bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First international workshop on social media engagement (SoME 2011)
Authors: Jaimes Alejandro , Lalmas Mounia , Volkovich Yana
Published: June 2011

The first international workshop on Social Media Engagement was held on March 29, 2011 in conjunction with the International World Wide Web Conference (WWW 20112) in Hyderabad, India. The goal of the workshop was to encourage interdisciplinary discussion and sharing of ideas and research results on social media engagement. A particular focus was on discussing research challenges to devise engagement metrics, to develop methodologies, and to understand how different technical approaches can be used to enhance our understanding of user behavior in social media.
Search in audiovisual broadcast archives
Authors: Huurnink Bouke
Published: June 2011

Documentary makers, journalists, news editors, and other media professionals routinely require previously recorded audiovisual material for new productions. For example, a news editor might wish to reuse footage shot by overseas services for the evening news, or a documentary maker might require shots of Christmas trees recorded over the decades. Important sources for reusable broadcasts are audiovisual broadcast archives, which preserve and manage audiovisual material. With digitization, media professional can be given online access to video. This increases ease of access, but increases the need for search capabilities tailored for the media professional. Search in audiovisual broadcast archives, then, is the subject of this thesis.

We begin by investigating the search behavior of media professionals in current daily practice. To this end we perform a large-scale log analysis of their search actions at a national audiovisual broadcast archive. Our analysis characterizes not only the searches of media professionals, but also their purchasing behavior. In order to model the observed behavior we follow our log analysis with a simulation experiment. Here we investigate simulation methods for recreating the searches and purchases recorded in the archive to create evaluation testbeds.

In the second half of the thesis we turn to investigate the use of state-of-art methods for retrieval with automatically generated content metadata from video, Specifically we focus on their application for improving audiovisual fragment search in the audiovisual broadcast archive. We use logged searches and purchases to define new test collections for retrieval evaluation. These are used as the basis for experiments aimed at solving specific problems that are faced when searching with automatically generated descriptions of video content. Finally, we combine state-of-the-art methods with the current daily practice of the archive, and investigate their potential combined impact on search in audiovisual broadcast archives.

The contributions of this thesis include the characterization of searching and purchasing behaviour of media professionals at a large audiovisual broadcast archive, and a framework for simulating their logged queries and purchases. Contributions in the second half of the thesis include an in-depth user study of how text queries should be mapped to visual concepts, a retrieval model that accounts for the temporal mismatch between the speech and visual tracks in audiovisual material, and a set of experiments demonstrating the effectiveness of automatically generated content metadata for improving retrieval in the audiovisual broadcast archive.

The thesis can be accessed at http://dare.uva.nl/record/358972.
New Stability Conditions for Linear Differential Equations with Several Delays
Authors: Berezansky Leonid , Braverman Elena
Published: June 2011

New explicit conditions of asymptotic and exponential stability are obtained for the scalar nonautonomous linear delay differential equation with measurable delays and coefficients. These results are compared to known stability tests.
Mendelian Randomisation Study of Childhood BMI and Early Menarche
Authors: Mumby Hannah S. , Elks Cathy E. , Li Shengxu , Sharp Stephen J. , Khaw Kay-Tee , Luben Robert N. , Wareham Nicholas J. , Loos Ruth J. F. , Ong Ken K.
Published: June 2011

To infer the causal association between childhood BMI and age at menarche, we performed a mendelian randomisation analysis using twelve established “BMI-increasing” genetic variants as an instrumental variable (IV) for higher BMI. In 8,156 women of European descent from the EPIC-Norfolk cohort, height was measured at age 39–77 years; age at menarche was self-recalled, as was body weight at age 20 years, and BMI at 20 was calculated as a proxy for childhood BMI. DNA was genotyped for twelve BMI-associated common variants (in/nearFTO, MC4R, TMEM18, GNPDA2, KCTD15, NEGR1, BDNF, ETV5, MTCH2, SEC16B, FAIM2andSH2B1), and for each individual a “BMI-increasing-allele-score” was calculated by summing the number of BMI-increasing alleles across all 12 loci. Using this BMI-increasing-allele-score as an instrumental variable for BMI, each 1 kg/m2increase in childhood BMI was predicted to result in a 6.5% (95% CI: 4.6–8.5%) higher absolute risk of early menarche (before age 12 years). While mendelian randomisation analysis is dependent on a number of assumptions, our findings support a causal effect of BMI on early menarche and suggests that increasing prevalence of childhood obesity will lead to similar trends in the prevalence of early menarche.
Knowledge and Practices of In-Home Pesticide Use: A Community Survey in Uganda
Authors: Nalwanga Eva , Ssempebwa John C.
Published: June 2011

Many communities in low-income countries use in-home pesticides for the control of pests. Such use is often inadequately controlled. In this study, 100 households in Kireka ward, Wakiso district in Uganda were involved in a cross-sectional survey to assess pests, knowledge, and use patterns of pesticides. A structured pretested questionnaire was administered via personal interviews, and observational checklists were used. Mosquitoes were the most prevalent pests (83%), followed by cockroaches (69%) and rats (52%). Pesticides were the most preferred method for pest control (98%), with insecticide spray being the most common form of application (71.4%). Pesticide application was inappropriately done in many households mainly due to inadequate knowledge on use. Only 48% of the respondents read manufacturer's instructions for use. Information on what pesticide to use was obtained from friends (53.1%), points of sales (48%). Educational interventions particularly at points of sale would be a critical avenue for promoting safe use of pesticides in households.
Characterization ofHalorubrum sfaxensesp. nov., a New Halophilic Archaeon Isolated from the Solar Saltern of Sfax in Tunisia
Authors: Trigui Hana , Masmoudi Salma , Brochier-Armanet Céline , Maalej Sami , Dukan Sam
Published: June 2011

