bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Qualitative Reasoning Approach to a Driver’s Cognitive Mental Load
Authors: Sega Shinichiro , Iwasaki Hirotoshi , Hiraishi Hironori , Mizoguchi Fumio
Published: November 2012

This paper explores applying qualitative reasoning to a driver’s mental state in real driving situations so as to develop a working load for intelligent transportation systems. The authors identify the cognitive state that determines whether a driver will be ready to operate a device in car navigation. In order to identify the driver’s cognitive state, the authors will measure eye movements during car-driving situations. Data can be acquired for the various actions of a car driver, in particular braking, acceleration, and steering angles from the experiment car. The authors constructed a driver cognitive mental load using the framework of qualitative reasoning. The response of the model was checked by qualitative simulation. The authors also verified the model using real data collected by driving an actual car. The results indicated that the model could represent the change in the cognitive mental load based on measurable data. This means that the framework of this paper will be useful for designing user interfaces for next-generation systems that actively employ user situations.
Four-Channel Control Architectures for Bilateral and Multilateral Teleoperation
Authors: Wang Yuji , Sun Fuchun , Liu Huaping
Published: November 2012

The four-channel architecture in teleoperation with force feedback has been studied in various existing literature. However, most of them focused on Lawrence architecture and did not research other cases. This paper proposes two other four-channel architectures: passive four-channel architecture and passive four-channel architecture with operator force. Furthermore, two types of multilateral shared control architecture based on passive four-channel architecture, which exists in space teleoperation, are put forward. One is dual-master multilateral shared control architecture, and the other is dual-slave multilateral shared control architecture. Simulations show that these four architectures can maintain stability in the presence of large time delay.
Potentials of Quadratic Neural Unit for Applications
Authors: Rodriguez Ricardo , Bukovsky Ivo , Homma Noriyasu
Published: November 2012

The paper discusses the quadratic neural unit (QNU) and highlights its attractiveness for industrial applications such as for plant modeling, control, and time series prediction. Linear systems are still often preferred in industrial control applications for their solvable and single solution nature and for the clarity to the most application engineers. Artificial neural networks are powerful cognitive nonlinear tools, but their nonlinear strength is naturally repaid with the local minima problem, overfitting, and high demands for application-correct neural architecture and optimization technique that often require skilled users. The QNU is the important midpoint between linear systems and highly nonlinear neural networks because the QNU is relatively very strong in nonlinear approximation; however, its optimization and performance have fast and convex-like nature, and its mathematical structure and the derivation of the learning rules is very comprehensible and efficient for implementation. These advantages of QNU are demonstrated by using real and theoretical examples.
Optimum Design and Characterization of Rare Earth-Doped Fibre Amplifiers by Means of Particle Swarm Optimization Approach
Authors: Fornarelli Girolamo , Giaquinto Antonio , Mescia Luciano
Published: November 2012

The rapid increasing of internet services requires communication capacity of optical fibre networks. Such a task can be carried out by Er3+-doped fibre amplifiers, which allow to overcome limits of unrelayed communication distances. The development of efficient numerical codes provides an accurate understanding of the optical amplifier behaviour and reliable qualitative and quantitative predictions of the amplifier performance in a large variety of configurations. Therefore, the design and optimization of the optical fibre can benefit of this important tool. This chapter proposes an approach based on the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) for the optimal design and the characterization of a photonic crystal fibre amplifier. Such approach is employed to find the optimal parameters maximizing the gain of the amplifier. The comparison with respect to a conventional algorithm shows that the proposed solution provides accurate results. Subsequently, the presented method is used to study the amplifier behaviour by evaluating the curves of optimal fibre length, erbium concentration, gain, and pumping configuration. Finally, the PSO based algorithm is exploited to determine the upconversion parameters corresponding to a desired value of gain. This application is particularly intriguing since it allows recovery of the values of parameters of the optical amplifier, which cannot be directly measured.
A Closed-Loop Logistics Model for Green Supply Chain Management
Authors: Basiri A. H. , Shemshadi A. , Tarokh M. J.
Published: November 2012

Recently, with the environmental crisis, Green supply chain management (or GSCM), and in particular closed loop supply chain model, has received considerable attention by researchers. Closed loop supply chain model aims at reduction of waste and generating profit for enterprises through integrating forward and reverse logistics. Unfortunately, there is limited research on general models for closed loop supply chains in literature. In this paper, extending and enhancing previous models, a general model is proposed for closed loop supply chains using linear programming. The goal of this study is to minimize the leakage of a closed loop supply chain to avoid waste and reduce SCM costs.
A Risk Based View of Influential Factors in IT Outsourcing Relationship for Large Multinational Companies
Authors: Hodosi Georg , Rusu Lazar , Choo Seungho
Published: November 2012

Information Technology Outsourcing (ITO) is well spread among large Multinational Companies (MNCs) in Europe, and it is expected to increase even more. The authors’ focus is the service buyer company who needs a well working relation with its ITO supplier for handling emergent issues, daily operation and events that have not been foreseen. In the last years, an increasing attention has been paid to improve ITO relationship. Reviewing the research literature, they have not found any studies about Influential Factors (IFs) that could improve the ITO relationship, nor, how risk factors are interrelated to ITO relationship. Therefore, the authors address this issue by providing 15 IFs that could improve the ITO relationship for large MNCs and their providers and could help the service buyers companies’ to concentrate on these IFs. Additionally, the authors developed a framework that could support the ITO decision makers in both mitigating the risks and improving the ITO relationship.
Improving Quality of Experience of Subscribers through Post Deployment Network Planning in UMTS Cellular Networks
Authors: Sadhukhan Samir Kumar , Mandal Swarup
Published: November 2012

