bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma with multiple distal metastases. A case report and review of literature
Authors: Sarkar Debojyoti , Ray Sayantan , Saha Manjari , Chakrabarti Prantari
Published: September 2012

An 18-year-old boy, presented with a history of right hip pain with movement restriction and proptosis of right eye. There was severe anaemia, febrile neutropaenia and bleeding manifestations. CT scan of right orbit documented a retro orbital mass. MRI revealed a mass on right side of the pelvis with metastatic deposits in spine. Biopsy from that mass revealed alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. Bone marrow biopsy showed sarcomatous involvement with decrease in all three cell lineages. Chemotherapy was started according to standard protocol. We lost the patient after 3 weeks of initiation of chemotherapy. In our case, the unusual primary site and presentation with multiple distal metastases makes this case stand apart and therefore worth reporting.
Unusual cause of pericardial effusion
Authors: Fouda Ragai , Ammar Hussam , Sobhy Elham , Amin Amr M
Published: September 2012

A 65-year-old Egyptian lady suffering from non-alcoholic liver cirrhosis was referred to our unit for evaluation of a massive pericardial effusion. Few weeks before presentation, she suffered from progressive abdominal distention and dyspnoea. She denied fever, rigors or other cardiorespiratory symptoms. Examination revealed shrunken liver, spleenomegaly and ascites. Chest was clear to auscultation and heart sounds were distant. Chest radiograph showed cardiomegaly and clear lung fields. Abdominal ultrasound confirmed the results of abdominal examination. Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) revealed a massive pericardial effusion (PEF) and rheumatic mitral stenosis. Chest tomography showed PEF and clear lung fields. One litre of exudate was removed via TTE-guided needle pericardiocentesis. A pericardio-peritoneal shunt was suspected, which was confirmed via a radioisotopic study. This case is among very few cases that reported PEF in a cirrhotic ascetic patient secondary to a radio-isotopically confirmed pericardio-peritoneal shunt in the literature.
Vitamin B12deficiency: an unusual cause for recurrent generalised seizures with pancytopaenia
Authors: Naha Kushal , Dasari Sowjanya , Vivek G , Prabhu Mukhyaprana
Published: September 2012

We report the case of a 70-year-old man with pancytopaenia and new-onset recurrent generalised seizures. Detailed evaluation yielded a diagnosis of vitamin B12deficiency. He was treated with parenteral vitamin B12supplementation and antiepileptic drugs. Seizures are an unusual manifestation of vitamin B12deficiency and possible mechanisms of epileptogenesis are discussed.
Hyperglobus, do not forget the sinister
Authors: de Gea Rico Aitor , Parmar Sat , Revington Peter J
Published: September 2012

Hyperglobus is an elevation of the ocular globe with the majority of the orbit remaining intact. We present a case of hyperglobus caused by a metastatic mass from a prostate carcinoma. There are no other reported cases in the literature.
Recognising and responding to mental health problems in the workplace
Authors: Bartram David , O'Connor Rory , Allister Rosie , Fowlie Douglas
Published: September 2012

Evidence suggests that levels of psychological distress are elevated in the veterinary profession compared to the general population. Work can play an important role in supporting the health and wellbeing of employees which in turn can enhance the effectiveness and profitability of the workplace. This article provides an overview of various mental health problems that may be experienced by vets and vet nurses, how to recognise possible signs, how to give assistance and when to involve other parties.
Bartonella infections in cats: what is the significance?
Authors: Guptill Lynn
Published: September 2012

Bartonella infections, transmitted among cats by fleas, are common in pet cats worldwide. The impact of these often chronic infections on feline health is still not well understood. ManyBartonellaspecies are zoonotic. FelineBartonellainfections can be zoonotically transmitted, primarily via cat scratches and cat bites, with cat scratch disease the most well known human condition caused byBartonella henselae. The full impact ofBartonellainfections on the health of pets, farm animals and humans is a very active area of investigation. This article discusses felineBartonellainfections, their impact on feline health, and their public health significance.
Surgical staplers: toy or tool?
Authors: Lipscomb Vicky
Published: September 2012

Surgical staplers may be used in a wide variety of skin, abdominal, thoracic and other veterinary surgical procedures. This article provides an overview of the applications of surgical stapling in small animal veterinary practice, and describes the various types of surgical staplers used in veterinary surgery and how to operate them.
EXACT RIEMANN SOLUTIONS TO COMPRESSIBLE EULER EQUATIONS IN DUCTS WITH DISCONTINUOUS CROSS-SECTION
Authors: HAN EE , HANTKE MAREN , WARNECKE GERALD
Published: September 2012

We determine completely the exact Riemann solutions for the system of Euler equations in a duct with discontinuous varying cross-section. The crucial point in solving the Riemann problem for hyperbolic system is the construction of the wave curves. To address the difficulty in the construction due to the nonstrict hyperbolicity of the underlying system, we introduce the L-M and R-M curves in the velocity-pressure phase plane. The behaviors of the L-M and R-M curves for six basic cases are fully analyzed. Furthermore, we observe that in certain cases the L-M and R-M curves contain the bifurcation which leads to the nonuniqueness of the Riemann solutions. Nevertheless, all possible Riemann solutions including classical as well as resonant solutions are solved in a uniform framework for any given initial data.
EFFECT OF GRAVITY LOADING ON INELASTIC SEISMIC DEMAND OF STRUCTURES
Authors: DUTTA SEKHAR CHANDRA , CHOWDHURY RAJIB
Published: September 2012