An extremely halophilic archaeon, strain ETD6, was isolated from a marine solar saltern in Sfax, Tunisia. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that the isolate was phylogenetically related to species of the genusHalorubrumamong the familyHalobacteriaceae, with a close relationship toHrr. xinjiangense(99.77% of identity). However, value for DNA-DNA hybridization between strain ETD6 andHrr.xinjiangensewere about 24.5%. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 65.1 mol% (T(m)). Strain ETD6 grew in 15–35% (w/v) NaCl. The temperature and pH ranges for growth were 20–55°C and 6–9, respectively. Optimal growth occurred at 25% NaCl, 37°C, and pH 7.4. The results of the DNA hybridization againstHrr. xinjiangenseand physiological and biochemical tests allowed genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain ETD6 from otherHrr.species. Therefore, strain ETD6 represents a novel species of the genusHalorubrum, for which the nameHrr. sfaxensesp. nov. is proposed. The Genbank EMBL-EBI accession number is GU724599.
Consequences of Hyperoxia and the Toxicity of Oxygen in the Lung
Authors: Mach William J. , Thimmesch Amanda R. , Pierce J. Thomas , Pierce Janet D.
Published: June 2011

Oxygen (O2) is life essential but as a drug has a maximum positive biological benefit and accompanying toxicity effects. Oxygen is therapeutic for treatment of hypoxemia and hypoxia associated with many pathological processes. Pathophysiological processes are associated with increased levels of hyperoxia-induced reactive O2species (ROS) which may readily react with surrounding biological tissues, damaging lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Protective antioxidant defenses can become overwhelmed with ROS leading to oxidative stress. Activated alveolar capillary endothelium is characterized by increased adhesiveness causing accumulation of cell populations such as neutrophils, which are a source of ROS. Increased levels of ROS cause hyperpermeability, coagulopathy, and collagen deposition as well as other irreversible changes occurring within the alveolar space. In hyperoxia, multiple signaling pathways determine the pulmonary cellular response: apoptosis, necrosis, or repair. Understanding the effects of O2administration is important to prevent inadvertent alveolar damage caused by hyperoxia in patients requiring supplemental oxygenation.
Systemic Role for Vitamin D in the Treatment of Psoriasis and Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Fu Lisa Wenyang , Vender Ronald
Published: June 2011

The novel discovery of the systemic role of vitamin D in the modulation of the immune system especially the Type 1 helper T cell (Th1) pathway reveals its potential for treating Th1 inflammatory diseases. Psoriasis has been recently established to be a systemic disease centered on inflammation and involvement of cytokines of the Th1 pathway. There is an increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with psoriasis. Metabolic syndrome also involves a proinflammatory state. This paper proposes the idea of the potential use of oral vitamin D to treat psoriasis and metabolic syndrome concurrently. We propose there is merit in more clinical trials investigating the use of vitamin D to treat both psoriasis and metabolic syndrome through its anti-inflammatory effects. On application to psoriasis management and prognosis, the goal is to decrease the risk for cardiovascular disease and decrease disease morbidity and mortality.
Colorectal Liver Metastases
Authors: Haddad Ashraf J. , Bani Hani Murad , Pawlik Timothy M. , Cunningham Steven C.
Published: June 2011

The diagnosis and management of CRLM is complex and requires a multidisciplinary team approach for optimal outcomes. Over the past several decades, the 5-year survival following resection of CRLM has increased and the criteria for resection have broadened substantially. Even patients with multiple, bilateral CRLM, previously thought unresectable, may now be candidates for resection. Two-stage hepatectomy, repeat curative-intent hepatectomy, and even selected resection of extrahepatic metastases have further increased the number of patients who may be treated with curative intent. Multiple liver-directed therapies exist to treat unresectable, incurable patients with adequate survival benefit and morbidity rates.
Surgical Treatment for Refractory Epilepsy: Review of Patient Evaluation and Surgical Options
Authors: Kelly Kristen M. , Chung Steve S.
Published: June 2011

Treatment of epilepsy often imposes an exposure to various antiepileptic drugs and requires long-term commitment and compliance from the patient. Although many new medications are now available for the treatment of epilepsy, approximately 30% of epilepsy patients still experience recurrent seizures and many experience undesirable side effects. Treatment of epilepsy requires a multidisciplinary approach. For those patients with medically refractory seizures, surgical treatment has increased in prevalence as techniques and devices improve. With increased utilization, proper patient selection has become crucial in evaluating appropriateness of surgical intervention. Epilepsy syndromes in which surgery has shown to be effective include mesial temporal sclerosis, cortical dysplasia, many pediatric epilepsy syndromes, and vascular malformations. Monitoring in an epilepsy monitoring unit with continuous scalp or intracranial EEG is an important step in localization of seizure focus. MRI is the standard imaging technique for evaluation of anatomy. However, other imaging studies including SPECT and PET have become more widespread, often offering increased diagnostic value in select situations. In addition, as an alternative or adjunct to surgical resection, implantable devices such as vagus nerve stimulators, deep brain stimulators, and direct brain stimulators could be useful in seizure treatment.
Efficacy of Carbofuran in Controlling Root-Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne javanicaWhitehead, 1949) on Cultivars of Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea(L.) Verdc.) in Yola, Nigeria
Authors: Jada M. Y. , Gungula D. T. , Jacob I.
Published: June 2011

Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterreneaL. Verdc.) is an important crop produced in Adamawa State of Nigeria. However, the production of the crop is seriously threatened by root-knot nematodes (RKNs;Meloidogyne spp.). Since cultural methods have not been very effective in controlling RKN, carbofuran was evaluated to determine its efficacy in controllingM. javanicain Yola during 2002 and 2003. Three bambara groundnut cultivars (Kwachanjiwa, Kwaheuma, and Kwatolotolo) were evaluated using three application timings (at planting, 3 and 6 weeks after planting, and none). Results indicated that applying carbofuran at planting provided the greatest reduction inM. javanicapopulation levels, which lead to increased yields in bambara groundnuts compared to the other two application timings. Furthermore, both Kwachanjiwa and Kwatolotolo provided similar high yields compared to Kwaheuma, which was most likely related to theM. javanicatolerance in these cultivars.
Nonfatal Occupational Injury Rates and Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Housekeeping Employees of a Hospital in Texas
Authors: Salwe Kirtigandha , Kumar Shrawan , Hood Joyce
Published: June 2011

Objectives. To determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in hospital cleaners.Methods. Injury data on all hospital employees were extracted from occupational health records and compared. Additionally an interview-based modified Nordic Questionnaire (response rate 98.14%) was conducted.Results. The mean total injury rate for cleaners was 35.9 per 100 full-time equivalent (FTE), while that for other employees was 13.64 per 100 FTE. Slips/trips/falls and MMH contributed 4.39 and 2.37 per 100 FTE among cleaners and rest of the hospital employees, respectively. The most common type of injury was strain while the most common cause of injury was a striking object.Conclusion. The cleaners have higher injury rates and morbidity as compared to other employees of the hospital. The lower back was most commonly affected.
The Management of Iron Chelation Therapy: Preliminary Data from a National Registry of Thalassaemic Patients
Authors: Ceci Adriana , Mangiarini Laura , Felisi Mariagrazia , Bartoloni Franco , Ciancio Angela , Capra Marcello , D'Ascola Domenico , Cianciulli Paolo , Filosa Aldo
Published: June 2011

Thalassaemia and other haemoglobinopathies constitute an important health problem in Mediterranean countries, placing a tremendous emotional, psychological, and economic burden on their National Health systems. The development of new chelators in the most recent years had a major impact on the treatment of thalassaemia and on the quality of life of thalassaemic patients. A new initiative was promoted by the Italian Ministry of Health, establishing a Registry for thalassaemic patients to serve as a tool for the development of cost-effective diagnostic and therapeutic approaches and for the definition of guidelines supporting the most appropriate management of the iron-chelating therapy and a correct use of the available iron-chelating agents. This study represents the analysis of the preliminary data collected for the evaluation of current status of the iron chelation practice in the Italian thalassaemic population and describes how therapeutic interventions can widely differ in the different patients' age groups.
Voltage Mode Universal Biquad Using CCCII
Authors: Ranjan Ashish , Paul Sajal K.
Published: June 2011

This paper proposes a multi-input single-output (MISO) second-order active-C voltage mode (VM) universal filter using two second-generation current-controlled current conveyors (CCCIIs) and two equal-valued capacitors. The proposed circuit realizes low pass, band pass, high pass, all pass, and notch responses from the same topology. The filter uses-minimum number of passive components and no resistor which is suitable for IC Design. The filter enjoys low-sensitivity performance and exhibits electronic and orthogonal tunability of pole frequency () and quality factor () via bias current of CCCIIs. PSPICE simulation results confirm the theory.
Multiplication Operators between Lipschitz‐Type Spaces on a Tree
Authors: Allen Robert F. , Colonna Flavia , Easley Glenn R.
Published: June 2011

Let ℒ be the space of complex‐valued functions f on the set of vertices T of an infinite tree rooted at o such that the difference of the values of f at neighboring vertices remains bounded throughout the tree, and let ℒw be the set of functions f ∈ ℒ such that |f(v) − f(v−)| = O(|v|−1), where |v| is the distance between o and v and v− is the neighbor of v closest to o. In this paper, we characterize the bounded and the compact multiplication operators between ℒ and ℒw and provide operator norm and essential norm estimates. Furthermore, we characterize the bounded and compact multiplication operators between ℒw and the space L∞ of bounded functions on T and determine their operator norm and their essential norm. We establish that there are no isometries among the multiplication operators between these spaces.
Tropism, Cytotoxicity, and Inflammatory Properties of Two Envelope Genes of Murine Leukemia Virus Type-Endogenous Retroviruses of C57BL/6J Mice
Authors: Lee Young-Kwan , Chew Alex , Greenhalgh David G. , Cho Kiho
Published: June 2011

