bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AN INTEGRATED FRAMEWORK UTILISING SOFTWARE AGENT REASONING AND ONTOLOGY MODELS FOR SENSOR BASED BUILDING MONITORING
Authors: Dibley Michael , Li Haijiang , Rezgui Yacine , Miles John
Published: February 2015

Smart building monitoring demands a new software infrastructure that can elaborate building domain knowledge in order to provide advanced and intelligent functionalities. Conventional facility management (FM) software tools lack semantically rich components, and that limits the capability of supporting software for automatic information sharing, resource negotiation and to assist in timely decision making. Recent hardware innovation on compact ZigBee sensor devices, software developments on ontology and intelligent software agent paradigms provide a good opportunity to develop tools that can further improve current FM practices. This paper introduces an integrated framework which includes a ZigBee based sensor network and underlying multi-agent software (MAS) components. Several different types of sensors were integrated with the ZigBee host devices to produce compact multi-functional sensor units. The MAS framework incorporates the belief-desire-intention (BDI) abstraction with ontology support (provided via explicit knowledge bases). The different software agent types have been developed to work with sensor hardware to conduct resource negotiation, to optimize battery utilization, to monitor building space in a non-intrusive way and to reason about its usage through real time ontology model queries. The deployed sensor network shows promising intelligent characteristics, and it has been applied in several on-going research projects as an underlying decision making service. More applications and larger deployments have been planned for future work.
UNCERTAINTY MODELLING OF SERVICE LIFE AND ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE TO REDUCE RISK IN BUILDING DESIGN DECISIONS
Authors: Silvestre José Dinis , Silva Ana , Brito Jorge de
Published: February 2015

Life-cycle assessment (LCA) is increasingly used to quantify the environmental impacts of construction materials. However, the relationship between the durability and LCA of these complex products with long life-cycles must be analysed in detail, namely using stochastic data from service life prediction (SLP) studies. However, SLP uncertainty is not yet considered in LCA, thus resulting in insufficiently sound decisions at the design stage. This paper presents the modelling of the uncertainty of SLP using advanced statistical methods and its application in the estimation of SL and corresponding number of replacements of claddings (renderings and stone claddings). These results are used in an interdisciplinary study of SLP and LCA to apply in the stochastic comparison of the LCA of claddings. This methodology aids in the choice of the option with better environmental performance right at the design stage, via the comparison of their standard, deterministic and stochastic LCA results.
ENSURING THE REQUIRED LEVEL OF RELIABILITY DURING THE DESIGN STAGE OF -LATTICED SHELLS WITH A LARGE OPENING
Authors: Gorokhov Yevgen , Mushchanov Volodymyr , Pryadko Iurii
Published: February 2015

The article describes the design technique, which is based on determination of numerical parameters pertaining to reliability of long-span latticed roofs with a large opening formed using the system made of rigid threads. The suggested algorithm is based on experimental and fundamental research focused on the stress/strain state of a spatial roof model and the operation of design combination of loads. It suggests a solution to a series of problems: determining rational geometric parameters for a structure; obtaining corresponding rigid characteristics of the principal load-bearing members; determining the trajectory of member failure for a typical shell structure with a resulting estimation of stress/strain state of a structure; determining numerical parameters of reliability of a designed structure (determining the lower and upper limits of reliability). The proposed algorithm is limited by static loads and state requirements on strength limits. The example of a design for a spatial latticed shell formed using the system of flexurally stiff threads has been given according to the above-described algorithm.
Culture of Development and Developmental Capacity of States
Authors: Erdoğdu M. Mustafa
Published: February 2015

The main premise of this chapter is that state actions are crucial for economic development and those actions are partly shaped by the culture. Because some cultures are more conducive to development, it is engaged with the question: “Would it be possible to direct cultural change to serve economic development?” Since culture is a subject-object relationship, it might be possible to direct cultural change and consequently build up a developmental state. This chapter particularly focuses on the defining characteristics of a developmental state. In addition to the three characteristics recognized in the literature (relative autonomy, capacity, and embeddedness), four others are identified which are essential for a state to become developmental and remain so. These are: legitimacy of the state, integration of the society, socio-political stability, and motivation for economic development. The Korean developmental state is taken as a case study and investigated under this new light.
Extended Assistive Technology
Authors: Tran Ben
Published: February 2015

The purpose of this chapter is to analyze the history of technology and its founding purposes. The evolution of technology resulted in the creation and development of assistive technology. The impact of interactivity of human-computer interfaces on independence, employment, and organizations is analyzed and addressed in relations to disabilities. The utilization of assistive technology, in the disabled community, as well as in relations to the independence of the disabled are covered via the paradigms of assistive technology trainer and job developer for the disabled in the United States of America—capital of technology—Google, Yahoo, Microsoft, Cisco Systems—and capital of assistive technology.
Culture-Based Creativity in the Regional Strategy of Development
Authors: Karnaukhova Oxana
Published: February 2015

