bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Drilled Shafts with Self-Consolidating Concrete
Authors: Ozyildirim Celik , Sharp Stephen R.
Published: September 2013

Drilled shafts with self-consolidating concrete were prepared and tested with cross-hole sonic logging (CSL). Self-consolidating concrete, which has high workability, was placed in the drilled shafts of bridges on Route 28 over Broad Run in Bristow in Prince William County, Virginia. During placement, properties of the fresh concrete were tested, and specimens were prepared to determine the hardened properties. The integrity of the bridge shafts within the reinforcing cage was determined with the use of CSL. Another sonic method, sonic echo–impulse response, was used to evaluate several test shafts. The use of acoustoultrasonic measurements to determine the cover depth outside the reinforcing cage was evaluated during laboratory testing. The results indicated that self-consolidating concrete was highly desirable for drilled shafts; it flowed easily and filled the hole; the removal of the temporary casing was facilitated by this highly workable material. CSL is a satisfactory nondestructive method to determine the integrity of shafts. Sonic echo–impulse response also showed promise as a method to complement CSL for determining the integrity of a shaft. Acoustoultrasonic testing was promising in the laboratory but needs further development for implementation in the field.
Isothermal Calorimetry as a Tool to Evaluate Early-Age Performance of Fly Ash Mixtures
Authors: Tanesi Jussara , Ardani Ahmad A.
Published: September 2013

This paper documents the use of an isothermal calorimeter as a scanning tool to evaluate early-age behavior of high-volume fly ash mixtures. A series of paste and mortar mixtures containing different fly ashes (one Class C fly ash and two Class F fly ashes) with replacement levels ranging from 20% to 60% and high- and low-alkali cement was evaluated. Materials testing included ASTM C109, compressive strength of mortar cubes at different ages; ASTM C1437, flow; ASTM C403, time of setting; and ASTM C1679, isothermal calorimetry. In most cases, for the same water–binder ratio (0.40) and replacement level, Class C fly ash mixtures exhibited higher strength but delayed setting compared with Class F fly ash mixtures. Isothermal calorimetry proved to be a good scanning tool for predicting setting time and early-age compressive strength and for identifying materials incompatibility.
Importance of Insulation at the Bottom of Mass Concrete Placed on Soil with High Groundwater
Authors: Do Tu A. , Lawrence Adrian M. , Tia Mang , Bergin Michael J.
Published: September 2013

Frequently, when mass concrete is placed directly on top of a soil layer, an insulation layer is not used at the bottom of the concrete. The rationale for this practice is that the soil on which the concrete is placed is already an insulating material. This study investigated the question of whether the absence of an insulating layer between the mass concrete and the soil may cause a problem with cracking of the concrete at an early age. A three-dimensional finite element model was used for this investigation. The typical soil condition in Florida, where the ground-water level is high, was considered. The soil layer beneath the concrete was modeled to simulate realistic heat transfer between the concrete and the soil. To validate the developed model, temperature development in a bridge pier footing constructed in the field in Florida was compared with the computed temperature distribution from the finite element model. The results showed that the temperatures predicted by the model closely agreed with those measured in the field. A parametric analysis was also conducted to determine the effects of insulation on the temperature distribution, induced tensile stresses, and cracking risk in the concrete. From the thermal cracking analysis for the monitored footing, it is concluded that full insulation with adequate thickness (a 63-mm-thick blanket at the top, 63-mm plywood panels at the sides, and a 63-mm polystyrene foam board at the bottom) should be used to reduce the temperature differentials and prevent early-age cracking in concrete.
Nutritional Recommendations for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
Authors: Eilat-Adar Sigal , Sinai Tali , Yosefy Chaim , Henkin Yaakov
Published: September 2013

