bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Permission to be prejudiced: Legitimacy credits in the evaluation of advertisements
Authors: Choi Beomjoon , Crandall Chris S. , La Suna
Published: January 2014

We investigated discrimination in the context of evaluating advertisements, based on the suppression model (justification‐suppression model [JSM]) of prejudice expression. Previous research has demonstrated that when people are given an opportunity to give a high rating to an ad featuring a Black model, a sense of nonprejudice is created, which, in turn, provides an opportunity to discriminate subsequently without feeling prejudiced. We extended the JSM by investigating whether the acquisition of legitimacy credits (a moral authority earned by demonstrating nonprejudice) is a sufficient condition to release the expression of prejudice. We found that subjects who first evaluated a high‐quality ad featuring a Black model felt eligible to use legitimacy credits in subsequent evaluations. But in a subsequent study, participants who acquired these credits evaluated Black model ads more negatively than White model ads only when these ads were of low quality. The implications for evaluating the subtle way that prejudice affects rating of models of color in advertisements are discussed.
How negative descriptive norms for healthy eating undermine the effects of positive injunctive norms
Authors: Staunton Mina , Louis Winnifred R. , Smith Joanne R. , Terry Deborah J. , McDonald Rachel I.
Published: January 2014

Healthy eating intentions were assessed as a function of theory of planned behavior variables and manipulated group norm salience. Participants (n = 119) were exposed (or not) to a positive injunctive norm that their fellow students approve of eating healthily, and (or not) to a negative descriptive norm that their fellow students do not eat healthily. A significant interaction emerged. When a negative descriptive norm was made salient, participants exposed to a positive injunctive norm reported significantly lower intentions to eat healthily. When no descriptive norm was given, exposure to a positive injunctive norm had no effect. The results suggest the weakness of manipulated injunctive norm salience in the health domain, and the importance of investigating the interactive effects of referent group norms.
The accuracy of the Child and Adolescent Intellectual Disability Screening Questionnaire (CAIDS‐Q) in classifying severity of impairment: a brief report
Authors: Murray A. L. , McKenzie K.
Published: January 2014

Background

Severity of intellectual disability (ID) is associated with a range of outcomes for the individual and having an indication of severity can help inform support needs. Previous research has not evaluated whether screening tools can accurately ascertain severity category in addition to providing a red flag for the presence of ID.

Methods

We used multi‐category receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to assess whether the Child and Adolescent Intellectual Disability Screening Questionnaire (CAIDS‐Q) could be used clinically to classify individuals (n = 191) aged between 12 and 18 according to British Psychological Society (BPS) categories of severity of impairment.

Results

The volume under the surface statistic (VUS) was 0.59. The optimal cut‐points estimated based on the ROC surface and Youden Index provided correct classification probabilities for the severe, significant and non‐ID groups of 0.44, 0.63 and 0.86 and 0.79, 0.29 and 0.88 respectively.

Conclusions

While the CAIDS‐Q can accurately discriminate between those with and without ID, and provides a heuristic for severity of ID, the results indicate that it does not reliably identify whether an individual falls into the severe or significant category of intellectual impairment.
Residual neuromuscular blockade and postoperative critical respiratory events: literature review
Authors: Kiekkas Panagiotis , Bakalis Nick , Stefanopoulos Nikolaos , Konstantinou Evangelos , Aretha Diamanto
Published: January 2014

Aims and objectives

To investigate and synthesise published literature on the associations between residual neuromuscular blockade and critical respiratory events of postoperative adult patients in the postanaesthesia care unit.

Background

Residual neuromuscular blockade continues to be common among patients transferred to the postanaesthesia care unit after general anaesthesia, while negative effects of residual neuromuscular blockade on respiratory function have been demonstrated in laboratory volunteers.

Design

Literature review.

Methods

Using key terms, a search was conducted in Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Database and EMBASE (January 1990–May 2013) for clinical trials or observational studies on the associations between residual neuromuscular blockade and critical respiratory events, published in English‐language journals.

Results

Nine articles met the inclusion criteria. Residual neuromuscular blockade definition threshold differed between studies. Among critical respiratory events, only hypoxaemia was investigated in all included studies. Residual neuromuscular blockade was significantly associated with increased incidence of hypoxaemia during postanaesthesia care unit stay in most studies, while associations with the rest of the critical respiratory events were inconclusive.

Conclusions

Although limited, existing research has provided evidence that patients with residual neuromuscular blockade are at high risk of early postoperative hypoxaemia. Further studies are needed to investigate independent associations between residual neuromuscular blockade and critical respiratory events, along with causality of these associations. The clinical importance of residual neuromuscular blockade for groups at high risk of critical respiratory events should also be investigated.

Relevance to clinical practice

Healthcare professionals have to be aware of the increased risk of hypoxaemia in patients with residual neuromuscular blockade. Efforts to decrease residual neuromuscular blockade incidence, combined with identification and appropriate evaluation of patients with residual neuromuscular blockade during postanaesthesia care unit stay, are recommended.
Coagulation Factor and Hemostatic Protein Content of Canine Plasma after Storage of Whole Blood at Ambient Temperature
Authors: Walton J.E. , Hale A.S. , Brooks M.B. , Boag A.K. , Barnett W. , Dean R.
Published: January 2014

Background

Standard practice in canine blood banking is to produce fresh frozen plasma (FFP) by separating and freezing plasma produced from blood within 8 hours of collection. Within canine blood donation programs, this can limit the number of units collected.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The aim was to compare the coagulation factor and hemostatic protein content (CF&HPC) of plasma produced from blood stored at ambient temperature for 8, 12, and 24 hours. Another aim was to compare the CF&HPC between Greyhound types and other breeds.

