bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical profile and outcome of acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) patients treated in College of Medical Sciences-Teaching Hospital
Authors: Thapa Lekhjung J , Twayana RS , Shilpakar R , Ghimire MR , Shrestha A , Sapkota S , Rana PVS
Published: January 2014

Objective: Acute encephalitis syndrome is a cause of significant morbidity and mortality in Nepal. Although Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) was thought to be a major cause for acute encephalitis syndrome, more non-Japanese encephalitis virus cases are reported. The outcome of patients with acute encephalitis syndrome is variable. Our study was designed to study the clinical profile and outcome of patients with acute encephalitis syndrome managed in tertiary care center in central Nepal. Methods: The record of patients admitted with diagnosis of acute encephalitis syndrome,from January 2010 to December 2010 in College of Medical Sciences-Teaching Hospital (CMS-TH) was reviewed. They were classified clinically as meningitis, encephalitis and meningoencephalitis. The clinical details and reports of the patients were recorded and analyzed. Results: Total of 85 cases of meningitis and encephalitis were identified. Mean age was 19.18 years. Fifty-six (65.9%) patients were males and 29 (34.1%) were females. Sixty (70.58%) patients had meningitis, 8 (9.41%) had encephalitis, and 17 (20.0%) had meningoencephalitis. JE serology was positive in 4 patients (4.7%). Seventy-two (84.7%) patients made full recovery and were discharged from hospital. Thirteen (15.3%) patients left against medical advice (LAMA). Conclusion: Acute encephalitis syndrome is still a major public health problem in Nepal. Few of these patients have Japanese Encephalitis. There is a trend towards improved outcome because of availability of improved health services. However, financial constraint remains a challenge in management of acute encephalitis syndrome. Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2013, Vol-9, No-2, 31-37 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v9i2.9685
Outcome of Minimal Invasive Percutaneous Plate Osteosynthesis in closed fractures of distal tibia
Authors: Mishra Anil K , Chalise PK , Shah SB , Adhikari V , Singh RP
Published: January 2014

Background: The limited soft tissue, subcutaneous location and poor vascularity render the dista tibial fractures very challenging. Treatment of distal tibial fractures using minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis technique may minimise damage to soft tissues and vascular integrity of bony fragments, leaving comminuted fragments out of the mechanical construct, preserving soft tissues with limited operative exposure. Objective: To assess the outcome of patients treated with minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis technique for closed distal tibial fractures. Methods: The study included total of 30 patients (24males and 6females) with close distal tibia fracture, which were treated with distal tibia locking plate using minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis technique. Results: The mean ages of the patient were 44.23 years (30 to58 years). Patients were followed up at 2 weeks, 6weeks, 12weeks, 24weeks and 1 year after the operation and evaluated clinically and radiologically. Among 30 pateints, all fractures went to union. The mean American orthopaedic foot and ankle score was 89.23% (SD-3.92). There was 2case of superficial infection and 3 case of plate impingement with no intraoperative complication and mortality rates. Conclusion: Minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis is an effective technique for the management of distal tibial fractures. It is minimally invasive, though technically demanding, but preserves the biological environment by preserving the soft tissue with better outcome in terms of radiological union and functional outcome. Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2013, Vol-9, No-2, 38-44 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v9i2.9686
To evaluate the diagnostic value of protein: creatinine ratio in a single voided urine sample for quantitation of proteinuria compared to those of a 24-hour urine sample in patients with preeclampsia
Authors: Hossain S , Ghosh A , Chatterjee A , Sarkar G , Mondal SS
Published: January 2014

Objective: This study was done to evaluate the diagnostic value of protein: creatinine ratio in a single voided urine sample for quantitation of proteinuria compared to those of a 24 hour urine sample in patients with preeclampsia. Methods: A prospective simple random sample study was done on the hypertensive pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic or admitted in Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. It included all women being evaluated for preeclampsia, regardless of the alerting sign or symptom, suspected severity or co-morbid conditions. The main measures were the urinary protein to urinary creatinine ratio by random (spot) direct measurement and the 24-h urinary protein excretion by a 24-h urine collection. The data obtained was statistically analyzed. Results: Out of the 78 patients with gestational hypertension included in our study 48 patients had significant proteinuria (e”300mg/day). Only 2 patients had proteinuria of the range of greater than 3500mg. Among the patients, 50 had a positive protein: creatinine ratio (e”0.3) while 28 patients had a negative protein: creatinine ratio (<0.3). The P: C ratio was able to correctly identify 44 out of 48 patients with significant proteinuria (when the comparison is made with the gold-standard test; i.e., 24-hour urine protein). It could also identify 24 out of 30 patients without significant proteinuria as compared to the gold-standard test. In this study, the Protein: Creatinine ratio with a sensitivity of 91.67%, a specificity of 80%, positive predictive values 88% and the negative predictive values 85.71%. Conclusions: Our data suggests that the protein: creatinine ratio in single voided urine is a highly accurate test (p value < 0.0000001) for discriminating between insignificant and significant proteinuria. Based on the above findings we conclude that a random urine protein excretion predicts the amount of 24- hour urine protein excretion with high accuracy. This could be a reasonable alternative to the 24-hour urine collection for detection of significant proteinuria in hospitalised pregnant women with suspected preeclampsia. Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2013, Vol-9, No-2, 45-53 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v9i2.9687
A case of Toxic Methaemoglobinemia by Dapsone Poisoning
Authors: Sen Sendip , Chatterjee A , Gyan G
Published: January 2014