Lifestyle factors, including nutrition, play an important role in the etiology of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). This position paper, written by collaboration between the Israel Heart Association and the Israel Dietetic Association, summarizes the current, preferably latest, literature on the association of nutrition and CVD with emphasis on the level of evidence and practical recommendations. The nutritional information is divided into three main sections: dietary patterns, individual food items, and nutritional supplements. The dietary patterns reviewed include low carbohydrate diet, low-fat diet, Mediterranean diet, and the DASH diet. Foods reviewed in the second section include: whole grains and dietary fiber, vegetables and fruits, nuts, soy, dairy products, alcoholic drinks, coffee and caffeine, tea, chocolate, garlic, and eggs. Supplements reviewed in the third section include salt and sodium, omega-3 and fish oil, phytosterols, antioxidants, vitamin D, magnesium, homocysteine-reducing agents, and coenzyme Q10.
Entre mythe et tragédie : l'origine de la tyrannie selon Platon.
Authors: Roux Sylvain
Published: September 2013

Les livres VIII et IX de la République décrivent la naissance de la tyrannie comme l'achèvement d'un processus de dégénérescence des régimes politiques. Mais ce qui est nouveau dans le discours platonicien n'est point tant sa condamnation, qui est un lieu commun de la pensée grecque, que l'explication qu'il en propose. Se démarquant en cela aussi bien du discours tragique, qui rapproche, selon lui, le tyran de la divinité, que du discours mythique, qui décrit son avènement par une origine surnaturelle, Platon comprend la tyrannie par rapport aux conditions sociales et politiques de la Cité, dont elle apparaît comme une conséquence. La figure du tyran s'en trouve ainsi définitivement modifiée, parce que ramenée à l'humain.
Le printemps des partis ? Le rôle des organisations partisanes égyptiennes dans les élections législatives
Authors: Steuer Clément
Published: September 2013

À la faveur de la nouvelle législation encadrant les organisations partisanes et les opérations électorales, les partis politiques égyptiens ont dominé les premières élections législatives post-révolutionnaires, au détriment notamment des élites locales traditionnelles et des hommes d’affaires. Le système partisan égyptien ne s’est néanmoins pour l’instant que partiellement autonomisé. Durant la campagne, les partis se sont révélés extrêmement dépendants de toute une variété d’organisations leur préexistant : clientèles, tribus, entreprises, syndicats, mouvements révolutionnaires, Églises, et surtout confrérie des Frères musulmans et organisation de la Prédication salafiste. Ce manque d’institutionnalisation ne doit cependant pas masquer le fait que les partis ont joué un rôle central dans ces élections, à tel point que cette situation a motivé l’arrêt de la Haute Cour Constitutionnelle qui a entraîné la dissolution de l’Assemblée du peuple en juin 2012.
Les juges et les élections dans l'Égypte post Moubarak : acteurs ou victimes du politique ?
Authors: Bernard-Maugiron Nathalie
Published: September 2013

Les décisions des juridictions égyptiennes relatives aux processus électoraux de l’Égypte post-Moubarak ont été perçues par les partisans des Frères musulmans comme hostiles au nouveau pouvoir en place et ont entraîné des accusations de collusion des magistrats avec l’armée et les anciens du régime de Moubarak. Cet article s’attache à rappeler, d’une part, que cette instrumentalisation du politique n’est pas nouvelle et qu’elle s’était exercée contre le régime de Moubarak, et à montrer, d’autre part, que les décisions controversées de la cour constitutionnelle s’inscrivent dans la droite ligne de sa jurisprudence. Il s’interroge sur le statut d’acteur ou de victime des magistrats dans ce processus de politisation du judiciaire.
Morsi au pouvoir : scénario d'une transition à l'égyptienne
Authors: Azab Lamiss
Published: September 2013

Le 24 juin 2012, les Égyptiens ont choisi le candidat des Frères Musulmans à la présidentielle, Mohamed Morsi, pour inaugurer cette deuxième République égyptienne. Dans un contexte fortement marqué par l’instabilité institutionnelle et la fragilité constitutionnelle, par le chaos sécuritaire et l’omniprésence du militaire, il reste difficile d’évaluer le processus de transition démocratique. En revenant sur le champ politique égyptien au lendemain des législatives et en reprenant les « surprises » des présidentielles, certains choix électoraux sont mis en lumière pour nuancer les propos selon lesquels l’Égypte serait sortie de la dictature militaire pour entrer, de son propre gré, dans la dictature islamique. Une analyse fondée sur le terrain et limitée aux facteurs internes permet de proposer un éclairage sur les mécanismes socioculturels propres au champ égyptien. Il en ressort que les électeurs ont plutôt voté contre un retour de l’ancien régime que pour un programme politique à référent islamique.
Initiatives de transition : la question politique
Authors: Jonet Christian , Servigne Pablo
Published: September 2013