Performance based seismic design requires precise assessments of inelastic seismic demand. Often, the studies to assess such demands are made without due cognizance to the impact of axial load caused by gravity. In this paper, the effect of gravity-induced axial force on load resisting members on such demand quantities is examined. To encompass the behavior of steel as well concrete structures with various types of degrading features, four different hysteresis models are used in the study. The results show that the effect of axial force on inelastic seismic demand become more significant for systems with short periods having degrading hysteresis behavior. Neglecting the effect of axial force may lead to an underestimation of yield capacity resulting in an overestimation of demand implying a safer design.
A UNIFIED SPECIFICATION FORMAT FOR INTERLEVEL RELATIONS BETWEEN AGENT MODELS IN MULTIPLE ABSTRACTION DIMENSIONS
Authors: TREUR JAN
Published: September 2012

Multi-agent systems for a certain application area can be modeled at multiple levels of abstraction. Interlevel relations are a means to relate models from different abstraction levels. Three dimensions of abstraction often occurring are the process abstraction, temporal abstraction, and agent cluster abstraction dimension. In this paper a unifying formalization is presented that can be used as a framework to specify interlevel relations for any of such dimensions. The approach is illustrated by showing how a variety of different types of abstraction relations between multi-agent system models can be formally specified in a unified manner.
Demo hour
Authors: Grant Meg , Hertenberger Anja , O'Nascimento Ricardo , Urff Leonie , Lee Minhye , Achituv Romy , Andraos Mouna , Mongiat Melissa , Zaks Shahar
Published: September 2012

Demo Hour highlights new prototypes and projects that exemplify innovation and novel forms of interaction.

Leah Maestri, Editor

The Art Explorations track at TEI 2012 featured interactive artworks that explore the intersections between materiality, sensory interaction, and computational expression. New works were reviewed by a jury based on relevance, technological quality, aesthetics, and creative inventiveness. These pieces were selected for
interactions
by Thecla Schiphorst, a media artist and associate professor in the School of Interactive Arts + Technology at Simon Fraser University, and Alissa Antle, also an associate professor in the School of Interactive Arts + Technology at SFU
.
Understanding HCI policy in Spain in the context of accessibility
Authors: Normand Loïc Martínez
Published: September 2012

Public policy increasingly plays a role in influencing the work that we do as HCI researchers, interaction designers, and practitioners. "Public policy" is a broad term that includes both government policy and policy within non-governmental organizations, such as standards bodies. The Interacting with Public Policy forum focuses on topics at the intersection of human-computer interaction and public policy.

Jonathan Lazar, Editor
Punctuated equilibrium and technology change
Authors: Grudin Jonathan
Published: September 2012

Timelines provides perspectives on HCI history, glancing back at a road that sometimes took unexpected branches and turns. History is not a dry list of events; it is about points of view and differing interpretations.

Jonathan Grudin, Editor
Dynamic Indexability and the Optimality of B-Trees
Authors: Yi Ke
Published: September 2012

One-dimensional range queries, as one of the most basic type of queries in databases, have been studied extensively in the literature. For large databases, the goal is to build an external index that is optimized for disk block accesses (or I/Os). The problem is well understood in the static case. Theoretically, there exists an index of linear size that can answer a range query in O(1 +
KB
) I/Os, where
K
is the output size and
B
is the disk block size, but it is highly impractical. In practice, the standard solution is the B-tree, which answers a query in
O
(log
B
NM
+
KB
) I/Os on a data set of size
N
, where
M
is the main memory size. For typical values of
N, M
, and
B
, log
B
NM
can be considered a constant.

However, the problem is still wide open in the dynamic setting, when insertions and deletions of records are to be supported. With smart buffering, it is possible to speed up updates significantly to
o
(1) I/Os amortized. Indeed, several dynamic B-trees have been proposed, but they all cause certain levels of degradation in the query performance, with the most interesting tradeoff point at
O
(1
B
log
NM
) I/Os for updates and
O
(log
NM
+
KB
) I/Os for queries. In this article, we prove that the query-update tradeoffs of all the known dynamic B-trees are optimal, when log
B
NM
is a constant. This implies that one should not hope for substantially better solutions for all practical values of the parameters. Our lower bounds hold in a dynamic version of the
indexability model
, which is of independent interests. Dynamic indexability is a clean yet powerful model for studying dynamic indexing problems, and can potentially lead to more interesting lower bound results.
Use of concept mapping in an undergraduate introductory exercise physiology course
Authors: Henige Kim
Published: September 2012

Physiology is often considered a challenging course for students. It is up to teachers to structure courses and create learning opportunities that will increase the chance of student success. In an undergraduate exercise physiology course, concept maps are assigned to help students actively process and organize information into manageable and meaningful chunks and to teach them to recognize the patterns and regularities of physiology. Students are first introduced to concept mapping with a commonly relatable nonphysiology concept and are then assigned a series of maps that become more and more complex. Students map the acute response to a drop in blood pressure, the causes of the acute increase in stroke volume during cardiorespiratory exercise, and the factors contributing to an increase in maximal O2 consumption with cardiorespiratory endurance training. In the process, students draw the integrative nature of physiology, identify causal relationships, and learn about general models and core principles of physiology.
The Lateralizer: a tool for students to explore the divided brain
Authors: Motz Benjamin A. , James Karin H. , Busey Thomas A.
Published: September 2012