It is an established fact that cost of churning is a common concern for being profitable in the cellular network service provider’s space. Service providers can view this problem as a service management problem and can have a solution to enhance the stickiness of subscribers by managing the quality of user experience. Quality of Experience (QoE) is important in contrast to Quality of Service (QoS). Three basic components of service management are stage, prop, and user experience. In this cellular network service context, network infrastructure acts as prop. Prop needs to be flexible to enable the personalization in providing the service. In reality the major challenge for a service provider is keep the fitment between prop and the dynamic changes in subscriber profile in a cost effective manner. To define the problem more precisely, the authors take the conventional UMTS cellular network. Here, operators have considered single-homing of RNCs to MSCs/SGSNs (i.e., many-to-one mapping) with an objective to generate service at lower cost over a fixed period of time. However, a single-homing network does not remain cost-effective and flexible anymore when subscribers later begin to show specific inter-MSC/SGSN mobility patterns over time. This necessitates post-deployment topological extension of the network in which some specific RNCs are connected to two MSCs/SGSNs via direct links resulting in a more complex many-to-two mapping structure in parts of the network. The authors formulate the scenario as a combinatorial optimization problem and solve the NP-Complete problem using three meta-heuristic techniques, namely Simulated Annealing (SA), Tabu search (TS), and Ant colony optimization (ACO). They then compare these techniques with a novel optimal heuristic search method that the authors propose typically to solve the problem. The comparative results reveal that the search-based method is more efficient than meta-heuristic techniques in finding optimal solutions quickly.
Internet of Things (IoT) Service Architecture and its Application in E-Commerce
Authors: Shang Xiaopu , Zhang Runtong , Chen Ying
Published: November 2012

Internet of Things (IoT) is considered as the developing tendency of network technology, generally it refers to the networked interconnection of different kinds of things (objects). Compared with the Internet, IoT provides a wider platform to share more information. In this situation, the information service in IoT is necessary to organize the process of getting and sharing information for the IoT user. This paper considers that IoT service should have active, personalized, and intelligent features. The architecture for IoT service is given, which consists of three layers: perception layer, network layer, and service layer. Correspondingly, models ftoor identify users need and service coordination are proposed. E-commerce is one of the most important applications on the Internet and is a typical format of information service. Thus, this paper chooses e-commerce as the application case to research and show how IoT service works in reality.
Sticker P System
Authors: Venkatesan A. S. Prasanna , Masilamani V. , Thomas D. G.
Published: November 2012

A computability model based on DNA sequences called sticker systems was introduced by Kari et al. (1998). Sticker systems are language generating devices based on the sticker operation. In this work, a theoretical study about a new class of P system based on the sticker operation has been proposed. In this system, objects are double stranded sequences with sticky ends and evolution rules are sticking rules based on sticker operation. The authors compare the language generated by the proposed system with regular languages. The authors suggest another P system based on the bidirectional sticker system.
Detection and Diagnosis of Broken Rotor Bars in Induction Motors Using the Fuzzy Min-Max Neural Network
Authors: Seera Manjeevan , Lim Chee Peng , Ishak Dahaman
Published: November 2012

In this paper, a fault detection and diagnosis system for induction motors using motor current signature analysis and the Fuzzy Min-Max (FMM) neural network is described. The finite element method is first employed to generate experimental data for predicting the changes in stator current signatures of an induction motor due to broken rotor bars. Then, a series real laboratory experiments is for broken rotor bars detection and diagnosis. The induction motor with broken rotor bars is operated under different load conditions. In all the experiments, the FMM network is used to learn and distinguish between normal and faulty states of the induction motor based on the input features extracted from the power spectral density. The experimental results positively demonstrate that the FMM network is useful for fault detection and diagnosis of broken rotor bars in induction motors.
Seamless Implementation of a Telephone Switching System Based on Formal Specifications in RTPA
Authors: Wang Yingxu , Tian Yousheng
Published: November 2012

The Telephone Switching Systems (TSS) is a typical real-time system that is highly complicated in design and implementation. In order to deal with the extreme complexity in real-world settings, a suitable and efficient mathematical means is required beyond any programming language. To this purpose, an efficient and precise denotational mathematics known as the Real-Time Process Algebra (RTPA) and the RTPA methodology for system modeling are introduced. Empirical experimental results are reported in this paper on the implementation of TSS based on formal models of the system in RTPA. Three phases of experiments are designed on TSS conceptual modeling, system interface design, and programming implementation and testing. All groups in the experiments with 7 to 8 members have been able to efficiently understood, design, and implement the TSS system in a simplified version in four weeks, which has been estimated as a 10+ person-year project in the industry. The efficiency and expressiveness of RTPA are empirically demonstrated base on the case studies in the experiments.
Insect predators in northeast China and their impacts on Aphis glycines
Authors: Liu Jian , Xu Weijun , Wang Qiuyu , Zhao Kuijun
Published: November 2012