Envelope (env) proteins of certain endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) participate in various pathophysiological processes. In this study, we characterized pathophysiologic properties of two murine leukemia virus-type ERV (MuLV-ERV)envgenes cloned from the ovary of C57BL/6J mice. The twoenvgenes (namedENVOV1andENVOV2), with 1,926\,bp coding region, originated from two MuLV-ERV loci on chromosomes 8 and 18, respectively.ENVOV1andENVOV2were ~75 kDa and predominantly expressed on the cell membrane. They were capable of producing pseudotype murine leukemia virus virions. Tropism trait and infectivity ofENVOV2were similar to the polytropicenv; however,ENVOV1had very low level of infectivity. Overexpression ofENVOV2, but notENVOV1, exerted cytotoxic effects and induced expression of COX-2, IL-1β, IL-6, and iNOS. These findings suggest that theENVOV1andENVOV2are capable of serving as anenvprotein for virion assembly, and they exert differential cytotoxicity and modulation of inflammatory mediators.
Predictive and Reactive Distribution of Vaccines and Antivirals during Cross-Regional Pandemic Outbreaks
Authors: Uribe-Sánchez Andrés , Savachkin Alex
Published: June 2011

As recently pointed out by the Institute of Medicine, the existing pandemic mitigation models lack the dynamic decision support capability. We develop a large-scale simulation-driven optimization model for generating dynamic predictive distribution of vaccines and antivirals over a network of regional pandemic outbreaks. The model incorporates measures of morbidity, mortality, and social distancing, translated into the cost of lost productivity and medical expenses. The performance of the strategy is compared to that of the reactive myopic policy, using a sample outbreak in Fla, USA, with an affected population of over four millions. The comparison is implemented at different levels of vaccine and antiviral availability and administration capacity. Sensitivity analysis is performed to assess the impact of variability of some critical factors on policy performance. The model is intended to support public health policy making for effective distribution of limited mitigation resources.
Interdigitated Electrophotocatalytic Cell for Water Purification
Authors: Shemer Guy , Paz Yaron
Published: June 2011

The preparation, characterization, and performance of an electrophotocatalytic cell, made of low-cost, planar interdigitated electrodes is reported hereby. The operation of the cell under small positive bias was demonstrated by photocatalytically degrading the dye rhodamine 6G in solution as well as by monitoring the degradation of self-assembled monolayer chemisorbed on the TiO2electrode. Results point out to the importance of activated oxygen species formed in the process and suggest that the short distance between the two electrodes provides a way to utilize the activated oxygen species formed at the negatively biased electrode.
Optimum Operational Parameters for Yawed Wind Turbines
Authors: Peters David A. , Rong Xi
Published: June 2011

A set of systematical optimum operational parameters for wind turbines under various wind directions is derived by using combined momentum-energy and blade-element-energy concepts. The derivations are solved numerically by fixing some parameters at practical values. Then, the interactions between the produced power and the influential factors of it are generated in the figures. It is shown that the maximum power produced is strongly affected by the wind direction, the tip speed, the pitch angle of the rotor, and the drag coefficient, which are specifically indicated by figures. It also turns out that the maximum power can take place at two different optimum tip speeds in some cases. The equations derived herein can also be used in the modeling of tethered wind turbines which can keep aloft and deliver energy.
Mass Spectrometry of Bis-Quinolizidine Alkaloids: FAB-MS of Oxo-Substituted Sparteines
Authors: Jasiewicz Beata , Wyrzykiewicz Elżbieta
Published: June 2011

The unpublished in the literature FAB mass spectral fragmentation of seven oxosparteines (i.e., 2-oxosparteine, 15-oxosparteine, 17-oxosparteine, 2,17-dioxosparteine, 2,13-dioxosparteine, 2-oxo-13-hydroxysparteine, and 2-oxo-17-hydroxysparteine) is investigated. Fragmentation pathways, elucidation of which was assisted by FAB/collision-induced dissociation (CID) mass spectra measurements, are discussed. The data obtained create the basis for distinguishing positional isomers.
Neurovascular Interaction and the Pathophysiology of Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Qian Haohua , Ripps Harris
Published: June 2011

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most severe of the several ocular complications of diabetes, and in the United States it is the leading cause of blindness among adults 20 to 74 years of age. Despite recent advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of DR, there is a pressing need to develop novel therapeutic treatments that are both safe and efficacious. In the present paper, we identify a key mechanism involved in the development of the disease, namely, the interaction between neuronal and vascular activities. Numerous pathological conditions in the CNS have been linked to abnormalities in the relationship between these systems. We suggest that a similar situation arises in the diabetic retina, and we propose a logical strategy aimed at therapeutic intervention.
Flow Cytometry as a Diagnostic Tool in the Early Diagnosis of Aggressive Lymphomas Mimicking Life-Threatening Infection
Authors: Tsagarakis Nikolaos J. , Kentrou Nektaria A. , Kakiopoulos Georgios , Androutsos Georgios , Galanopoulos Athanasios , Michaelidis Christos , Rontogianni Dimitra , Tolis Apostolos , Chini Stavroula , Gortzolidis Georgios , Papadimitriou Konstantinos A. , Skoumi Dimitra , Tzanetou Konstantina , Paterakis Georgios
Published: June 2011