Animals

None.

Methods

In vitro study. A convenience sample of 58 units of canine blood from a blood donor pool was processed to prepare and freeze plasma 8, 12, or 24 hours following collection.

Results

Regardless of time of processing, the units contained therapeutic CF&HPC. Frozen plasma prepared after 24 hours had significantly higher factor VIII (P = .014) and factor X (P = .03) when compared with the frozen plasma prepared at 8 hours. Factor X (P < .01), fibrinogen (P < .01), and vWF (P = .04) were significantly lower in plasma collected from Greyhound types than in plasma collected from other breeds.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Storing whole blood for up to 24 hours is a suitable method for producing FFP. Lower values for some coagulation factors and hemostatic proteins in plasma produced from Greyhound types would not preclude these dogs as FFP donors.
Exclusion of a Brain Lesion: Is Intravenous Contrast Administration Required after Normal Precontrast Magnetic Resonance Imaging?
Authors: Ives E.J. , Rousset N. , Heliczer N. , Herrtage M.E. , Vanhaesebrouck A.E.
Published: January 2014

Background

No evidence‐based guidelines are available for the administration of gadolinium‐based contrast media to veterinary patients.

Objective

To investigate whether administration of intravenous (IV) contrast media alters the likelihood of identifying a brain lesion in dogs and cats.

Animals

Four hundred and eighty‐seven client‐owned animals referred for investigation of intracranial disease.

Methods

Two reviewers retrospectively analyzed precontrast transverse and sagittal T1‐weighted (T1W), T2‐weighted, and fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery low‐field MRI sequences from each patient for the presence of a clinically relevant brain lesion. All sequences subsequently were reviewed in the same manner with additional access to postcontrast T1W images.

Results

Of the 487 precontrast MRI studies, 312 were judged to be normal by 1 or both reviewers. Of these 312 studies, a previously undetected lesion was identified in only 6 cases (1.9%) based on changes observed on postcontrast sequences. Final diagnoses included meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (n = 1), feline infectious peritonitis (n = 1), and neoplasia (n = 2). All 4 of these cases had persistent neurological deficits suggestive of an underlying brain lesion. Contrast enhancement observed in the 2 other cases was considered falsely positive based on the results of further investigations.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

In patients with normal neurological examination and normal precontrast MRI, the subsequent administration of IV gadolinium‐based contrast media is highly unlikely to disclose a previously unidentified lesion, calling into question the routine administration of contrast media to these patients. However, administration still should be considered in animals with persistent neurological deficits suggestive of an underlying inflammatory or neoplastic brain lesion.
Jurisdiction, Crime, and Development: The Impact of Public Law 280 in Indian Country
Authors: Dimitrova-Grajzl Valentina , Grajzl Peter , Guse A. Joseph
Published: January 2014

Public Law 280 transferred jurisdiction over criminal and civil matters from the federal to state governments and increased the extent of nontribal law enforcement in selected parts of Indian country. Where enacted, the law fundamentally altered the preexisting legal order. Public Law 280 thus provides a unique opportunity to study the impact of legal institutions and their change on socioeconomic outcomes. The law's controversial content has attracted interest from legal scholars. However, empirical studies of its impact are scarce and do not address the law's endogenous nature. We examine the law's impact on crime and on economic development in U.S. counties with significant American-Indian reservation population. To address the issue of selection of areas subject to Public Law 280, our empirical strategy draws on the law's politico-historical context. We find that the application of Public Law 280 increased crime and lowered incomes. The law's adverse impact is robust and noteworthy in magnitude.
In search of an effective treatment for recurrent mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis in the renal allograft
Authors: Cai Michael MX , Simpson Ian , Mulley William R
Published: January 2014

In patients with end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD) secondary to mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis (MCGN), recurrent disease post transplantation is a common cause of graft loss. We report a case of a 33‐year‐old female with ESKD due to idiopathic MCGN who developed recurrent disease in two consecutive renal allografts. Recurrent disease was diagnosed two months after receiving her primary transplant from a live related donor. Oral cyclophosphamide was initiated but discontinued after 10 months due to cystitis. This was followed by rapid deterioration in her renal function. Despite salvage therapy with rituximab, the graft was lost 2 years post transplantation. After 7 years on haemodialysis, the patient received a second graft from a deceased donor. Recurrent MCGN was once again diagnosed one year post transplantation. She was treated with plasma exchange and rituximab. Despite ongoing nephrotic range proteinuria, her graft function remained stable 2 years post transplantation. The optimal therapy for recurrent MCGN is unknown at this stage. It is hoped that a better understanding of its pathogenesis will enable the development of more effective and targeted therapies.
Atypical HUS associated with severe, unexpected antibody‐mediated rejection post kidney transplant
Authors: Stevenson Sarah , Mallett Andrew , Oliver Kimberley , Hyland Valentine , Hawley Carmel , Malmanche Theo , Isbel Nicole
Published: January 2014