Predators of Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae) were surveyed and their ability to suppress A. glycines population growth was determined in Harbin, northeast China (45.4°N, 126.4°E). Field surveys were conducted on 21 fixed sampling sites in 2004 and 17 in 2005. Impacts of natural enemies of A. glycines were studied using exclosure experiments. Thirteen natural enemies were found, the most abundant of which was Propylaea japonica (Thunberg), Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), Chrysopa sinica Tjeder, Chrysopa phyllochroma Wesmael, Chrysopa formosa Brauer (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), Hemerobius humuli Linnaeus (Neuroptera: Hemerobiidae), Orius Wolff sp. (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae), Nabis stenoferus Hsiao (Heteroptera: Reduviidae), Deraeocoris punctulatus (Fallén) (Heteroptera: Miridae), and Episyrphus balteata (De Geer) (Diptera: Syrphidae). Three exclosure treatment types were established, large-mesh cages, small-mesh cages, and no cages. In exclosures, A. glycines density in small-mesh cages peaked at numbers 3.75-fold higher than in large-mesh cages and 17.44-fold higher than on plants with no cages in 2004. In 2005, these numbers were 4.59-fold and 60.98-fold. Temperature was not a factor in exclosures, but relative humidity had significant effects. These results indicated that existing predator communities could partially suppress soybean aphid population density in soybean fields in northeast China.
Pathogenic Long-Lived Plasma Cells and Their Survival Niches in Autoimmunity, Malignancy, and Allergy
Authors: Winter Oliver , Dame Christof , Jundt Franziska , Hiepe Falk
Published: November 2012

Long-lived plasma cells survive in a protected microenvironment for years or even a lifetime and provide humoral memory by establishing persistent Ab titers. Long-lived autoreactive, malignant, and allergen-specific plasma cells are likewise protected in their survival niche and are refractory to immunosuppression, B cell depletion, and irradiation. Their elimination remains an essential therapeutic challenge. Recent data indicate that long-lived plasma cells reside in a multicomponent plasma cell niche with a stable mesenchymal and a dynamic hematopoietic component, both providing essential soluble and membrane-bound survival factors. Alternative niches with different hematopoietic cell components compensate fluctuations of single cell types but may also harbor distinct plasma cell subsets. In this Brief Review, we discuss conventional therapies in autoimmunity and multiple myeloma in comparison with novel drugs that target plasma cells and their niches. In the future, such strategies may enable the specific depletion of pathogenic plasma cells while leaving the protective humoral memory intact.
Life Sciences and employability
Authors: Boshoff Wynand J. , Fraser William J.
Published: November 2012

This article addresses unemployment in rural areas. South Africa is also characterised by skills shortage and high unemployment figures, especially in rural areas as compared to urban areas. The institutional reality of education is that every rural village hosts a high school which is primarily engaged in preparing learners for further studies, whilst the Further Training Colleges (previously known as technical colleges) are mainly located in the larger centres. It is with this scenario as a backdrop that the possible role of high schools to alleviate the problem is being argued. It is clear that rural employers do not expect from school leavers to be in possession of applicable knowledge, but rather to be in possession of the ability as well as certain personal characteristics that would make them employable. Unfortunately, however, this is not always found in young persons who have completed their schooling successfully. Life Sciences educators can render a valuable service should certain nontraditional approaches be incorporated into the teaching practice. This will enable them to contribute to solving one of South Africa’s serious problems.
A Fast Quad-Tree Based Two Dimensional Hierarchical Clustering
Authors: Rajadurai Priscilla , Sankaranarayanan Swamynathan
Published: November 2012

Recently, microarray technologies have become a robust technique in the area of genomics. An important step in the analysis of gene expression data is the identification of groups of genes disclosing analogous expression patterns. Cluster analysis partitions a given dataset into groups based on specified features. Euclidean distance is a widely used similarity measure for gene expression data that considers the amount of changes in gene expression. However, the huge number of genes and the intricacy of biological networks have highly increased the challenges of comprehending and interpreting the resulting group of data, increasing processing time. The proposed technique focuses on a QT based fast 2-dimensional hierarchical clustering algorithm to perform clustering. The construction of the closest pair data structure is an each level is an important time factor, which determines the processing time of clustering. The proposed model reduces the processing time and improves analysis of gene expression data.
Utility of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance in the Evaluation of Unselected Patients with Possible Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Looi Khang Li , Edwards Colin , Hart Hamish , Christiansen Jonathan P.
Published: November 2012

Introduction

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a rare but important cause of sudden cardiac death. We investigated the role of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) in the evaluation of patients with suspected ARVC referred by a general cardiology service.

Methods

Ninety-two patients (mean age 48 ± 15, 49% female), referred for CMR assessment of possible ARVC, were reviewed. CMR included both functional and tissue characteristic imaging.