Aggressive lymphomas can present with symptoms mimicking life-threatening infection. Flow cytometry (FC) is usually recommended for the classification and staging of lymphomas in patients with organomegaly and atypical cells in effusions and blood, after the exclusion of other possible diagnoses. FC may also have a place in the initial diagnostic investigation of aggressive lymphoma. Three cases are presented here of highly aggressive lymphomas in young adults, which presented with the clinical picture of fever of unknown origin (FUO) in patients severely ill. All followed a life-threatening clinical course, and two developed the hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS), but microbiological, immunological, and morphological evaluation and immunohistochemistry (IHC) failed to substantiate an early diagnosis. FC was the technique that provided conclusive diagnostic evidence of lymphoma, subsequently verified by IHC. Our experience with these three cases highlights the potential role of FC as an adjunct methodology in the initial assessment of possible highly aggressive lymphoma presenting with the signs and symptoms of life-threatening infection, although the definitive diagnosis should be established by biopsy. In such cases, FC can contribute to the diagnosis of lymphoma, independently of the presence of HPS.
The Effect of Cordycepin on Steroidogenesis and Apoptosis in MA‐10Mouse Leydig Tumor Cells
Authors: Pan Bo-Syong , Lin Chun-Yu , Huang Bu-Miin
Published: June 2011

Cordycepin is a natural pure compound extracted from Cordyceps sinensis (CS). We have demonstrated that CS stimulates steroidogenesis in primary mouse Leydig cell and activates apoptosis in MA‐10 mouse Leydig tumor cells. It is highly possible that cordycepin is the main component in CS modulating Leydig cell functions. Thus, our aim was to investigate the steroidogenic and apoptotic effects with potential mechanism of cordycepin on MA‐10 mouse Leydig tumor cells. Results showed that cordycepin significantly stimulated progesterone production in dose‐ and time‐dependent manners. Adenosine receptor (AR) subtype agonists were further used to treat MA‐10 cells, showing that A1, A2A, A2B, and A3, AR agonists could stimulate progesterone production. However, StAR promoter activity and protein expression remained of no difference among all cordycepin treatments, suggesting that cordycepin might activate AR, but not stimulated StAR protein to regulate MA‐10 cell steroidogenesis. Meanwhile, cordycepin could also induce apoptotic cell death in MA‐10 cells. Moreover, four AR subtype agonists induced cell death in a dose‐dependent manner, and four AR subtype antagonists could all rescue cell death under cordycepin treatment in MA‐10 cells. In conclusion, cordycepin could activate adenosine subtype receptors and simultaneously induce steroidogenesis and apoptosis in MA‐10 mouse Leydig tumor cells.
Cleaner Production Assessment of Fast Bordeaux GP Base
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Mausumi , Patel Rashmita D.
Published: June 2011

The pilot plant study of cleaner production (CP) process of a dyes intermediate, Fast Bordeaux GP Base (2-nitro-p-anisidine), is presented in this work. The existing production process with acetic anhydride as raw material generates highly polluting (high chemical oxygen demand), huge-volume effluent, and thus the treatment is expensive. In the proposed process, raw material acetic anhydride in acetylation step is replaced with acetic acid. The reaction conditions like reaction time (3 h), temperature (120∘C) and molar ratio of p-anisidine and acetic acid (1 : 3.58) are optimized in the laboratory scale and implemented in pilot plant. The extent of conversion has been monitored by nitrite value test, and purity of product mixture is measured with thin-layer chromatography (TLC). The acidic wastewater quantity is dramatically reduced by incorporating recycling in washing scheme, and thus water consumption is reduced. Reduction in wastewater generation and reduction/elimination of treatment cost is also observed. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the effluent stream is reduced by the recovery of by-products sodium acetate and spent acid. The technoeconomical feasibility studies show that the proposed CP options are highly economical and environmental friendly.
Magnetically Directed Targeting Aggregation of Radiolabelled Ferrite Nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Yuh-Feng , Fu Chao-Ming , Chuang Mei-Hua , Cham Thau-Ming , Chung Mei-Ing
Published: June 2011

Ferrite magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4or iron (II,III) oxide; 15–25 nm of diameter) were developed. These magnetic nanoparticles are a potential vehicle for magnetically induced target aggregation in living animals. In this preliminary study, the radiochemical purity for the radiolabeled magnetic nanoparticles was examined, and the possibility of the magnetically induced targeting of the radio-nanoparticles was evaluated. Our results showed that radiolabeled ferrite nanoparticles can be used as magnetic targeting agents with high labeling efficiency and stability. These particles can be distributed within living animals via intravenous injection, and the biodistribution of the particles can be potentially controlled by external magnetism. These evaluations will be the groundwork for the future development of delivery techniques for radiopharmaceuticals through external magnetic control.
Performance of Antenna Selection in MIMO System Using Channel Reciprocity with Measured Data
Authors: Uthansakul Peerapong , Promsuwanna Nattaphat , Uthansakul Monthippa
Published: June 2011