Despite a profusion of popular misinformation about the left brain and right brain, there are functional differences between the left and right cerebral hemispheres in humans. Evidence from split-brain patients, individuals with unilateral brain damage, and neuroimaging studies suggest that each hemisphere may be specialized for certain cognitive processes. One way to easily explore these hemispheric asymmetries is with the divided visual field technique, where visual stimuli are presented on either the left or right side of the visual field and task performance is compared between these two conditions; any behavioral differences between the left and right visual fields may be interpreted as evidence for functional asymmetries between the left and right cerebral hemispheres. We developed a simple software package that implements the divided visual field technique, called the Lateralizer, and introduced this experimental approach as a problem-based learning module in a lower-division research methods course. Second-year undergraduate students used the Lateralizer to experimentally challenge and explore theories of the differences between the left and right cerebral hemispheres. Measured learning outcomes after active exploration with the Lateralizer, including new knowledge of brain anatomy and connectivity, were on par with those observed in an upper-division lecture course. Moreover, the project added to the students' research skill sets and seemed to foster an appreciation of the link between brain anatomy and function.
Explorations in statistics: permutation methods
Authors: Curran-Everett Douglas
Published: September 2012

Learning about statistics is a lot like learning about science: the learning is more meaningful if you can actively explore. This eighth installment of Explorations in Statistics explores permutation methods, empiric procedures we can use to assess an experimental result–to test a null hypothesis–when we are reluctant to trust statistical theory alone. Permutation methods operate on the observations–the data–we get from an experiment. A permutation procedure answers this question: out of all the possible ways we can rearrange the observations we got, in what proportion of those arrangements is the sample statistic we care about at least as extreme as the one we got? The answer to that question is the P value.
The Concept of the Remote Devices Content Management
Authors: Behan Miroslav , Krejcar Ondrej
Published: September 2012

Modern mobile communication devices which are often used as remote access to information systems bring up many advantages for user. Unfortunately in some cases when user has several different mobile devices for the same remote access, a problem of multiplatform and multivendor environment fragments productivity by user knowledge in principals of approach to possible services, controlling or management of devices as well as features is available. The customizable interface of remote device management benefits by the control of all owned, authorized, or publically accessible devices from single point of user perspective. We propose a concept of such information system which takes into account mobile devices and their content. Concept is suitable not only for Apple iOS or Google Android, but also it covers all mobile platforms as well as the sensors capabilities of mobile devices which can turn such mobile Smart Device to Smart and mobile sensor concentrator.
Ubiquitin-Mediated Regulation of Endocytosis by Proteins of the Arrestin Family
Authors: Becuwe Michel , Herrador Antonio , Haguenauer-Tsapis Rosine , Vincent Olivier , Léon Sébastien
Published: September 2012

In metazoans, proteins of the arrestin family are key players of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRS) signaling and trafficking. Following stimulation, activated receptors are phosphorylated, thus allowing the binding of arrestins and hence an “arrest” of receptor signaling. Arrestins act by uncoupling receptors from G proteins and contribute to the recruitment of endocytic proteins, such as clathrin, to direct receptor trafficking into the endocytic pathway. Arrestins also serve as adaptor proteins by promoting the recruitment of ubiquitin ligases and participate in the agonist-induced ubiquitylation of receptors, known to have impact on their subcellular localization and stability. Recently, the arrestin family has expanded following the discovery of arrestin-related proteins in other eukaryotes such as yeasts or fungi. Surprisingly, most of these proteins are also involved in the ubiquitylation and endocytosis of plasma membrane proteins, thus suggesting that the role of arrestins as ubiquitin ligase adaptors is at the core of these proteins' functions. Importantly, arrestins are themselves ubiquitylated, and this modification is crucial for their function. In this paper, we discuss recent data on the intricate connections between arrestins and the ubiquitin pathway in the control of endocytosis.
Surface Passivation Studies on n+pp+ Bifacial Solar Cell
Authors: Sepeai Suhaila , Sulaiman M. Y. , Sopian Kamaruzzaman , Zaidi Saleem H.
Published: September 2012

Bifacial solar cell is a specially designed solar cell for the production of electricity from both sides of the solar cell. It is an active field of research to make photovoltaics (PV) more competitive by increasing its efficiency and lowering its costs. We developed an n+pp+ structure for the bifacial solar cell. The fabrication used phosphorus-oxy-trichloride (POCl3) diffusion to form the emitter and Al diffusion using conventional screen printing to produce the back surface field (BSF). The n+pp+ bifacial solar cell was a sandwiched structure of antireflective coatings on both sides, Argentum (Ag) as a front contact and Argentum/Aluminum (Ag/Al) as a back contact. This paper reports the solar cell performance with different surface passivation or antireflecting coatings (ARC). Silicon nitride (SiN) deposited by Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD), thermally grown silicon dioxide (SiO2), PECVD-SiO2, and SiO2/SiN stack were used as ARC. The efficiency obtained for the best bifacial solar cell having SiN as the ARC is 8.32% for front surface illumination and 3.21% for back surface illumination.
Resistance Training and Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Strength of the Evidence
Authors: Hovanec Nina , Sawant Anuradha , Overend Tom J. , Petrella Robert J. , Vandervoort Anthony A.
Published: September 2012