We present a case of an unsensitized patient with end‐stage kidney disease secondary to atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) with mutations in CD46/MCP and CFH who developed severe, intractable antibody‐mediated rejection (ABMR) unresponsive to therapy post kidney transplantation. There were no haematological features of thrombotic microangiopathy. The patient received standard induction therapy and after an initial fall in serum creatinine, severe ABMR developed in the setting of urosepsis. Despite maximal therapy with thymoglobulin, plasma exchange and methylprednisolone, rapid graft loss resulted and transplant nephrectomy was performed. Luminex at 4 weeks showed a new DSA and when repeated after nephrectomy showed antibodies to each of the 5 mismatched antigens with high MFI. The rate of recurrence of disease in patients with aHUS referred for transplantation is 50% and is associated with a high rate of graft loss. It is dependent in part on the nature of the mutation with circulating factors CFH and CFI more likely to cause recurrent disease than MCP which is highly expressed in the kidney. There is increasing interest in the role of complement in the development and propagation of ABMR via terminal complement activation. This case suggesting that dysregulation of the alternative complement pathway within the transplant kidney may have contributed to the severe AMR. Very little is known about the impact of complement dysregulation and the development of anti HLA antibodies however the strength of HLA antibody formation was prominent in this case.
Anxiety and surplus in nursing practice: lessons from Lacan and Bataille
Authors: Evans Alicia M. , Glass Nel , Traynor Michael
Published: January 2014

It is well established, following Menzies' work, that nursing practice produces considerable anxiety. Like Menzies, we bring a psychoanalytic perspective to a theorization of anxiety in nursing and do so in order to consider nursing practice in the light of psychoanalytic theory, although from a Lacanian perspective. We also draw on Bataille's notion of ‘surplus’. These concepts provide the theoretical framework for a study investigating how some clinical nurses are able to remain in clinical practice rather than leave the profession or seek work at a distance from the bedside. We conducted focus groups and present here an analysis of two fragments of nurses' speech. We found the nurses responded from one of two positions. In the first position, the nurses focus on doctors, complain about the surplus afforded them, and call for it to be eliminated. In this way, the nursing group is similar to other groups, considered by Bataille, who also attempt to get rid of a surplus. However, in the second position, the nurses stay with the surplus, tolerating it as they nurse the patient. This latter position is one where the nurse practises with a focus on the patient rather than being distracted by their dispute over the doctor's privilege. The importance of this paper is in its illustration of two distinct positions from which the nurse can practise: one that is not optimal because the nurse is distracted and the other that is more focused on practice, and thus the nurse is in a position to provide the best care possible to patients.
Connective Tissue Growth Factor: A Predictor of Recurrence after Catheter Ablation in Patients with Nonparoxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: SONG ZHI‐PING , LIU XU , ZHANG DA‐DONG
Published: January 2014

Background

Although catheter ablation can effectively eliminate atrial fibrillation (AF), the progression of atrial remodeling increases the risk of recurrence. We, therefore, examined the possibility of determining the postablation prognosis of patients with AF using biomarkers of atrial structural remodeling and serum connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) level, and measured its changes after catheter ablation.

Methods

Subjects were 400 consecutive patients (308 with paroxysmal AF and 92 with nonparoxysmal AF [persistent and long‐standing persistent AF]) who underwent catheter ablation for drug‐resistant AF. Serum CTGF levels were measured before and 2 months after ablation.

Results

During the follow‐up period of 20.5 ± 6.9 (8–30) months, 61 patients (66%) with nonparoxysmal AF and 95 patients (31%) with paroxysmal AF had recurrence after catheter ablation. Recurrence was associated with higher “baseline CTGF level” in patients with nonparoxysmal AF (936.5 ± 93.1 ng/mL vs 746.3 ± 56.9 ng/mL, P = 0.007) instead of patients with paroxysmal AF (851.6 ± 97.6 ng/mL vs 807.6 ± 99.1 ng/mL, P = 0.921). In nonparoxysmal AF, the recurrence subgroup also had larger left atrial diameter (LAD; 47.1 ± 5.2 mm vs 39.5 ± 4.3 mm, P = 0.035) compared with the nonrecurrence subgroup, and “baseline serum CTGF” and LAD were shown to be independent predictors for postablation recurrence by a Cox proportional hazards model. However, the 2‐month postablation elevations of CTGF in patients with recurrence were not significantly different from that in patients without recurrence in nonparoxysmal AF.

