lubrication applications. But it is difficult to realize direct control of the lubrication characteristics only using the dynamic concentration mechanism while the plate-out mechanism makes it possible. Therefore, this article is concerned with an experimental study of the efficiency of plate-out oil film formation, focusing on emulsion spraying conditions. Emulsion supply conditions are also examined in the plate-out test, which enables extremely rapid evaluation in a time equivalent to that in actual high-speed cold rolling. An air atomizing nozzle, which supplies a mixture of emulsion and air, was more efficient for plate-out oil film formation than the conventional flat nozzle, which only supplies emulsion. Air atomizing expands the space of the emulsion droplet and may prevent outflow of the plate-out oil film. The results of this research suggest that it is important to consider emulsion supply conditions as well as emulsion make-up conditions.
Impact, meaning and need for help and support
Authors: Whiting Mark
Published: December 2012

Parenting a child with complex needs or disabilities is a challenging proposition. This study, which drew upon of the experiences of the parents of 34 children (in 33 families), set out to explore the themes of impact, need for help and support and meaning/sense-making as they were related by parents. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, and an emerging theoretical framework was validated through the use of a series of mind-maps® which were presented to individual parents as the basis for a second round (verificational) interview. Parents were nominated into the study by health care professions who were asked to identify the subject children to one of three separate sub-groups: children with a disability; children with a life-limiting/life-threatening illness or children with a technology dependence. Comparisons were made between the three study sub-groups in order to identify areas of consistency and of inconsistency. A fourth study theme – ‘battleground’ emerged from entirely within the data set. Sense-making occupied a central position within the overall theoretical framework for the study and parental perception of ‘battleground’ presented as significant element of parental sense-making, particularly in the context of their relationships with professional staff.
Cognitive costs of contemporary prejudice
Authors: Murphy Mary C. , Richeson Jennifer A. , Shelton J. Nicole , Rheinschmidt Michelle L. , Bergsieker Hilary B.
Published: December 2012

Two studies examined the cognitive costs of blatant and subtle racial bias during interracial interactions. In Study 1, Black participants engaged in a 10-minute, face-to-face interaction with a White confederate who expressed attitudes and behaviors consistent with blatant, subtle, or no racial bias. Consistent with contemporary theories of modern racism, interacting with a subtly biased, compared with a blatantly biased, White partner impaired the cognitive functioning of Blacks. Study 2 revealed that Latino participants suffered similar cognitive impairments when exposed to a White partner who displayed subtle, compared with blatant, racial bias. The theoretical and practical implications for understanding the dynamics of interracial interactions in the context of contemporary bias are discussed.
Development of a Double-Skin Façade for Sustainable Renovation of Old Residential Buildings
Authors: Kim Gon , Schaefer Laura , Kim Jeong Tai
Published: December 2012

The modernist movement in architecture has led to a building boom of a large number of high-rise buildings with glazed façades. These façades were aesthetically pleasing, but have a high energy loading. To address this, a double-skin façade (DSF) has been proposed to manage the interaction between the outdoor and indoor environments. A DSF can contribute to balance the demand for energy saving, thermal and visual comfort, and a high-tech image for building envelopes. The design of the DSF involves decisions on geometric parameters, glass selection, ventilation strategy, shading, daylighting, aesthetics, wind loads, and maintenance and cleaning cost expectations. This paper reports an experimental application of a DSF in an old apartment building which has been modelled in order to find the configuration to select design parameters that could minimize the energy demand and total carbon emissions. A simulation-based virtual environment program was used to determine the optimal sustainable features of the double-skin envelope. Results of the simulation are presented and discussed for four different cavity widths and ventilation modes of operation, highlighting the potential savings in comparison to the existing façade construction. The impact of internal shading within cavity space was also investigated.
A Critical Review of User Studies on Healthy Smart Homes
Authors: Kim Mi Jeong , Oh Myoung Won , Cho Myung Eun , Lee Hyunsoo , Kim Jeong Tai
Published: December 2012

Considerable research has been conducted on smart services and technologies over the past decades, and the realization of smart environments has been one of the important research themes in housing studies. However, there is a lack of evaluation of the effects of those technologies on user experience from a cognitive perspective. This paper reviews the evaluation methods adopted in user studies of healthy smart homes. The review of user studies would enable the consolidation of knowledge to develop appropriate evaluation strategies for investigating user experience of smart services and technologies. Through an exhaustive search on contents pages of articles, different strategies for user studies were examined that span a range of experimental settings and analysis methods. These strategies can potentially work together in complementary ways to provide insights into user experience of healthy smart homes. The review highlighted research issues on user experience to be addressed for smart environments, giving valuable insights on cognitive paradigms to develop guide for smart services and technologies, which would ultimately encourage user satisfaction and foster sensibility.
Sustainable Monitoring of Indoor Air Pollutants in an Underground Subway Environment Using Self-Validating Soft Sensors
Authors: Liu Hongbin , Kang OnYu , Kim MinJeong , Oh TaeSeok , Lee SeungChul , Kim Jeong Tai , Yoo ChangKyoo
Published: December 2012

