bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A phase II, sham-controlled, double-blinded study testing the safety and efficacy of the coronary sinus reducer in patients with refractory angina: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jolicœur E Marc , Banai Shmuel , Henry Timothy D , Schwartz Marc , Doucet Serge , White Christopher J , Edelman Elazer , Verheye Stefan
Published: February 2013

Background

A growing population of patients lives with severe coronary artery disease not amenable to coronary revascularization and with refractory angina despite optimal medical therapy. Percutaneous reduction of the coronary sinus is an emerging treatment for myocardial ischemia that increases coronary sinus pressure to promote a transcollateral redistribution of coronary artery in-flow from nonischemic to ischemic subendocardial territories. A first-in-man study has demonstrated that the percutaneous reduction of the coronary sinus can be performed safely in such patients. The COSIRA trial seeks to assess whether a percutaneous reduction of the coronary sinus can improve the symptoms of refractory angina in patients with limited revascularization options.

Methods/Design

The COSIRA trial is a phase II double-blind, sham-controlled, randomized parallel trial comparing the percutaneously implanted coronary sinus Reducer (Neovasc Inc, Richmond, BC, Canada) to a sham implantation in 124 patients enrolled in Canada, Belgium, England, Scotland, Sweden and Denmark. All patients need to have stable Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) class III or IV angina despite optimal medical therapy, with evidence of reversible ischemia related to disease in the left coronary artery, and a left ventricular ejection fraction >25%. Participants experiencing an improvement in their angina ≥2 CCS classes six months after the randomization will meet the primary efficacy endpoint. The secondary objective of this trial is to test whether coronary sinus Reducer implantation will improve left ventricular ischemia, as measured by the improvement in dobutamine echocardiogram wall motion score index and in time to 1 mm ST-segment depression from baseline to six-month post-implantation.

Discussion

Based on previous observations, the COSIRA is expected to provide a significant positive result or an informative null result upon which rational development decisions can be based. Patient safety is a central concern and extensive monitoring should allow an appropriate investigation of the safety related to the coronary sinus Reducer.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier -NCT01205893.
Coughing-induced bowel transection in a patient with an incarcerated inguinal hernia: a case report
Authors: Hakiman Hekmat , DeLibero Jana , Pham Thai , Dineen Sean , Huerta Sergio
Published: February 2013

Introduction

Although blunt trauma to a hernia-containing bowel is known to cause bowel perforation, this report documents the first incident of a small bowel transection following a non-traumatic event.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 49-year-old African American man with a chronic incarcerated inguinal hernia awaiting elective repair. He presented to the Emergency Department with abdominal pain following an episode of coughing. On examination, he was found to have peritonitis. He underwent exploratory laparotomy, and had a complete small bowel transection. A bowel resection with primary anastomosis was performed, as well an inguinal hernia repair.

Conclusion

Chronic hernia incarceration can lead to weakening and ischemia of the bowel, and minimal trauma can lead to perforation of the weakened segment. In such presentations, bowel resection and repair of the defect with a biological material is safe and feasible.
An endonasal approach to the resection of a papillary seromucinous adenocarcinoma of the Eustacian tube
Authors: Glicksman Jordan T , Franklin Jason H , Shepherd Jessica , Rotenberg Brian W
Published: February 2013

Objectives

Papillary seromucinous adenocarcinoma of the sinonasal tract is exceedingly rare. The objectives of this case report are to describe a case of papillary seromucinous adenocarcinoma presenting in the nasopharynx and to review the literature pertaining to other similar cases.

Methods

A review of the patient's chart and a review of the English literature were conducted.

Results

We describe the case of a 64 year-old woman who presented with a 3-year history of epistaxis and right-sided otitis media with effusion. The patient had been followed for a known nasopharyngeal mass that had twice been biopsied and in both cases was considered a benign mass pathologically. A third biopsy was diagnosed as a low-grade papillary seromucinous adenocarcinoma. The patient was otherwise asymptomatic. The patient was referred to a multidisciplinary cancer clinic at which endoscopic resection was determined to be the preferred treatment modality. A literature review and approach to patients with nasopharyngeal masses will be presented.

Conclusions

Papillary seromucinous adenocarcinoma is a rare tumor that can present in the nasopharynx. We describe the endoscopic surgical management of one such patient that presented to our care.
Bisphenol A stimulates human prostate cancer cell migration via remodelling of calcium signalling
Authors: Derouiche Sandra , Warnier Marine , Mariot Pascal , Gosset Pierre , Mauroy Brigitte , Bonnal Jean-Louis , Slomianny Christian , Delcourt Philippe , Prevarskaya Natalia , Roudbaraki Morad
Published: February 2013