Dapsone (4,4-diaminodiphenylsulfone) is a commonly used drug for leprosy, dermatitis herpetiformis, lichen planus, other skin diseases and pneumocystis jiroveci infection in HIV patient. Dapsone poisoining is accidental in children. We report such a case who presented with severe cyanosis and respiratory distress and was treated successfully with intravenous methylene blue. Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2013, Vol-9, No-2, 54-56 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v9i2.9688
Early coronary stent thrombosis after bare metal stent implantation
Authors: Dubey Laxman , Guruprasad S , Subramanyan G
Published: January 2014

Percutaneous coronary intervention with stenting has become the most widely performed procedure for the treatment of obstructive coronary artery disease. But, a major drawback of coronary stenting is the occurrence of stent thrombosis. Though rare, stent thrombosis can lead to ST segment elevation myocardial infarction or even sudden cardiac death. This is a case of early coronary stent thrombosis in a 58-year-old male patient, who presented with acute chest pain, Mobitz type II 2:1atrioventricular block and cardiogenic shock 15 days after percutaneous coronary intervention with bare metal stenting to the right coronary artery. Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2013, Vol-9, No-2, 60-64 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v9i2.9690
The Joke’s on You: Invalid as Comic inThe Diary of Alice James
Authors: French Haley
Published: January 2014

Abstract:

This paper examines the function of humour in the diary of Alice James, specifically its relation to her project of self-authorship and her desire to subvert the debility inflicted by the sympathetic gaze. By discussing her illness in terms of its status as a disability and noting the intersections between disability studies and humour theory, I am able to explore the transgressive and transformative potential of James’s humour as she simultaneously performs and rejects the terms of her own abjection. While many critics take note of the peculiar comedic tone that James adopts in her discussions of traditionally grave subjects, very few attach any significant meaning to this essential aspect of the text. This paper seeks to suggest that James belongs to a tradition of disability humour that attempts to reclaim the speaker’s own subjective experience with suffering through a combination of the tragic and the comic.
Evaluation of MRSA Chrome agar for the detection of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Chowdhury Durdana , Jhora Sanya Tahmina , Khan Tarek Mahbub , Afroz Sadia
Published: January 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of MRSA Chrome agar to detect methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and compare it with 1?g oxacillin disc diffusion tests and detection of mecA gene by PCR. A total 116 Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), isolated from various clinical samples, were obtained from three tertiary care hospitals of Dhaka city. S. aureus was identified by colony characters, Gram stain and standard biochemical procedures. MRSA was detected by susceptibility to 1?g oxacillin disc, growth of denim blue color colonies of S. aureus on the Brilliance MRSA Chrome agar at 24 and 48 hours of incubation. PCR was performed for amplification of mecA gene as a gold standard method. Out of 116 isolated S. aureus, 33 (28.44%) were MRSA by oxacillin disc diffusion test where mecA gene was detected in 28 strains. On MRSA Chrome agar, 29 (25.0%) S. aureus produced denim blue colonies at 24 hours, of which 28 isolates possessed mecA gene. At 48 hours incubation, an additional 4 isolates yielded denim blue colonies from which mecA gene could not be identified. All the strains of S. aureus that produced denim blue colonies at 24 and 48 hours were resistant to oxacillin. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of oxacillin disc diffusion test were 100%, 94.31% and 95.68% and Chrome agar at 24 hours were 100%, 98.86% and 99.13% respectively. Thus MRSA Chrome agar could be good choice in clinical microbiology laboratory for rapid and accurate identification of MRSA. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/imcj.v7i1.17697 Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2013; 7(1): 1-4
Drug resistance pattern of M. tuberculosis in category II treatment failure pulmonary tuberculosis patients
Authors: Rahman Fahmida , Sharmin Sadia , Kamal Md Mustafa , Miah Md Ruhul Amin
Published: January 2014

This study was designed to determine the extent of drug resistance of M. tuberculosis (MTB) isolated from category II treatment failure pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients. A total of 100 Ziehl-Neelsen (Z-N) smear positive category II failure PTB patients were included in this study. Sputum culture was done in Lowenstein-Jensen (L-J) media. Conventional proportion method on Lowenstein-Jensen (L-J) media was used to determine the drug susceptibility of M. tuberculosis to isoniazid (INH), rifampicin (RMP), ofloxacin (OFX) and kanamycin (KA). Out of 100 sputum  samples, a total of 87 samples were positive by culture. Drug susceptibility test (DST) revealed that 82 (94.25%) isolates were resistant to one or more anti -TB drugs. Resistance to isoniazide (INH), rifampicin (RMP), ofloxacin (OFX) and kanamycin (KA) was 94.25%, 82.75%, 29.90% and 3.45% respectively. Among these isolates, 79.31% and 3.45% isolates were multi-drug resistant (MDR) and extended drug resistant (XDR) M. tuberculosis respectively. High rate of anti-tubercular drug resistance was observed among the category II treatment failure TB patients.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/imcj.v7i1.17741 Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2013; 7(1): 9-11
On Stable Matchings and Flows
Authors: Fleiner Tamás
Published: January 2014