The purpose of this study is to develop a self-validating soft sensor to improve the prediction performance of indoor air quality soft sensors in an underground subway station. The reconstruction-based self-validation method was proposed and implemented in order to: (1) determine the optimal number of principal components when building a principal component analysis training model, (2) enhance the diagnosis accuracy when identifying faulty sensors and (3) reconstruct faulty measurements in a straightforward manner. Two soft sensors based on partial least squares and recursive partial least squares models were developed and their prediction performance was compared in the cases of using faulty sensor measurements and using reconstructed sensor values. Two types of sensor faults including a bias fault and a drifting fault were evaluated using the proposed method. The monitoring results show that the developed sensor self-validation strategy has a powerful ability to correctly detect, identify and reconstruct the sensor faults in the subway system. In addition, the proposed self-validation soft sensing technique could achieve sustainable monitoring of indoor air pollutants in the underground subway environment, because the reconstructed values can be used to replace the measured data when sensor faults have been detected by the detection indices.
Photocatalytic Oxidation for Maintenance of Indoor Environmental Quality
Authors: Yu Chuck W. F. , Kim Jeong Tai
Published: December 2012

The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the application of photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) techniques for reduction of indoor air pollutants to assess feasibility for their application in air-tight zero-carbon housing. Due to emissions from building materials, such as coatings and wood-based materials on walls, ceiling and floors, as well as other furnishing materials such as new floor covering, there will always be high concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the indoor air of a newly completed building, especially air-tight homes. The concentrations could be reduced by the use of low emission products; however, PCO could further reduce the risk of emissions of these VOCs including formaldehyde. The use of PCO could also reduce risks caused by other indoor pollutions such as NOx, CO, CO2, moisture and microbes. The mechanism and applications of PCO reactors such as titania incorporated onto material surfaces of various built environments (roads, building façade and interior); and in HVAC systems for maintenance of indoor environmental quality, especially indoor air quality (IAQ) are discussed in the review as well as discussion on performance. The effects of temperature and moisture and possible toxic effects of PCO on environment are also included for consideration.
Periodic Local Multi-way Analysis and Monitoring of Indoor Air Quality in a Subway System Considering the Weekly Effect
Authors: Kang OnYu , Liu Hongbin , Kim MinJeong , Kim Jeong Tai , Wasewar Kailas L , Yoo ChangKyoo
Published: December 2012

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is one of the major concerns to people who spend most of the time in an indoor environment, as many hazardous pollutants are emitted from the buildings or underground spaces, or enter from outside sources through the various vents and other entry/exit points. In particular, the IAQ in subway stations have periodic variations in indoor air pollutants, depending on the numbers of passengers and trains, as well as the previous IAQ. Global and weekly models (divided into weekday and weekend model) have been developed and compared with one another using parallel factor analysis to consider the periodic characteristics, as IAQ shows changeable aspects within a day or the week, owing to differences in the passengers’ travel patterns. The IAQ monitoring results of the weekly model showed that the proposed monitoring method could detect abnormal IAQ conditions in a timely manner when compared to the global model. The proposed monitoring method could identify not only the most active time periods but also the main contaminant sources resulting in the abnormality of the IAQ, based on fault detection.
Advances in the Fine Scale Simulation of Urban Wind Environment
Authors: Zhang Yunwei , Gu Zhaolin , Wang Zanshe , Cheng Yan , Lee Frank S. C.
Published: December 2012

This work gives a review of studies on the air flow and pollutant dispersion in the fine scale environment of the urban street canyon. The affecting factors on the air flow and pollutant dispersions in urban street canyons are illustrated by analyzing the street canyon physical model and boundary conditions. The building layouts along the street and the variations in the ambient wind velocities and directions could contribute an impact on the basic air flow within urban street canyons, while the atmospheric instabilities inside the street canyons, the vehicle induced turbulence, and tree plantings could affect the turbulence and pollutant distributions inside the street canyons, especially under weak-wind conditions. In the case of the street canyons with high aspect ratio (building height H over street width W), Reynolds number would be related to the vortex structure. The current empirical or semi-empirical models are lacking of careful description of the street canyon’s real geometries and atmospheric conditions, which had often resulted in large errors in the simulated or forecasted results. Based on the computational fluid dynamic (CFD) method, further development of numerical models should focus on the integrated model, taking account of canyon’s real geometries and the real atmospheric conditions.
Injuries associated with law enforcement use of force
Authors: Adedipe Adeyinka , Maher Patrick J , Strote Jared
Published: December 2012

Prehospital personnel and physicians working in acute care settings need to be cognizant of the issues related to law enforcement use of force in order to properly evaluate and manage these patients. Types of force used by law enforcement range along a spectrum from physical presence to lethal use of firearms. Although the vast majority of use of force incidents does not lead to significant injury, certain weapons and situations may require more extensive evaluation and higher levels of concern.
Media refusal and conspicuous non-consumption: The performative and political dimensions of Facebook abstention
Authors: Portwood-Stacer Laura
Published: December 2012