In the knowledge-based society, economic growth depends on the implementation of new ideas. Creative people, creative industries, and creative economies are considered as the crucial drivers of the economic prosperity and change management. This chapter analyzes regional specificity of Russia in creation and support of creativity within social and economic development, using the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, Impact Report, and the G20 Entrepreneurship Barometer. Using data from Inglehardt's World Values Survey, the analysis of cultural assignments in the decision-making in Russia will continue compared to diverse European practices. It will be a valuable basis for further exploration of collision between global economic systems, demands for creativity and innovation, internal Russian institutional and societal resources for support/rejection of innovation, and culturally indoctrinated behavioral patterns of young researchers and intellectual entrepreneurs, articulated as drivers of the new economy.
Creativity with Institutionalization
Authors: Kemppainen-Koivisto Riitta , Siltavirta Katta , Rusko Rauno , Särkkä Seppo
Published: February 2015

Typically, creativity and institutionalism are not closely related. However, when talking about cooperatives (or co-ops), the authors introduce, in addition to the paradoxical tension between institutionalism and creativity, perspectives and cases in which institutionalism is a channel for creative production. People often associate cooperatives with institutional characteristics because of their collective manifestations in history, such as agricultural or financial cooperatives. Furthermore, co-ops typically consist of several entrepreneurs working under the same “umbrella” organization. However, according to the outcomes of the chapter, cooperatives could also be a source of, or at least a channel for, contemporary creativity. In this chapter, the authors introduce Finnish cases in which the planners and designers of creative industries have established cooperatives successfully. These cooperatives have already created sustainable paths in their business activities to provide younger and youthful entrepreneurs with business possibilities and at least modest profitability. They also consider neo-cooperatives and light cooperatives, which provide services to cooperatives and allow them to focus on their main area of creating and innovating new business. Creativity cannot flow if there is no time or will to secure large investments and financing, or if the marketing and brand-building are problematic and the decision-making slow. Cooperatives could provide a suitable arena for innovative and creative business if there is a will to change and renew the idea of cooperative institutions, law, and practice.
The Role of Cultural Dynamics in the Digital Age
Authors: Kasemsap Kijpokin
Published: February 2015

This chapter introduces the role of cultural dynamics in the digital age, thus explaining the theoretical and practical concepts of organizational culture, cultural values and belief systems, material culture and artifacts, language and communication systems, cultural interpenetration, deterritorialization, cultural pluralism, and hybridization; the categorization of cultural dimensions; and the application of cultural dynamics in the modern business world. Cultural influences are changing dramatically as cultures are no longer dependent on local resources to formulate their characteristic tastes, preferences, and behavior and are increasingly linked across vast geographic distances by modern communication media. Membership in a culture adapts to new cultural contexts while transporting elements of one culture to another. As membership in a culture becomes increasingly transitional, unique elements are less clearly demarcated or distinctive. Understanding the role of cultural dynamics in the digital age will significantly enhance organizational performance and achieve business goals in global business environments.
Exploring Information Security Governance in Cloud Computing Organisation
Authors: Gangwar Hemlata , Date Hema
Published: February 2015

The paper reveals factors impacting information security governance within the cloud computing technology implementation in organizations. Case study methodology was used and 15 semi-structured interviews were conducted with directors and information security professionals from 5 different types of organizations. The main component that were identified as playing a significant role in information security governance were: information security strategy, security policies and procedure, risk management and assessment program, compliance and standard, monitoring and auditing, business continuity and disaster recovery, asset management and access control and identity management. The results show that awareness through education and training of employees needs to be given very particular attention in cloud computing security. The paper does not include any end-user perspective in interviews and this end-user context is missing. Companies need to focus upon awareness through education and training of employees. Moreover, management and employee support is the critical component of the effective information security governance framework implementation. Also, organisations should develop their information security using a very precise and detailed planning process that ensures the right cloud computing acceptance by the users. The proposed information security governance framework offers organisations a holistic perspective for governing information security, and minimizes risk and cultivates an acceptable level of information security culture.
Comprehensive Study and Analysis of Partitional Data Clustering Techniques
Authors: Aparna K.  , Nair Mydhili K.
Published: February 2015

Data clustering has found significant applications in various domains like bioinformatics, medical data, imaging, marketing study and crime analysis. There are several types of data clustering such as partitional, hierarchical, spectral, density-based, mixture-modeling to name a few. Among these, partitional clustering is well suited for most of the applications due to the less computational requirement. An analysis of various literatures available on partitional clustering will not only provide good knowledge, but will also lead to find the recent problems in partitional clustering domain. Accordingly, it is planned to do a comprehensive study with the literature of partitional data clustering techniques. In this paper, thirty three research articles have been taken for survey from the standard publishers from 2005 to 2013 under two different aspects namely the technical aspect and the application aspect. The technical aspect is further classified based on partitional clustering, constraint-based partitional clustering and evolutionary programming-based clustering techniques. Furthermore, an analysis is carried out, to find out the importance of the different approaches that can be adopted, so that any new development in partitional data clustering can be made easier to be carried out by researchers.
Applied or Denied?
Authors: Downing Jillian
Published: February 2015