We describe a flow model related to ordinary network flows the same way as stable matchings are related to maximum matchings in bipartite graphs. We prove that there always exists a stable flow and generalize the lattice structure of stable marriages to stable flows. Our main tool is a straightforward reduction of the stable flow problem to stable allocations. For the sake of completeness, we prove the results we need on stable allocations as an application of Tarski’s fixed point theorem.
Antibiotic Prescribing in Primary Care and Antimicrobial Resistance in Patients Admitted to Hospital with Urinary Tract Infection: A Controlled Observational Pilot Study
Authors: Costelloe Ceire , Williams O. , Montgomery Alan , Dayan Colin , Hay Alastair
Published: January 2014

There is growing evidence that primary care prescribed antibiotics lead to antibiotic resistance in bacteria causing minor infections or being carried by asymptomatic adults, but little research to date has investigated links between primary care prescribed antibiotics and resistance among more serious infections requiring hospital care. Knowledge of these effects is likely to have a major influence on public expectations for, and primary care use of, antibiotics. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of recruiting symptomatic adult patients admitted to hospital with urinary infections and to link primary and secondary data information to investigate the relationship between primary care prescribed antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance in these patients. A microbiology database search of in patients who had submitted a urine sample identified 740 patients who were potentially eligible to take part in the study. Of these, 262 patients did not meet the eligibility criteria, mainly due to use of a urinary catheter (40%). Two-hundred and forty three patients could not be recruited as the nurse was unable to visit the patients prior to discharge, as they were too unwell. Eighty patients provided complete information. Results indicate that there is evidence that prior antibiotic use is associated with resistant infections in hospital patients. A fully powered study, conducted using routinely collected data is proposed to fully clarify the precision of the association.
Genetics of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) Disease within the Frame of the Human Genome Project Success
Authors: Timmerman Vincent , Strickland Alleene , Züchner Stephan
Published: January 2014

Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) neuropathies comprise a group of monogenic disorders affecting the peripheral nervous system. CMT is characterized by a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of neuropathies, involving all types of Mendelian inheritance patterns. Over 1,000 different mutations have been discovered in 80 disease-associated genes. Genetic research of CMT has pioneered the discovery of genomic disorders and aided in understanding the effects of copy number variation and the mechanisms of genomic rearrangements. CMT genetic study also unraveled common pathomechanisms for peripheral nerve degeneration, elucidated gene networks, and initiated the development of therapeutic approaches. The reference genome, which became available thanks to the Human Genome Project, and the development of next generation sequencing tools, considerably accelerated gene and mutation discoveries. In fact, the first clinical whole genome sequence was reported in a patient with CMT. Here we review the history of CMT gene discoveries, starting with technologies from the early days in human genetics through the high-throughput application of modern DNA analyses. We highlight the most relevant examples of CMT genes and mutation mechanisms, some of which provide promising treatment strategies. Finally, we propose future initiatives to accelerate diagnosis of CMT patients through new ways of sharing large datasets and genetic variants, and at ever diminishing costs.
Resveratrol Partially Prevents Rotenone-Induced Neurotoxicity in Dopaminergic SH-SY5Y Cells through Induction of Heme Oxygenase-1 Dependent Autophagy
Authors: Lin Tsu-Kung , Chen Shang-Der , Chuang Yao-Chung , Lin Hung-Yu , Huang Chi-Ren , Chuang Jiin-Haur , Wang Pei-Wen , Huang Sheng-Teng , Tiao Mao-Meng , Chen Jin-Bor , Liou Chia-Wei
Published: January 2014

Parkinson disease (PD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons. Mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress or protein misfolding and aggregation may underlie this process. Autophagy is an intracellular catabolic mechanism responsible for protein degradation and recycling of damaged proteins and cytoplasmic organelles. Autophagic dysfunction may hasten the progression of neuronal degeneration. In this study, resveratrol promoted autophagic flux and protected dopaminergic neurons against rotenone-induced apoptosis. In an in vivo PD model, rotenone induced loss of dopaminergic neurons, increased oxidation of mitochondrial proteins and promoted autophagic vesicle development in brain tissue. The natural phytoalexin resveratrol prevented rotenone-induced neuronal apoptosis in vitro, and this pro-survival effect was abolished by an autophagic inhibitor. Although both rotenone and resveratrol promoted LC3-II accumulation, autophagic flux was inhibited by rotenone and augmented by resveratrol. Further, rotenone reduced heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression, whereas resveratrol increased HO-1 expression. Pharmacological inhibition of HO-1 abolished resveratrol-mediated autophagy and neuroprotection. Notably, the effects of a pharmacological inducer of HO-1 were similar to those of resveratrol, and protected against rotenone-induced cell death in an autophagy-dependent manner, validating the hypothesis of HO-1 dependent autophagy in preventing neuronal death in the in vitro PD model. Collectively, our findings suggest that resveratrol induces HO-1 expression and prevents dopaminergic cell death by regulating autophagic flux; thus protecting against rotenone-induced neuronal apoptosis.
Signaling Involved in Hair Follicle Morphogenesis and Development
Authors: Rishikaysh Pisal , Dev Kapil , Diaz Daniel , Qureshi Wasay , Filip Stanislav , Mokry Jaroslav
Published: January 2014