The channel capacity of MIMO system increases as a function of antenna pairs between transmitter and receiver but it suffers from multiple expensive RF chains. To reduce cost of RF chains, antenna selection (AS) method can offer a good tradeoff between expense and performance. For a transmitting AS system, channel state information (CSI) feedback is required to choose the best subset of available antennas. However, the delay and error in feedback channel are the most dominant factors to degrade performances. In this paper, the concept of AS method using reciprocal CSI instead of feedback channel is proposed. The capacity performance of proposed system is investigated by own developing Testbed. The obtained results indicate that the reciprocity technique offers a capacity close to a system with perfect CSI and gains a higher capacity than a system without AS method. This benefit is from 0.9 to 2.2 bps/Hz at SNR 10 dB.
Plant Richness-Biomass Relationships in Restored Northern Great Plains Grasslands (USA)
Authors: Biondini Mario E. , Norland Jack E. , Grygiel Carolyn E.
Published: June 2011

We investigated plant richness-biomass relationships in tall grass (Field 1, 12 years) and mixed grass (Field 2, 5 years) restoration experiments located in the northern Great Plains grasslands (USA). They were organized as randomized factorial experiments with fertilization rates (N or P) and number of species as factors. Results were as follows: (1) above ground biomass (AGB) increased and year-to-year variability declined with plant species and functional form richness. (2) AGB was higher when the species had various combinations: (a) high relative growth rates, root density, root surface area, N or P uptake rates, and N use efficiency; (b) low root-to-shoot ratio and root plasticity. (3) Biomass stability was positively related to high root surface area in Field 1 and N use efficiency and P uptake rates in Field 2. (4) Invasion of nonseeded species declined with plant species and functional form richness.
Plant and Endophyte Effect on Fiber, N, and P Concentrations in Tall Fescue
Authors: Rogers James K. , Morton Ben C. , Mosali Jagadeesh
Published: June 2011

Tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum) infected with an endophyte (Neotyphodium spp.) generally has agronomic advantages over endophyte-free tall fescue. The objective of this study was to determine if endophyte presence (E+) or absence (E−) in three tall fescue genotypes affects concentrations of acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) in field and greenhouse studies. E+ plants had higher concentrations of ADF and NDF (nonsignificant in one genotype) in the field study. Endophyte lowered N concentration in the field from 19.2 to 18.5 g . Various interactions between genotype, endophyte, and maturity were significant for NDF, N, and P in both field and greenhouse studies. This interaction occurred because the effect of the endophyte increased or decreased fiber, N, and P content of tall fescue depending upon plant genotype. This genotype by endophyte interaction should be kept in mind as novel endophytes are selected and placed into tall fescue cultivar selections, this interaction could alter fiber, N and P accumulation of the plants which depending upon plant genotype could result in a positive or negative response.
The Ketogenic Diet 2011: How It Works
Authors: Politi Keren , Shemer-Meiri Lilach , Shuper Avinoam , Aharoni S.
Published: June 2011

Although the ketogenic diet (KD) has been widely accepted as a legitimate and successful therapy for epilepsy and other neurological disorders, its mechanism of action remains an enigma. The use of the KD causes major metabolic changes. The most significant of them seems to be the situation of chronic ketosis, but there are others as well, for instance, high level of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). These “primary” influences lead to “secondary”, in part adaptive, effects, for instance changes in mitochondrial density and gene expression. Clinically, the influences of the diet are considered as anticonvulsive and neuroprotective, although neuroprotection can also lead to prevention of seizures. Potential clinical implications of these mechanisms are discussed.
The Changing Face of Mastectomy (from Mutilation to Aid to Breast Reconstruction)
Authors: Zurrida Stefano , Bassi Fabio , Arnone Paolo , Martella Stefano , Del Castillo Andres , Ribeiro Martini Rafael , Semenkiw M. Eugenia , Caldarella Pietro
Published: June 2011

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Primary treatment is surgery, with mastectomy as the main treatment for most of the twentieth century. However, over that time, the extent of the procedure varied, and less extensive mastectomies are employed today compared to those used in the past, as excessively mutilating procedures did not improve survival. Today, many women receive breast-conserving surgery, usually with radiotherapy to the residual breast, instead of mastectomy, as it has been shown to be as effective as mastectomy in early disease. The relatively new skin-sparing mastectomy, often with immediate breast reconstruction, improves aesthetic outcomes and is oncologically safe. Nipple-sparing mastectomy is newer and used increasingly, with better acceptance by patients, and again appears to be oncologically safe. Breast reconstruction is an important adjunct to mastectomy, as it has a positive psychological impact on the patient, contributing to improved quality of life.
Toxic Anterior Segment Syndrome after Foldable Artiflex Iris-Fixated Phakic Intraocular Lens Implantation
Authors: van Philips Lucien A. M.
Published: June 2011

Toxic anterior segment syndrome (TASS) developed in four cases after uneventful implantation of a foldable iris-fixated phakic intraocular lens (pIOL). Two cases occurred sequentially in one patient. The TASS subsided without complications in all cases after intensive topical steroid treatment. A multitude of possible causes is considered for the occurrence of these TASS cases. From the sterilization and cleaning of surgical instruments to the possibility of endotoxines in ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVD). These rare cases should alert the surgeon to the possibility of TASS after pIOL implantation.
Assessment of Carotid Atherosclerosis in Normocholesterolemic Individuals With Proven Mutations in the Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor or Apolipoprotein B Genes
Authors: Huijgen Roeland , Vissers Maud N. , Kindt Iris , Trip Mieke D. , de Groot Eric , Kastelein John J.P. , Hutten Barbara A.
Published: June 2011

Background—

Genetic cascade screening for heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) revealed that 15% of individuals given this diagnosis do not exhibit elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. We assessed whether cardiovascular risk for these individuals differs from that of hypercholesterolemic FH heterozygotes and unaffected relatives.