As universities expand so too does the diversity of students. Widening participation requires higher education providers to be responsive to the needs of all students by ensuring an accessible and engaging learning environment. Today's cohort includes an increased number of students with autism, a spectrum condition that has the potential to be either beneficial or detrimental to their success in higher education. This article reports on a mature-age student with autism who publicly announced his struggle with the eLearning environment, somewhat ironically, in the asynchronous discussion board. While eLearning offers designers and teaching staff an opportunity to adopt an applied and collaborative approach to the learning environment, for this student it created a challenging landscape dominated by steep mountains and roadblocks. What the student revealed has implications for course designers, teaching staff, and university administrators as they undertake to provide an eLearning environment that is suitable for all students, including those with autism.
Feeling Connected
Authors: Archard Sara Jane
Published: February 2015

A sense of belonging is an integral feature of an online community of learners (OCL). This article explores the ways in which digital technologies in an online teacher education programme can facilitate social presence and in turn nurture a sense of belonging in an OCL. A sense of belonging can lower attrition rates in distance programmes that attract learners who are marginalised from on campus education. This can help address issues of social justice by supporting equitable access and participation in higher education. Findings from a qualitative case study indicate the power that digital technologies can have in facilitating social presence and a sense of belonging in an OCL. This study identifies the importance of several factors in this. Firstly, the importance of pedagogical understandings that digital technologies have different affordances in nurturing an OCL, and secondly, that each participant had a different perspective on the affordances of each digital technology in their usefulness for fostering social presence and a sense of belonging.
Connecting Learners or Isolating Individuals?
Authors: Mann Bryan , Barkauskas Nik
Published: February 2015

Cyber charter schools are online schools that deliver educational content to students in Kindergarten through 12th grade. These programs provide the entire schooling experience through remote access to a virtual learning environment. Since cyber charters are a new educational platform, there is limited scholarly research discerning if they promote or detract from social justice in education. In mainstream dialogue, supporters hail cyber charters as providers of a quality education to students dissatisfied by their traditional school settings. For opponents, the schools are framed as providers of inadequate academic outcomes with a lack of social opportunity. To synthesize these disparate arguments, the authors examine Pennsylvania cyber charter website content and news stories in the popular press. The authors then discuss how these arguments relate to a social justice framework, considering potential implications for both Pennsylvania and outside entities who may wish to implement cyber charter schools in their local context.
A DSS User is a Happy Negotiator
Authors: Hippmann Patrick
Published: February 2015

The present work states that the analysis and design of decision support systems should consider their impacts on the emotional behaviors of negotiators. This paper provides a brief literature review with respect to this issue, and an outline of a research framework, which explains how to assess and analyze the dynamics of emotional behaviors in text-based negotiations. Subsequently, it provides some results, which show that a decision support system does not mitigate but intensifies emotional behaviors, toward the end of successful as well as failed text-based online negotiations. It is concluded that the research and design of decision support systems should focus more on the impact such systems have on the emotional behaviors of the supported negotiators.
How Students' Experience in E-Learning Affects Their Judgements about the Quality of an Online Course
Authors: Peytcheva-Forsyth Roumiana , Yovkova Blagovesna
Published: February 2015

The increasing attempts of traditional universities to introduce e-learning in its different modalities – ranging from fully online to different combinations between online and face-to-face pedagogical interactions - raise serious questions about the quality assurance of the learning experience. One possible approach to explore the quality of online learning is to adopt the perspective of the decision-makers, the higher educational institutions and their staff. Another approach is to investigate what are the different dimensions of quality online learning experience from the perspective of students. This article presents a study of students' opinions and attitudes about the quality of different elements in the pedagogical design of blended courses. The majority of the students involved in the research have had no or little experience in online learning. The authors try to find out whether there is a relation between the students' previous experience in e-learning and their judgements about different aspects of its quality.
GPU Scaling
Authors: Jararweh Yaser , Jarrah Moath , Bousselham Abdelkader
Published: February 2015

Current state-of-the-art GPU-based systems offer unprecedented performance advantages through accelerating the most compute-intensive portions of applications by an order of magnitude. GPU computing presents a viable solution for the ever-increasing complexities in applications and the growing demands for immense computational resources. In this paper the authors investigate different platforms of GPU-based systems, starting from the Personal Supercomputing (PSC) to cloud-based GPU systems. The authors explore and evaluate the GPU-based platforms and the authors present a comparison discussion against the conventional high performance cluster-based computing systems. The authors' evaluation shows potential advantages of using GPU-based systems for high performance computing applications while meeting different scaling granularities.
Efficient Low-Power Compact Hardware Units for Real-Time Image Processing
Authors: Mhaidat Khaldoon M. , Alali Mohammad I. , Aljarrah Inad A.
Published: February 2015