Conclusion

Our finding indicates that “baseline serum CTGF level” is an independent predictor for recurrence in patients with nonparoxysmal AF following catheter ablation. Two‐month postablation elevation in CTGF has no association with recurrence.
Effect of T‐DNA insertions on mRNA transcript copy numbers upstream and downstream of the insertion site in Arabidopsis thaliana explored by surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Kadam Ulhas , Moeller Claudia A. , Irudayaraj Joseph , Schulz Burkhard
Published: January 2014

We report the effect of a T‐DNA insertion on the expression level of mRNA transcripts of the TWISTED DWARF 1 (TWD1) gene upstream and downstream of the T‐DNA insertion site in Arabidopsis. A novel approach based on surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) was developed to detect and quantify the effect of a T‐DNA insertion on mRNA transcript accumulation at 5′‐ and 3′‐ends of the TWD1 gene. A T‐DNA insertion mutant in the TWD1 gene (twd1‐2) was chosen to test the sensitivity and the feasibility of the approach. The null mutant of the FK506‐like immunophilin protein TWD1 in Arabidopsis shows severe dwarfism and strong disoriented growth of plant organs. A spontaneous arising suppressor allele of twd1‐2 called twd‐sup displayed an intermediate phenotype between wild type and the knockout phenotype of twd1‐2. Both twd1 mutant alleles have identical DNA sequences at the TWD1 locus including the T‐DNA insertion in the fourth intron of the TWD1 gene but they show clear variability in the mutant phenotype. We present here the development and application of SERS‐based mRNA detection and quantification using the expression of the TWD1 gene in wild type and both mutant alleles. The hallmarks of our SERS approach are a robust and fast assay to detect up to 0.10 fm of target molecules including the ability to omit in vitro transcription and amplification steps after RNA isolation. Instead we perform direct quantification of RNA molecules. This enables us to detect and quantify rare RNA molecules at high levels of precision and sensitivity.
Party Polarization and the Ascendance of Bipartisan Posturing as a Dominant Strategy in Presidential Rhetoric
Authors: Rhodes Jesse H.
Published: January 2014

How do changes in the intensity of party conflict shape presidents' public presentations of self? Are presidents' public statements about parties and partisanship consistent with their political maneuvers behind the scenes? When do presidents have incentives to obfuscate about their party leadership efforts? Drawing on comprehensive data on presidents' public utterances about the parties and on qualitative information about presidents' strategic incentives and activities, this article shows that presidents have responded to increasing partisan polarization among members of Congress and party activists by adopting a more bipartisan leadership posture. The evidence suggests that presidents' increasing invocation of bipartisan themes does not mean that presidents have become more consensus‐minded; rather, presidents use bipartisan rhetoric strategically, in an effort to cultivate support from voters disaffected by partisan conflict.
Polls and Elections Party Identification in the 2012 Presidential Election
Authors: Winneg Kenneth M. , Jamieson Kathleen Hall , Hardy Bruce W.
Published: January 2014

In 2000, 2004, and 2008 the Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC) utilized the rolling cross‐section National Annenberg Election Survey (NAES) to analyze changes in self‐identified party affiliation across the course of the campaigns. Using APPC's Institutions of Democracy 2012 Political Knowledge 6‐wave telephone survey, conducted during the final two months of the campaign and immediately following the election, we compared shifts in party affiliation to comparable periods in those prior three elections. The analysis of the relatively shortened periods, examined as cross‐sections, show a more fixed affiliation. Nonetheless, there is variability from election to election especially among self‐identified Independents.
Procalcitonin predicts mortality in HIV‐infected Ugandan adults with lower respiratory tract infections
Authors: Tokman Sofya , Barnett Christopher F. , Jarlsberg Leah G. , Taub Pam R. , den Boon Saskia , Davis J. Lucian , Cattamanchi Adithya , Worodria William , Maisel Alan , Huang Laurence ,   the International HIV‐Associated Opportunistic Pneumonias (IHOP) Study
Published: January 2014

Background and objective

In low and middle‐income countries where HIV infection is prevalent, identifying patients at high risk of dying from lower respiratory tract infections is challenging and validated prognostic models are lacking. Serum procalcitonin may be a useful prognostic tool in these settings. We sought to determine if elevated serum procalcitonin is associated with increased in‐hospital mortality and to combine serum procalcitonin with available clinical characteristics to create a clinically useful prognostic model.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, nested case‐control study of 241 HIV‐infected adults admitted to Mulago Hospital in Kampala, Uganda with cough ≥2 weeks in duration. We collected demographic and clinical information, baseline serum for procalcitonin analysis, and followed patients to determine in‐hospital mortality.

Results

Serum procalcitonin was a strong and independent predictor of inpatient mortality (aOR = 7.69, p = 0.01, sensitivity = 93%, negative predictive value = 97%). Best subset multivariate analysis identified 3 variables that were combined into a prognostic model to risk stratify patients; these variables included respiratory rate ≥30 breaths/minute (aOR = 2.07, p = 0.11), oxygen saturation <90% (aOR = 3.07, p = 0.02), and serum procalcitonin >0.5 ng/ml (aOR = 7.69, p = 0.01). The predicted probability of inpatient mortality ranged from 1% when no variables were present, to 42% when all variables were present.

Conclusions

Elevated serum procalcitonin >0.5 ng/ml is an independent predictor of in‐hospital mortality. Elevated serum procalcitonin, tachypnea, and hypoxemia may be combined into a prognostic model to identify patients at high risk of dying in the hospital. This model may be used to estimate the probability of death and to guide triage and treatment decisions.
Use of IL3 and chromatin‐modifying reagents valproic acid and 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine to affect mobilized peripheral blood CD34+ cell fate decisions
Authors: Liu J. , Samuel K. , Turner M. L. , Gallagher R. C. J.
Published: January 2014

Background and Objectives

Culture of blood CD34+ cells with chromatin‐modifying agents can lead to an increase in marrow repopulating cells and in the case of valproic acid increased erythroid cell colony formation. We undertook research to help understand what effects these reagents have on mobilized peripheral blood (MPB) CD34+ cells.