Objective. This paper analyzes the effects of resistance training (RT) on metabolic, neuromuscular, and cardiovascular functions in older adults (mean age ≥ 65 years) with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).Research Design and Methods. A systematic review conducted by two reviewers of the published literature produced 3 records based on 2 randomized controlled trials that assessed the effect of RT on disease process measures and musculoskeletal/body composition measures. Statistical, Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (version 2) software was used to compute Hedge’s g, and results were calculated using the random effects model to account for methodological differences amongst studies.Results. Largest effect of RT was seen on muscle strength; especially lower body strength, while the point estimate effect on body composition was small and not statistically significant. The cumulative point estimate for the T2DM disease process measures was moderate and statistically significant.Conclusions. RT generally had a positive effect on musculoskeletal, body composition, and T2DM disease processes measures, with tentative conclusions based on a low number of completed RCTs. Thus, more research is needed on such programs for older adults (≥65 years) with T2DM.
The Convergence and MS Stability of Exponential Euler Method for Semilinear Stochastic Differential Equations
Authors: Shi Chunmei , Xiao Yu , Zhang Chiping
Published: September 2012

The numerical approximation of exponential Euler method is constructed for semilinear stochastic differential equations (SDEs). The convergence and mean‐square
(MS) stability of exponential Euler method are investigated. It is proved that the exponential Euler method is convergent with the strong order 1/2 for semilinear SDEs. A mean‐square linear stability analysis shows that the stability region of exponential Euler method contains that of EM method and stochastic Theta method (0 ≤ θ < 1) and also contains that of the scale linear SDE, that is, exponential Euler method is analogue mean‐square A‐stable. Then the exponential stability of the exponential Euler method for scalar semi‐linear SDEs is considered. Under the conditions that guarantee the analytic solution is exponentially stable in mean‐square sense, the exponential Euler method can reproduce the mean‐square exponential stability for any nonzero stepsize. Numerical experiments are given to verify the conclusions.
The de Morton Mobility Index: Normative Data for a Clinically Useful Mobility Instrument
Authors: Macri E. M. , Lewis J. A. , Khan K. M. , Ashe M. C. , de Morton N. A.
Published: September 2012

Determining mobility status is an important component of any health assessment for older adults. In order for a mobility measure to be relevant and meaningful, normative data are required for comparison to a healthy reference population. The DEMMI is the first mobility instrument to measure mobility across the spectrum from bed bound to functional levels of independent mobility. In this cross-sectional observational study, normative data were obtained for the DEMMI from a population of 183 healthy, community-dwelling adults age 60+ who resided in Vancouver, Canada and Melbourne, Australia. Older age categories had significantly lower DEMMI mobility mean scores (P<0.05), as did individuals who walked with a mobility aid or lived in semi-independent living (assisted living or retirement village), whereas DEMMI scores did not differ by sex (P=0.49) or reported falls history (P=0.21). Normative data for the DEMMI mobility instrument provides vital reference scores to facilitate its use across the mobility spectrum in clinical, research, and policymaking settings.
Spectral Biomimetic Technique for Wood Classification Inspired by Human Echolocation
Authors: Martínez Rojas Juan Antonio , Vignote Peña Santiago , Alpuente Hermosilla Jesús , Sánchez Montero Rocío , López Espí Pablo Luis , Martínez Rojas Isaac
Published: September 2012

Palatal clicks are most interesting for human echolocation. Moreover, these sounds are suitable for other acoustic applications due to their regular mathematical properties and reproducibility. Simple and nondestructive techniques, bioinspired by synthetized pulses whose form reproduces the best features of palatal clicks, can be developed. The use of synthetic palatal pulses also allows detailed studies of the real possibilities of acoustic human echolocation without the problems associated with subjective individual differences. These techniques are being applied to the study of wood. As an example, a comparison of the performance of both natural and synthetic human echolocation to identify three different species of wood is presented. The results show that human echolocation has a vast potential.
Reduced Heart Rate Recovery Is Associated with Poorer Cognitive Function in Older Adults with Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Keary Therese A. , Galioto Rachel , Hughes Joel , Waechter Donna , Spitznagel Mary Beth , Rosneck James , Josephson Richard , Gunstad John
Published: September 2012

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) in older adults has been associated with varying degrees of cognitive dysfunction. Several mechanisms may explain this association, including impaired cardiovascular reactivity to autonomic nervous system (ANS) signaling. Reduced heart rate recovery following a stress test may be considered an indication of impaired ANS function (i.e., reduced parasympathetic activity). Participants were 47 older adults (53–83 years) who underwent a treadmill stress test and were administered a comprehensive neuropsychological battery upon entry to phase II cardiac rehabilitation. Reduced parasympathetic activity was associated with impaired cognitive performance on a measure of global cognitive function and on tasks of speeded executive function and confrontation naming. These relationships suggest that changes in autonomic function may be mechanistically related to the impaired cognitive function prevalent in CVD patients.
Adaptively Active Contours Based on Variable Exponent Lp(|∇I|) Norm for Image Segmentation
Authors: Wen Wenying , He Chuanjiang , Li Meng , Zhan Yi
Published: September 2012