Bisphenol A (BPA), the principal constituent of reusable water bottles, metal cans, and plastic food containers, has been shown to be involved in human prostate cancer (PCa) cell proliferation. The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of BPA on PCa cell migration and the pathways involved in these processes. Using the transwell technique, we clearly show for the first time that the pre-treatment of the cells with BPA (1–10 nM) induces human PCa cell migration. Using a calcium imaging technique, we show that BPA pre-treatment induces an amplification of Store-Operated Calcium Entry (SOCE) in LNCaP cells. RT-PCR and Western blot experiments allowed the identification of the ion channel proteins which are up-regulated by BPA pre-treatments. These include the Orai1 protein, which is known as an important SOCE actor in various cell systems, including human PCa cells. Using a siRNA strategy, we observed that BPA-induced amplification of SOCE was Orai1-dependent. Interestingly, the BPA-induced PCa cell migration was suppressed when the calcium entry was impaired by the use of SOCE inhibitors (SKF96365, BTP2), or when the extracellular calcium was chelated. Taken together, the results presented here show that BPA induces PCa cells migrationviaa modulation of the ion channel protein expression involved in calcium entry and in cancer cell migration. The present data provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in the effects of an environmental factor on cancer cells and suggest both the necessity of preventive measures and the possibility of targeting ion channels in the treatment of PCa cell metastasis.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Mobile phone text messaging and Telephone follow-up in type 2 diabetic patients for 3 months: a comparative study
Authors: Zolfaghari Mirta , Mousavifar Seyedeh A , Haghani Hamid
Published: February 2013

Background

To investigate and to compare the effectiveness of a nurse short message service (SMS) by cellular phone and telephone follow-up by nurse on Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Semi experimental study consisted of 77 patients with type 2 diabetes that randomly assigned to two groups: telephone follow-up (n = 39) and short message service (n = 38). Telephone interventions were applied by researcher for 3 months. SMS group that received message daily for 12 weeks. Data gathering instrument include data sheet to record HbA1c and questionnaire that consisted of demographic characteristics. Data gathering was performed at two points: initial the study and after 12 weeks. Data analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics methods with SPSS version 11.5.

Results

Demographic variables were compared and all of them were homogenous. Results of this study showed that both interventions had significant mean changes in HbA1c; for the telephone group (p = 0.001), with a mean change of −0.93% and for the SMS group (p = 0.001), with a mean change of −1.01%.

Conclusion

Finding of this research showed that intervention using SMS via cellular phone and nurse-led-telephone follow up improved HbA1c for three months in type 2 diabetic patients and it can consider as alternative methods for diabetes control.
Concise Synthesis of the Tetracyclic Framework of Azadiradione: Tandem Radical Cyclization Route
Authors: Yamashita Shuji , Naruko Akito , Yamada Takahiro , Hayashi Yujiro , Hirama Masahiro
Published: February 2013

Azadiradione, a limonoid isolated from the neem plant, possesses a unique stereostructure distinct from that of the steroids. We describe a concise synthesis of the tetracyclic framework of azadiradione by a tandem radical cyclization process.
Design and Synthesis of Novel Piperazine Derivatives with High Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Zhang Maolan , Wang Yuanliang , Sun Jiaoxia , Wu Jinchuan , Yan Weiwei , Zheng Yuxi
Published: February 2013

A novel antibacterial piperazine derivative (PE-B) has been prepared via the nucleophilic substitution reaction of poly(ethylenediaminetetraacetic dianhydride-co-piperazine) (PE) with n-butyl bromide. PE was synthesized by a condensation polymerization reaction of ethylenediaminetetraacetic dianhydride (EDTAD) and piperazine (PA). The thermoresponsive test results showed that the PE was thermoresponsive; however, when it was quaternized by n-butyl bromide, this performance disappeared. The antibacterial test results showed that both the PE and PE-B exhibited potent inhibitory activity on S. aureus and E. coli. Specifically, PE had better antibacterial ability against S. aureus, but PE-B showed similar antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli.
Nonrandom Distribution of Interhomolog Recombination Events Induced by Breakage of a Dicentric Chromosome inSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Song Wei , Gawel Malgorzata , Dominska Margaret , Greenwell Patricia W , Hazkani-Covo Einat , Bloom Kerry , Petes Thomas D
Published: February 2013

Dicentric chromosomes undergo breakage in mitosis, resulting in chromosome deletions, duplications, and translocations. In this study, we map chromosome break sites of dicentrics in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by a mitotic recombination assay. The assay uses a diploid strain in which one homolog has a conditional centromere in addition to a wild-type centromere, and the other homolog has only the wild-type centromere; the conditional centromere is inactive when cells are grown in galactose and is activated when the cells are switched to glucose. In addition, the two homologs are distinguishable by multiple single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Under conditions in which the conditional centromere is activated, the functionally dicentric chromosome undergoes double-stranded DNA breaks (DSBs) that can be repaired by mitotic recombination with the homolog. Such recombination events often lead to loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of SNPs that are centromere distal to the crossover. Using a PCR-based assay, we determined the position of LOH in multiple independent recombination events to a resolution of ∼4 kb. This analysis shows that dicentric chromosomes have recombination breakpoints that are broadly distributed between the two centromeres, although there is a clustering of breakpoints within 10 kb of the conditional centromere.
Analysis of shear-transfer actions on one-way RC members based on measured cracking pattern and failure kinematics
Authors: Campana Stefano , Fernández Ruiz Miguel , Anastasi Andrea , Muttoni Aurelio
Published: February 2013