Materials and Methods

Mobilized peripheral blood was obtained under informed consent and ethics committee approval from nine patients and allograft donors. Epigenetic modifiers valproic acid and 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine were used singly or in combination with each other and with IL3 when culturing mobilized peripheral blood CD34+ cells. Cultured cells were subsequently used in flow cytometry and colony‐forming unit assay experiments.

Results

Addition of IL3 to the in vitro cell growth medium improved the expansion and maintained the functionality of CD34+ cells. Valproic acid and IL3 also work synergistically to increase the numbers of CD34+/CD36+ double‐positive cells. We found that an apparent increase in red cell colony formation was a result of a decrease in white cell colonies, with no overall increase in red cell colonies when equivalent numbers of CD34+ cells are plated.

Conclusions

Mobilized peripheral blood CD34+ stem and progenitor cells are affected by chromatin‐modifying agents and IL3 giving higher numbers of CD34+/CD36+ double‐positive erythroid progenitors.
Bilateral saccular inguinal hernias in an elderly woman presenting with advanced ovarian cancer
Authors: Burke Thomas Patrick , Waters Peadar , Khan Waqar , Barry Kevin
Published: January 2014

We present a case of an elderly woman presenting with bilateral groin hernias, one reducible and the other irreducible. CT of the abdomen and pelvis demonstrated an irreducible left inguinal hernia containing an incarcerated loop of transverse colon together with saccular metastatic tumour spread. Disseminated omental disease and ascitic fluid were noted throughout the peritoneal cavity secondary to ovarian carcinoma. As a consequence of extensive malignant disease and advanced age, the patient was treated conservatively and subsequently died a number of weeks later. To the best of our knowledge, this is only the second case of bilateral inguinal hernias presenting in a woman with a background of disseminated ovarian malignancy. This case highlights the importance of pre-reduction imaging in atypical complex cases.
Density functional theory studies of methanol adsorption and decomposition mechanism on Al13 clusters
Authors: Ye Cai-Chao , Zhao Feng-Qi , Xu Si-Yu , Ju Xue-Hai
Published: January 2014

The adsorption and decomposition of the CH3OH molecule on Al13 clusters were investigated by generalized gradient approximation of the density functional theory. The strong attractive forces between the CH3OH molecule and aluminum atoms induce the breaking of the H–O and C–O bonds of CH3OH. Subsequently, the dissociated CH3O and OH radical fragments oxidize the aluminum clusters. The largest adsorption energy is –205.4 kJ/mol. We also investigated five reaction pathways of the CH3OH molecule on the Al13 clusters. The activation energies are in the range of 10.3−113.1 kJ/mol. Compared with the bond dissociation energies of the C–O and O–H bonds in the isolated methanol, Al13 performs very well in decreasing the bond break barrier of CH3OH. In addition, although the C–O bond is slightly weaker than the O−H bond, the O−H bond is even easier to decompose on the Al13 surface. The rate constants of five adsorption paths over the temperature range 300−700 K are presented.
Post-convergent structures in lower parts of the 1090–1050 Ma (early-Ottawan) thrust-sheet stack, Grenville Province of Ontario, southern Canadian Shield
Authors: Schwerdtner W.M. , Rivers Toby , Zeeman Brant , Wang C.C. , Tsolas Jason , Yang Jack , Ahmed Madeeha
Published: January 2014

Remnants of the early-Ottawan thrust-sheet stack are exposed in the Central Gneiss Belt (CGB, lower portion of stack) and the Composite Arc Belt (upper portion of stack). Post-collisional vertical thinning and associated horizontal extension of the stack produced structures ranging over eight orders of magnitude in horizontal length, and both orogen-parallel and orogen-perpendicular in orientation. At the 100 km scale, the fold-induced constriction in the northern Parry Sound domain appears to have been enhanced, and lineation trend lines in its footwall locally deflected, by a component of NW–SE (i.e., orogen-perpendicular) flattening and a component of NE–SW (i.e., orogen-parallel) ductile extension. At the 10 km scale, four non-cylindrical lenticular bodies of gabbro–anorthosite gneiss within the domain, inferred to be triaxial mega-boudins or heterogeneously strained plutons, are separated by large extensional bending folds, the complementary structures attesting to a component of NW–SE flattening and a component of NE–SW extension. Non-cylindrical lenticular structures in other domains of the CGB, interpreted as triaxial foliation mega-boudins, exceed 30 km in length. Their moderately strained granulite-facies interiors give way to highly strained amphibolite-facies margins, thus documenting subvertical ductile flattening and multi-lateral extension during retrogression. Well-layered, highly strained gneiss is commonly deformed by steep NE–SW-trending extensional faults and associated monoclinal fault-propagation folds (FPFs). The short limbs of the FPFs bend the regional elongation lineation and host a set of fault-parallel, unstrained to slightly deformed, granite–pegmatite dikes. Dilation vectors of most dikes are oblique to the granite–pegmatite contacts, and the sense of their tangential components attests to orogen-perpendicular extension. The fault-parallel dikes and associated FPFs are cut by a set of unstrained dikes. Collectively these observations document a prolonged history of post-collisional extension of the mid crust, from ductile structures indicative of a significant component of orogen-parallel extension shortly after the metamorphic peak at mid-crustal depths, to brittle–ductile structures indicative of a component of orogen-perpendicular extension and associated magmatic dilation following its exhumation and cooling in the upper crust.
APPLYING SIMULATED ANNEALING TO A GENERALIZED CELL FORMATION PROBLEM CONSIDERING ALTERNATIVE ROUTINGS AND MACHINE RELIABILITY
Authors: JOUZDANI JAVID , BARZINPOUR FARNAZ , SHAFIA MOHAMMAD ALI , FATHIAN MOHAMMAD
Published: January 2014