Hair follicle morphogenesis depends on Wnt, Shh, Notch, BMP and other signaling pathways interplay between epithelial and mesenchymal cells. The Wnt pathway plays an essential role during hair follicle induction, Shh is involved in morphogenesis and late stage differentiation, Notch signaling determines stem cell fate while BMP is involved in cellular differentiation. The Wnt pathway is considered to be the master regulator during hair follicle morphogenesis. Wnt signaling proceeds through EDA/EDAR/NF-κB signaling. NF-κB regulates the Wnt pathway and acts as a signal mediator by upregulating the expression of Shh ligand. Signal crosstalk between epithelial and mesenchymal cells takes place mainly through primary cilia. Primary cilia formation is initiated with epithelial laminin-511 interaction with dermal β-1 integrin, which also upregulates expression of downstream effectors of Shh pathway in dermal lineage. PDGF signal transduction essential for crosstalk is mediated through epithelial PDGF-A and PDGFRα expressed on the primary cilia. Dermal Shh and PDGF signaling up-regulates dermal noggin expression; noggin is a potent inhibitor of BMP signaling which helps in counteracting BMP mediated β-catenin inhibition. This interplay of signaling between the epithelial and dermal lineage helps in epithelial Shh signal amplification. The dermal Wnt pathway helps in upregulation of epithelial Notch expression. Dysregulation of these pathways leads to certain abnormalities and in some cases even tumor outgrowth.
The hOGG1 Ser326Cys Gene Polymorphism and the Risk of Coronary Ectasia in the Chinese Population
Authors: Hsu Po-Chao , Wang Chiao-Ling , Su Ho-Ming , Juo Suh-Hang , Lin Tsung-Hsien , Voon Wen-Chol , Shin Shyi-Jang , Lai Wen-Ter , Sheu Sheng-Hsiung
Published: January 2014

Oxidative stress (OS) is related to vascular inflammation possibly, contributing to the development of coronary ectasia (CE). Base excision repair (BER) and nucleotide excision repair are the main DNA repair pathways that can help to remove 8-hydroxydeoxyguanine (8-OHdG), a marker of OS. Human 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1 (hOGG1) is a key enzyme of the BER pathway and catalyzes the removal of 8-OHdG. The aim of our study was to investigate the association between hOGG1 Ser326Cys gene polymorphism and CE in a Chinese population. Five-hundred forty-seven patients who underwent diagnostic coronary angiography in a tertiary medical center were recruited. The angiographic definition of CE is the diameter of the ectatic segment being more than 1.5 times larger compared with an adjacent healthy reference segment. The gene polymorphisms were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction. The urine 8OHdG concentration was measured using a commercial ELISA kit. The distribution of hOGG1 Ser326Cys genotypes was significantly different between CE and non-CE groups (p = 0.033). The odds ratio of CE development for the Ser to the Cys variant was 1.55 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.04–2.31, p = 0.033). Both univariate and logistic regression analysis showed a significant association of hOGG1 Ser326Cys polymorphism in the dominant model with CE development (p = 0.009 and 0.011, respectively). Urine 8-OHdG levels were significantly higher in subjects carrying the hOGG1 Ser variant than in those with the Cys/Cys genotype (p < 0.03). In conclusion, our study suggests that the hOGG1 Ser326Cys gene variant might play a role in susceptibility to the development of CE.
Hydrodynamic Modeling Analysis to Support Nearshore Restoration Projects in a Changing Climate
Authors: Yang Zhaoqing , Wang Taiping , Cline Dave , Williams Brian
Published: January 2014

To re-establish the intertidal wetlands with full tidal exchange and improve salmonid rearing habitat in the Skagit River estuary, State of Washington, USA, a diked agriculture farm land along the Skagit Bay front is proposed to be restored to a fully functional tidal wetland. The complex and dynamic Skagit River estuarine system calls for the need of a multi-facet and multi-dimensional analysis using observed data, numerical and analytical methods. To assist the feasibility study of the restoration project, a hydrodynamic modeling analysis was conducted using a high-resolution unstructured-grid coastal ocean model to evaluate the hydrodynamic response to restoration alternatives and to provide guidance to the engineering design of a new levee in the restoration site. A set of parameters were defined to quantify the hydrodynamic response of the nearshore restoration project, such as inundation area, duration of inundation, water depth and salinity of the inundated area. To assist the design of the new levee in the restoration site, the maximum water level near the project site was estimated with consideration of extreme high tide, wind-induced storm surge, significant wave height and future sea-level rise based on numerical model results and coastal engineering calculation.
Analysis of Hurricane Irene’s Wind Field Using the Advanced Research Weather Research and Forecast (WRF-ARW) Model
Authors: Klausmann Alfred
Published: January 2014