Shear in one-way reinforced concrete (RC) members is transferred in cracked concrete members by a number of actions such as aggregate interlock, residual tensile stresses, dowelling action, inclination of compression chord and transverse reinforcement (if available). The amount of shear transferred by each action is significantly influenced by the cracking pattern (shape of shear cracks) and by the kinematics at failure (opening and sliding of the cracks). In this paper, the activation of the various shear-transfer actions is investigated for one-way RC members. This is done by using a set of detailed measurements on the cracking pattern and actual kinematics at failure recorded on a number of specimens (beams) with a very low amount of transverse reinforcement. The amount of shear transferred by each action is estimated on the basis of available physical models and compared for the various specimens. The results show rather good predictions in terms of strength by following this approach. Consistent explanations of the shear transferred by each action are provided.
The Reduction of Plant‐Available Nitrogen by Cover Crop Mulches and Subsequent Effects on Soybean Performance and Weed Interference
Authors: Wells M. S. , Reberg‐Horton S. C. , Smith A. N. , Grossman J. M.
Published: February 2013

A 3 site‐year study was conducted to investigate the impact of roller‐crimped rye (RC) (Secale cereale L.) mulches on soil N immobilization and subsequent effects on weed suppression and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yield. Treatments consisted of: (i) RC, (ii) conventional tillage with neither rye cover crop nor weed control measures (WC), (iii) conventional tillage plus herbicide weed control (CT+HB), and, (iv) roller‐crimped rye plus herbicide (RC+HB). The rye biomass varied between the sites with 4400, 8300, and 7084 kg ha−1 dry matter (DM) for Goldsboro 2009, Kinston 2009, and Kinston 2010, respectively. During the season, the flow of soil inorganic N was monitored via ion‐exchange probes and by direct extractions at two depths (0–10 and 10–25 cm) every 2 wk. Tissue data was collected every 2 wk on soybean and redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.) to determine the C/N ratio. For all sites, peak N immobilization occurred between 4 and 6 weeks after planting (WAP), indicated by a reduction in soil inorganic N. Results from the ion‐exchange probes showed similar trends of the extractable soil inorganic N at all sites. Pigweed C/N ratios revealed a growing divergence between the two systems, with a severe N deficiency in the RC. Even with varying rye biomass production across environments the RC system created an extremely low N environment, suggesting that when a cereal cover crop is paired with a legume cash crop, reduced weed crop interference may result, with little reduction in soybean yield.
Macroscopic Modeling of Plant Water Uptake in a Forest Stand Involving Root‐Mediated Soil Water Redistribution
Authors: Vogel Tomas , Dohnal Michal , Dusek Jaromir , Votrubova Jana , Tesar Miroslav
Published: February 2013

One of the principal components of mass exchange within the soil−plant−atmosphere system is soil water extraction by plant roots. Adequate evaluation of water extraction is a prerequisite for correct predictions of plant transpiration and soil water distribution in the root zone. The main objective of the present study is to contribute to the development of sufficiently realistic, yet algorithmically simple models of water exchange between soil and plant roots applicable for numerical simulation of soil water responses to atmospheric forcing. In our case, a simple macroscopic, vertically distributed plant root water uptake approximation based on a traditional water‐potential‐gradient (WPG) formulation was adopted and implemented in a one‐dimensional dual‐continuum model of soil water flow based on the Richards' equation. This combined model was used to simulate soil water movement at a forested site. The results were compared with observations (sap flow, soil water pressure, and soil water content) as well as with simulations produced using the standard semi‐empirical model of Feddes. Principal aspects of the WPG prediction, such as root‐mediated soil water redistribution, compensation for local water scarcity, and transpiration reduction, are exposed and discussed.
Special Section: Progress in Modeling and Characterization of Frozen Soil Processes
Authors: Toride Nobuo , Watanabe Kunio , Hayashi Masaki
Published: February 2013

Freezing and thawing affect a multitude of physical, chemical, and biological processes in the vadose zone. Concerns over potential impacts of global warming on the spatial extent of permafrost and poorly understood hydrological and ecological processes in frozen soils have prompted renewed interest in this subject. The vadose zone research community should become more engaged in addressing contemporary challenges concerning frozen soil. This special section presents 12 papers addressing a range of topics ranging from measurement techniques and theoretical developments to field studies of seasonal freeze–thaw cycles and associated thermal and hydrological regimes in permafrost and rock glacier. It is hoped that the studies reported here will generate interest in addressing some of the fascinating challenges associated with rapid changes in the frozen vadose zone over large areas in the cold regions that may alter the hydrological and biogeochemical cycles, including greenhouse gas emissions.
Calcium Absorption Response to Cholecalciferol Supplementation in Hemodialysis
Authors: Armas Laura A.G. , Zena Mohsen , Lund Richard , Heaney Robert P.
Published: February 2013

Background and objectives

Recent understanding of extrarenal production of calcitriol has led to the use of more vitamin D supplementation in CKD populations. This paper reports the effect of cholecalciferol supplementation on calcium absorption.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Paired calcium absorption tests were done before and after 12–13 weeks of 20,000 IU weekly cholecalciferol supplementation in 30 participants with stage 5 CKD on hemodialysis. The study was conducted from April to December of 2011. Calcium absorption was tested with a standardized meal containing 300 mg calcium carbonate intrinsically labeled with 45Ca; 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D were measured.