This paper presents efficient low-power compact hardware designs for common image processing functions including the median filter, smoothing filter, motion blurring, emboss filter, sharpening, Sobel, Roberts, and Canny edge detection. The designs were described in Verilog HDL. Xilinx ISE design suite was used for code simulation, synthesis, implementation, and chip programming. The designs were all evaluated in terms of speed, area (number of LUTs and registers), and power consumption. Post placement and routing (Post-PAR) results show that they need very small area and consume very little power while achieving good frame per second rate even for HDTV high resolution frames. This makes them suitable for real-time applications with stringent area and power budgets.
Supporting Incremental Product Development using Multiple Product Line Architecture
Authors: Tekinerdogan Bedir , Erdoğan Özgü Özköse , Aktuğ Onur
Published: February 2015

Software product line engineering (SPLE) has been successfully applied in various application domains to support systematic reuse. Besides of its benefits it is also acknowledged that the SPLE process can in practice be considered too time consuming and heavyweight due to the required planning and development of the asset base. For this reason more lightweight SPLE processes are required that can be integrated in the ongoing product development of the organization. In this context, the authors share their experiences in adopting a multiple product line architecture to support the incremental product development of Aselsan REHIS, a leading high technology company in Turkey. The authors first discuss the important business needs for defining a more lightweight multiple product line engineering (MPLE) process. Then they discuss the multiple product line architecture and how it has been used to guide the incremental product development.
Prediction Models and Techniques for Open Source Software Projects
Authors: Syeed M.M. Mahbubul , Hammouda Imed , Systä Tarja
Published: February 2015

Open Source Software (OSS) is currently a widely adopted approach to developing and distributing software. For effective adoption of OSS, fundamental knowledge of project development is needed. This often calls for reliable prediction models to simulate project evolution and to envision project future. These models provide help in supporting preventive maintenance and building quality software. This paper reports on a systematic literature survey aimed at the identification and structuring of research that offer prediction models and techniques in analyzing OSS projects. In this review, we systematically selected and reviewed 52 peer reviewed articles that were published between January, 2000 and March, 2013. The study outcome provides insight in what constitutes the main contributions of the field, identifies gaps and opportunities, and distills several important future research directions.
Creating Value through Business Models in Open Source Software
Authors: Seppänen Marko , Helander Nina
Published: February 2015

This paper explores how the use of a business model enables value creation in an Open Source Software (OSS) environment. Open Source offers one possibility for firms that are continuously looking for new opportunities and ways of organizing their business activities to increase the amount of value they can appropriate through their capabilities. The authors argue that this value can be attained by analysing value creation logic and the elements of business models. They demonstrate how value is created through business model elements and provide a list of questions that can help managers in their considerations with Open Source Software.
A Case Study of Progressive Formation of Accounting Cloud Services in JAPAN
Authors: Mizuno Yutaka , Odake Nobutaka
Published: February 2015

The purpose of this study is to clarify the best practice of an accounting cloud service in Japan which has two-sided markets and freemium structure and how to formulate its service. The authors studied one specific accounting cloud service, as a case study. As results, the authors obtained the following three findings. First, the best accounting cloud service adopted Open & Close strategy. The Company specializes in accounting operations area and make open connections with other cloud services in non-accounting operations area. Second, the best accounting cloud service has a specific service formation along its market strategy. Third, the best accounting cloud service has an effective boarding strategy of its users' group onto its cloud service platform. Therefore, cloud service providers not only adopt Open & Close strategy, but also build up the coherent market strategy to formulate self-reinforcing mechanism before building up their business ecosystem in the two-sided markets and freemium structure.
Medical Students Meet User Driven Health Care for Patient Centered Learning in Clinical Medicine
Authors: Arora Nitesh , Tamrakar Neha , Price Amy , Biswas Rakesh
Published: February 2015

Patient-centered learning and participatory research are emerging movements in the transformation of primary healthcare and research participation. In recent years this focus has extended to the utilization of User Driven Health Care (UDHC) networks for patient centered learning in medical education. Technology now makes it possible for patients, medical students, and providers to communicate through the Interneton a secure platform. Student authors experiencing this new brush with technology-supported, patient centered learning experience share how participation in a User Driven Health Care online education experience informed their learning and incited them to develop an interest in evidence based knowledge. They developed a survey tool and conducted interviews over the Internet to report on the experiences of others within the network. The findings were largely positive although some students did not feel the reality of the connection to an actual patient. Others report enjoying the experience and being enriched through the interaction, but, at the same time, expressed doubts whether this was a sustainable way to learn given the volume of information a student has to master to attain to the level of a practicing physician
Case Study
Authors: Shrikhande Akash , Galvez Thierry , Langendorfer Nicolas , Jain Krishna , Biswas Rakesh
Published: February 2015