Puissant outil de mobilisation citoyenne suscitant un intérêt croissant du public et des médias, les initiatives de transition troublent les sensibilités de gauche par leur silence remarqué sur la question des inégalités et des luttes sociales. Le mouvement est-il « apolitique » ? N’est-il pas au contraire pleinement politique ? Quelles opportunités et quels risques comportent ces nouvelles pratiques et cette manière de concevoir la politique ?
Pour une transition écologique à visée sociétale
Authors: Laigle Lydie
Published: September 2013

Les experts nous expliquent que le pétrole va manquer, que le carbone est nocif, que les inégalités augmentent. Mais le lien entre ces constats statistiques et dispersés et les activités quotidiennes est souvent extrêmement ténu. Comment mettre en place des activités qui inversent les tendances néfastes ? Un message ressort cependant, d’une manière générale : cette dispersion et incohérence des institutions établies risquent de durer, chacun préservant son pré carré, avec la force de l’inertie. Le renvoi de questions politiques à l’expertise technique ne correspond-il pas à cela : une volonté institutionnelle d’éviter toute remise en cause des compétences acquises ? L’action instituante doit donc prendre le relais, et poser les jalons de nouvelles institutions. D’abord locales et extrêmement plastiques, peu stabilisées, elles croissent discrètement à l’ombre de leurs aînées, et ambitionnent de les remplacer.
« Plutôt que d'avoir une indignation globale, il vaut mieux agir »
Authors: Lagneau Antoine , Massiah Gus , Karakartal Elif
Published: September 2013

Miguel Benasayag, philosophe, psychanalyste et essayiste franco-argentin, militant guévariste durant la dictature en Argentine (PRT-ERP), s’inscrit dans la mouvance libertaire. Critique envers « la militance triste », méfiant vis-à-vis des partis, il revient sur son expérience dans la guérilla et sur ses idées développées par la suite dans Pour une nouvelle radicalité 1 . Du collectif Malgré Tout à son travail actuel avec le mouvement coopérativiste en Italie, il détaille pour Mouvements ses différents engagements fondés sur l’expérimentation (théorique et pratique) et formule des hypothèses sur les nouvelles ontologies en cours d’émergence : quelle sera donc cette « nouvelle bête » qui marquera notre époque comme les figures de Dieu, puis celle de l’Homme, avaient marqué les précédentes ?
Application of Computer Vision Techniques for Exploiting New Video Coding Mechanisms
Authors: Arsenio Artur Miguel
Published: September 2013

One of the main concerns for current multimedia platforms is the provisioning of content that provides a good Quality of Experience to end-users. This can be achieved through new interactive, personalized content applications, as well by improving the image quality delivered to the end-user. This chapter addresses these issues by describing mechanisms for changing content consumption. The aim is to give Application Service Providers (ASPs) new ways to allow users to configure contents according to their personal tastes while also improving their Quality of Experience, and to possibly charge users for such functionalities. The authors propose to employ computer vision techniques to produce extra object information, which further expands the range of video personalization possibilities on the presence of new video coding mechanisms.
Security and Trust of Public Key Cryptography for HIP and HIP Multicast
Authors: K.C Amir , Forsgren Harri , Grahn Kaj , Karvi Timo , Pulkkis Göran
Published: September 2013

Host Identity Protocol (HIP) gives cryptographically verifiable identities to hosts. These identities are based on public key cryptography and consist of public and private keys. Public keys can be stored, together with corresponding IP addresses, in DNS servers. When entities are negotiating on a HIP connection, messages are signed with private keys and verified with public keys. Even if this system is quite secure, there is some vulnerability concerning the authenticity of public keys. The authors examine some possibilities to derive trust in public parameters. These are DNSSEC and public key certificates (PKI). Especially, the authors examine how to implement certificate handling and what is the time complexity of using and verifying certificates in the HIP Base Exchange. It turned out that certificates delayed the HIP Base Exchange only some milliseconds compared to the case where certificates are not used. In the latter part of our article the authors analyze four proposed HIP multicast models and how they could use certificates. There are differences in the models how many times the Base Exchange is performed and to what extent existing HIP specification standards must be modified.
Evaluation of Information Security Controls in Organizations by Grey Relational Analysis
Authors: Otero Angel R. , Ejnioui Abdel , Otero Carlos E. , Tejay Gurvirender
Published: September 2013