Results

25-Hydroxyvitamin D rose from 14.2 ng/ml (11.5–18.5) at baseline to 49.3 ng/ml (42.3–58.1) at the end of the study (P<0.001). 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D rose from 15.1 (10.5–18.8) pg/ml at baseline to 20.5 (17.0–24.7) pg/ml at the end of the study (P<0.001). The median baseline calcium absorption was 12% (7%–17%) and 12% (7%–16%) at the end of study.

Conclusions

Patients with stage 5 CKD on hemodialysis had very low calcium absorption values at baseline, and cholecalciferol supplementation that raised 25(OH)D levels to 50 ng/ml had no effect on calcium absorption.
Sociocultural Influences on Diabetes Self-Management Behaviors in Older African Americans
Authors: Rovner Barry W. , Casten Robin J. , Harris Lynn Fields
Published: February 2013

Objective. The purpose of this observational study was to describe the associations between cultural beliefs that are prevalent in older African Americans and adherence to diabetes self-management (DSM) behaviors.

Methods. In a community population of 110 older African Americans with type 2 diabetes, the investigators administered surveys that assess present time orientation (PTO), future time orientation (FTO), and religiosity, as well as exercising habits, reading food labels, and checking blood glucose.

Results. Participants who reported regularly exercising had significantly lower PTO scores and higher FTO and religiosity scores than participants who did not regularly exercise. Similarly, participants who reported reading food labels had lower PTO scores and higher FTO scores but did not differ in religiosity. Participants who reported checking blood glucose levels tended to have higher FTO scores but did not differ in PTO or religiosity. Participants who engaged in all three DSM behaviors had significantly lower PTO scores and higher FTO and religiosity scores.

Conclusion. These data indicate that cultural diversity within older African Americans may influence DSM behaviors and contribute to disparities in diabetes outcomes in this high-risk population. Efforts to prevent complications of diabetes might benefit from consideration of these cultural factors.
Tentative Reference Acts? ‘Recognitional Demonstratives’ as Means of Suggesting Mutual Knowledge – or Overriding a Lack of It
Authors: Consten Manfred , Averintseva-Klisch Maria
Published: February 2013

In an explorative study on German oral corpus data we investigate recognitional use of proximal demonstratives as a means of explicit speaker-hearer interaction shaping the discourse structure. We show that recognitionals mark tentative reference acts in that speakers suggest - or pretend - mutual knowledge of the referent, at the same time appealing to the hearers to accept the reference. Hearers may tacitly or explicitly accept the referential act or deny it asking for clarification, in the latter case making speakers change the intended local discourse topic. On these grounds we argue against a differentiation between recognitional and indefinite demonstratives, subsuming both as kinds of recognitional use under ‘pretended’ cognitive proximity.
English Read by Japanese Phonetic Corpus: An Interim Report
Authors: Makino Takehiko , Aoki Rika
Published: February 2013

The primary purpose of this paper is to explain the procedure of developing the English Read by Japanese Phonetic Corpus. A series of preliminary studies (Makino 2007, 2008, 2009) made it clear that a phonetically-transcribed computerized corpus of Japanese speakers’ English speech was worth making. Because corpus studies on L2 pronunciation have been very rare, we intend to fill this gap. For the corpus building, the 1,902 sentence files in the English Read by Japanese speech database scored for their individual sounds by American English teachers trained in phonetics in Minematsu, et al. (2002b) have been chosen. The files were pre-processed with the Penn Phonetics Lab Forced Aligner to generate Praat TextGrids where target English words and phonemes were forced-aligned to the speech files. Two additional tiers (actual phones and substitutions) were added to those TextGrids, the actual phones were manually transcribed and the other tiers were aligned to that tier. Then the TextGrids were imported to ELAN, which has a much better searching functionality. So far, fewer than 10% of the files have been completed and the corpus-building is still in its initial stage. The secondary purpose of this paper is to report on some findings from the small part of the corpus that has been completed. Although it is still premature to talk of any tendency in the corpus, it is worth noting that we have found evidence of phenomena which are not readily predicted from L1 phonological transfer, such as the spirantization of voiceless plosives, which is not considered normal in the pronunciation of Japanese.
The effect of industrial wastes and municipal sewage sludge compost on the quality of virginia fanpetals (Sida Hermaphrodita Rusby) biomass Part 2. Heavy metals content, their uptake dynamics and bioaccumulation
Authors: Krzywy-Gawrońska Ewa
Published: February 2013