The authors discuss the clinical complexities surrounding an 85-year-old male complaining of left sided weakness for one month, along with cough and fever for 20 days. Findings on non-contrast CT scan of the brain showed an acute-on-chronic infarct in the right parietal region, in the territory of the right middle cerebral artery, with lacunar infarct in the left thalamus. A chest radiograph showed a heterogeneous opacity in the right lower zone, and air bronchogram with an elevated right dome of the diaphragm. The patient was diagnosed to have suffered a stroke with a subsequent right-sided pneumonia due to diaphragmatic palsy. The patient was put on ventilator and further supportive management was instituted. This article presents the clinical course of the case and the experiential learning associated with it.
Antecedents of Loyalty Towards Online Retailers
Authors: Sur Soma
Published: February 2015

E-tailing has had a phenomenal growth in the last few years but still great potential remains unused because of consumers' general lack of trust in online retailers. The purpose of this study is to develop and test an integrated model to understand the role of satisfaction and trust in building e-loyalty. It further explores the moderating effects of shopping levels on antecedents of trust, satisfaction and loyalty toward an Internet retailer. The study has used structural equation modeling to reveal the nature of relational influences of these constructs on loyalty. The moderating effects of the levels of shopping are observed as the price/value had a stronger effect on e-satisfaction for light shoppers, while e-trust had a stronger effect on e-satisfaction for heavy shoppers. This study not only advances our theoretical understanding but also helps practitioners to formulate strategies to convert light shoppers to heavy and loyal ones.
IL-4–Secreting Secondary T Follicular Helper (Tfh) Cells Arise from Memory T Cells, Not Persisting Tfh Cells, through a B Cell–Dependent Mechanism
Authors: Fairfax Keke C. , Everts Bart , Amiel Eyal , Smith Amber M. , Schramm Gabriele , Haas Helmut , Randolph Gwendalyn J. , Taylor Justin J. , Pearce Edward J.
Published: February 2015

Humoral immunity requires cross-talk between T follicular helper (Tfh) cells and B cells. Nevertheless, a detailed understanding of this intercellular interaction during secondary immune responses is lacking. We examined this by focusing on the response to a soluble, unadjuvanted, pathogen-derived Ag (soluble extract of Schistosoma mansoni egg [SEA]) that induces type 2 immunity. We found that activated Tfh cells persisted for long periods within germinal centers following primary immunization. However, the magnitude of the secondary response did not appear to depend on pre-existing Tfh cells. Instead, Tfh cell populations expanded through a process that was dependent on memory T cells recruited into the reactive LN, as well as the participation of B cells. We found that, during the secondary response, IL-4 was critical for the expansion of a population of plasmablasts that correlated with increased SEA-specific IgG1 titers. Additionally, following immunization with SEA (but not with an Ag that induced type 1 immunity), IL-4 and IL-21 were coproduced by individual Tfh cells, revealing a potential mechanism through which appropriate class-switching can be coupled to plasmablast proliferation to enforce type 2 immunity. Our findings demonstrate a pivotal role for IL-4 in the interplay between T and B cells during a secondary Th2 response and have significant implications for vaccine design.
OSCAR Is a Receptor for Surfactant Protein D That Activates TNF-α Release from Human CCR2+ Inflammatory Monocytes
Authors: Barrow Alexander D. , Palarasah Yaseelan , Bugatti Mattia , Holehouse Alex S. , Byers Derek E. , Holtzman Michael J. , Vermi William , Skjødt Karsten , Crouch Erika , Colonna Marco
Published: February 2015

Surfactant protein D (SP-D) is critical for maintenance of lung homeostasis and provides a first line of defense to pathogens at mucosal surfaces. Polymorphisms in the SP-D–encoding gene SFTPD have been associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and ulcerative colitis. Identification of the immunoreceptors that bind SP-D is essential for understanding its contribution to lung homeostasis and mucosal defense. We located a putative binding motif for the osteoclast-associated receptor (OSCAR) within the SP-D collagenous domain. An OSCAR-Fc fusion protein specifically bound to the collagenous region of recombinant SP-D and captured native SP-D from human bronchoalveolar lavage. OSCAR localized in an intracellular compartment of alveolar macrophages together with SP-D. Moreover, we found OSCAR on the surface of interstitial lung and blood CCR2+ inflammatory monocytes, which secreted TNF-α when exposed to SP-D in an OSCAR-dependent fashion. OSCAR and SP-D did not exclusively colocalize in lung, as they were also highly expressed in atherosclerotic plaques of human aorta, supporting a role for this interaction in atherosclerosis. Our results identify the OSCAR:SP-D interaction as a potential therapeutic target in chronic inflammatory diseases of the lung as well as other diseases involving tissue accumulation of SP-D, infiltration of inflammatory monocytes, and release of TNF-α.
Blimp-1, an Intrinsic Factor that Represses HIV-1 Proviral Transcription in Memory CD4+ T Cells
Authors: Kaczmarek Michaels Katarzyna , Natarajan Malini , Euler Zelda , Alter Galit , Viglianti Gregory , Henderson Andrew J.
Published: February 2015