This paper is a study of consumer resistance among active abstainers of the Facebook social network site. I analyze the discourses invoked by individuals who consciously choose to abstain from participation on the ubiquitous Facebook platform. This discourse analysis draws from approximately 100 web and print publications from 2006 to early 2012, as well as personal interviews conducted with 20 Facebook abstainers. I conceptualize Facebook abstention as a performative mode of resistance, which must be understood within the context of a neoliberal consumer culture, in which subjects are empowered to act through consumption choices – or in this case non-consumption choices – and through the public display of those choices. I argue that such public displays are always at risk of misinterpretation due to the dominant discursive frameworks through which abstention is given meaning. This paper gives particular attention to the ways in which connotations of taste and distinction are invoked by refusers through their conspicuous displays of non-consumption. This has the effect of framing refusal as a performance of elitism, which may work against observers interpreting conscientious refusal as a persuasive and emulable practice of critique. The implication of this is that refusal is a limited tactic of political engagement where media platforms are concerned.
Power relations among popular news websites for posting headlines through monitoring and imitation
Authors: Lim Jeongsub
Published: December 2012

Online news production is guided by journalists’ institutional orientation such as monitoring and imitation, which can result from power relations among popular news websites. Bourdieu suggested that news media are positioned within a set of economic and symbolic power relations. Given this framework, this study investigates how 13 popular Korean news websites respond to headlines of top online stories on their competitor websites by tracking the headlines on an hourly basis during one consecutive week. The results indicate that the top-ranked news websites often initiate the posting of headlines, whereas others simply follow the headlines by posting similar headlines. But symbolic power relations are not straightforward, because the leading news websites imitate the headlines posted by intermediary or following news websites. Power relations for the production of online news are a complex and fast phenomenon.
Capitalism as culture and statecraft: Weber– Simmel–Hirschman
Authors: Scott Alan
Published: December 2012

This paper offers a critical exposition and a comparison of the arguments of three key thinkers – Max Weber, Georg Simmel and Albert Hirschman – who rejected purely economic accounts of the development and nature of capitalism – whether Marxist or neo-classical – and sought to develop an account of capitalism as culture; as a form of life, conduct, an ethic, a system of ideas and ideals. Such approaches are characterized by (i) their emphasis on the resistance that capitalism faced, and continues to face; (ii) the examination of capitalism at the level of meaning and experience; and (iii) an interest in its institutional and cultural framing. Both the similarities and points of disagreement between these three accounts are discussed. Taking up David Frisby’s concern with Simmel’s politics – Frisby being the dedicatee of this special issue – the paper concludes by focusing on Simmel’s ‘sociological ambivalence’ in his analysis of the money economy as the source both of greater personal freedom and of the fracturing of personality and growing subservience to ‘objective culture’.
Aliskiren add-on therapy effectively reduces proteinuria in chronic kidney disease: An open-label prospective trial
Authors: Wu Men-Tai , Tung Shi-Cheng , Hsu Kao-Tai , Lee Chien-Te
Published: December 2012

Introduction:

The combination therapy of aliskiren and renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) blocker in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is controversial. Whether such dual blockade can effectively apply to patients with CKD irrespective of stage and amount of proteinuria remains uncertain.

Methods:

We added aliskiren at a dosage of 150 mg/day for six months in 103 Chinese CKD patients who had been treated with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEis) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and still had significant proteinuria or uncontrolled hypertension. Blood pressure, serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), potassium, and spot urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR) were measured at three and six months after aliskiren add-on therapy and compared with baseline.

Results:

The combination of aliskiren and ACEi or ARB significantly reduced UPCR by 23% ( p=0.001) and mean arterial pressure by 7.9 ± 13.8 mmHg ( p<0.001) at six months. Twenty-five percent of subjects had a greater than 50% reduction in UPCR. No significant changes in eGFR and serum potassium level were noted at six months.

Conclusions:

Adding aliskiren on ACEi or ARB in CKD patients, both in diabetes and non-diabetes, has a favorable effect on reducing residual proteinuria and inadequately controlled blood pressure.
Which Birds of a Feather Flock Together? Assessing Attitudes About Descriptive Representation Among Latinos and Asian Americans
Authors: Schildkraut Deborah J.
Published: December 2012

This study assesses preferences for descriptive representation among Latinos and Asian Americans. The findings are consistent across data sets, measurement strategies, and panethnic groups: Latinos and Asian Americans who do not think of themselves primarily as American, who think that their fate is tied to that of the group, and who are less acculturated are more likely than others to prefer coethnic representatives. The implications of these findings are discussed, with a focus on the conditions under which the nation’s rapidly diversifying population could promote competing views about political representation in the United States.
An Individual Differences Measure of Attributions That Affect Achievement Behavior
Authors: Higgins N. C. , LaPointe Mitchell R. P.
Published: December 2012