Hurricane Irene caused widespread and significant impacts along the U.S. east coast during 27–29 August 2011. During this period, the storm moved across eastern North Carolina and then tracked northward crossing into Long Island and western New England. Impacts included severe flooding from the mid-Atlantic states into eastern New York and western New England, widespread wind damage and power outages across a large portion of southern and central New England, and a major storm surge along portions of the Long Island coast. The objective of this study was to conduct retrospective simulations using the Advanced Research Weather Research and Forecast (WRF-ARW) model in an effort to reconstruct the storm’s surface wind field during the period of 27–29 August 2011. The goal was to evaluate how to use the WRF modeling system as a tool for reconstructing the surface wind field from historical storm events to support storm surge studies. The results suggest that, with even modest data assimilation applied to these simulations, the model was able to resolve the detailed structure of the storm, the storm track, and the spatial surface wind field pattern very well. The WRF model shows real potential for being used as a tool to analyze historical storm events to support storm surge studies.
A Self-Assembled Electro-Active M8L4 Cage Based on Tetrathiafulvalene Ligands
Authors: Goeb Sébastien , Bivaud Sébastien , Croué Vincent , Vajpayee Vaishali , Allain Magali , Sallé Marc
Published: January 2014

Two self-assembled redox-active cages are presented. They are obtained by coordination-driven self-assembly of a tetra-pyridile tetrathiafulvalene ligand with cis-M(dppf)(OTf)2 (M = Pd or Pt; dppf = 1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene; OTf = trifluoromethane-sulfonate) complexes. Both species are fully characterized and are constituted of 12 electro-active subunits that can be reversibly oxidized.
Apoptogenic Metabolites in Fractions of the Benthic Diatom Cocconeis scutellum parva
Authors: Zupo Valerio , Jüttner Friedrich , Maibam Chingoileima , Butera Emanuela , Blom Judith
Published: January 2014

Benthic diatoms of the genus Cocconeis contain a specific apoptogenic activity. It triggers a fast destruction of the androgenic gland in the early post-larval life of the marine shrimp Hippolyte inermis, leading to the generation of small females. Previous in vitro investigations demonstrated that crude extracts of these diatoms specifically activate a dose-dependent apoptotic process in human cancer cells (BT20 breast carcinoma) but not in human normal lymphocytes. Here, a bioassay-guided fractionation has been performed to detect the apoptogenic compound(s). Various HPLC separation systems were needed to isolate the active fractions, since the apoptogenic metabolite is highly active, present in low amounts and is masked by abundant but non-active cellular compounds. The activity is due to at least two compounds characterized by different polarities, a hydrophilic and a lipophilic fraction. We purified the lipophilic fraction, which led to the characterization of an active sub-fraction containing a highly lipophilic compound, whose molecular structure has not yet been identified, but is under investigation. The results point to the possible medical uses of the active compound. Once the molecular structure has been identified, the study and modulation of apoptotic processes in various types of cells will be possible.
The Migration of Cancer Cells in Gradually Varying Chemical Gradients and Mechanical Constraints
Authors: Rao Smitha , Tata Uday , Lin Victor , Chiao Jung-Chih
Published: January 2014

We report a novel approach to study cell migration under physical stresses by utilizing established growth factor chemotaxis. This was achieved by studying cell migration in response to epidermal growth factor (EGF) chemoattraction in a gradually tapered space, imposing mechanical stresses. The device consisted of two 5-mm-diameter chambers connected by ten 600 µm-long and 10 µm-high tapered microchannels. The taper region gradually changes the width of the channel. The channels tapered from 20 µm to 5 µm over a transition length of 50 µm at a distance of 250 µm from one of the chambers. The chemoattractant drove cell migration into the narrow confines of the tapered channels, while the mechanical gradient clearly altered the migration of cells. Cells traversing the channels from the wider to narrow-end and vice versa were observed using time-lapsed imaging. Our results indicated that the impact of physical stress on cell migration patterns may be cell type specific.
Molecular Dynamics of Neutral Polymer Bonding Agent (NPBA) as Revealed by Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Hu Wei , Su Yongchao , Zhou Lei , Pang Aimin , Cai Rulin , Ma Xingang , Li Shenhui
Published: January 2014

Neutral polymer bonding agent (NPBA) is one of the most promising polymeric materials, widely used in nitrate ester plasticized polyether (NEPE) propellant as bonding agent. The structure and dynamics of NPBA under different conditions of temperatures and sample processing are comprehensively investigated by solid state NMR (SSNMR). The results indicate that both the main chain and side chain of NPBA are quite rigid below its glass transition temperature (Tg). In contrast, above the Tg, the main chain remains relatively immobilized, while the side chains become highly flexible, which presumably weakens the interaction between bonding agent and the binder or oxidant fillers and in turn destabilizes the high modulus layer formed around the oxidant fillers. In addition, no obvious variation is found for the microstructure of NPBA upon aging treatment or soaking with acetone. These experimental results provide useful insights for understanding the structural properties of NPBA and its interaction with other constituents of solid composite propellants under different processing and working conditions.
Asymmetric Synthesis of Spirocyclic 2-Benzopyrans for Positron Emission Tomography of σ1 Receptors in the Brain
Authors: Holl Katharina , Schepmann Dirk , Fischer Steffen , Ludwig Friedrich-Alexander , Hiller Achim , Donat Cornelius , Deuther-Conrad Winnie , Brust Peter , Wünsch Bernhard
Published: January 2014

Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation of styrene derivative 6 afforded chiral triols (R)-7 and (S)-7, which were cyclized with tosyl chloride in the presence of Bu2SnO to provide 2-benzopyrans (R)-4 and (S)-4 with high regioselectivity. The additional hydroxy moiety in the 4-position was exploited for the introduction of various substituents. Williamson ether synthesis and replacement of the Boc protective group with a benzyl moiety led to potent σ1 ligands with high σ1/σ2-selectivity. With exception of the ethoxy derivative 16, the (R)-configured enantiomers represent eutomers with eudismic ratios of up to 29 for the ester (R)-18. The methyl ether (R)-15 represents the most potent σ1 ligand of this series of compounds, with a Ki value of 1.2 nM and an eudismic ratio of 7. Tosylate (R)-21 was used as precursor for the radiosynthesis of [18F]-(R)-20, which was available by nucleophilic substitution with K[18F]F K222 carbonate complex. The radiochemical yield of [18F]-(R)-20 was 18%–20%, the radiochemical purity greater than 97% and the specific radioactivity 175–300 GBq/µmol. Although radiometabolites were detected in plasma, urine and liver samples, radiometabolites were not found in brain samples. After 30 min, the uptake of the radiotracer in the brain was 3.4% of injected dose per gram of tissue and could be reduced by coadministration of the σ1 antagonist haloperidol. [18F]-(R)-20 was able to label those regions of the brain, which were reported to have high density of σ1 receptors.
Respiratory Proteomics Today: Are Technological Advances for the Identification of Biomarker Signatures Catching up with Their Promise? A Critical Review of the Literature in the Decade 2004–2013
Authors: Viglio Simona , Stolk Jan , Iadarola Paolo , Giuliano Serena , Luisetti Maurizio , Salvini Roberta , Fumagalli Marco , Bardoni Anna
Published: January 2014

To improve the knowledge on a variety of severe disorders, research has moved from the analysis of individual proteins to the investigation of all proteins expressed by a tissue/organism. This global proteomic approach could prove very useful: (i) for investigating the biochemical pathways involved in disease; (ii) for generating hypotheses; or (iii) as a tool for the identification of proteins differentially expressed in response to the disease state. Proteomics has not been used yet in the field of respiratory research as extensively as in other fields, only a few reproducible and clinically applicable molecular markers, which can assist in diagnosis, having been currently identified. The continuous advances in both instrumentation and methodology, which enable sensitive and quantitative proteomic analyses in much smaller amounts of biological material than before, will hopefully promote the identification of new candidate biomarkers in this area. The aim of this report is to critically review the application over the decade 2004–2013 of very sophisticated technologies to the study of respiratory disorders. The observed changes in protein expression profiles from tissues/fluids of patients affected by pulmonary disorders opens the route for the identification of novel pathological mediators of these disorders.
A Spatial Division Clustering Method and Low Dimensional Feature Extraction Technique Based Indoor Positioning System
Authors: Mo Yun , Zhang Zhongzhao , Meng Weixiao , Ma Lin , Wang Yao
Published: January 2014

Indoor positioning systems based on the fingerprint method are widely used due to the large number of existing devices with a wide range of coverage. However, extensive positioning regions with a massive fingerprint database may cause high computational complexity and error margins, therefore clustering methods are widely applied as a solution. However, traditional clustering methods in positioning systems can only measure the similarity of the Received Signal Strength without being concerned with the continuity of physical coordinates. Besides, outage of access points could result in asymmetric matching problems which severely affect the fine positioning procedure. To solve these issues, in this paper we propose a positioning system based on the Spatial Division Clustering (SDC) method for clustering the fingerprint dataset subject to physical distance constraints. With the Genetic Algorithm and Support Vector Machine techniques, SDC can achieve higher coarse positioning accuracy than traditional clustering algorithms. In terms of fine localization, based on the Kernel Principal Component Analysis method, the proposed positioning system outperforms its counterparts based on other feature extraction methods in low dimensionality. Apart from balancing online matching computational burden, the new positioning system exhibits advantageous performance on radio map clustering, and also shows better robustness and adaptability in the asymmetric matching problem aspect.
Neighborhood Danger, Parental Monitoring, Harsh Parenting, and Child Aggression in Nine Countries
Authors: Skinner Ann , Bacchini Dario , Lansford Jennifer , Godwin Jennifer , Sorbring Emma , Tapanya Sombat , Tirado Liliana , Zelli Arnaldo , Alampay Liane , Al-Hassan Suha , Bombi Anna , Bornstein Marc , Chang Lei , Deater-Deckard Kirby , Giunta Laura , Dodge Kenneth , Malone Patrick , Miranda Maria , Oburu Paul , Pastorelli Concetta
Published: January 2014

Exposure to neighborhood danger during childhood has negative effects that permeate multiple dimensions of childhood. The current study examined whether mothers’, fathers’, and children’s perceptions of neighborhood danger are related to child aggression, whether parental monitoring moderates this relation, and whether harsh parenting mediates this relation. Interviews were conducted with a sample of 1293 children (age M = 10.68, SD = 0.66; 51% girls) and their mothers (n = 1282) and fathers (n = 1075) in nine countries (China, Colombia, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, the Philippines, Sweden, Thailand, and the United States). Perceptions of greater neighborhood danger were associated with more child aggression in all nine countries according to mothers’ and fathers’ reports and in five of the nine countries according to children’s reports. Parental monitoring did not moderate the relation between perception of neighborhood danger and child aggression. The mediating role of harsh parenting was inconsistent across countries and reporters. Implications for further research are discussed, and include examination of more specific aspects of parental monitoring as well as more objective measures of neighborhood danger.
Quantum size effects in TiO2 thin films grown by atomic layer deposition
Authors: Tallarida Massimo , Das Chittaranjan , Schmeisser Dieter
Published: January 2014