CD4+ T cell subsets differentially support HIV-1 replication. For example, quiescent CD4+ memory T cells are susceptible to HIV-1 infection but do not support robust HIV-1 transcription and have been implicated as the primary reservoir of latent HIV-1. T cell transcription factors that regulate maturation potentially limit HIV-1 transcription and mediate the establishment and maintenance of HIV-1 latency. We report that B lymphocyte–induced maturation protein-1 (Blimp-1), a critical regulator of B and T cell differentiation, is highly expressed in memory CD4+ T cells compared with naive CD4+ T cells and represses basal and Tat-mediated HIV-1 transcription. Blimp-1 binds an IFN-stimulated response element within HIV-1 provirus, and it is displaced following T cell activation. Reduction of Blimp-1 in infected primary T cells including CD4+ memory T cells increases RNA polymerase II processivity, histone acetylation, and baseline HIV-1 transcription. Therefore, the transcriptional repressor, Blimp-1, is an intrinsic factor that predisposes CD4+ memory T cells to latent HIV-1 infection.
Tapping CD4 T Cells for Cancer Immunotherapy: The Choice of Personalized Genomics
Authors: Zanetti Maurizio
Published: February 2015

Cellular immune responses that protect against tumors typically have been attributed to CD8 T cells. However, CD4 T cells also play a central role. It was shown recently that, in a patient with metastatic cholangiocarcinoma, CD4 T cells specific for a peptide from a mutated region of ERBB2IP could arrest tumor progression. This and other recent findings highlight new opportunities for CD4 T cells in cancer immunotherapy. In this article, I discuss the role and regulation of CD4 T cells in response to tumor Ags. Emphasis is placed on the types of Ags and mechanisms that elicit tumor-protective responses. I discuss the advantages and drawbacks of cancer immunotherapy through personalized genomics. These considerations should help to guide the design of next-generation therapeutic cancer vaccines.
cGAS and Ifi204 Cooperate To Produce Type I IFNs in Response to Francisella Infection
Authors: Storek Kelly M. , Gertsvolf Nina A. , Ohlson Maikke B. , Monack Denise M.
Published: February 2015

Type I IFN production is an important host immune response against viral and bacterial infections. However, little is known about the ligands and corresponding host receptors that trigger type I IFN production during bacterial infections. We used a model intracellular pathogen, Francisella novicida, to begin characterizing the type I IFN response to bacterial pathogens. F. novicida replicates in the cytosol of host cells and elicits a robust type I IFN response that is largely TLR independent, but is dependent on the adapter molecule STING, suggesting that the type I IFN stimulus during F. novicida infection is cytosolic. In this study, we report that the cytosolic DNA sensors, cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) and Ifi204, are both required for the STING-dependent type I IFN response to F. novicida infection in both primary and immortalized murine macrophages. We created cGAS, Ifi204, and Sting functional knockouts in RAW264.7 macrophages and demonstrated that cGAS and Ifi204 cooperate to sense dsDNA and activate the STING-dependent type I IFN pathway. In addition, we show that dsDNA from F. novicida is an important type I IFN stimulating ligand. One outcome of cGAS–STING signaling is the activation of the absent in melanoma 2 inflammasome in response to F. novicida infection. Whereas the absent in melanoma 2 inflammasome is beneficial to the host during F. novicida infection, type I IFN signaling by STING and IFN regulatory factor 3 is detrimental to the host during F. novicida infection. Collectively, our studies indicate that cGAS and Ifi204 cooperate to sense cytosolic dsDNA and F. novicida infection to produce a strong type I IFN response.
Molecular and Physiological Factors of Neuroprotection in Hypoxia-tolerant Models: Pharmacological Clues for the Treatment of Stroke
Authors: Nathaniel Thomas I. , Soyinka Julius O. , Adedeji Adekunle , Imeh-Nathaniel Adebobola
Published: February 2015