Attributing a negative achievement outcome (e.g., failing a test) to causes that are personally uncontrollable and stable elicits a low expectancy of future success, feelings of hopelessness in that domain, and reduced behavioral efforts to succeed. Thus, a tendency to make such attributions (i.e., dysfunctional academic attributional style) is an individual differences variable that puts people at risk. Two studies examine the factor structure and predictive validity of the Academic Attributional Style Questionnaire (AASQ). Study 1 (using two independent samples) found that the AASQ is a factorially valid measure of functional and dysfunctional attributional styles. In Study 2, during repeated failure in an academic task, the success expectancies, hopefulness, and behavioral persistence of students with a dysfunctional attributional style were lower than those of students with a functional attributional style. These findings modify the attributional theory of achievement motivation (Weiner, 1985) by positing an individual differences moderator variable (i.e., attributional style) and extend attributional research on at-risk students.
Murine anti–third-party central-memory CD8+ T cells promote hematopoietic chimerism under mild conditioning: lymph-node sequestration and deletion of anti-donor T cells
Authors: Ophir Eran , Or-Geva Noga , Gurevich Irina , Tal Orna , Eidelstein Yaki , Shezen Elias , Margalit Raanan , Lask Assaf , Shakhar Guy , Hagin David , Bachar-Lustig Esther , Reich-Zeliger Shlomit , Beilhack Andreas , Negrin Robert , Reisner Yair
Published: December 2012

Key Points

A new approach to achieving immune tolerance and mixed chimerism with relevance for hematopoietic stem cell and organ transplantation. Anti–third-party central memory T cells support engraftment with nonablative conditioning by sequestering and deleting anti-donor T cells.
Acute monoarthritis in a delayed diagnosis of syphilis patient with persistent rupioid psoriasis-like lesions
Authors: Zhu Kejian , Zhou Qiang , Han Rui , Cheng Hao
Published: December 2012

Background

The incidence of syphilis is increasing in many parts of the world. Clinicians may have limited experience in the diagnosis when the clinical appearance is unusual. If early diagnosis is not made and prompt treatment not given, then the disease may remain quiescent until more serious symptoms or systemic involvement develops.

Case presentation

We report the first case of a delayed diagnosis of syphilis with a ten-year history of persistent rupioid psoriasis-like lesions. Acute monoarthritis and high fever together with aggravation of skin lesions led to a careful clinical examination. Skin biopsies demonstrated syphilis spirochetes on immunohistochemical stain, and syphilis serological titers were positive. Standard treatment with benzathine penicillin brought a partial and transient improvement. A complete clinical and serological resolution of the disease was achieved by a prolonged and repeated penicillin treatment combined with methylprednisolone. A 7-year follow-up of the patient proved a full recovery.

Conclusion

Our case highlights the fact that clinical signs of syphilis can be diverse and complicated. Unusual clinical manifestations can happen in an immunocompetent individual. Treatment strategy may need to be adjusted in a difficult case.
Childhood immunization rates in rural Intibucá, Honduras: an analysis of a local database tool and community health center records for assessing and improving vaccine coverage
Authors: He Yuan , Zarychta Alan , Ranz Joseph B , Carroll Mary , Singleton Lori M , Wilson Paria M , Schlaudecker Elizabeth P
Published: December 2012

Background

Vaccines are highly effective at preventing infectious diseases in children, and prevention is especially important in resource-limited countries where treatment is difficult to access. In Honduras, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports very high immunization rates in children. To determine whether or not these estimates accurately depict the immunization coverage in non-urban regions of the country, we compared the WHO data to immunization rates obtained from a local database tool and community health center records in rural Intibucá, Honduras.

Methods

We used data from two sources to comprehensively evaluate immunization rates in the area: 1) census data from a local database and 2) immunization data collected at health centers. We compared these rates using logistic regression, and we compared them to publicly available WHO-reported estimates using confidence interval inclusion.

Results

We found that mean immunization rates for each vaccine were high (range 84.4 to 98.8 percent), but rates recorded at the health centers were significantly higher than those reported from the census data (p≤0.001). Combining the results from both databases, the mean rates of four out of five vaccines were less than WHO-reported rates (p <0.05). Overall immunization rates were significantly different between townships (p=0.03). The rates by individual vaccine were similar across townships (p >0.05), except for diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis vaccine (p=0.02) and oral polio vaccine (p <0.01).