In an era where dependence of information systems is significantly high, the threat of incidents related to information security that could jeopardize the information held by is becoming critical. Alarming facts within the literature point to inadequacies in information security practices, particularly the evaluation and prioritization of information security controls in organizations. Research efforts have resulted in various methodologies developed to deal with the ISC assessment problem. A closer look at these traditional methodologies highlights various weaknesses that can prevent effective assessments of information security controls in organizations. This research proposes a novel approach using Grey Relational Analysis to quantify the importance of each information security control taking into account organizations’ goals and objectives. Through a case study, the approach is proven successful in providing a way for measuring the quality of information security controls based on multiple application-specific criteria.
Designing Web 2.0 Collaboration Tools to Support Project-Based Learning
Authors: Cheung Ronnie , Vogel Doug
Published: September 2013

Collaborative learning involves small groups of students working together to solve problems for the purpose of learning. There are a large number of researches that focus on the technical aspects of computer-mediated environments for collaborative learning. Very few studies have examined the design of Web 2.0 technologies to support collaborative learning using an activity-oriented approach. In this study, activity theory was used as a design framework for collaborative learning in a Web 2.0 environment using Google Applications technology. By employing an activity-oriented design method, a collaborative platform was developed to facilitate social learning activities that are mediated by artifacts and collaborative tools using Google Applications technology.
Preference Coalition Formation Scheme for Buyer Coalition Services with Bundles of Items
Authors: Boongasame Laor , Chiu Dickson K. W.
Published: September 2013

Coalition stability is a major requirement in coalition formation. One important problem to achieve stability in n-person game theories is the assumption that the preference of each buyer is publicly known. The coalition is said to be stable if there are no objection by any subset of buyers according to their publicly known preferences. However, such assumption is often unrealistic in typical real-life situations. Individual buyers often have private preferences and make their decisions according to their own preferences instead. This study proposes a novel preference coalition formation scheme for buyer coalition services that attempts to consider private preference of individual buyers within the buyer coalition process. The theoretical foundations of the study are rooted in the fields of multi-criteria decision making, human practical reasoning, and n-person game theories, from which we design an appropriate scheme for our proposed buyer coalition framework with emphasis on private preferences of individual buyers. The authors validate their proposed scheme with simulation software developed to demonstrate results of a variety of practical situations.
Both MC5r and A2Ar Are Required for Protective Regulatory Immunity in the Spleen of Post–Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis in Mice
Authors: Lee Darren J. , Taylor Andrew W.
Published: September 2013

The ocular microenvironment uses a poorly defined melanocortin 5 receptor (MC5r)-dependent pathway to recover immune tolerance following intraocular inflammation. This dependency is seen in experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU), a mouse model of endogenous human autoimmune uveitis, with the emergence of autoantigen-specific regulatory immunity in the spleen that protects the mice from recurrence of EAU. In this study, we found that the MC5r-dependent regulatory immunity increased CD11b+F4/80+Ly-6ClowLy-6G+CD39+CD73+ APCs in the spleen of post-EAU mice. These MC5r-dependent APCs require adenosine 2A receptor expression on T cells to activate EAU-suppressing CD25+CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells. Therefore, in the recovery from autoimmune disease, the ocular microenvironment induces tolerance through a melanocortin-mediated expansion of Ly-6G+ regulatory APCs in the spleen that use the adenosinergic pathway to promote activation of autoantigen-specific regulatory T cells.
Inflammatory Responses Induced by Lipopolysaccharide Are Amplified in Primary Human Monocytes but Suppressed in Macrophages by Complement Protein C5a
Authors: Seow Vernon , Lim Junxian , Iyer Abishek , Suen Jacky Y. , Ariffin Juliana K. , Hohenhaus Daniel M. , Sweet Matthew J. , Fairlie David P.
Published: September 2013