The naked mole-rat possesses several unique physiological and molecular features that underlie their remarkably and exceptional resistance to tissue hypoxia. Elevated pattern of Epo, an erythropoietin (Epo) factor; c-fos; vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF); and hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF-1α) contribute to the adaptive strategy to cope with hypoxic stress. Moreover, the naked mole-rat has a lower metabolic rate than any other eutherian mammal of comparable size that has been studied. The ability to actively reduce metabolic rate represents a strategy widely used in the face of decreased tissue oxygen availability. Understanding the different molecular and physiological factors that induce metabolic suppression could guide the development of pharmacological agents for the clinical management of stroke patient.
Эквивалентность обыкновенных дифференциальных уравнений второго порядка уравнениям Пенлеве
Authors: Bagderina Yuliya Yur'evna
Published: February 2015

Все уравнения Пенлеве, кроме первого, принадлежат одному типу уравнений. В терминах инвариантов этих уравнений получены критерии эквивалентности второму уравнению Пенлеве и уравнению XXXIV из списка пятидесяти уравнений, не имеющих подвижных критических точек. Для третьего, четвертого, а также для частных случаев пятого и шестого уравнений Пенлеве найдены новые необходимые условия эквивалентности. Проведено сопоставление используемых инвариантов с инвариантами, введенными ранее другими авторами, и сравнение полученных результатов.
Performance of an HRP-2 Rapid Diagnostic Test in Nigerian Children Less Than 5 Years of Age
Authors: Ajumobi Olufemi , Sabitu Kabir , Nguku Patrick , Kwaga Jacob , Ntadom Godwin , Gitta Sheba , Elizeus Rutebemberwa , Oyibo Wellington , Nsubuga Peter , Maire Mark , Poggensee Gabriele
Published: February 2015

The diagnostic performance of histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP-2)–based malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT) was evaluated in a mesoendemic area for malaria, Kaduna, Nigeria. We compared RDT results with expert microscopy results of blood samples from 295 febrile children under 5 years. Overall, 11.9% (35/295) tested positive with RDT compared with 10.5% (31/295) by microscopy: sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were 100%, 98.5%, 88.6%, and 100%, respectively. The RDT sensitivity was not affected by transmission season, parasite density, and age. Specificity and positive PV decreased slightly during the high-transmission season (97.5% and 83.3%). The RDT test positivity rates in the low- and high-transmission seasons were 9.4% and 13.5%, respectively. Overall, the test performance of this RDT was satisfactory. The findings of a low proportion of RDT false positives, no invalid and no false-negative results should validate the performance of RDTs in this context.
Dramatic Decrease in Prevalence of Soil-Transmitted Helminths and New Insights Into Intestinal Protozoa in Children Living in the Chaco Region, Bolivia
Authors: Macchioni Fabio , Segundo Higinio , Gabrielli Simona , Totino Valentina , Gonzales Patricia Rojas , Salazar Esteban , Bozo Ricardo , Bartoloni Alessandro , Cancrini Gabriella
Published: February 2015

We assessed the prevalence of intestinal parasites among 268 2–12-year-old children living in rural areas, small villages, and semi-urban areas of the Chaco region, south-eastern Bolivia. The overall parasitism was 69%. Only protozoa, helminths, or co-infections were observed in 89.2%, 5.9%, or 4.9% of the positive children, respectively. A significant progressive increase in overall parasite prevalence was found when passing from rural areas to small villages and semi-urban areas. The most commonly found species were Entamoeba coli (38.4%), Giardia intestinalis (37.7%), and Blastocystis spp. (16%). Hymenolepis nana was the most prevalent helminth (5.6%), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworms (1.5% and 0.4%) evidenced only in rural areas and in villages. Molecular diagnostics identified Blastocystis subtypes 9 and 2, and 5 infections by Entamoeba histolytica and 4 by Entamoeba dispar. The dramatic decrease in prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths with respect to that observed about 20 years ago (> 40%) evidences the success of the preventive chemotherapy intervention implemented in 1986. Health education and improved sanitation should be intensified to control protozoan infections.
The “Performance of Rotavirus and Oral Polio Vaccines in Developing Countries” (PROVIDE) Study: Description of Methods of an Interventional Study Designed to Explore Complex Biologic Problems
Authors: Kirkpatrick Beth D. , Colgate E. Ross , Mychaleckyj Josyf C. , Haque Rashidul , Dickson Dorothy M. , Carmolli Marya P. , Nayak Uma , Taniuchi Mami , Naylor Caitlin , Qadri Firdausi , Ma Jennie Z. , Alam Masud , Walsh Mary Claire , Diehl Sean A. , _ _ , Petri William A.
Published: February 2015