Methods and Results—

Individuals aged 18 to 55 years were recruited within 18 months after genetic screening. Three groups were studied: subjects given a molecular diagnosis of FH and with LDL-C levels at genetic screening below the 75th percentile (FH-low), subjects with FH and an LDL-C level above the 90th percentile (FH-high), and subjects without FH (no-FH). We measured carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) by ultrasonography. Differences in carotid IMT among the groups were assessed using multivariate linear regression analyses. Mean carotid IMT of 114 subjects in the FH-low group (0.623 mm; 95% CI, 0.609 to 0.638 mm) was significantly smaller than that of 162 subjects in the FH-high group (0.664 mm; 95% CI, 0.648 to 0.679 mm;
P
<0.001) and did not significantly differ from the mean carotid IMT in 145 subjects in the no-FH group (0.628 mm; 95% CI, 0.613 to 0.642 mm;
P
=0.67).

Conclusions—

Our findings suggest that the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with FH to a large extent is related to LDL-C levels and not to the presence of a mutation per se. Consequently, this study cautiously suggests that individuals with an FH genotype without expression of hypercholesterolemia may not require a pharmaceutical intervention that is as aggressive as the standard for subjects with FH.
An Analysis of WHO Data on Lethal Violence: Relevance of the New Western Millennium
Authors: Rezaeian Mohsen
Published: June 2011

Introduction. Suicide and homicide are considered to be lethal violent acts with a clear difference in their directions, that is, inwardly “killing oneself” or outwardly “killing another,” respectively. There are some studies in which these 2 violent acts are considered under the same framework mostly within Western countries. This article for the first time investigates this issue throughout the world. Material and methods. The present study uses data that have been estimated by Global Burden of Disease (GBD) project for 2000 for the 6 different regions of the world proposed by WHO. The suicide/homicide ratio has been calculated by dividing the suicide rate by the sum of the suicide and homicide rates within each age and sex groups. Findings. Three distinct groups have emerged. In the first group, that is, Southeast Asia, Europe, and Western Pacific, lethal violence in both males and females usually directs inward whereas in the second group, that is, Africa, lethal violence in both males and females directs outward. In the third group, that is, America and Eastern Mediterranean, in males lethal violence generally directs outward whereas in females it often directs inward. Conclusion. Under the same framework if a factor causes external blame for the people’s failures it will increase the likelihood that the suicide/homicide ratio is expressed as homicide and vice versa. Although this might explain the observed pattern to some extent, more in-depth studies are needed to better understand the causal root of the pattern.
Robotic agents for supporting community-dwelling elderly people with memory complaints
Authors: Wu Ya-Huei , Faucounau Véronique , Boulay Mélodie , Maestrutti Marina , Rigaud Anne-Sophie
Published: June 2011

Researchers in robotics have been increasingly focusing on robots as a means of supporting older people with cognitive impairment at home. The aim of this study is to explore the elderly’s needs and preferences towards having an assistive robot in the home. In order to ensure the appropriateness of this technology, 30 subjects aged 60 and older with memory complaints were recruited from the Memory Clinic of the Broca Hospital. We conducted an interview-administered questionnaire that included questions about their needs and preferences concerning robot functions and modes of action. The subjects reported a desire to retain their capacity to manage their daily activities, to maintain good health and to stimulate their memory. Regarding robot functions, the cognitive stimulation programme earned the highest proportion of positive responses, followed by the safeguarding functions, fall detection and the automatic help call.
Preparation and Structural Features of Cu(I)Cu(II) Coordination Polymers Obtained by Using Tripodal Complexes as Bridging Ligands
Authors: Yoshida Yuki , Miyamoto Riichi , Nakato Ayami , Santo Ryoko , Kuwamura Naoto , Gobo Kenji , Nishioka Takanori , Hirotsu Masakazu , Ichimura Akio , Hashimoto Hideki , Kinoshita Isamu
Published: June 2011

A tripodal complex [CuCl(tpmtm)] (tpmtm: tris(2-pyrimidylthio)methanide) is used to synthesize coordination polymers. The tripodal complex unit worked as bidentate, tridentate, or tetradentate bridging ligands for [CunClm] units via coordination of three outer nitrogen atoms of the tpmtm ligand and also an axial chloro ligand. X-ray crystallography exhibited that obtained coordination polymers contained novel structures of [CunClm] moieties such as chloride-bridged linear CuICuIICuI and CuICuIICuIICuI and cage-shaped CuICuIICuIICuI mixed-valence copper cluster units. The relationship between the numbers of the outer coordination sites on the tripodal complex and structures of the coordination polymers is observed showing that participation in the coordination of two, three, or four outer coordination sites on the tripodal complex afforded the one-dimensional chain, two-dimensional sheet, or three-dimensional structures, respectively.
Lanthanoid Exchanged Mordenites as Catalysts for the Isopropylation of Biphenyl
Authors: Sugi Yoshihiro , Watanabe Seiji , Naiki Hiroaki , Komura Ken-ichi , Kubota Yoshihiro
Published: June 2011