Results

No patients had ARVC based on the 1994 Task Force Criteria (TFC) prior to CMR, but 4 met proposed Modified TFC; 15% met one major (±1 minor) TFC, 71% 1 or 2 minor TFC, and 14% no TFC. Reasons for CMR referral included symptomatic arrhythmia of likely RV origin (28%), Electrocardiogram/Holter abnormalities (28%), echocardiographic features suspicious of ARVC (19%), and family history of ARVC (8%). CMR findings strongly suggestive of ARVC were found in nine patients (10%), although only three were considered typical. Of these patients two met 1 major TFC and seven met 1 or 2 minor TFC. CMR findings included RV thinning, aneurysm, and diastolic out-pouching, but only 1 patient had definite fatty infiltration of the RV. Incidentally, CMR detected important, previously undiagnosed pathology, including anomalous pulmonary venous drainage (2 patients) and non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy (6%). CMR was normal in 63%, with minor abnormalities in 29%.

Conclusions

CMR may play an important diagnostic role in the evaluation of possible ARVC. Patients who do not meet TFC for diagnosis may have CMR features typical of ARVC. Additionally CMR may detect other hitherto undiagnosed structural or functional abnormalities that alter patient management. However the majority of patients referred have a low pretest probability of ARVC, and the rate of normal CMR scans is high.
The Short‐ and Long‐Run Determinants of Less‐Educated Immigrant Flows into U.S. States
Authors: Simpson Nicole B. , Sparber Chad
Published: November 2012

We use a gravity model of migration and alternative estimation strategies to analyze how income differentials affect the flow of immigrants into U.S. states using annual data from the American Community Survey. We add to existing literature by decomposing income differentials into short‐ and long‐term components and by focusing on newly arrived less‐educated immigrants between 2000 and 2009. Our sample is unique in that the vast majority of our observations take zero values. Models that include observations with zero‐flow values find that recent male immigrants respond to differences in (short‐term) GDP fluctuations between origin countries and U.S. states, and perhaps to (long‐term) trend GDP differences as well. More specifically, GDP fluctuations pull less‐educated male immigrants into certain U.S. states, whereas GDP trends push less‐educated male immigrants out of their countries of origin. Effects for less‐educated women are less robust, as GDP coefficients tend to be much smaller than for men.
Characterization of urban aerosol in Cork City (Ireland) using aerosol mass spectrometry
Authors: Dall'Osto M. , Ovadnevaite J. , Ceburnis D. , Martin D. , Healy R. M. , O'Connor I. P. , Sodeau J. R. , Wenger J. C. , O'Dowd C.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. Ambient wintertime background urban aerosol in Cork City, Ireland, was characterized using aerosol mass spectrometry. During the three-week measurement study in 2009, 93% of the 1 200 000 single particles characterized by an Aerosol Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometer (TSI ATOFMS) were classified into five organic-rich particle types, internally-mixed to different proportions with Elemental Carbon (EC), sulphate and nitrate while the remaining 7% was predominantly inorganic in nature. Non-refractory PM1 aerosol was also characterized using a High Resolution Time-Of-Flight Aerodyne Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (HR-ToF-AMS) and was also found to comprise organic matter as the most abundant species (62%), followed by nitrate (15%), sulphate (9%) and ammonium (9%), and then chloride (5%). Positive matrix factorization (PMF) was applied to the HR-ToF-AMS organic matrix and a five-factor solution was found to describe the variance in the data well. Specifically, "Hydrocarbon-like" Organic Aerosol (HOA) comprised 19% of the mass, "Oxygenated low volatility" Organic Aerosols (LV-OOA) comprised 19%, "Biomass wood Burning" Organic Aerosol (BBOA) comprised 23%, non-wood solid-fuel combustion "Peat and Coal" Organic Aerosol (PCOA) comprised 21%, and finally, a species type characterized by primary m/z peaks at 41 and 55, similar to previously-reported "Cooking" Organic Aerosol (COA) but possessing different diurnal variations to what would be expected for cooking activities, contributed 18%. Despite wood, cool and peat being minor fuel types used for domestic space heating in urban areas, their relatively low combustion efficiencies result in a significant contribution to PM1 aerosol mass (44% and 28% of the total organic aerosols mass and non refractory PM1, respectively).
The Pain Experience and Cooperation of Patients in Consecutive Cataract Surgery
Authors: Asian Lokman , Aslankurt Murat , Çekic Osman , Aksoy Adrian , Yildiz Hüseyin
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the pain experience and the cooperation of patients during consecutive cataract surgery.

Methods

In this prospective, randomized study, 60 consecutive adult patients with bilateral senile cataracts were recruited. All operations were performed with clear corneal phacoemulsification (phaco) technique under topical and intracameral anesthesia without sedation. The first surgery was performed in the eye with high-grade cataract. The other eye was operated within 3 months. Every patient was graded using a visual analogue scale (VAS) from 0 (no pain) to 10 (unbearable pain) after the surgery. The cooperation of the patient was graded from 0 (no event) to 3 (marked eye and head movement and lid squeezing) by the surgeon. The VAS scores and cooperation of patients were the main outcome measurements.

Results

The mean VAS score was 1.50± 0.81 in the first surgery and 2.15±0.79 in the other eye surgery (p<0.001). The patient cooperation score was 1.50±0.81 in the first surgery and 2.18±0.77 in the other eye surgery (p<0.001). The VAS and patient cooperation scores were positively correlated (r=0.633, p<0.001) in the study group. The VAS and patient cooperation scores were similar based on sex and laterality.