One of the most important steps in designing a cellular manufacturing system is cell formation which includes grouping the machines in cells and the parts as part families, so that the costs are minimized. Several aspects of the problem should be taken into account in cell formation; more specifically, machines and their reliability are among the most important issues that should be modelled correctly. Another important facet of a cellular manufacturing system is material handling cost consisting of inter-cellular and intra-cellular movement costs. In addition, setup cost may play a significant role in decision-making in many real world problems of cell formation. Obviously, cell formation cannot be completed without considering the demands for parts. Considering all these aspects of the problem in this research, a generalized model for solving cell formation problem is proposed. Exact methods, e.g., B&B, are cumbersome in solving such complex models for large-size problems. Therefore, in this paper, a modified version of simulated annealing algorithm is designed and numerical examples are provided to show that the proposed method is efficient and effective.
A 12-bit 200-MHz CURRENT-STEERING DAC WITH CALIBRATION
Authors: XIA FAN , ZHAO YIQIANG , ZHAO GONGYUAN
Published: January 2014

In this paper, a 12-bit current-steering digital-to-analog converter (DAC) with high static and dynamic linearity is proposed. Compared to traditional intrinsic-accuracy DACs, the static linearity is obtained by a series of subsidiary DACs which can shorten the calibration cycle with smaller additional circuits. The presented DAC is based on the segmented architecture and layout has been carefully designed so that better synchronization among the current sources can be achieved. The DAC is implemented in a standard 0.18-μm CMOS technology and the current source block occupies less than 0.5 mm2. The measured differential nonlinearity (DNL) and integral nonlinearity (INL) performance is ± 0.3 LSB and ± 0.5 LSB, respectively, and the spurious free dynamic range (SFDR) is 75 dB at 1 MHz signal frequency and 200 MHz sampling frequency.
SIMULATIONS OF DROPLET FORMATION IN A T-JUNCTION MICRO-CHANNEL USING THE PHASE FIELD METHOD
Authors: WANG L. L. , LI G. J. , TIAN H. , YE Y. H.
Published: January 2014

Micro-fabrication techniques are developed rapidly because they offer numerous benefits for chemical and biological industries. Numerical simulations (based on incompressible Navier–Stokes equations) are presented of the two-phase flow in a cross-flowing T-junction micro-channel using the phase field method and the results are in agreement with experimental measurements. The leakage rate in the gap between the droplet and lower wall decreases during the droplet formation, the relationship between the leakage rate and the derivative of the up-stream droplet size is obtained, which is applicable when the droplet contacts with the lower wall on the wetted conditions or expands to the up-stream in the main channel. The droplet formation is related to several factors, including the capillary number, the contact angle, the flow rate ratio, and the micro-channel shape. The critical capillary number could distinguish between the squeezing and dripping regimes for the generation of different kinds of droplets. The simulations show that the critical capillary number is 0.012. Influence of those factors on the droplet length is related to the leakage rate. The leakage rate of the continuous phase decreases slowly as the flow rate ratio decreases or contact angle increases. In the squeezing regime, the leakage rate is weakly influenced by the contact angle at the small flow rate ratio and is different in three type micro-channels, the droplet length increases with the increase in contact angle which intensifies growth at the big flow rate ratio, and the longest droplet is obtained in the Y-junction micro-channel. In the dripping regime, at the big flow rate ratio the leakage rate is almost independent to the contact angle and micro-channel shape, and the droplet length also is same.
THEORY OF DIGITAL FILTER BANKS REALIZED VIA MULTIVARIATE EMPIRICAL MODE DECOMPOSITION
Authors: KOH MIN-SUNG , MANDIC DANILO P. , CONSTANTINIDES ANTHONY G.
Published: January 2014

Undecimated and decimated multivariate empirical mode decomposition filter banks (MEMDFBs) are introduced in order to incorporate MEMD equipped with downsampling into any arbitrary tree structure and provide flexibility in the choice of frequency bands. Undecimated MEMDFBs show the same results as those of original MEMD for an octave tree structure. Since the exact cut-off frequencies of MEMD are not known (i.e. due to data-driven decomposition), employing just simple downsampling in MEMD might cause aliasing. However, decimated MEMDFBs in this paper achieve perfect reconstruction with aliasing cancelled for any arbitrary tree. Applications of decimated/undecimated MEMDFBs for speech/audio and image signals are also included. Since decimated MEMDFBs can be applied into any arbitrary tree structure, this extends into MEMD packets. Arbitrary tree structures in decimated MEMDFBs also lead to more diverse choices in frequency bands for various multivariate applications requiring decimations.
OPTIMIZED SIGNAL DENOISING AND ADAPTIVE ESTIMATION OF SEASONAL TIMING AND MASS BALANCE FROM SIMULATED GRACE-LIKE REGIONAL MASS VARIATIONS
Authors: LOOMIS BRYANT D. , LUTHCKE SCOTT B.
Published: January 2014