Oral vaccines appear less effective in children in the developing world. Proposed biologic reasons include concurrent enteric infections, malnutrition, breast milk interference, and environmental enteropathy (EE). Rigorous study design and careful data management are essential to begin to understand this complex problem while assuring research subject safety. Herein, we describe the methodology and lessons learned in the PROVIDE study (Dhaka, Bangladesh). A randomized clinical trial platform evaluated the efficacy of delayed-dose oral rotavirus vaccine as well as the benefit of an injectable polio vaccine replacing one dose of oral polio vaccine. This rigorous infrastructure supported the additional examination of hypotheses of vaccine underperformance. Primary and secondary efficacy and immunogenicity measures for rotavirus and polio vaccines were measured, as well as the impact of EE and additional exploratory variables. Methods for the enrollment and 2-year follow-up of a 700 child birth cohort are described, including core laboratory, safety, regulatory, and data management practices. Intense efforts to standardize clinical, laboratory, and data management procedures in a developing world setting provide clinical trials rigor to all outcomes. Although this study infrastructure requires extensive time and effort, it allows optimized safety and confidence in the validity of data gathered in complex, developing country settings.
Not All Low TSH is Graves’ Disease!
Authors: Bhagwat Nikhil M , Chadha Manoj D , Joshi Ameya S , Varthakavi Premlata K , Dalwadi Pradip P , Sharma Bharat R , Tayde Parimal , Chavan Jagdish A , Pawal Pratibha T
Published: February 2015

Thyroid dysfunction is one of the most common endocrine disorders. Low thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is not uncommon finding in routine evaluation of thyroid disease. Thyroid imaging with radioisotope is an important modality of investigation to identify different causes of low TSH. In this review article, we have highlighted different causes of low TSH apart from Graves’ disease and how to differentiate among them with the help of thyroid radioisotopes scan.

How to cite this article

Dalwadi PP, Tayde P, Sharma BR, Chavan JA, Pawal PT, Joshi AS, Chadha MD, Bhagwat NM, Varthakavi PK. Not All Low TSH is Graves’ Disease! Int J Otorhinolaryngol Clin 2014;6(1):30-34.
Emergency Thyroidectomy: A Rare Case
Authors: Gupta Nitin
Published: February 2015

Primary thyroid lymphoma is a rare tumor of the thyroid gland, accounting for 1 to 2% of all thyroid malignancies. The mainstay of treatment for lymphamas is chemoradiation but thyroidectomy is required for patients with large thyroid gland presenting with obstructive symptoms, such as stridor. We present here such a case of a 54-year-old female who had presented in the emergency department of our institute with a huge neck swelling and stridor. Emergency thyroidectomy was done to relieve stridor.

How to cite this article

Gupta N, Varshney S. Emergency Thyroidectomy: A Rare Case. Int J Otorhinolaryngol Clin 2014;6(1):47-49.
Reconstruction of Chronic Peroneal Tendon Tears
Authors: Parekh Selene G , Gross Christopher E , Kildow Beau J
Published: February 2015

Peroneal tendon tears are one of many causes of chronic lateral ankle pain. The goal of surgery is to restore function and provide dynamic stabilization. Surgical repair is indicated for tears comprising of less than 50% of the cross-sectional area of the tendon. If the peroneal tear is greater than 50% and the tissue bed remains mobile, an allograft reconstruction may be performed. In this case report, reconstruction using a peroneal tendon allograft was performed on a 21-year-old female with chronic lateral ankle pain and weakness after retearing her peroneal brevis 10 weeks status postprimary repair. Technique involved excising the portion of diseased tendon and anastomosing the proximal and distal ends to a peroneal tendon allograft. Six weeks postoperation, patient regained full range of motion and strength with minimal pain.

How to cite this article

Gross CE, Kildow BJ, Parekh SG. Reconstruction of Chronic Peroneal Tendon Tears. J Foot Ankle Surg (Asia-Pacific) 2014;1(2):60-64.
Effect of Surface Pretreatment on Galvanic Attack of Coated Al Alloy Panels
Authors: Feng Zhicao , Boerstler Joshua , Frankel G.S. , Matzdorf C.A.
Published: February 2015

A test assembly consisting of a coated and scribed aluminum alloy 7075-T6 panel galvanically connected to uncoated through-hole noble fasteners has recently been utilized to quantify corrosion attack during corrosion testing in laboratory chambers. In this work, the corrosion morphology and extent of attack of Al alloy panels with five different surface pretreatments prior to painting and scribing were compared after exposure to ASTM B117 with galvanic connection to uncoated stainless steel fasteners. The nature of the attack for samples with different surface pretreatment samples was found to exhibit two different trends: they either penetrated deeply into the substrate at the scribes or spread out under coatings. The galvanic currents between the coated Al alloy panel and the bare 316 stainless steel fasteners were monitored during 21 days exposure in an ASTM B117 chamber. The current trends measured for different surface pretreatment panels were consistent with optical profilometry (OP) results. However, the galvanic current and OP techniques both underestimated the extent of corrosion attack because of local H2 evolution and undercut attack, respectively. The results from both techniques were modified to compensate for these deficiencies. Acceleration factors associated with the galvanic interaction for the different surface pretreatment panels were determined.