Conclusions

Patients who previously underwent phaco surgery in one eye experience more pain and have worse cooperation during the other eye phaco surgery.
Safety and Efficacy of 0.1% Clobetasone Butyrate Eyedrops in the Treatment of Dry Eye in Sjögren Syndrome
Authors: Aragona Pasquale , Spinella Rosaria , Rania Laura , Postorino Elisa , Sommario Margherita S. , Roszkowska Anna M. , Puzzolo Domenico
Published: November 2012

Purpose

To study the effects of a low administration rate and low concentration (0.1%) of clobetasone butyrate eyedrops in patients with Sjögren syndrome (SS).

Methods

This prospective, double-masked, randomized, placebo-controlled study included 40 subjects divided into 2 treatment groups: group 1 (2% polyvinylpyrrolidone eyedrops and placebo) and group 2 (2% polyvinylpyrrolidone and 0.1% clobetasone butyrate, 1 drop BID). The treatment lasted for 30 days, with visits at enrollment, baseline, day 15, day 30, and after 15 days of treatment discontinuation. At each visit, symptoms questionnaire, tear film break-up time, corneal fluorescein stain, lissamine green stain, conjunctival impression cytology for human leukocyte antigen–DR (HLA-DR) expression, intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement, and fundus examination were performed.

Results

No changes in IOP or fundus examination were observed in either group at each time point. Group 1 patients showed at day 30 a statistically significant amelioration of symptoms and reduction of HLA-DR expression. No changes in other parameters were detected. Group 2 patients showed at day 15 a statistically significant improvement of corneal and conjunctival stain versus baseline values and group 1 at the same time; after 30 days the symptoms score was statistically significantly better than baseline values and group 1 at the same time. The HLA-DR expression and the epithelial cells area were statistically significantly reduced versus baseline and group 1 at the same time.

Conclusions

Anti-inflammatory therapy is critical for the treatment of SS dry eye. Clobetasone butyrate, at low dosage, proved to be safe and effective in treating this condition.
An Emerging Role for Serine Protease Inhibitors in T Lymphocyte Immunity and Beyond
Authors: Ashton-Rickardt Philip G.
Published: November 2012

The serine proteases of T lymphocytes provide immunity to infection. Serine Proteases Inhibitors (serpins) control the recognition of antigen, effector function, and homeostatic control of T lymphocytes through the inhibition of serine protease targets. Serpins are important promoters of cellular viability through their inhibition of executioner proteases, which affects the survival and development of long-lived memory T cells. The potent antiapoptotic properties of serpins can also work against cellular immunity by protecting viruses and tumors from eradication by T lymphocytes. Recent insights from knockout mouse models demonstrate that serpins also are required for hematological progenitor cells and so are critical for the development of lineages other than T lymphocytes. Given the emerging role of serpins in multiple aspects of lymphocyte immunity and blood development, there is much potential for new therapeutic approaches based directly on serpins or knowledge gained from identifying their physiologically relevant protease targets.
Simple Methods for the Spectrophotometric Determination of Carvedilol
Authors: Shetty Divya N. , Narayana B.
Published: November 2012

Two simple spectrophotometric methods are described for the determination of carvedilol (CAR). Method A is the condensation reaction of CAR with p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde (PDAB), and the reaction mixture exhibits maximum absorbance at 601 nm. Method B is based on the charge transfer complex formation of CAR with p-chloranil; the color developed is measured at 662 nm. The calibration graphs are found to be linear over 50.00–250.00 and 20.00–100.0 μg mL−1 with molar absorptivity values of 0.92×103 and 0.257×104 L mol−1cm−1 for CAR-PDAB and CAR-p-chloranil, respectively. Statistical comparisons of the results are performed with regard to accuracy and precision using Student’s t-test and F-test at 95% confidence level. The methods are successfully employed for the determination of CAR in pharmaceutical preparations, and the results agree favorably with the reference and proposed methods.
Communication Training Improves Sense of Performance Expectancy of Public Health Nurses Engaged in Long-Term Elderly Prevention Care Program
Authors: Tanabe Motoko , Suzukamo Yoshimi , Tsuji Ichiro , Izumi Sin-Ichi
Published: November 2012

This study examines the effectiveness of a communication skill training based on a coaching theory for public health nurses (PHNs) who are engaged in Japan’s long-term care prevention program. The participants in this study included 112 PHNs and 266 service users who met with these PHNs in order to create a customized care plan within one month after the PHNs’ training. The participants were divided into three groups: a supervised group in which the PHNs attended the 1-day training seminar and the follow-up supervision; a seminar group attended only the 1-day training seminar; a control group. The PHNs’ sense of performance expectancy, and user’s satisfaction, user’s spontaneous behavior were evaluated at the baseline (T1), at one month (T2), and at three months (T3) after the PHNs’ training. At T3, the PHNs performed a recalled evaluation (RE) of their communication skills before the training. The PHNs’ sense of performance expectancy increased significantly over time in the supervised group and the control group (F=11.28,  P<0.001;  F=4.03,  P<0.05, resp.). The difference score between T3-RE was significantly higher in the supervised group than the control group (P<0.01). No significant differences in the users’ outcomes were found.
Titanium Dioxide Nanofibers and Microparticles Containing Nickel Nanoparticles
Authors: Sheikh Faheem A. , Macossay Javier , Kanjwal Muzafar A. , Abdal-hay Abdalla , Tantry Mudasir A. , Kim Hern
Published: November 2012