A single-factor field experiment was carried out at the Cultivar Evaluation Station in Szczecin-Dąbie in 2008-2010. In the experiment, the compost produced with municipal sewage sludge by the GWDA method and high-calcium brown coal ash (furnace waste) were used. The perennial energy crop was a test plant - Virginia fanpetals (Sida hermaphrodita Rusby). It results from the carried out study that Virginia fanpetals biomass contained on average the most manganese (24.7 mg∙kg-1 d.m.), lead (2.50 mg∙kg-1 d.m.) and zinc (50.5 mg∙kg-1 d.m.) in 2008, while the most cadmium (0.33 mg∙kg-1 d.m.), copper (3.78 mg∙kg-1 d.m.) and nickel (2.57 mg∙kg-1 d.m.) in 2010. Average cadmium, copper, manganese, nickel, lead and zinc contents in test plant biomass were higher, respectively by 14.3%, 10.0%, 7.3%, 19.3%, 29.1% and 6.9%, in the objects where municipal sewage sludge compost had been applied without and with addition of high-calcium brown coal ash when compared to those where only calcium carbonate or high-calcium brown coal ash had been introduced into the soil. The differences in cadmium, copper, manganese, nickel, lead and zinc contents in Virginia fanpetals biomass between particular experimental objects were not signifi cant. The least zinc was absorbed by the test plant biomass in the object with high-calcium brown coal ash being applied in the fi rst year of study and annually. When evaluating the dynamics of heavy metals uptake, it was found to be the lowest in the fi rst year of study (ranging from 4.40% to 11.0%). It increased in the second and the third year of study, oscillating between 29.9% and 65.7%. The degree of heavy metals accumulation in Virginia fanpetals biomass differed, depending on the fertilisation applied. The bioaccumulation factor of cadmium, copper and nickel after three study years was average, while that of manganese, lead and zinc was intense.
Comparative studies on the removal of copper (II) by Ulva fasciata activated carbon and commercially activated carbon
Authors: Suresh Jeyakumar R.P. , Chandrasekaran V.
Published: February 2013

In this work, the efficiency of Ulva fasciata sp. activated carbons (CCUC, SCUC and SSUC) and commercially activated carbon (CAC) were studied for the removal of Cu (II) ions from synthetic wastewater. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out as a function of pH, contact time, initial copper concentration and adsorbent dose. The percentage adsorption of copper by CCUC, SSUC, SCUC and CAC are 88.47%, 97.53%, 95.78% and 77.42% respectively. Adsorption data were fitted with the Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin models. Two kinetic models pseudo first order and the pseudo second order were selected to interpret the adsorption data.
Iranian Thrips of the Family Aeolothripidae (Insecta, Thysanoptera), with Four Newly Recorded Species
Authors: Mirab-Balou M. , Chen X.-X.
Published: February 2013

The family Aeolothripidae (Thysanoptera, Terebrantia) included seventeen species in four genera from Iran. Here, four species are recorded from Iran for the first time: Aeolothrips albicinctus Haliday, A. cursor Priesner, A. montivagus Priesner and A. gloriosus Bagnall. A checklist of all Iranian species of the family Aeolothripidae, with geographical distributions for each species is provided. New distribution records of eight species in Iran are reported.
Sport and Art: a View on the Worldwide and Connecting Area from the Perspective of Sports Science – or: about the Convergence of Two Worlds
Authors: Kretschmann Rolf , Von Grabowiecki Udo
Published: February 2013

The two worlds of sport and art cannot be separated distinctly. Intersections can definitely be identified. Although the discipline “Sport-Art” has not yet been established as a sub-discipline of sport science, sporadic attempts of integration in higher education and academic discussion can be found. In the field of (fine) arts we meet sport in everyday life as so-called practical and commercial art. The fusion is also obvious in the fields of music, art history, and literature. The convergence of the two worlds is clearest in the structural analogy of the genesis of composition, performing arts, literature, and movement products. Finally, a pedagogical postulate is posited that should be understood as a demand for an (school) education that integrates art and sport.
Modified clinoptilolite in the removal of iron and manganese from water
Authors: Barloková D. , Ilavský J.
Published: February 2013

It is necessary to treat water intended for drinking purposes in many cases to meet therequirements of the Regulation of the Government of the Slovak Republic No. 496/2010 onDrinking Water. There is a tendency to look for technology with new, more efficient andcost-effective materials and technologies. The goal of this study is to compare activatednatural zeolite known as clinoptilolite (rich deposits of clinoptilolite were found in theregion of East Slovakia Region in the 1980s) with the imported Greensand and Cullsorbmaterials in the removal of iron and manganese from water. The results obtained fromexperiments carried out at WTP Kúty prove that Klinopur-Mn is suitable for the removalof iron and manganese from water and is comparable with the imported materials.
At the Margins of the World: The Nature of Limits in Terrence Malick’s The Thin Red Line
Authors: Lord Catherine M.
Published: February 2013

Terrence Malick’s The Thin Red Line (1998) is an anti-war film which can be read as an Orphic narrative meditating on the relationship between humans and “nature.” Many scholarly readings of the film have been attracted by analyzes that explore the influences of Cavell and Heidegger on Malick (Critchley, Furstenau and MacCavoy, Sinnerbrink). Kaja Silverman’s recent opus, Flesh of My Flesh (2009), contains a chapter titled “All Things Shining.” She elegantly examines how Malick’s film explores the theme of “finitude.” She argues that, ontologically speaking, human existence gains a more intense “glow” when humans are made aware of their mortality. The present becomes paramount. But like Orpheus, the present seeks to make amends with the past. Taking Silverman’s analysis one step further involves exploring finitude through the film’s many animal, arboreal and geological images. Nature can be read as a “margin” that more fully enhances the film’s exploration of connection and finitude. To this end, the opening chapter of Jacques Derrida’s Margins of Philosophy (1986) is invaluable. Entitled “Tympan,” Derrida’s introductory essay introduces a wealth of ecological metaphors. These stimulate an interaction between Silverman’s model of finitude, Derrida’s surprising ecologies at the margin and Malick’s quest for what shines in all beings.
Young Ischemic Stroke in South Asia: A review
Authors: Ojha Rajeev , Huang Dongya , An Hedi , Zuo Lian , Zhu Wenxia
Published: February 2013