The gravity recovery and climate experiment (GRACE) satellite mission has been providing near-continuous measurements of Earth's mass variations at regional spatial scales since early 2003, with applications to hydrologic, oceanographic, and cryospheric research. Motivated by recent regional land ice solutions, we analyze an array of simulated GRACE-like signals and seek optimal procedures to denoise the time series and accurately determine the seasonal timing and the corresponding seasonal and net mass balances. For the purpose of signal denoising we consider Gaussian smoothing, wavelet thresholding, the ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD), the complete EEMD with adaptive noise (CEEMDAN), and a Wiener filter. We achieve the best denoising performance with a Wiener filter where the signal and noise spectra are estimated with Gaussian smoothing and the highest frequency wavelet coefficients, respectively. For the purpose of estimating seasonal timing we consider wavelet multiresolution analysis, EEMD, CEEMDAN, and a new cluster analysis of the ensemble of seasonal intrinsic mode functions that result from executing the EEMD and CEEMDAN. We select CEEMDAN cluster analysis as the best approach due to its consistent performance and ability to provide reliable uncertainties. Lastly, we investigate the effect of signal noise, high-frequency signal power, and data gaps, on the accuracy of the estimated parameters.
Clinical and Pathological Changes in Rams Experimentally Infected withActinobacillus seminisandHistophilus somni
Authors: Moustacas Valéria S. , Silva Teane M. A. , Costa Luciana F. , Carvalho Júnior Custódio A. , Santos Renato L. , Paixão Tatiane A.
Published: January 2014

Infectious epididymitis is considered a major cause of economic losses for the sheep industry worldwide. This study aimed to investigate clinical and pathological changes associated with experimental infections withA. seminisandH. somniin rams. Twenty rams of age 18 to 24 months were infected by intraepididymal inoculation ofA. seminis(n=10) andH. somni(n=10). Rams were weekly examined and biological samples were collected during six weeks. All rams inoculated withA. seminisand 80% inoculated withH. somnibecame infected. The recovery of bacteria was possible in semen and urine samples and tissues in both experimental groups. Clinically, there were a decrease in testicular consistency and an increase in measures of the left epididymis tails in both experimental groups. The main gross changes were observed in the reproductive tract. Microscopically, the main lesions were inflammatory changes in the genitourinary tract and testicular degeneration.A. seminisandH. somniwere able to colonize several organs of the genitourinary tract in rams, being indistinguishable by clinical exam, necropsy or histopathology. For differential diagnosis, it is important to use diagnostic techniques for direct confirmation of the etiologic agent.
Recurrent and Progressive Abdominal Pain and Enteritis in a Japanese Patient with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria
Authors: Hino Akihisa , Yamashita Yukiko , Yamaguchi Mitsuhiro , Azenishi Yasuhiko
Published: January 2014

This case report describes a young male patient with recurrent abdominal pain persisting for more than 16 months. Clinical investigations showed signs of inflammation and pancytopenia. A diagnosis of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) was made 9 months after the onset of the abdominal pain, following endoscopic examinations that revealed evidence of a previously unknown hemorrhage. Regular monitoring indicated that the abdominal pain was associated with elevations in lactate dehydrogenase, C-reactive proteins, and D-dimer levels. The patient started treatment with the complement inhibitor eculizumab shortly after it was approved for use in Japanese PNH patients with hemolysis. Resolution of the abdominal pain and normalization of clinical parameters were noted within 3 weeks from treatment initiation.
The Burden of Hypertension and Kidney Disease in Northeast India: The Institute for Indian Mother and Child Noncommunicable Diseases Project
Authors: Gallieni Maurizio , Aiello Angela , Tucci Benedetta , Sala Valeria , Brahmochary Mandal Sujit K. , Doneda Anna , Genovesi Simonetta
Published: January 2014

Chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, acute myocardial infarction, stroke, diabetes, obesity, and chronic kidney disease are the major cause of death not only in high income, but also in medium and low income countries. Hypertension and diabetes, the most common causes of chronic kidney disease, are particularly common in southeast Asian Countries. Because early intervention can markedly slow the progression of these two killer diseases, assessment of their presence through screening and intervention program is a priority. We summarize here results of the screening activities and the perspectives of a noncommunicable diseases project started in West Bengal, India, in collaboration with the Institute for Indian Mother and Child (IIMC), a nongovernmental voluntary organization committed to promoting child and maternal health. We started investigating hypertension and chronic kidney disease with screen in school-age children and in adults>30 years old. We found a remarkable prevalence of hypertension, even in underweight subjects, in both children and adult populations. A glomerular filtration rate<60 mL/min was found in 4.1% of adult subjects significantly higher than that of 0.8% to 1.4% reported 10 years ago. Increased awareness and intervention projects to identify NCDs and block their progression are necessary in all countries.
Entamoeba histolytica: Gene Expression Analysis of Cells Invading Tissues
Authors: Fernandes Helen C. , Costa Ana F. , Freitas Michelle A. R. , Martins Almir S. , Pesquero Jorge L. , Rabelo Élida M. , Gomes Maria A.
Published: January 2014