Monocytes and macrophages are important innate immune cells equipped with danger-sensing receptors, including complement and Toll-like receptors. Complement protein C5a, acting via C5aR, is shown in this study to differentially modulate LPS-induced inflammatory responses in primary human monocytes versus macrophages. Whereas C5a enhanced secretion of LPS-induced IL-6 and TNF from primary human monocytes, C5a inhibited these responses while increasing IL-10 secretion in donor-matched human monocyte-derived macrophages differentiated by GM-CSF or M-CSF. Gαi/c-Raf/MEK/ERK signaling induced by C5a was amplified in macrophages but not in monocytes by LPS. Accordingly, the Gαi inhibitor pertussis toxin and MEK inhibitor U0126 blocked C5a inhibition of LPS-induced IL-6 and TNF production from macrophages. This synergy was independent of IL-10, PI3K, p38, JNK, and the differentiating agent. Furthermore, C5a did not inhibit IL-6 production from macrophages induced by other TLR agonists that are selective for Toll/IL-1R domain–containing adapter inducing IFN-β (polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid) or MyD88 (imiquimod), demonstrating selectivity for C5a regulation of LPS responses. Finally, suppression of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF in macrophages did not compromise antimicrobial activity; instead, C5a enhanced clearance of the Gram-negative bacterial pathogen Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium from macrophages. C5aR is thus a regulatory switch that modulates TLR4 signaling via the Gαi/c-Raf/MEK/ERK signaling axis in human macrophages but not monocytes. The differential effects of C5a are consistent with amplifying monocyte proinflammatory responses to systemic danger signals, but attenuating macrophage cytokine responses (without compromising microbicidal activity), thereby restraining inflammatory responses to localized infections.
IL-33 Markedly Activates Murine Eosinophils by an NF-κB–Dependent Mechanism Differentially Dependent upon an IL-4–Driven Autoinflammatory Loop
Authors: Bouffi Carine , Rochman Mark , Zust Christopher B. , Stucke Emily M. , Kartashov Andrey , Fulkerson Patricia C. , Barski Artem , Rothenberg Marc E.
Published: September 2013

Eosinophils are major effector cells in type 2 inflammatory responses and become activated in response to IL-4 and IL-33, yet the molecular mechanisms and cooperative interaction between these cytokines remain unclear. Our objective was to investigate the molecular mechanism and cooperation of IL-4 and IL-33 in eosinophil activation. Eosinophils derived from bone marrow or isolated from Il5-transgenic mice were activated in the presence of IL-4 or IL-33 for 1 or 4 h, and the transcriptome was analyzed by RNA sequencing. The candidate genes were validated by quantitative PCR and ELISA. We demonstrated that murine-cultured eosinophils respond to IL-4 and IL-33 by phosphorylation of STAT-6 and NF-κB, respectively. RNA sequence analysis of murine-cultured eosinophils indicated that IL-33 induced 519 genes, whereas IL-4 induced only 28 genes, including 19 IL-33–regulated genes. Interestingly, IL-33 induced eosinophil activation via two distinct mechanisms, IL-4 independent and IL-4 secretion/autostimulation dependent. Anti–IL-4 or anti–IL-4Rα Ab-treated cultured and mature eosinophils, as well as Il4- or Stat6-deficient cultured eosinophils, had attenuated protein secretion of a subset of IL-33–induced genes, including Retnla and Ccl17. Additionally, IL-33 induced the rapid release of preformed IL-4 protein from eosinophils by a NF-κB–dependent mechanism. However, the induction of most IL-33–regulated transcripts (e.g., Il6 and Il13) was IL-4 independent and blocked by NF-κB inhibition. In conclusion, we have identified a novel activation pathway in murine eosinophils that is induced by IL-33 and differentially dependent upon an IL-4 auto-amplification loop.
Disruption of the Complement Anaphylatoxin Receptor C5L2 Exacerbates Inflammation in Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Authors: Wang Ruobing , Lu Bao , Gerard Craig , Gerard Norma P.
Published: September 2013