We study the atomic layer deposition of TiO2 by means of X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The Ti precursor, titanium isopropoxide, was used in combination with H2O on Si/SiO2 substrates that were heated at 200 °C. The low growth rate (0.15 Å/cycle) and the in situ characterization permitted to follow changes in the electronic structure of TiO2 in the sub-nanometer range, which are influenced by quantum size effects. The modified electronic properties may play an important role in charge carrier transport and separation, and increase the efficiency of energy conversion systems.
Boron-substituted 1,3-dienes and heterodienes as key elements in multicomponent processes
Authors: Eberlin Ludovic , Tripoteau Fabien , Carreaux François , Whiting Andrew , Carboni Bertrand
Published: January 2014

In the last few years, multicomponent reactions involving boron substituted 1,3-dienes have emerged as important tools in synthetic organic chemistry. The most significant recent results and developments obtained in this area are reported in this review.
Construyendo el pasado, reproduciendo el presente: identidad y arqueología en las recreaciones históricas de indígenas contra romanos en el Noroeste de España
Authors: Alonso González Pablo , González Álvarez David
Published: January 2014

El desarrollo del «Estado de las Autonomías» tras el restablecimiento de la democracia en España ha potenciado la proliferación de narrativas sobre el pasado que buscan legitimar las nuevas estructuras administrativas y homogeneizar sus formaciones identitarias. Esto se solapa con un creciente interés de la ciudadanía por el pasado y su escenificación en la esfera pública a través de recreaciones históricas. El estudio analiza tres recreaciones históricas en el noroeste español y su vinculación con discursos constructores de alteridad identitaria a nivel sociopolítico. Igualmente, estudia los intercambios y mediaciones producidas entre el conocimiento académico y su recepción por parte del público, demostrando cómo ciertas cuestiones sociopolíticas se ven reflejadas en eventos aparentemente neutrales.
Del espectáculo de la ciencia a la práctica artística cortesana: apuntes sobre la fortuna de la fotografía en España
Authors: Vega Jesusa
Published: January 2014

Aunque la invención del daguerrotipo es el inicio de una nueva época en la producción de imágenes, en su presentación social como espectáculo hubo una clara continuidad con relación al siglo XVIII. Estos actos tuvieron lugar pronto en España pero no significaron ni su aclimatación ni su inmediata influencia. El proceso fue lento y en convivencia con las técnicas gráficas y la pintura. En este artículo se contextualiza el impacto de la llegada de la fotografía en los medios gráficos y entre los artistas cortesanos de élite de la familia Madrazo.
Cabezas de campo, hechos de experiencia
Authors: Flores Martos Juan Antonio
Published: January 2014

No disponible.
El cementerio judío medieval de ‘la Encarnación’ en Ávila
Authors: Cabrera González Blas , Caballero Arribas Jesús , Díaz de la Torre Jorge
Published: January 2014

La importancia de la aljama de judíos de Ávila durante la Edad Media hacía indudable la existencia, al menos, de un espacio funerario donde enterrar a sus muertos, de acuerdo con su particular ritual funerario. Conocidos, en parte, los lugares de enterramiento de las otras dos comunidades religiosas con las que convivieron, cristianos y musulmanes, tan solo la documentación histórica nos proporcionaba datos sobre su posible emplazamiento. Los trabajos arqueológicos junto al Convento de la Encarnación, han sacado a la luz la situación exacta de un cementerio judío, aportando las fosas de inhumación una característica tipología constructiva.
Texto halájico pre-exílico en aljamía hebraico-castellana de la Guenizá de El Cairo por R. Jacob Campantón
Authors: Arad Dotan , Glick Shmuel
Published: January 2014

Este artículo da a conocer un responsum único conservado en la colección Taylor-Schechter de la Guenizá de El Cairo. Se edita el texto y se explica el contenido halájico e histórico del responsum, si bien, desde ese punto de vista no contiene muchas innovaciones. Su singularidad radica en que está escrito en castellano en caracteres hebreos. Aunque en la órbita de los países musulmanes hubo un desarrollo de escritos halájicos en árabe judío (hasta su desaparición en un periodo tardío), el uso de lenguas distintas del hebreo o el arameo para contenidos halájicos había sido raro en Europa. Según nuestra estimación, este responsum se compuso en el siglo xv y es uno de los conservados de este periodo. El texto enriquece nuestro conocimiento de la lengua de
los judíos en la península, y además arroja luz acerca de su vida cultural y religiosa. El autor del texto es «R. Jacob Ca[n]pantón», del que se sugiere que sería padre del conocido R. Isaac Campantón. La información sobre aquél era limitada, y hasta ahora no conocíamos escritos halájicos suyos. Si nuestra identificación es correcta, el texto serviría para arrojar luz acerca de la personalidad de este sabio judío.
Un esbozo de traducción latina de la Reposta ahum papel de Moisés Rafael de Aguilar
Authors: Toribio Pérez Pablo
Published: January 2014