We propose an Lp(|∇I|)‐based adaptively active contours model for image segmentation which is derived from the well‐known Chan‐Vese (C‐V) model. Unlike the C‐V model, the proposed model uses the Lp(|∇I|) (p(|∇I|) > 2) norm instead of the L2 norm to define the external energy and incorporates an extra internal energy into the overall energy. Due to the variable exponent p(|∇I|)  which could fit the image gradient information adaptively, the proposed Lp(|∇I|)‐based model has the hope of segmenting those images with low contrast and blurred boundaries. Experimental results show that the proposed model with p(|∇I|) > 2 really can effectively and quickly segment those images with low contrast and blurred boundaries.
Trichomoniasis and Lactoferrin: Future Prospects
Authors: Sehgal Rakesh , Goyal Kapil , Sehgal Alka
Published: September 2012

Trichomonas vaginalisis a parasitic protozoan which infects the urogenital tract and requires iron as an essential nutrient. Iron is known to upregulate various adhesins required for cytoadherance and other factors involved in pathogenesis. At mucosal surfaces, iron is chelated by lactoferrin resulting in low levels of free iron. However, pathogens have evolved mechanisms for an increased uptake of iron. The present review highlights the role of iron in survival ofTrichomonasduring fluctuating concentrations of iron at mucosal surfaces during the menstrual cycle. Future prospects in terms of new drug and vaccine targets related to iron and its receptors have also been described.
Single-Port Access Laparoscopy-Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy: Our Initial Experiences with 100 Cases
Authors: Choi Young-Sam , Shin Kwang-Sik , Choi Jin , Park Ji-No , Oh Yun-Sang , Rhee Tae-Eel
Published: September 2012

Objectives.To present our initial experiences with laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy performed using homemade transumbilical single-port system.Materials and Methods.We reviewed the medical records of one hundred patients who underwent single-port access laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (SPA-LAVH). SPA-LAVH was performed with homemade single port system and conventional rigid laparoscopic instruments.Results.All procedures were successfully completed through the single-port system and vagina without need for extraumbilical puncture or conversion to laparotomy. The median patient age was 48.2 ± 6.5 years. Thirty-three patients had history of past abdominopelvic surgery. The median total operative time, largest dimension of the uterus, and weight of the uterus were 73.1 ± 24.6 min, 10.5 ± 2.1 cm, and 300.8 ± 192.5 gram, respectively. The median decline in the hemoglobin from before surgery to postoperative day 1 was 1.8 ± 0.9 g/dL. Bladder injury in occurred one patient who was repaired through intraoperative laparoscopic suture. The postoperative course was uneventful in most patients except for three who had a transient paralytic ileus, five who had pelvic hematoma, but they were recovered following conservative managements. No port-related complications were noted, and the cosmetic results were excellent.Conclusions.SPA-LAVH is technically safe procedure, and the homemade single-port system offers reliable access for single-port surgery.
Traveling Wave Solutions of the Nonlinear (3 + 1)‐Dimensional Kadomtsev‐Petviashvili Equation Using the Two Variables (G′/G, 1/G)‐Expansion Method
Authors: Zayed E. M. E. , Hoda Ibrahim S. A. , Abdelaziz M. A. M.
Published: September 2012

The two variables (G′/G, 1/G)‐expansion method is proposed in this paper to construct new exact traveling wave solutions with parameters of the nonlinear (3 + 1)‐dimensional Kadomtsev‐Petviashvili equation. This method can be considered as an extension of the basic (G′/G)‐expansion method obtained recently by Wang et al. When the parameters are replaced by special values, the well‐known solitary wave solutions and the trigonometric periodic solutions of this equation were rediscovered from the traveling waves.
Integrated Tools for American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Surveillance and Control: Intervention in an Endemic Area in Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
Authors: Gouveia Cheryl , de Oliveira Rosely Magalhães , Zwetsch Adriana , Motta-Silva Daniel , Carvalho Bruno Moreira , de Santana Antônio Ferreira , Rangel Elizabeth Ferreira
Published: September 2012

American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) is a focal disease whose surveillance and control require complex actions. The present study aimed to apply integrated tools related to entomological surveillance, environmental management, and health education practices in an ACL-endemic area in Rio de Janeiro city, RJ, Brazil. The distribution of the disease, the particular characteristics of the localities, and entomological data were used as additional information about ACL determinants. Environmental management actions were evaluated after health education practices. The frequency of ACL vectorsLutzomyia (N.) intermediaandL. migoneiinside and outside houses varied according to environment characteristics, probably influenced by the way of life of the popular groups. In this kind of situation environmental management and community mobilization become essential, as they help both specialists and residents create strategies that can interfere in the dynamics of vector’s population and the contact between man and vectors.
A Case of Laparoscopic Mesenteric Cyst Excision
Authors: Jain Vikalp , DeMuro Jonas P. , Geller Matthew , Selbs Elena , Romero Carlos
Published: September 2012