The present study reports on the introduction of various nanocatalysts containing nickel (Ni) nanoparticles (NPs) embedded within TiO2 nanofibers and TiO2 microparticles. Typically, a sol-gel consisting of titanium isopropoxide and Ni NPs was prepared to produce TiO2 nanofibers by the electrospinning process. Similarly, TiO2 microparticles containing Ni were prepared using a sol-gel syntheses process. The resultant structures were studied by SEM analyses, which confirmed well-obtained nanofibers and microparticles. Further, the XRD results demonstrated the crystalline feature of both TiO2 and Ni in the obtained composites. Internal morphology of prepared nanofibers and microparticles containing Ni NPs was characterized by TEM, which demonstrated characteristic structures with good dispersion of Ni NPs. In addition, the prepared structures were studied as a model for hydrogen production applications. The catalytic activity of the prepared materials was studied by in situ hydrolysis of NaBH4, which indicated that the nanofibers containing Ni NPs can lead to produce higher amounts of hydrogen when compared to other microparticles, also reported in this paper. Overall, these results confirm the potential use of these materials in hydrogen production systems.
Effects of Alkaline Treatment on the Mechanical and Rheological Properties of Low-Density Polyethylene/Spartium junceum Flour Composites
Authors: Ikhlef S. , Nekkaa S. , Guessoum M. , Haddaoui N.
Published: November 2012

The effects of Spartium junceum (SJ) flour content, treatment time, and temperature on the mechanical and rheological properties of low density polyethylene/Spartium junceum flour (LDPE/SJ) composites were studied. SJ flour was treated with NaOH (5% wt) for 24, 48, and 72 h at 25°C and 40°C. FTIR results showed that there is a partial removal of lignin and hemicelluloses after treatment which improved the interfacial adhesion matrix/SJ flour. Also, the alkaline treatment improved notably the tensile strength and Young's modulus and increased slightly the elongation at break of LDPE/SJ composites compared to those with untreated flour.
Isolation of intact and pure chloroplasts from leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana plants acclimated to low irradiance for studies on Rubisco regulation
Authors: Grabsztunowicz Magda , Jackowski Grzegorz
Published: November 2012

A protocol is presented for low-cost and fast isolation of intact and pure chloroplasts from leaves of plants acclimated to low irradiance. The protocol is based on a differential centrifugation of cleared leaf homogenate and omits a centrifugation on Percoll gradient step. The intactness and purity of the chloroplasts isolated from leaves of low irradiance-acclimated plants by using this protocol (confirmed by phase contrast microscopy as well as enzymatic and immunological approaches) allows plausible studies on low irradiance-dependent Rubisco regulation.
Relações florísticas e fitossociologia de uma Floresta Ombrófila Mista Montana Secundária em Lages, Santa Catarina
Authors: Silva Ana Carolina da , Higuchi Pedro , Aguiar Manoela Drews de , Negrini Marcelo , Neto João Fert , Hess André Felipe
Published: November 2012

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/198050985091O presente estudo teve como objetivos caracterizar a estrutura fitossociológica de um fragmento de floresta secundária em Lages, SC, contextualizar a composição florística do componente arbóreo do fragmento em relação a outros remanescentes da região do Planalto Sul-Catarinense e avaliar a influência de variáveis geográficas e climáticas sobre os padrões observados. O levantamento da composição florística e estrutural da vegetação arbórea, do fragmento estudado, foi conduzido em 25 parcelas de 400 m2, onde todos os indivíduos arbóreos com DAP (diâmetro medido à altura do peito) ≥ 5 cm foram medidos e identificados. Para o estudo das relações florísticas entre o fragmento estudado e outros remanescentes da região foi utilizada a Árvore de Regressão Multivariada, que utilizou matrizes florísticas de espécies arbóreas de presença e ausência e de variáveis geográficas e climáticas de cada remanescente. Foram encontradas 87 espécies, distribuídas em 36 famílias botânicas. As espécies de maior valor de importância no fragmento estudado foram Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze e Podocarpus lambertii Klotzsch. A distribuição diamétrica da comunidade demonstrou padrão próximo ao J invertido e as populações tiveram padrões de distribuição diferenciados. Foram descriminados três agrupamentos florísticos associados à sazonalidade térmica e à temperatura média anual. O presente fragmento esteve agrupado a outras áreas de sazonalidade térmica maior ou igual a 3,053ºC.
Possibility of Undifferentiated Human Thigh Adipose Stem Cells Differentiating into Functional Hepatocytes
Authors: Lee Jong Hoon , Lee Kuk Han , Kim Min Ho , Kim Jun Pyo , Lee Seung Jae , Yoon Jinah
Published: November 2012

Background This study aimed to investigate the possibility of isolating mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from human thigh adipose tissue and the ability of human thigh adipose stem cells (HTASCs) to differentiate into hepatocytes.