Stroke in young adults may have early impact on quality of life in survivors. Uncontrolled stroke risk factors, lack of treatment facilities and a dense population has made its special significance in South Asia. The main aim of this study is to evaluate incidence, risk factors, etiology and clinical characteristics of young ischemic stroke in South Asia. Incidence of young stroke is more common in South Asian countries than developed western countries and has higher prevalence in rural areas. Traditional risk factors, such as hypertension, smoking, hyperlipidemia and diabetes are associated with majority of cases. Cardioembolism and undetermined etiology contribute to a large proportion of stroke etiology. Appropriate stepwise investigations are suggested to diagnose stroke of other determined etiology. Regular intake of drugs to control risk factors, cessation of smoking, and promote physical activity is suggested to reduce the burden of young stroke. Journal of Advances in Internal Medicine 2013;02(01):27-33 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jaim.v2i1.7636
Calculation of Changes in Drive-Alone Commute, Vehicle Miles Traveled, during Temporary Freeway Closure
Authors: van Herick David , Mokhtarian Patricia L. , He Xi
Published: February 2013

A 1-mi stretch of Interstate 5 in downtown Sacramento, California, was closed intermittently for reconstruction (i.e., “the Fix”) in the summer of 2008. With data collected from two contemporaneous surveys of affected workers, the study reported in this paper estimated changes in drive-alone commute, vehicle miles traveled (DACVMT) as a result of Fix-related mode shifts, switches to (increased) telecommuting (TC) and compressed work week (CWW) schedules, personal leave (PL) days, and departures from the region (DFR) (i.e., out of town for the entire study week). Distinctions were made for the first three causes for the changes, which were characterized as possibly permanent, and the latter two, which were definitely temporary. Net DACVMT changes were distinguished further by respondents who made overall positive changes and overall negative changes. During the target week, the total Fix-related VMT reduction for the entire affected sample (N = 6,185) was estimated to be between 5.36% and 5.48%. Reductions from potentially permanent sources led to an estimated 4.08% to 4.21% reduction, and those from definitely temporary sources led to a 1.27% reduction. Mode shifts reduced DACVMT between 3.04% and 3.17% (the net of a 0.42% increase by 32 respondents and a 3.46% to 3.59% decrease by 257 respondents; seven respondents made drive alone–related mode shifts that resulted in no net DACVMT change). Increased TC and CWW engagement contributed additional 0.71% and 0.33% reductions, respectively. PL time and DFR reduced DACVMT by 0.15% and 1.12%, respectively.
Travel Choices and Links to Transportation Demand Management
Authors: Akar Gulsah , Flynn Chris , Namgung Mi
Published: February 2013

This study examined the transportation choices of individuals in a large campus setting at the Ohio State University, Columbus. A web-based survey was conducted to understand the travel patterns of the campus community and to inform recommendations to reduce single-occupancy vehicle travel there. Mode choice and the most important factors that affected it were the focus of the survey. The survey included questions about respondent attitudes toward auto use and the factors that would encourage them to carpool and take transit to campus. Discrete choice models were estimated to analyze commuter mode choices to travel to campus. The results showed that proximity to bicycle lanes and trails and bus stops increased the propensity to choose these modes. Students were more likely to travel by alternative modes than faculty and staff members. Individuals concerned about travel time, flexibility of departure time, safety, and the ability to stop on the way to and from campus were more likely to drive alone to campus. Strategies to increase the modal share of alternative modes are presented in the paper on the basis of the descriptive findings and the model results. This study's findings may be used by practitioners and campus transportation planners to understand better the factors that cause people not to choose alternative transportation modes and to evaluate transportation improvements to be considered for implementation.
Calvarial defects and skeletal dysplasia in patients with neurofibromatosis Type 1
Authors: Arrington Daniel K. , Danehy Amy R. , Peleggi Analise , Proctor Mark R. , Irons Mira B. , Ullrich Nicole J.
Published: February 2013

Object

Skull defects, including sphenoid dysplasia and calvarial defects, are rare but distinct findings in patients with neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1). The underlying pathophysiology is unclear. The goal of this study was to identify the clinical characteristics and natural history of skull defects in patients with NF1.

Methods

An electronic search engine of medical records was used to identify patients with NF1 and bony skull anomalies. All clinical, radiographic, pathology, and operative reports were reviewed. The relationship between bony anomalies and significant clinical associations was evaluated. This study received institutional review board approval.