Conclusions

Immunization rates in Honduras were high across data sources, though most of the rates recorded in rural Honduras were less than WHO-reported rates. Despite geographical difficulties and barriers to access, the local database and Honduran community health workers have developed a thorough system for ensuring that children receive their immunizations on time. The successful integration of community health workers and a database within the Honduran decentralized health system may serve as a model for other immunization programs in resource-limited countries where health care is less accessible.
Different distribution of breast ductal carcinoma in situ, ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion, and invasion breast cancer
Authors: Wei Zhang , Er-li Gao , Yi-li Zhou , Qi Zhai , Zhang-yong Zou , Gui-long Guo , Guo-rong Chen , Hua-min Zheng , Guan-li Huang , Xiao-hua Zhang
Published: December 2012

Background

Breast ductal cancer in situ (DCIS) can recur or progress to invasive ductal cancer (IDC), and the interim stage include DCIS with microinvasion (DCIS-Mi). In this article, we attempt to study the study the differences of clinicopathological features, imaging data, and immunohistochemical-based subtypes among DCIS, DCIS-Mi, and IDC.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we attempt to compare the clinicopathological features, immunohistochemical results and imaging data of 866 patients (included 73 DCIS, 72 DCIS-Mi, and 721 IDC).

Results

Patients with DCIS and DCIS-Mi were younger than those with IDC (P = 0.007). DCIS and DCIS-Mi often happened in premenopausal women while IDC was opposite (P <0.001). The incidence of IDC with node-positive was significantly higher than it in DCIS and DCIS-Mi (P <0.001). We also observed that the Her2-positive was more often found in patients with pure DCIS compared to those with DCIS-Mi and DCIS-I (P <0.001). There was a significant difference between the four subgroups (Luminal-A, Luminal-B, ERBB2+, Basal-like) from DCIS, DCIS-Mi, and IDC (P <0.001). Basal-like patients were fewer than other subgroups in DCIS, DCIS-Mi, and IDC. The incidence of the first performance of ultrasound (catheter winded and nodular mass) and mammography (nodular mass) had significantly difference among patients with DCIS, DCIS-Mi, and IDC (P <0.001).

Conclusions

Different clinicopathological, immunohistochemical, and imaging features among DCIS, DCIS-Mi, and IDC indicate that they are distinct entities. A larger sample size is needed for further study.
Development and validation of a chromatographic method for determining Clematichinenoside AR and related impurities
Authors: Zhou Yang , Guan Yue , Shi Ji , Zhang Xiaolin , Yao Lan , Liu Lifang
Published: December 2012

Background

Clematichinenoside AR is a promising lead compound for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. A systematic research for the related impurities in AR bulk samples is still lacking. For the safe use of this natural product in future clinical practice, the structure and content of each constituent, including the main ingredient as well as the impurities in AR bulk sample must be characterized in detail.

Results

A simple and stability indicating RP-HPLC method was developed and validated for determining the purity of clematichinenoside AR (AR), a natural product from the roots of Clematis manshurica Rupr. (Ranunculaceae) with the potential of treating rheumatoid arthritis. Five impurities were characterized, and impurity 2 (Clematomandshurica saponin F) is a new triterpenoid saponin isolated from this product. Optimum separation for clematichinenoside AR and five related impurities was carried out on an Agilent octadecylsilane bonded silica gel column (TC-C18, 4.6 mm ×150 mm, 5 μm) using a gradient HPLC method. The validation results showed good sensitivity, specificity, linearity(r2>0.9992) precision(RSD<1.63%), accuracy(recoveries in the range of 95.60%-104.76%) and robustness. Three AR bulk samples containing all the impurities were examined by two methods, and the stability of correction factors for the determination of related impurities was discussed. The proposed stability-indicating method was suitable for the quality control of this natural product.

Conclusion

Five related impurities of clematichinenoside AR were characterized, including a new triterpenoid saponins firstly found in clematichinenoside AR bulk samples. In the simple chromatographic method for determining clematichinenoside AR and its related impurities in bulk samples, the correction factor was better for the quality control in the relative stable concentrations.
Jejunoileal atresia and cystic fibrosis: don’t miss it
Authors: Siersma Carolien L , Rottier Bart L , Hulscher Jan BF , Bouman Katelijne , van Stuijvenberg Margriet
Published: December 2012

Background

While an increased prevalence of cystic fibrosis (CF) in patients with jejunal atresia and ileal atresia (JIA) has been described previously, it still may not be a practice routine to indicate a sweat test or DNA test for CFTR mutations in newborns presenting with JIA. Leading textbooks do not mention JIA as a possible presenting clinical feature of CF. We describe two cases of JIA with a delayed diagnosis of CF (4 months [post mortem] and 19 months). This led to a retrospective review of all patients with JIA in our hospital. We hypothesised that also in the past although indicated further testing for CF had not always been performed.

Methods

Over an 18-year period from January 1991 until December 2008, all cases of JIA in our centre were reviewed (n=50). We compared patients who have been tested for CF (n=18) with patients who have not been tested for CF (n=32), with respect to their patient characteristics, either by logistic regression analysis or a nonparametric test (p<0.05).

Results

Of all 50 patients the proportion of infants actually tested for CF was 18 (36%). A statistical significant difference between the group of patients who were tested for CF versus the group of those who were not tested was found in a higher occurrence of postoperative bilious retention after 7 days (56% versus 25%, respectively), and postoperative complications (78% versus 34%, respectively). CF was confirmed in 4 (8%).