Methods The adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) were isolated from thigh adipose tissue. Growth factors, cytokines, and hormones were added to the collagen coated dishes to induce the undifferentiated HTASCs to differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells. To confirm the experimental results, the expression of hepatocyte-specific markers on undifferentiated and differentiated HTASCs was analyzed using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunocytochemical staining. Differentiation efficiency was evaluated using functional tests such as periodic acid schiff (PAS) staining and detection of the albumin secretion level using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results The majority of the undifferentiated HTASCs were changed into a more polygonal shape showing tight interactions between the cells. The differentiated HTASCs up-regulated mRNA of hepatocyte markers. Immunocytochemical analysis showed that they were intensely stained with anti-albumin antibody compared with undifferentiated HTASCs. PAS staining showed that HTASCs submitted to the hepatocyte differentiation protocol were able to more specifically store glycogen than undifferentiated HTASCs, displaying a purple color in the cytoplasm of the differentiated HTASCs. ELISA analyses showed that differentiated HTASCs could secrete albumin, which is one of the hepatocyte markers.

Conclusions MSCs were islolated from human thigh adipose tissue differentiate to heapatocytes. The source of ADSCs is not only abundant abdominal adipose tissue, but also thigh adipose tissue for cell therapy in liver regeneration and tissue regeneration.
Usefulness of V-Y Advancement Flap for Defects after Skin Tumor Excision
Authors: Kwon Ki Hyun , Lee Dong Gwan , Koo Su Han , Jo Myoung Soo , Shin Heakyeong , Seul Jung Hyun
Published: November 2012

Background After skin tumor excision on the face, extremities, or trunk, the choice of treatment for a skin defect is highly variable. Many surgeons prefer to use a local flap rather than a skin graft or free flap for small- or moderately-sized circular defects. We have used unilateral or bilateral V-Y advancement flaps, especially on the face. Here we evaluated the functional and aesthetic results of this technique.

Methods All of the patients were pathologically diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), or malignant melanoma or premalignant lesion (Bowen's disease). Thirty-two patients underwent V-Y advancement flap repair (11 unilateral and 21 bilateral) from January 2007 to June 2011. We analyzed the patients' age and satisfaction, and location and size of defect. The patients were followed up for 6 months or more.

Results There were 22 women and 10 men. The ages ranged from 47 to 93 years with a mean age of 66 years. The causes were SCC in 15 cases, BCC in 13 cases, malignant melanoma in 1 case, Bowen's disease in 2 cases, and another cause in 1 case. The tumor locations were the face in 28 patients, and the scalp, upper limb, and flank each in one patient. All of the flaps survived and the aesthetic results were good. Postoperative recovery was usually rapid, and no complication or tumor recurrence was observed.

Conclusions The V-Y advancement flap is often used not only for facial circular defects but also for defects of the trunk and extremities. Its advantages are less scarring and superior aesthetic results as compared with other local flap methods, because of less scarification of adjacent tissue and because it is an easy surgical technique.
Incidence of lactic acidosis toxicity among patients on stavudine or zidovudine containing antiretroviral therapy at Lighthouse clinics
Authors: Kachere L , Ng'ambi W , Phiri S , Tweya H , Speight C
Published: November 2012

Although stavudine and zidovudine remain frequently used in low‐income countries in Africa, they are associated with long‐term toxicities. Lactic acidosis is one of the most serious toxicities in antiretroviral treatment (ART) and occurs predominantly in regimens containing stavudine (D4T) or zidovudine (AZT). We conducted this study to determine the incidence and risk factors for lactic acidosis among HIV‐positive patients that have been on ART for at least 6 months. This study will bridge the gap that exists due to scarcity of data on the extent of toxicities due to long‐term use of D4T and AZT. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using routine clinic data from the Lighthouse and Martin Preuss Centre electronic data systems. We used the clinic data collected between 1st January 2004 and 31st December 2011. We included into the analysis all patients that have been on D4T‐ or AZT‐containing ARV drugs for at least 6 months. We analysed the data using Poisson regression of the number of cases of lactic acidosis (LA) on gender, age at ART initiation, baseline BMI, and lipodystrophy in order to determine the incidence and risk factors for lactic acidosis. All statistical analyses were done at 5% significance level. We identified 14,854 patients that have ever been on D4T‐ or AZT‐containing ARV drugs for longer than 5 months. Of these, 43% were male and median age was 34 years. The total number of cases of confirmed LA was 342 with observed mortality rate 40% more than the patients without confirmed LA. There were 23.02 cases of LA for every 1000 patient‐years on D4T‐ or AZT‐containing ART regimens. The strongest risk factor identified for developing LA was having a baseline BMI >25 with incidence rate ratio (IRR) 3.11 (95% CI: 2.49, 3.88). The IRR for patients with a diagnosis of lipodystrophy was 1.77 (95% CI: 1.35, 2.32). Patients aged <30 years at ART initiation had 31% reduced risk of developing LA as compared to patients aged>39 years at ART initiation. We were unable to detect any increased risk associated with gender. Clinicians should always have significantly higher index of suspicion of LA in patients with established lipodystrophy, aged more than 30 years at ART initiation and patients with higher baseline BMIs. The number of cases of fatal lactic acidosis that did not present to the clinic is unknown but is likely to be significant.
Efficacy of long‐term osteopenia/osteoporosis treatment in the Slovene HIV‐infected male population
Authors: Maver M , Vovko T , Pfeifer M , Volcansek G , Pecavar B , Tomazic J
Published: November 2012

Purpose of study

In our study from 2006, high prevalence of reduced bone mineral density (BMD) among Slovene HIV‐infected male population was observed. The aim of the present study was to evaluate bone status six years after treatment intervention.