The complement anaphylatoxin C5a is a critical mediator of allergic contact dermatitis, bridging essential aspects of innate and adaptive immunity. This anaphylatoxin functions by interacting with two 7-transmembrane segment receptors, the C5aR and C5L2. The C5aR is a classical G protein coupled receptor, whereas C5L2 is deficient in coupling to G proteins because of variations in the sequence. Our previous work in human neutrophils revealed a unique role for C5L2 in negatively modulating anaphylatoxin receptor mediated cellular activation through interactions with β-arrestin. When C5L2 is deficient, C5aR-mediated β-arrestin signaling is greatly enhanced. The work described in this study was undertaken first to determine the effect of C5L2 deficiency in a murine model of contact sensitivity, and second to determine whether the resultant exacerbation of inflammatory parameters reflects a negative modulatory function of C5L2 on the C5aR. First, we find dramatic increases in inflammation in C5L2−/− animals compared with wild type mice. Second, these increases are completely reversed following administration of mAb against the C5aR. Thus, in allergic contact sensitivity, as in isolated human neutrophils, C5L2 functions to suppress C5a-C5aR–mediated responses, further underscoring its role as a negative regulator of anaphylatoxin activity.
Cutting Edge: TLR Signaling Licenses IRAK1 for Rapid Activation of the NLRP3 Inflammasome
Authors: Fernandes-Alnemri Teresa , Kang Seokwon , Anderson Connor , Sagara Junji , Fitzgerald Katherine A. , Alnemri Emad S.
Published: September 2013

Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome by diverse stimuli requires a priming signal from TLRs and an activation signal from purinergic receptors or pore-forming toxins. In this study, we demonstrate, through detailed analysis of NLRP3 activation in macrophages deficient in key downstream TLR signaling molecules, that MyD88 is required for an immediate early phase, whereas Toll/IL-1R domain-containing adapter inducing IFN-β is required for a subsequent intermediate phase of posttranslational NLRP3 activation. Both IL-1R–associated kinase (IRAK) 1 and IRAK4 are critical for rapid activation of NLRP3 through the MyD88 pathway, but only IRAK1 is partially required in the Toll/IL-1R domain-containing adapter inducing IFN-β pathway. IRAK1 and IRAK4 are also required for rapid activation of NLRP3 by Listeria monocytogenes, as deletion of IRAK1 or IRAK4 led to defective inflammasome activation. These findings define the pathways that lead to rapid NLRP3 activation and identify IRAK1 as a critical mediator of a transcription-independent,inflammasome-dependent early warning response to pathogenic infection.
Primary Multicentric Angiosarcoma of Bone: True Entity or Metastases from an Unknown Primary? Value of Comparative Genomic Hybridization on Paraffin Embedded Tissues
Authors: Thariat Juliette , Peyrottes Isabelle , Chibon Frédéric , Benchetrit Maxime , Saada Esma , Gastaud Lauris , Dassonville Olivier , Iannessi Antoine , Thyss Antione
Published: September 2013

Multicentric primary angiosarcoma of bone has been described as a distinct entity from bone metastases from angiosarcoma. Bone angiosarcoma accounts for less than 1% of sarcomas. It has dismal prognosis overall, but the multicentric expression does not confer worse prognosis. We describe the case of an old male with bone angiosarcoma of the extremities with multicentric presentation. He soon after had soft tissue angiosarcoma of the head and neck. Histology and immunohistochemistry were consistent with the diagnosis of high-grade angiosarcoma. Comparative genomic hybridization on paraffin-embedded samples of the bone and head and neck samples suggested additional abnormalities in the bone fragment, thus suggesting than bone lesions were indeed metastatic from his head and neck angiosarcoma; although these preliminary analyses warrant confirmation in other similar rare cases. The patient died after 3 years of relapsed acute leukemia with progressive angiosarcoma.
Late Middle-Early Late Ordovician chitinozoans from the base of the Amadjuak Formation, southern Baffin Island, Nunavut
Authors: Asselin E , Achab A , Soufiane A
Published: September 2013