Results

Twenty-one patients were identified. The mean age at NF1 diagnosis was 4.2 years. The mean age at skull defect diagnosis was 8.8 years (9.7 years in the sphenoid wing dysplasia group and 11.9 years in the calvarial defect group). Sphenoid dysplasia was associated with a plexiform neurofibroma or dural ectasia in 73.3% and 80.0% of cases, respectively. Calvarial defects were associated with a plexiform neurofibroma or dural ectasia in 66.7% and 33.3% of patients, respectively. An absence of either an associated neurofibroma or ectasia was not noted in any patient with sphenoid wing dysplasia or 25.0% of those with calvarial defects. In 6 patients, both types of skull defects presented simultaneously. Serial imaging studies were obtained for a mean follow-up time of 7.5 years (range 0.4–20.0 years). Of these patients with serial imaging, radiographic progression was found in 60% of cases of calvarial defects and 56% of cases of sphenoid wing dysplasia. Two patients underwent surgical repair of a skull defect, and both required repeat procedures.

Conclusions

The majority of skull defects in patients with NF1 were associated with an adjacent structural lesion, such as a plexiform neurofibroma or dural ectasia. This findings from this cohort also support the concept of progression in defect size in more than half of the patients. Potential mechanisms by which these secondary lesions contribute to pathogenesis of the bony defect may include changes in the bony microenvironment. A better understanding of the pathophysiology of skull defects will help guide detection, improve treatment and outcome, and may contribute to the understanding of the pathogenesis of bony lesions in NF1.
Quality Control in Medical Education: Global and Bangladesh Perspectives
Authors: Talukder MHK
Published: February 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmb.v3i1.13799 Bangladesh J Med Biochem 2010; 3(1): 3-5
Quality Assurance Scheme (QAS) in Medical & Dental Colleges in Bangladesh -Teacher's Knowledge
Authors: Talukder MHK , Nazneen R , Hossain MZ , Nargis T , Alam KK , Chowdhury IJ , Parveen I
Published: February 2013

This cross-sectional study was conducted with the objective to assess the teacher's knowledge about ongoing quality assurance scheme (QAS) at different government and nongovernment medical & dental colleges in Bangladesh. Teachers of different categories were the respondents of this study. Self administered structured questionnaire was used to collect data adopting simple random sampling. The study was conducted in 2008 & 2009. The study revealed that both government and nongovernment medical colleges are conducting the QAS in their respective institutions. The academic coordinator play a vital role to run the QAS and for phase coordination. Students also participate as the representative member of the committee. Existing infrastructure of QAS is performing at its best effort but needs further development for upgradation of the services with an aim to improve the performance of the institutes. Principles of QAS are accountability, selfevaluation and external peer review. Major areas of QAS are organizational & operational frameworks. Organizational framework consists of both academic council and course committee. External examiners are appointed by university. External assessors are appointed by academic council but needs faculty approval. Operational framework consists of course appraisal, faculty development, review scheme, & external review. The study recommends that quality assurance scheme (QAS) should be thoroughly implemented and evaluated by the national quality assurance body. Both the organizational and operational frameworks should run along with faculty development and review scheme. Teachers should be more oriented to update their knowledge for better practices of QAS. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmb.v3i1.13800 Bangladesh J Med Biochem 2010; 3(1): 6-10
The Preservation and Digitalisation of Matrices of Regular Traditional Chinese Script and Related Fonts
Authors: Huang Jun-Fu , Yeh Shang-Ching , Tseng Chi-Shu
Published: February 2013

Traditional Chinese characters are currently used in Taiwan (Republic of China), Hong Kong and Macau. They maintain the original form of the Chinese characters, which have great aesthetic value. When printing, removable types are used, which are cased according to ‘script matrices.’ Script matrices are sculptured based on handwritten Chinese characters, and present the beauty of Chinese characters. The ‘Fengxing’ and ‘Rixing’ matrices are the only two remaining regular Chinese script matrices in all of Taiwan; they are a testament to the history Taiwan's printing industry.

To preserve the ‘Fengxing’ matrices, with a total number of 3,780, we first recast the lead types from those matrices held at the National Science and Technology Museum (NSTM) by the Type-Casting Machine at the Rixing Type Foundries. The fonts of the lead types were printed by the Typographic Printing Press. The lead type, matrix and font from a regular traditional Chinese script were collated and then digitised by digital camera, another process used for their preservation. The lead types, matrices and digitalised copies were then stored and preserved in the NSTM. After the ‘Fengxing’ and ‘Rixing’ fonts will have been compared and analyzed, they will be combined, and a regular font for all commonly used Chinese characters (as designated by the Ministry of Education) will thereby be created. In this way, we will functionally preserve regular traditional Chinese type script and will give this representative script a new life in the digital age.
Picture-Based e-Learning of English Phrasal Verbs: A Comparative Study of the Use of Pictures and L1 Glosses
Authors: Oe Yumiko , Alam Yukiko Sasaki
Published: February 2013