Methods

69 HIV‐infected male patients (out of 96, studied in 2006) were assessed for change in BMD using dual X‐ray absorptiometry and markers of bone turnover. The effects of HIV‐associated factors (time since infection, ART duration, viral load, CD4+count), changes in life‐style risk factors (smoking, physical activity, alcohol consumption, amount of milk in diet) and treatment of osteopenia/osteoporosis were assessed. Therapy for osteopenia/osteoporosis was used in 30 patients; vitamin D and calcium supplementation in 20 patients with osteopenia and additionally bisphophonates in 15 patients with osteoporosis or androgens in case of hypogonadism, respectively. 39 patients were not treated.

Summary of results

Therapy of osteopenia/osteoporosis maintained BMD values in 18 (66.7%) patients, as compared to only 8 (25%) patients without therapy (p=0.002). Lumbar spine BMD increased by 4.1% during the 6‐year period for patients with therapy, as compared with an increase of 0.9% for patients without therapy (p=0.033). The difference in total hip values was even more significant, with a 2.6% increase in BMD with therapy, compared to a 1.95% decrease without therapy (p<0.0001). Some increase in the physical activity and milk consumption among HIV‐infected population was observed, while the smoking rate and alcohol consumption remained the same. Risk‐factors associated with life‐style did not have any effect on BMD change. According to the logistic regression model, long‐term vitamin D and calcium supplementation was the most significant factor associated with maintaining BMD values (p=0.010; OR= 14.4).

Conclusions

Long‐term treatment, especially with vitamin D and calcium, was safe and efficient in the treatment of osteopenia/osteoporosis in HIV infected patients. As BMD values decreased in a majority of individuals without therapy, and given the absence of any association between life‐style change and BMD improvement, early vitamin D and calcium supplementation in the HIV‐infected population is required.
Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of atazanavir in pregnancy
Authors: Else L , Jackson V , Brennan M , Breiden J , Lawless M , Coulter Smith S , Back D , Khoo S , Lambert J
Published: November 2012

Purpose of the study

Pregnant women experience physiological changes during pregnancy resulting in clinically significant alterations in antiretroviral pharmacokinetics (PK). Therefore, achieving and maintaining optimal plasma concentrations of antiretroviral drugs is essential for maternal health and minimising the risk of mother‐to‐child transmission of HIV. The aim of this study is to describe atazanavir/ritonavir (ATV/r) PK during pregnancy.

Methods

Pregnant HIV‐positive women received ATV/r as part of their routine pre‐natal care. Demographic and clinical data were collected, and ATV plasma concentrations [ATV] were determined in the first (T1), second (T2) and third (T3) trimester using HPLC‐MS/MS (LLQ=0.05 µg/mL). Postpartum (PP) sampling was performed where applicable. Antepartum (AP) and PP PK parameters were compared using a one‐way ANOVA.

Summary of results

From January 2007, 44 women (37 black African) were enrolled in the study. All received ATV/r at a standard dose of 1 tablet once daily (300/100 mg od). 24 women were receiving ART prior to pregnancy, and 20 women initiated ATV/r during pregnancy. Median (range) gestation at treatment initiation in these patients was 23.5 weeks (7–35). At the time nearest to delivery 31 patients had an undetectable plasma viral load (pVL), 6 patients had detectable pVL and 2 were unavailable. [ATV] were determined in 11/44 (T1); 25/44 (T2); 35/44 (T3) and 28/44 (PP) patients. Time of TDM sampling, gestation time and [ATV] (geometric mean; 95% CI) are given in the Table. 6 patients were either below or approaching the ATV MEC (0.15 µg/mL) during pregnancy; of these, 4/6 achieved undetectable pVL at the time of delivery (1=pVL of 291 copies/mL; 1 unavailable). [ATV] were significantly lower at T2/T3 relative to T1/PP. Equally, in a paired analysis of 28 patients (T2/T3 vs. PP), [ATV] were significantly reduced at T2/T3 (P=0.003).

T1 (n=11)
T2 (n=25)
T3 (n=35)
PP (n=28)
P value

[ATV], µg/mL
1.07 (0.15–1.99)
0.68 (0.39–0.97)
0.63 (0.47–0.78)
1.22 (0.96–1.49)
0.002

CV, %
102
83
61
49
–

Time of sampling, h
12.0 (8.8–15.3)
18.2 (15.8–20.5)
18.9 (17.2–20.7)
18.9 (16.5–21.3)
0.003

Gestation/PP, weeks
9 (6–12)
20 (14–26)
32 (25–39)
10.5 (5–50)
–

Conclusions

This study represents one of the larger cohorts of women undergoing TDM for ATV in pregnancy. Lower [ATV] were seen in T2 and T3 when compared to T1. However, such findings were not associated with viral breakthrough or HIV transmissions. Nonetheless, careful monitoring of women in pregnancy is required, and if there is concern for inadequate levels, dose adjustment of ATV upward from 300 mg to 400 mg may be an option.