A chitinozoan microfauna from one sample in the lower Amadjuak Formation in southern Baffin Island has yielded Acanthochitina cancellata Martin, Belonechitina kjellstromi (Martin), Belonechitina cf. capitata (Eisenack), Sphaerochitina gracqui Martin, and
Sphaerochitina sp. This microfauna is correlated with the chitinozoan Acanthochitina cancellata Zone of Eastern Canada, suggesting a biostratigraphic position at the Shermanian
Health maintenance and low socio-economic status: A family perspective
Authors: Ncho Claudette D. , Wright Susan C.D.
Published: September 2013

The socio-economic status of people has a profound influence on health, as higher rates ofmorbidity and mortality are reported for individuals with lower socio-economic status. Dueto the increased burden of disease, research exploring how families maintain their health ina low socio-economic situation is an urgent priority. The objective of the study was to gainan understanding of the reality families are confronted with in terms of their health due totheir socio-economic status. The study was contextual, qualitative and exploratory usingpurposive sampling methods. The sample size was governed by data saturation and realisedas 17 families (n = 17). The participants for the study were families residing in SoshanguveExtension 12 and 13, South Africa. The data collection method was self-report using a semi-structured interview. Content analysis was done according to Tesch’s approach using opencoding. Five themes based on the theoretical basis of the study, including age, sex and geneticconstitution, individual lifestyle factors, social and community networks, living and workingconditions and general socio-economic status were used. Maintaining the health of peopleliving in a physically and psychosocially disadvantaged position requires a different approachfrom registered professional nurses. No community-specific intervention can be planned andimplemented to reduce the burden of communicable and non-communicable disease in thecommunity without evidence based on a family perspective.
Two-phase flow in rotating Hele-Shaw cells with Coriolis effects
Authors: Escher Joachim , Guidotti Patrick , Walker Christoph
Published: September 2013

The free boundary problem of a two phase flow in a rotating Hele-Shaw cell with Coriolis effects is studied. Existence and uniqueness of solutions near spheres is established, and the asymptotic stability and instability of the trivial solution is characterized in dependence on the fluid densities.
Field Detection of Tembusu Virus in Western Thailand by RT-PCR and Vector Competence Determination of Select Culex Mosquitoes for Transmission of the Virus
Authors: O'Guinn Monica L. , Turell Michael J. , Kengluecha Ampornpan , Jaichapor Boonsong , Kankaew Prasan , Miller R. Scott , Endy Timothy P. , Jones James W. , Coleman Russell E. , Lee John S.
Published: September 2013

Tembusu virus (TMUV; Ntaya serocomplex) was detected in two pools of mosquitoes captured near Sangkhlaburi, Thailand, as well as from sera from sentinel ducks from the same area. Although TMUV has been isolated from several mosquito species in Asia, no studies have ever shown competent vectors for this virus. Therefore, we allowed mosquitoes captured near Sangkhlaburi to feed on young chickens that had been infected with TMUV. These mosquitoes were tested approximately 2 weeks later to determine infection, dissemination, and transmission rates. Culex vishnui developed high viral titers after feeding on TMUV-infected chicks and readily transmitted virus to naïve chickens. In contrast, Cx. fuscocephala seemed less susceptible to infection, and more importantly, zero of five fuscocephala with a disseminated infection transmitted virus by bite, indicating a salivary gland barrier. These results provide evidence for the involvement of Culex mosquitoes in the transmission of TMUV in the environment.
Plague Gives Surprises in the First Decade of the 21st Century in the United States and Worldwide
Authors: Butler Thomas
Published: September 2013