Liquid-phase isopropylation of biphenyl (BP) with propene was studied to understand the acidities resulting from lanthanoid exchanged sodium mordenite (Ln,NaMOR; Ln: La, Ce, Pr, Sm, Dy, and Yb). The acidities of La3+ exchanged sodium mordenite (La,NaMOR) appeared at around 0.6–0.8 exchange calculated from La/3Al molar ratio. Similar acidities appeared with all Ln,NaMORs. The resultant zeolites have Brønsted acidic sites appearing near unsaturated lanthanoid cations. The isopropylation of BP predominantly afforded 4,4′-diisopropylbiphenyl (4,4′-DIPB) among DIPB isomers over all Ln,NaMORs. These catalyses occur on the acidic sites in the channels. The exchanged catalysts had high selectivities for 4,4′-DIPB even at temperatures as high as 300 °C although the selectivities decreased by the isomerization of 4,4′-DIPB over H-mordenite (HMOR) with similar SiO2/Al2O3 ratio. These results indicate the external acid sites are lowly active for the isopropylation of BP and the isomerization of 4,4′-DIPB. The combustion of coke-deposits on Ln,NaMORs, particularly Ce,NaMOR, used for the isopropylation occurred at lower temperatures than that on HMOR because the lanthanoids dispersed in MOR channels work as an oxidation catalyst.
Three New 9,11-Secosterols from the Formosan Soft Coral Sinularia leptoclados
Authors: Cheng Shi-Yie , Chen Hwa-Pyng , Wang Shang-Kwei , Duh Chang-Yih
Published: June 2011

Chemical investigations of the Formosan soft coral Sinularia leptoclados resulted in the characterization of three new 9,11-secosterols, designated as leptosterols A–C (1–3), and six known 9,11-secosterols 5–10. Additionally, a cyclized 9,11-secosterol enol-ether 4 was obtained by allowing 5 to stand in CDCl3 overnight during NMR experiments. The structures of 1–4 were elucidated through extensive spectroscopic analyses. The cytotoxicity against selected cancer cells and antiviral activity against human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) of 1–10 were evaluated in vitro.
International Leaders Summit: Using Dialogue to Center the Conversation on the Education of Deaf Children and Youth in the 21st Century
Authors: Anderson John L.
Published: June 2011

On July 18, 2010, the eve of the 21st International Congress on the Education of the Deaf (ICED 2010), the International Leaders Summit was held at the Center for Dialogue at Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, Canada. A total of 120 world leaders from 32 countries participated. Presenters, including students, led the conversation on current perspectives, teacher preparation, worldwide resources, and major issues affecting the education of d/Deaf and hard of hearing infants, children, and youth. Summit participants recognized that advances in detection, early intervention, and technology present challenges in meeting the needs of a student population more diverse than at any other stage in history. While it was acknowledged that needs differ in various parts of the world, there was a consensus that change is required to prepare students to handle challenges in the 21st century.
Thinking in Time in Hume's Essays
Authors: Black Scott
Published: June 2011

This essay treats the final version of Hume's Essays , Volume 1, as an artfully shaped whole. Framed by essays on taste that address the interaction of personal and social dynamics, the volume is organized into loose clusters of political and moral essays that share a common pattern of offering multiple approaches to the issues they examine and pursuing a given idea until it reaches a point of excess that generates a salutary correction. This activity circumscribes an inexact range of balance, which is left for the reader to resolve or, better, to continue. In this, Hume's Essays invite readers to participate in the interaction between self-formation and cultural forms that is motor of Hume's post-skeptical philosophy and the genre of the essay alike.
Hume on the Moral Obligation to Justice
Authors: Harris James A.
Published: June 2011

There is a prominent place in recent work on Hume's moral philosophy for the idea that Hume is best placed in the tradition of virtue ethics. I argue in this paper that Hume's theory of justice cannot be given a virtue-theoretic construal. I argue that Hume should rather be placed in the tradition of theorizing about justice inaugurated by Grotius. In this tradition, the moral obligation to justice is spelled out in terms of the necessity of respect for property, for contracts, and for political authority in a stable and peaceful society. In this tradition, furthermore, justice is regarded as primarily as a matter of respecting perfect rights, and, relatedly, as primarily manifest in omissions rather than in actions. The search for an agent-state definitive of Hume's just person is fruitless, I suggest, because Hume himself gives reasons to believe that there is no such thing. I argue that for Hume the just person is, simply, someone who obeys the conventions that define the nature of justice, regardless of why she does so.
Hume's Touchstone
Authors: Baier Annette C.
Published: June 2011

Hume's sections on the reason of animals are considered. He claims that animals show what we find extraordinary sagacity, in nest building and migration, as well as needing to learn many things from experience, just as we do. He issues a challenge to any rival account of our own powers to do as well or better than he does in accounting for the continuities, and discontinuities, between animal and human cognitive achievements. Yet when he looks at our ability to recognize familiar lasting things, only in the Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding does he allow that animals do this just as we do. Does his Treatise account of what exactly we do, noting constancies and coherence in our impressions, so overlooking interruption and disguising variation, fail his own touchstone?