The objective of this study is to discuss the presentation, diagnosis, and surgical management of a young, healthy patient with a symptomatic mesenteric cyst. He had a 5-month history of abdominal pain from this disorder, and the case is presented to illustrate the clinical picture and operative management of this rare disorder.
A Multicast Routing Protocol with Pruning and Energy Balancing for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Pu Juhua , Tang Xiaolan , Wang Fengkun , Xiong Zhang
Published: September 2012

This paper presents a novel multicast routing protocol for wireless sensor networks, named Multicast tree protocol with Pruning and Energy Balancing (MPEB) to disseminate data through a layered multicast tree with high-efficiency and low-power consumption. With pruning algorithm and energy balancing algorithm, MPEB can save energy and balance load. Pruning algorithm records and maintains backup parents for each child node, and thus it can detach possible nodes from the multicast tree and turn as many nodes as possible to sleep. Energy balancing algorithm protects nodes with low power from running out of energy and dying out, and thus it can balance total energy consumption of the whole network and prolong the network lifetime. The formal validations and simulations evaluate the performance of MPEB, which shows that MPEB has a distinct advantage over others in both reducing and balancing energy consumption.
Gene-Expression-Guided Selection of Candidate Loci and Molecular Phenotype Analyses Enhance Genetic Discovery in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Koldobskaya Yelena , Ko Kichul , Kumar Akaash A. , Agik Sandra , Arrington Jasmine , Kariuki Silvia N. , Franek Beverly S. , Kumabe Marissa , Utset Tammy O. , Jolly Meenakshi , Skol Andrew D. , Niewold Timothy B.
Published: September 2012

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a highly heterogeneous autoimmune disorder characterized by differences in autoantibody profiles, serum cytokines, and clinical manifestations. We have previously conducted a case-case genome-wide association study (GWAS) of SLE patients to detect associations with autoantibody profile and serum interferon alpha (IFN-α). In this study, we used public gene expression data sets to rationally select additional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for validation. The top 200 GWAS SNPs were searched in a database which compares genome-wide expression data to genome-wide SNP genotype data in HapMap cell lines. SNPs were chosen for validation if they were associated with differential expression of 15 or more genes at a significance ofP<9×10−5. This resulted in 11 SNPs which were genotyped in 453 SLE patients and 418 matched controls. Three SNPs were associated with SLE-associated autoantibodies, and one of these SNPs was also associated with serum IFN-α(P<4.5×10−3for all). One additional SNP was associated exclusively with serum IFN-α. Case-control analysis was insensitive to these molecular subphenotype associations. This study illustrates the use of gene expression data to rationally select candidate loci in autoimmune disease, and the utility of stratification by molecular phenotypes in the discovery of additional genetic associations in SLE.
Potential of Ceria-Based Catalysts for the Oxidation of Landfill Leachate by Heterogeneous Fenton Process
Authors: Aneggi E. , Cabbai V. , Trovarelli A. , Goi D.
Published: September 2012

In this study, ceria and ceria-zirconia solid solutions were tested as catalyst for the treatment of landfill leachate with a Fenton-like process. The catalysts considered in this work were pure ceria and ceria-zirconia solid solutions as well as iron-doped samples. All the catalysts were extensively characterized and applied in batch Fenton-like reactions by a close batch system, the COD (chemical oxygen demand) and TOC (total organic carbon) parameters were carried out before and after the treatments in order to assay oxidative abatement. Results show a measurable improvement of the TOC and COD abatement using ceria-based catalysts in Fenton-like process and the best result was achieved for iron-doped ceria-zirconia solid solution. Our outcomes point out that heterogeneous Fenton technique could be effectively used for the treatment of landfill leachate and it is worth to be the object of further investigations.
Caspase-Mediated Truncation of Tau Potentiates Aggregation
Authors: Lee Sangmook , Shea Thomas B.
Published: September 2012

Caspase-mediated truncation of tau is associated with aggregation. We examined the impact of manipulation of caspase activity on intracellular aggregation of a mutant form of tau (3PO) that forms spontaneous aggregates. Treatment with the caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-fmk reduced both N and C-terminal tau truncation but did not significantly reduce aggregation. Treatment with staurosporine, which activated caspases, increased C-terminal but not N-terminal truncation and enhanced aggregation. These findings suggest that caspase activation is one potential route, rather than an obligatory initiation step, in aggregation, and that N- and C-terminal truncation contribute differentially to aggregation.
In Vitro Cytotoxicity Assay on Gold Nanoparticles with Different Stabilizing Agents
Authors: Vijayakumar S. , Ganesan S.
Published: September 2012

Noble gold nanoparticles (AuNps) are generally nontoxic due to their inert nature. The gold nanoparticles are easily tagged with various proteins and biomolecules rich in aminoacid leading to important biomedical applications including targeted drug delivery, cellular imaging, and biosensing. In this study, three cytotoxicity detection assays 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiozol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT), neutral red cell, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) on gold nanoparticles stabilized with citrate, starch, and gum arabic are used. The assays used are based on different mode of detection like LDH release, MTT metabolism, and neutral red uptake. We found that the AuNps stabilized with citrate are very sensitive to the change of concentration and time assay compared to starch and gum arabic stabilized gold nanoparticles.
Cognition and Vascular Risk Factors: An Epidemiological Study
Authors: Vicario Augusto , Del Sueldo Mildren , Fernández Ruth A. , Enders Julio , Zilberman Judith , Cerezo Gustavo H.
Published: September 2012