Conclusion

Testing for CF in newborns presenting with JIA does not appear to be common practice. A timely diagnosis of CF leads to presymptomatic treatment and has beneficial effects on morbidity and mortality. CF should be tested for in all children with JIA. We recommend a sweat test for term children and CFTR DNA testing as a first step for preterm infants. Medical professional awareness may be increased if future editions of leading text books in the relevant fields should include JIA as an indication to follow an appropriate CF-diagnostic algorithm.

Trial registration

Statement on reporting of a clinical trial: This article is not based on a clinical trial.
Duplex quantitative real-time PCR assay for the detection and discrimination of the eggs of Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati (Nematoda, Ascaridoidea) in soil and fecal samples
Authors: Durant Jean-Francois , Irenge Leonid M , Fogt-Wyrwas Renata , Dumont Catherine , Doucet Jean-Pierre , Mignon Bernard , Losson Bertrand , Gala Jean-Luc
Published: December 2012

Background

Toxocarosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Toxocara canis (T. canis) and/or Toxocara cati (T. cati), two worldwide distributed roundworms which are parasites of canids and felids, respectively. Infections of humans occur through ingestion of embryonated eggs of T. canis or T. cati, when playing with soils contaminated with dogs or cats feces. Accordingly, the assessment of potential contamination of these areas with these roundworms eggs is paramount.

Methods

A duplex quantitative real-time PCR (2qPCR) targeting the ribosomal RNA gene internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) has been developed and used for rapid and specific identification of T. canis and T. cati eggs in fecal and soil samples. The assay was set up on DNA samples extracted from 53 adult worms including T. canis, T. cati, T. leonina, Ascaris suum (A. suum) and Parascaris equorum (P. equorum). The assay was used to assess the presence of T. cati eggs in several samples, including 12 clean soil samples spiked with eggs of either T. cati or A. suum, 10 actual soil samples randomly collected from playgrounds in Brussels, and fecal samples from cats, dogs, and other animals. 2qPCR results on dogs and cats fecal samples were compared with results from microscopic examination.

Results

2qPCR assay allowed specific detection of T. canis and T. cati, whether adult worms, eggs spiked in soil or fecal samples. The 2qPCR limit of detection (LOD) in spiked soil samples was 2 eggs per g of soil for a turnaround time of 3 hours. A perfect concordance was observed between 2qPCR assay and microscopic examination on dogs and cats feces.

Conclusion

The newly developed 2qPCR assay can be useful for high throughput prospective or retrospective detection of T.canis and/or T. cati eggs in fecal samples as well as in soil samples from playgrounds, parks and sandpits.
Cognitive analytic therapy for personality disorder: randomised controlled trial
Authors: Clarke Susan , Thomas Peter , James Kirsty
Published: December 2012

Background

Cognitive analytic therapy (CAT) is a theoretically coherent approach developed to address common processes underlying personality disorders, but is supported by limited empirical evidence.

Aims

To investigate the effectiveness of time-limited CAT for participants with personality disorder.

Method

A service-based randomised controlled trial (trial registration: ISRCTN79596618) comparing 24 sessions of CAT (n = 38) and treatment as usual (TAU) (n = 40) over 10 months for individuals with personality disorder. Primary outcomes were measures of psychological symptoms and interpersonal difficulties.

Results

Participants receiving CAT showed reduced symptoms and experienced substantial benefits compared with TAU controls, who showed signs of deterioration during the treatment period.

Conclusions

Cognitive analytic therapy is more effective than TAU in improving outcomes associated with personality disorder. More elaborate and controlled evaluations of CAT are needed in the future.
The Failure of Democracy Building in Modern Iran: The Hundred-Year Struggle
Authors: Kerman Jonathan M. , Wood Kathryn L.
Published: December 2012

Iran’s historical flirtation with democracy has been one of thwarted desires. The 1906 Constitutional Revolution introduced the concepts of liberal democracy to Iranian society, but success was limited by the lack of support from the ulama (clergy). After decades of authoritarianism, under both the Pahlavi family and the ayatollahs, Iran has little experience with modern democratic institutions. It is the argument of the authors that without a fully formed civil society, the lack of progress toward democracy will be prolonged, unless the religious elite come to consider democracy to be in Iran’s best interest. Given the seemingly domino-like effect of the Arab Spring, the ulama of Iran may not have much time before the push for democracy becomes an issue.
Nodal/activin signaling promotes male germ cell fate and suppresses female programming in somatic cells
Authors: Wu Quan , Kanata Kohei , Saba Rie , Deng Chu-Xia , Hamada Hiroshi , Saga Yumiko
Published: December 2012