Se ofrece el texto y la traducción castellana del esbozo de traducción latina de la Reposta ahum papel de Moisés Rafael de Aguilar (m. 1679) que llevó a cabo Johann Christoph Wolf (1683-1739). El documento autógrafo de este intento de traducción se conserva en Hamburgo, Staats- und Universitätsbibliothek, Theol. 1831. El texto portugués original es un escrito anticristiano que conoció una considerable difusión en diversos círculos protestantes, antitrinitarios y ateos durante el siglo XVIII. Dicha difusión ha sido estudiada por Martin Mulsow; sin embargo, el texto en sí todavía carece de edición.
Estado de la cuestión de los estudios masoréticos
Authors: Martín Contreras Elvira
Published: January 2014

La creación de la International Organization of Masoretic Studies (IOMS) en 1972 supuso un punto de inflexión en los estudios sobre Masora. Desde entonces, los estudios masoréticos han experimentado un auténtico renacer. Las publicaciones sobre temas masoréticos han proliferado y la importancia de la Masora para el estudio del texto de la Biblia Hebrea ha sido resaltada en numerosas reseñas. Esta breve panorámica ofrece la evolución de los estudios masoréticos, sus principales líneas de investigación y logros, así como los trabajos más significativos de los últimos cuarenta años.
Levetiracetam seizure prophylaxis in craniotomy patients at high risk for postoperative seizures
Authors: Gokhale Sankalp , Khan Shariq , Agrawal Abhishek , Friedman Allan , McDonagh David
Published: January 2014

Background: The risk of developing immediate postoperative seizures in patients undergoing supratentorial brain tumor surgery without anti-epileptic drug (AED) prophylaxis is 15-20%. Patients who present with pre-operative seizures and patients with supratentorial meningioma or supratentorial low grade gliomas are at significantly higher risk. There is little data on the efficacy of levetiracetam as a prophylactic AED in the immediate postoperative period (within 7 days of surgery) in these patients. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 165 adult patients classified as higher risk for postoperative seizures who underwent brain tumor resection at Duke University Hospital between time May 2010 and December 2011. All patients had received levetiracetam monotherapy in doses of 1000-3000 mg/day in the immediate postoperative period. Results: We identified 165 patients with following tumor locations: Frontal 83 (50.3%), Temporal 37 (22.4%), Parietal 30 (18.2%), Occipital 2 (1.2%) and 13 (7.8%) with single lesions involving more than one lobe. Histology revealed: Glioma 98 (59.4%), Meningioma 57 (34.5%) and Brain Metastases 6 (3.6%). Preoperatively, 88/165 (53.3%) patients had presented with seizures. 12/165 patients (7.3%) developed clinical seizures (generalized 10, partial 2) in the immediate post-operative period. Other than somnolence in 7 patients (4.2%), no major side-effects were noted. Conclusions: The incidence of seizures was significantly lower in patients treated with levetiracetam (7.3%) when compared with the expected (15-20%) rate without AED prophylaxis based on the previous literature. Levetiracetam appears effective and safe for seizure prevention in patients undergoing brain tumor resection and who are at significantly higher risk of developing post-operative seizures. These findings warrant confirmation in a prospective randomized trial.
Chooramani technique: A novel method of omental transposition in traumatic spinal cord injury
Authors: Chooramani Gopal , Singh Girish , Srivastava Rajeshwar , Jaiswal Pramod , Srivastava Chhitij
Published: January 2014

Background: Spinal cord injury often results in significant catastrophic disability. Placement of the intact omentum upon a recently traumatized spinal cord was found to be effective. It represents a very suitable organ for revascularization of the ischemic nervous tissue, due to its abundance in blood and lymph vessels and its capability to adhere to the surface of the lesion, with capillary overgrowing in 4-6 h. The traditional method of omentum transposition is a hectic and time-consuming two-stage procedure in which position is changed twice. The major disadvantage of this two-staged procedure is that it takes longer operative time, and there is high risk of infection due to change of position with an open wound. So there is a need for modifications so that the procedure can be made easier and complications can be avoided. Objective: To avoid the complications and to make the procedure easier, a single-staged procedure called 'chooramani technique' for omental transposition in spinal cord injury is proposed. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 16 patients of post-traumatic thoraco-lumbar spinal cord injury with paraplegia. Results : Complications like wound infection, incisional hernia, and CSF leak were avoided. Operative time reduced to approximately half. Conclusion : This modification of technique is relatively easy and can be adopted for patients undergoing omental transposition for spinal cord injury.
Giant orbital oncocytoma
Authors: Limb Rebecca , Rosenfeld Jeffrey , McLean Catriona
Published: January 2014

Background and Importance: Oncocytomas are rare benign tumours often arising from the lacrimal or salivary glands, usually small in size. Clinical Presentation: We report a giant unilateral orbital oncocytoma in a 19-year-old male from Papua New Guinea, presenting with progressive proptosis-threatening vision. Due to retro-ocular extension of the lesion, surgical excision was performed via a fronto-orbitozygomatic craniotomy and orbitotomy. A sub-total excision of the lesion was achieved, with overall improvement in proptosis and cosmesis. Conclusion: This appears to be the first documented case of a giant intra-orbital oncocytoma being resected neurosurgically via craniotomy.