We conducted an epidemiological approach to identify the negative impact of the vascular risk factors (such as hypertension, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia) over cognition. The interesting aspect of this study was that the survey was conducted in all age groups through a voluntary call (n=1365; ≥18 years old, both sexes; age 49 ± 15 y, female 75.7%). Thus, we demonstrated that the use of a Minimum Cognitive Examination (MCE), a brief, simple, and easy managed neuropsychological evaluation, detected a greater number of people with cognitive decline surpassing to the Minimal Mental Statement Examination alone (14.5% of the participants showed MMSE ≤24, 34,6% showed dys-executive function, and 45,8% memory impairment. Out of the 4 studied RF, the only one that was not related to cognitive impairment was dyslipemia. Finally, we noted the importance of cognitive state early detection in all age groups, even in the youngest group. Acting in the middle of the life stages, we can prevent or delay the onset of a disease in adults, nowadays incurable: dementia.
Multiple Autoantibodies Display Association with Lymphopenia, Proteinuria, and Cellular Casts in a Large, Ethnically Diverse SLE Patient Cohort
Authors: Lu Rufei , Robertson Julie M. , Bruner Benjamin F. , Guthridge Joel M. , Neas Barbara R. , Nath Swapan K. , Kelly Jennifer A. , Moser Sivils Kathy L. , Chakravarty Eliza F. , Kamen Diane L. , Gilkeson Gary S. , Wallace Daniel J. , Weisman Michael H. , Scofield R. Hal , Harley John B. , James Judith A.
Published: September 2012

Purpose. This study evaluates high-throughput autoantibody screening and determines associated systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) clinical features in a large lupus cohort.Methods. Clinical and demographic information, along with serum samples, were obtained from each SLE study participant after appropriate informed consent. Serum samples were screened for 10 distinct SLE autoantibody specificities and examined for association with SLE ACR criteria and subcriteria using conditional logistic regression analysis.Results. In European-American SLE patients, autoantibodies against 52 kD Ro and RNP 68 are independently enriched in patients with lymphopenia, anti-La, and anti-ribosomal P are increased in patients with malar rash, and anti-dsDNA and anti-Sm are enriched in patients with proteinuria. In African-American SLE patients, cellular casts associate with autoantibodies against dsDNA, Sm, and Sm/nRNP.Conclusion. Using a high-throughput, bead-based method of autoantibody detection, anti-dsDNA is significantly enriched in patienets with SLE ACR renal criteria as has been previously described. However, lymphopenia is associated with several distinct autoantibody specificities. These findings offer meaningful information to allow clinicians and clinical investigators to understand which autoantibodies correlate with select SLE clinical manifestations across common racial groups using this novel methodology which is expanding in clinical use.
3D Photonic Nanostructures via Diffusion-Assisted Direct fs Laser Writing
Authors: Bickauskaite Gabija , Manousidaki Maria , Terzaki Konstantina , Kambouraki Elmina , Sakellari Ioanna , Vasilantonakis Nikos , Gray David , Soukoulis Costas M. , Fotakis Costas , Vamvakaki Maria , Kafesaki Maria , Farsari Maria , Pikulin Alexander , Bityurin Nikita
Published: September 2012

We present our research into the fabrication of fully three-dimensional metallic nanostructures using diffusion-assisted direct laser writing, a technique which employs quencher diffusion to fabricate structures with resolution beyond the diffraction limit. We have made dielectric 3D nanostructures by multiphoton polymerization using a metal-binding organic-inorganic hybrid material, and we covered them with silver using selective electroless plating. We have used this method to make spirals and woodpiles with 600 nm intralayer periodicity. The resulting photonic nanostructures have a smooth metallic surface and exhibit well-defined diffraction spectra, indicating good fabrication quality and internal periodicity. In addition, we have made dielectric woodpile structures decorated with gold nanoparticles. Our results show that diffusion-assisted direct laser writing and selective electroless plating can be combined to form a viable route for the fabrication of 3D dielectric and metallic photonic nanostructures.
Necessary and Sufficient Conditions for Boundedness of Commutators of the General Fractional Integral Operators on Weighted Morrey Spaces
Authors: Si Zengyan , Zhao Fayou
Published: September 2012

We prove that b is in Lipβ(ω) if and only if the commutator [b, L−α/2] of the multiplication operator by b and the general fractional integral operator L−α/2 is bounded from the weighted Morrey space Lp,k(ω) to Lq,kq/p(ω1−(1−α/n)q, ω), where 0 < β < 1, 0 < α + β < n, 1 < p < n/(α + β), 1/q = 1/p − (α + β)/n, 0 ≤ k < p/q, ωq/p ∈ A1, and rω > (1 − k)/(p/(q − k)), and here rω denotes the critical index of ω for the reverse Hölder condition.
Giftedness as a Developmental Construct That Leads to Eminence as Adults
Authors: Jung Jae Yup
Published: September 2012