Entamoeba histolyticais a protozoan parasite that presents a risk to the health of millions of people worldwide. Due to the existence of different clinical forms caused by the parasite and also different virulence levels presented by one strain, one would expect differences in the profile of gene transcripts between virulent and nonvirulent cultures. In this study we used the differential display to select gene segments related to invasiveness of amoeba. One Brazilian strain ofE. histolyticain two conditions, able or not to cause lesions in experimental animals, was used. RNA from this strain, was used to study the differential expression of genes. 29 specific gene fragments differentially expressed in the virulent strain were selected. By real-time PCR, six of these genes had confirmed their differential expression in the virulent culture. These genes may have important roles in triggering invasive amoebiasis and may be related to adaptation of trophozoites to difficulties encountered during colonization of the intestinal epithelium and liver tissue. Future studies with these genes may elucidate its actual role in tissue invasion byE. histolyticagenerating new pathways for diagnosis and treatment of amoebiasis.
The Evolution of the Sustainability Assessment ToolSBToolPT: From Buildings to the Built Environment
Authors: Castanheira Guilherme , Bragança Luís
Published: January 2014

This paper analyses the current trends in sustainability assessment. After about 15 years from the launch of sustainability assessment tools, focused on buildings evaluation, the paradigm of sustainability assessment tools is changing from the building scale to the built environment scale. Currently European cities and cities around the world are concerned with sustainable development, as well as its evolution. Cities seek a way to adapt to contemporary changes, in order to meet the required needs and ensure population’s well-being. Considering this, the new generations of sustainability assessment tools are being developed to be used to guide and help cities and urban areas to become more sustainable. Following the trend of the most important sustainability assessment tools, the sustainability assessment toolSBToolPTis also developing its version for assessing the sustainability of the built environment, namely, the urban planning projects and the urban regeneration projects, to be developed in Portugal, theSBToolPT-UP. The application of the methodology to three case studies will demonstrate its feasibility; at the same time this will identify the best practices which will serve as reference for new projects, thereby assisting the development of the tool.
Chemical Changes Associated with Increased Acid Resistance of Er:YAG Laser Irradiated Enamel
Authors: Díaz-Monroy Jennifer Manuela , Contreras-Bulnes Rosalía , Olea-Mejía Oscar Fernando , García-Fabila María Magdalena , Rodríguez-Vilchis Laura Emma , Sánchez-Flores Ignacio , Centeno-Pedraza Claudia
Published: January 2014

Background. An increase in the acid resistance of dental enamel, as well as morphological and structural changes produced by Er:YAG laser irradiation, has been reported.Purpose. To evaluate the chemical changes associated with acid resistance of enamel treated with Er:YAG laser.Methods. Forty-eight enamel samples were divided into 4 groups (n=12). Group I (control); Groups II, III, and IV were irradiated with Er:YAG at 100 mJ (12.7 J/cm2), 200 mJ (25.5 J/cm2), and 300 mJ (38.2 J/cm2), respectively.Results. There were significant differences in composition of irradiated groups (with the exception of chlorine) and in the amount of calcium released.Conclusions. Chemical changes associated with an increase in acid resistance of enamel treated with Er:YAG laser showed a clear postirradiation pattern characterized by a decrease in C at.% and an increase in O, P, and Ca at.% and no changes in Cl at.%. An increased Ca/P ratio after Er:YAG laser irradiation was associated with the use of higher laser energy densities. Chemical changes produced by acid dissolution showed a similar trend among experimental groups. Stable or increased Ca/P ratio after acid dissolution was observed in the irradiated groups, with reduction of Ca released into the acid solution.
Factors Associated with Recurrence of Varicose Veins after Thermal Ablation: Results of The Recurrent Veins after Thermal Ablation Study
Authors: Bush R. G. , Bush P. , Flanagan J. , Fritz R. , Gueldner T. , Koziarski J. , McMullen K. , Zumbro G.
Published: January 2014

Background. The goal of this retrospective cohort study (REVATA) was to determine the site, source, and contributory factors of varicose vein recurrence after radiofrequency (RF) and laser ablation.Methods. Seven centers enrolled patients into the study over a 1-year period. All patients underwent previous thermal ablation of the great saphenous vein (GSV), small saphenous vein (SSV), or anterior accessory great saphenous vein (AAGSV). From a specific designed study tool, the etiology of recurrence was identified.Results. 2,380 patients were evaluated during this time frame. A total of 164 patients had varicose vein recurrence at a median of 3 years. GSV ablation was the initial treatment in 159 patients (RF: 33, laser: 126, 52 of these patients had either SSV or AAGSV ablation concurrently). Total or partial GSV recanalization occurred in 47 patients. New AAGSV reflux occurred in 40 patients, and new SSV reflux occurred in 24 patients. Perforator pathology was present in 64% of patients.Conclusion. Recurrence of varicose veins occurred at a median of 3 years after procedure. The four most important factors associated with recurrent veins included perforating veins, recanalized GSV, new AAGSV reflux, and new SSV reflux in decreasing frequency. Patients who underwent RF treatment had a statistically higher rate of recanalization than those treated with laser.