English phrasal verbs such as ‘call off’ (a game due to rain) and (the buttons) ‘come off’ are difficult for non-native speakers to learn because the meanings of many phrasal verbs are not compositions of the meanings of each component. It was reported that the use of phrasal verbs was avoided by non-native speakers and that the mastery of collocations was hampered by a strong influence from the learner's native language. Therefore, to prevent such interference from learners’ native languages, it would be appropriate to learn phrasal verbs directly through nonverbal media such as pictures and sound. A web application was developed for the picture-based e-learning of phrasal verbs. An experiment was conducted, which consisted of a sequence of two sessions with a week-long break in between. In order to investigate the learning effectiveness, two methods were compared: one with the display of meaning with still pictures, and the other with Japanese word glosses. Two groups participated in the experiment, and each group had both methods. The only difference was the sequence of the order of the two methods. This paper reports the comparative results of the two post-tests by the two groups, discusses some of the findings, and offers several suggestions.
Neuroadaptive Changes Associated with Smoking: Structural and Functional Neural Changes in Nicotine Dependence
Authors: Martin-Soelch Chantal
Published: February 2013

Tobacco smoking is the most frequent form of substance abuse. We provide a review of the neuroadaptive changes evidenced in human smokers with regard to the current neurobiological models of addiction. Addiction is thought to result from an interplay between positive and negative reinforcement. Positive reinforcing effects of the drugs are mediated by striatal dopamine release, while negative reinforcement involves the relief of withdrawal symptoms and neurobiological stress systems. In addition, drug-related stimuli are attributed with excessive motivational value and are thought to exert a control on the behavior. This mechanism plays a central role in drug maintenance and relapse. Further neuroadaptive changes associated with chronic use of the drug consist of reduced responses to natural rewards and in the activation of an antireward system, related to neurobiological stress systems. Reduced inhibitory cognitive control is believed to support the development and the maintenance of addiction. The findings observed in human nicotine dependence are generally in line with these models. The current state of the research indicates specific neuroadaptive changes associated with nicotine addiction that need to be further elucidated with regard to their role in the treatment of nicotine dependence.
Antioxidant Activities and Anti-Cancer Cell Proliferation Properties of Natsuhaze (Vaccinium oldhamii Miq.), Shashanbo (V. bracteatum Thunb.) and Blueberry Cultivars
Authors: Tsuda Hirotoshi , Kunitake Hisato , Kawasaki-Takaki Ryoko , Nishiyama Kazuo , Yamasaki Masao , Komatsu Haruki , Yukizaki Chizuko
Published: February 2013

Antioxidants are abundant in blueberries, and while there are many studies concerning the bioactive compound of fruit, it is only recently that the wild Vaccinium species has attracted attention for their diverse and abundant chemical components. The aim of this study was to investigate the bioactive compounds of blueberry cultivars and wild species found in Japan. Among the five extracts of the Vaccinium species, Natsuhaze (Vaccinium oldhamii Miq.) was found to be the most effective at inhibiting the growth of HL-60 human leukemia cells in vitro. Although all ethanol extracts showed a growth inhibitory effect on HL-60 cells, the degree of the effects differed among the species. The extract of Natsuhaze induced apoptotic bodies and nucleosomal DNA fragmentation in the HL-60 cells. Of the extracts tested, that of Natsuhaze contained the largest amount of total polyphenols and showed the greatest antioxidant activity, but the anthocyanin content of Natsuhaze was similar to that of rabbiteye blueberry (V. virgatum Ait.). The results showed that total polyphenols contributed to the high antioxidant activity and growth inhibitory effect on HL-60 human leukemia cells of Natsuhaze extract.
Residual Plasma Viraemia and Infectious HIV-1 Recovery from Resting Memory CD4 Cells in Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy: Results from ACTG A5173
Authors: Gandhi Rajesh T , Bosch Ronald J , Aga Evgenia , Bedison Margaret A , Bastow Barbara , Schmitz John L , Siliciano Janet D , Siliciano Robert F , Eron Joseph J , Mellors John W ,   the ACTG A5173 team
Published: February 2013

Background

In HIV-1-infected patients receiving anti-retroviral therapy (ART), the relationship between residual viraemia and ex vivo recovery of infectious virus from latently infected CD4 cells is uncertain.

Methods

We measured residual viraemia (HIV-1 RNA copies/ml) by single-copy assay (SCA) and the latent reservoir by infectious virus recovery from resting memory CD4 cells (infectious units per million cells [IUPM]) in patients who initiated ART. We assessed immune activation by measuring CD38 expression on T-cells.

Results

Ten patients who initiated ART and maintained a plasma HIV-1 RNA level <200 copies/ml had residual viraemia and IUPM measured every 24 weeks. Five of 10 patients had longitudinal IUPM measured at weeks 24–96; the remainder had IUPM measured 1–3 times over 24–72 weeks. Analyses of 29 paired measurements revealed a positive association between level of residual viraemia and IUPM (0.56 higher log10 HIV-1 RNA copies/ml per 1 log10 higher IUPM; P=0.005). Residual viraemia level was positively associated with CD38 density and percentage on CD8+ T-cells in concurrent samples and with pre-ART HIV-1 RNA levels.

Conclusions

In patients with HIV-1 RNA levels <200 copies/ml 24–96 weeks after initiating ART, the level of viraemia is positively associated with infectious virus recovery from resting memory CD4 cells. Whether this association persists after longer-term suppressive ART needs to be determined. If additional studies show that residual viraemia measured by SCA refects the size of the latent reservoir in patients who have had virological suppression for longer periods of time, this could facilitate testing of potentially curative strategies to reduce this important reservoir.