The proposal of Subotnik, Olszewski-Kubilius, and Worrell (2011) on rethinking giftedness and gifted education has a number of implications from an occupational/career decision-making perspective. In this examination of their ideas, consideration is given to the literature in vocational psychology/career development, the emerging findings on the occupational/career decisions of gifted adolescents, and the existing research in gifted education. The new model represents a timely platform and impetus for a constructive discussion and debate on rethinking and advancing the field of gifted education.
Implications for Addressing the Psychosocial Needs of Gifted Individuals
Authors: Rinn Anne N.
Published: September 2012

In response to the article, “Rethinking Giftedness and Gifted Education: A Proposed Direction Forward Based on Psychological Science,” by Subotnik, Olszewski-Kubilius, and Worrell (2011), several questions arise with regard to the psychosocial needs of gifted individuals: What are the most important psychosocial variables we should take into account when cultivating talent? How do we measure these psychosocial variables? What is psychosocial coaching and how do we do it?
Religion and the ‘public/private’ problematic: the three ‘public’ spheres of the Lourdes pilgrimage
Authors: Terado Junko
Published: September 2012

The social significance of the Lourdes pilgrimage is examined in terms of the concept of ‘public/private’ spheres, as used by Junichi Saito (2000), who specifies three meanings that the concept ‘public’ has on the level of daily language use: a national or official aspect, a common or social aspect, and an aspect of openness and accessibility. The author’s purpose here is to clarify that the Lourdes pilgrimage movement brought these three public aspects to the fore in turn in response to contemporary problems – national identity, pauperism and the privatization of personal experiences of suffering – by taking advantage of the presence of the sick, that is, the spectacle of suffering in the ‘public space’ of the sanctuary of Lourdes.
Varieties of Developmental States
Authors: Joshi Devin K.
Published: September 2012

The “developmental state” discourse has opened up fruitful scholarly explorations of alternatives to neoliberal capitalism, but its scope has been somewhat narrow and geographically limited. As a remedy, I propose a broadening of the “developmental state” concept to include three varieties of non-Western states on track to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). In these states, political leaders actively developed an initial “comparative advantage” in either (a) human capital; (b) natural capital; or (c) social capital that allowed the state to invest the returns-to-capital into a broader state-led development strategy to satisfy most citizen’s basic human needs. I illustrate these three different pathways via the relatively successful experiences of Singapore, Kuwait, and Costa Rica.
Proliferative and Nonproliferative Lesions of the Rat and Mouse Mammary, Zymbal’s, Preputial, and Clitoral Glands
Authors: Rudmann Daniel , Cardiff Robert , Chouinard Luc , Goodman Dawn , Küttler Karin , Marxfeld Heike , Molinolo Alfredo , Treumann Silke , Yoshizawa Katsuhiko ,   For the INHAND Mammary, Zymbal's, Preputial, and Clitoral Gland Organ Working Group
Published: September 2012

The mammary gland of laboratory rodents is an important organ for the evaluation of effects of xenobiotics, especially those that perturb hormonal homeostasis or are potentially carcinogenic. Mammary gland cancer is a leading cause of human mortality and morbidity worldwide and is a subject of major research efforts utilizing rodent models. Zymbal’s, preputial, and clitoral glands are standard tissues that are evaluated in animal models that enable human risk assessment of xenobiotics. A widely accepted and utilized international harmonization of nomenclature for mammary, Zymbal’s, preputial, and clitoral gland lesions in laboratory animals will improve diagnostic alignment among regulatory and scientific research organizations and enrich international exchanges of information among toxicologists and pathologists.
Dynamic modeling and fuzzy control for a small tiltrotor unmanned aerial vehicle
Authors: Chang Sungho , Bang Hyochoong , Lee Wonsuk , Park Bumjin
Published: September 2012

Dynamic modeling and fuzzy control of a tiltrotor unmanned aerial vehicle are presented. In order to design a full-conversion flight controller for a tiltrotor unmanned aerial vehicle, the dynamic characteristics of a small tiltrotor unmanned aerial vehicle during helicopter-to-airplane conversion is investigated. A six-degree-of-freedom nonlinear equation of motion using powered wind tunnel test data is developed based on a Bell Model 301 tiltrotor research aircraft. The time-varying characteristics of the conversion maneuver, over which system dynamics change rapidly, are handled by a Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy control approach in both longitudinal and lateral axes. Simulation results indicate that a small tiltrotor unmanned aerial vehicle exhibits nacelle tilt during the backward conversion flight from airplane to helicopter mode.
The Detection of Feigning Using Multiple PAI Scale Elevations
Authors: Gaines Michelle V. , Giles Charles L. , Morgan Robert D.
Published: September 2012

Archival data were collected from 98 male inmates at a psychiatric inpatient unit to examine the utility of the Multiscale Feigning Index (MFI) as a proposed feigning index for the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI). MFI was compared with existing PAI feigning indices, Malingering (MAL), Negative Impression Management (NIM), and Rogers Discriminant Function (RDF), using performance on the Structured Interview of Reported Symptoms (SIRS) as the feigning criterion. Regression analyses revealed that MFI was a stronger predictor of SIRS outcome than NIM, MAL, and RDF. In addition, NIM, MAL, and RDF did not add substantial incremental validity to MFI in predicting SIRS outcome. Receiver operating characteristic analyses revealed sensitivity of 68.89% and specificity of 94.34% at an MFI cutoff of more than 76, which compared favorably with the utility of NIM, MAL, and RDF.