Testicular development in the mouse is triggered in somatic cells by the function of Sry followed by the activation of fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9), which regulates testicular differentiation in both somatic and germ cells. However, the mechanism is unknown. We show here that the nodal/activin signaling pathway is activated in both male germ cells and somatic cells. Disruption of nodal/activin signaling drives male germ cells into meiosis and causes ectopic initiation of female-specific genes in somatic cells. Furthermore, we prove that nodal/activin-A works directly on male germ cells to induce the male-specific gene Nanos2 independently of FGF9. We conclude that nodal/activin signaling is required for testicular development and propose a model in which nodal/activin-A acts downstream of fibroblast growth factor signaling to promote male germ cell fate and protect somatic cells from initiating female differentiation.
Thiourea Dioxide as a Green Reductant for the Mass Production of Solution-Based Graphene
Authors: Wang Yanqing , Sun Ling , Fugetsu Bunshi
Published: December 2012

Mass production of solution-based graphene derived from the precursor graphene oxide is a challenging step toward achieving industrialization of graphene. Inspired by a classical reducing method performed in the textile and paper making industries, we report here a rapid, cost-effective, and safer approach to the facile production of graphene that employs thiourea dioxide (TDO) as the green reductant. Graphene oxide was converted into high quality graphene within 30 min with TDO as the reductant under moderate reaction conditions. The C/O ratio of the TDO reduced graphene was ca. 5.9 with the yield of graphene from graphene oxide >99%. This is better than the reduction efficiency under the identical experimental conditions by using l-ascorbic acid as the reductant which required a reaction time of about 48 h. This simple and effective procedure should offer an alternative route to the mass production of solution-based graphene for practical applications.
Label-free Fluorescent Detection of Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification of Nucleic Acid Using Pyrophosphate-selective Xanthene-based Zn(II)-coordination Chemosensor
Authors: Kittiloespaisan Ekkachai , Ojida Akio , Hamachi Itaru , Seetang-Nun Yortyot , Kiatpathomchai Wansika , Wongkongkatep Jirarut
Published: December 2012

A label-free fluorescent detection method for the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) of nucleic acids was first developed by using the pyrophosphate-selective xanthene-based Zn(II)-coordination chemosensor 1–2Zn(II). In this method, the production of inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi), a by-product of the LAMP reaction, was detected by 1–2Zn(II) with a large fluorescence enhancement. On combination with the fluorescent plate reader technique, this method allows us to detect the shrimp white spot syndrome virus in a high-throughput manner with high sensitivity and selectivity.
Word-formation in translated language: The impact of language-pair specific features and genre variation
Authors: Lefer Marie-Aude
Published: December 2012

Corpus-based studies in the field of word-formation have looked at translated language with the aim of (i) assessing the role of the source language (SL) in the overuse of certain derivational affixes in the target language (TL) and (ii) examining translationrelated, SL- and TL-independent trends such as the normalization of creative lexis. However, two aspects of the word-formation features of translated language remain underresearched: (i) language-pair specific properties which lead to a marked decrease in the use of certain word-forming devices in the target texts compared to their source texts (here referred to as ‘language-pair specific morphological decrease’) and (ii) the genre-sensitivity of word-forming devices in translated language. To examine these two aspects, we report on a corpus-based case study of the French translation of the Englishun- andin-prefixes. The translation data makes it possible to identify the following language-pair-related factors which are responsible for morphological decrease in French target texts: morphological productivity, diverging polysemy and partial phraseological equivalence. The study also shows that morphological decrease is significantly more frequent in fiction than in news, thereby indicating that genre also plays a major role in shaping the word-formation features of translated language.
Dialogues with Death
Authors: Nichols Michael
Published: December 2012

This article compares Hindu and Buddhist narratives involving debate or contest with the gods representing death in each respective tradition. In Hinduism, this is Yama, judge and god of the underworld, while in Buddhism, death, as well as the concept of rebirth and, more broadly, samsara itself, is represented by the malign figure Mara. Through a comparison of Buddhist Pali Canon texts to the Hindu Katha Upanisad, the Savitri episode in the Mahabharata, and brief excerpts of Puranas, I argue that both traditions employed a common trope of debate and contest with a god of death, but used that shared device to emphasize doctrinal beliefs and perspectives unique to their respective traditions. This strongly suggests a shared literary heritage between the two traditions of these mythic figures.
Spirit Possession and Trance. New Interdisciplinary Perspectives, edited by Bettina Schmidt and Lucy Huskinson
Authors: Ferrari Fabrizio M.
Published: December 2012

Spirit Possession and Trance. New Interdisciplinary Perspectives, edited by Bettina Schmidt and Lucy Huskinson. London and New York: Continuum, 2010. x + 246pp. ISBN: 978-0-826435-74-3 (hbk), ISBN: 978-1-441108-28-9 (pbk). £65.00/£24.99.
Opening the Hidden Land: State Formation and the Construction of Sikkimese History, by Saul Mullard
Authors: Halkias Georgios
Published: December 2012

Opening the Hidden Land: State Formation and the Construction of Sikkimese History, by Saul Mullard. Leiden: E. J. Brill, 2011. xxiv + 282pp. ISBN: 978-9-004208-95-7 (hbk). €105.00.
Celebrating a Great Scholar
Authors: King Ursula
Published: December 2012

Ursula King writes an obituary of Raimon Panikkar, 1918-2010.
Desempenho acadêmico e autoconceito de escolares: contribuições do envolvimento paterno
Authors: Cia Fabiana , Barham Elizabeth Joan , Fontaine Anne Marie Germaine Victorine
Published: December 2012

Este estudo teve por objetivo examinar as relações entre três formas do envolvimento paterno (a comunicação entre pai e filho; a participação do pai nos cuidados com o filho; a participação do pai nas atividades escolares, culturais e de lazer do filho) e dois aspectos do desenvolvimento infantil (autoconceito e desempenho acadêmico) de crianças que iniciam as atividades escolares. Participaram deste estudo 97 casais e seus filhos matriculados na 1ª ou 2ª série do Ensino Fundamental. Para avaliar o envolvimento paterno a partir de duas perspectivas diferentes, tanto os pais quanto as mães responderam à Avaliação do bem-estar pessoal e familiar e do relacionamento pai-filho - Versão Paterna. Para avaliar o desempenho acadêmico e o autoconceito, foram aplicados nas crianças o Teste de Desempenho Escolar e o Self-Description Questionnaire I. Observou-se que, quanto maior a frequência de comunicação entre pai e filho, a participação do pai nos cuidados com o filho e a participação do pai nas atividades escolares, culturais e de lazer do filho, maior o desempenho acadêmico e o autoconceito das crianças. Esses resultados são indicativos da importância do envolvimento paterno e apontam a necessidade de se realizarem intervenções educativas dirigidas aos homens.
Repercussões sociais no hábito alimentar dos obesos
Authors: Costa Ricardo de Carvalho , Gabriel Dimitri Carlo , Costa Maria José de Carvalho , Gonçalves Maria da Conceição Rodrigues , Oliveira Sônia Cristina Pereira de , Asciutti Luiza Sonia
Published: December 2012

O trabalho tem como objetivo analisar os fatores sociais do cotidiano que mais influenciam no hábito alimentar do obeso. A pesquisa, de enfoque qualitativo, teve como participantes 11 indivíduos obesos que frequentavam o ambulatório de nutrição de um hospital público na cidade de João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas, gravadas para a análise de conteúdo. Observou-se que as categorias que se destacaram nos discursos foram: autoimagem negativa, discriminação, ansiedade e sentimento de culpa. Ao se tornarem obesos, os indivíduos do presente estudo parecem desenvolver uma autoimagem negativa, relacionada à ansiedade e à depressão, entre outros fatores, o que pode levar a um sentimento de culpa, reforçado pela discriminação da sociedade que, ao invés de ajudá-lo a perder peso, parece estimulá-lo a comer mais.
Verbalizações de familiares durante aprendizagem de leitura e escrita por deficientes intelectuais¹
Authors: Benitez Priscila , Domeniconi Camila
Published: December 2012

A utilização de um programa informatizado de ensino de leitura e escrita, aplicado por pais e familiares, permitiu analisar as verbalizações fornecidas pelos aplicadores, a fim de auxiliar os aprendizes nas tarefas de ensino. Embora tais verbalizações tenham sido identificadas em estudos anteriores, a presente pesquisa objetivou categorizar e quantificar os tipos de dicas verbais fornecidas pelos familiares na condição de monitores, em razão da falta de sistematização das mesmas. Participaram do estudo três responsáveis por três aprendizes com deficiência intelectual, expostos ao programa em suas residências. O procedimento constituiu na categorização e quantificação das dicas verbais emitidas pelos monitores. Como resultado, foram estabelecidas duas categorias de dicas: adequadas (Fornecer a instrução da tarefa e Elogiar) e inadequadas (Apontar erros na resposta do aprendiz e Responder pelo aprendiz). Sugere-se que seja adotada a categoria de dicas adequadas em treinamentos futuros de monitores, a fim de favorecer a interação inicial entre o aprendiz e o programa.
Insônia em pacientes com câncer de mama
Authors: Rafihi-Ferreira Renatha El , Soares Maria Rita Zoéga
Published: December 2012

A insônia é uma queixa frequente em pacientes com câncer de mama, e suas consequências podem causar impacto na qualidade de vida e no curso da doença. O objetivo deste estudo foi revisar a literatura especializada sobre a relação entre insônia e câncer de mama, abordando definição, prevalência, fatores etiológicos e as consequências da insônia no contexto da neoplasia mamária, bem como os tratamentos para insônia nessa população. A busca da literatura ocorreu nos bancos de dados Scopus, Web of Science e SciELO, utilizando as palavras chaves: insomnia, sleep, breast cancer, treatment, cognitive-behavioral therapy. Os estudos revisados demonstraram que a etiologia da insônia envolve fatores de predisposição, precipitação e perpetuação. Evidencia-se a importância da melhora na qualidade de sono em pacientes oncológicos, além de se indicar a combinação de terapia farmacológica e cognitivocomportamental no tratamento dos problemas de sono.