Plague is an ancient disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis and transmitted by rodent flea bites that continues to surprise us with first-ever events. This review documents plague in human cases in the 1st decade of the 21st century and updates our knowledge of clinical manifestations, transmission during outbreaks, diagnostic testing, antimicrobial treatment, and vaccine development. In the United States, 57 persons were reported to have the disease, of which seven died. Worldwide, 21,725 persons were affected with 1,612 deaths, for a case-fatality rate of 7.4%. The Congo reported more cases than any other country, including two large outbreaks of pneumonic plague, surpassing Madagascar, which had the most cases in the previous decade. Two United States scientists suffered fatal accidental exposures: a wildlife biologist, who carried out an autopsy on a mountain lion in Arizona in 2007, and a geneticist with subclinical hemochromatosis in Chicago, who was handling an avirulent strain of Y. pestis in 2009. Antimicrobial drugs given early after the onset of symptoms prevented many deaths; those recommended for treatment and prophylaxis included gentamicin, doxycycline, and fluoroquinolones, although fluoroquinolones have not been adequately tested in humans. Fleas that do not have their guts blocked by clotted blood meals were shown to be better transmitters of plague than blocked fleas. Under development for protection against bioterrorist use, a subunit vaccine containing F1 and V antigens of Y. pestis was administered to human volunteers eliciting antibodies without any serious side effects. These events, although showing progress, suggest that plague will persist in rodent reservoirs mostly in African countries burdened by poverty and civil unrest, causing death when patients fail to receive prompt antimicrobial treatment.
Endoscope-assisted External Approach for Lateral Lesions in Frontal Sinus
Authors: Shanbag Raghunath , Bidkar Vijay , Naik Ashok , Jalisatgi Roshan
Published: September 2013

Background

Lesions of the frontal sinus (FS) are always a surgical challenge. Conventional endonasal endoscopic techniques do not provide complete access inside the FS. This is especially true with laterally placed lesions like mucocele or post-traumatic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak from FS. Standard procedures like osteoplastic flap and endoscopic modified Lothrop are not feasible for these smaller unilateral lesions with normally functioning contralateral sinus.

Study design

Retrospective case study of laterally placed posterior table CSF leak and frontal mucocele were evaluated for their clinical presentation, radiological, operative findings and follow-up.

Conclusion

Complete external approaches to the lateral lesion of FS are associated with high morbidity. Ability of the endoscopes to visualize lateral and posterior extents of the FS directly through the brow incision helps in complete repair/ excision of these lesions without any difficulty.

How to cite this article

Shanbag R, Bidkar V, Naik A, Jalisatgi R. Endoscope-assisted External Approach for Lateral Lesions in Frontal Sinus. Clin Rhinol An Int J 2013;6(2):72-76.
Comparative Study of Endonasal Endoscopic Dacryorhinostomy with or without Intraoperative Mitomycin C
Authors: Jain Nitin Kumar , Vashistha Siddharth , Kaushik Sandeep
Published: September 2013

Objective

Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) has known advantages over external DCR as a less invasive method without the need of any skin incision. Mitomycin C (MMC), a wound healing inhibitor, was used intraoperatively with the objective of reducing incidence of adhesion and synechiae formation as a postoperative complication leading to failure of the procedure.

Materials and methods

Endoscopic DCR was performed in 60 patients. MMC (0.5 mg/dl for 5 minutes) was applied to the ostium in 30 patients in comparison with control group.

Results

The postoperative follow-up was done at 1, 3 weeks and 3 months. The success rate of endoscopic DCR with intraoperative MMC was 90%whereas it was found to be 83.33% in control group. The statistical analysis did not show a difference between the two groups according to success rates.

Conclusion

Adjunctive use of a wound healing inhibitor may be considered to increase the success rate of endoscopic DCR. Its intraoperative use seems to be easy and safe. This study of limited series needs further extensive evaluation to establish the adjunctive use of MMC in endoscopic DCR in future.

How to cite this article

Jain NK, Vashistha S, Kaushik S. Comparative Study of Endonasal Endoscopic Dacryorhinostomy with or without Intraoperative Mitomycin C. Clin Rhinol An Int J 2013;6(2):77-79.
Endoscopic Septoplasty: Prospective Study in 50 Cases of DNS
Authors: Singh Baldev , Singla Kanu , Bhagat Sanjeev , Verma BS
Published: September 2013

Recently endoscopic septoplasty has emerged as an effective alternative to traditional ‘headlight’ approaches to septoplasty. Endoscopic septoplasty as a minimal invasive technique can limit the dissection and minimize trauma to nasal septal flap under excellent visualization. The present prospective study was conducted at the Department of ENT at Government Medical College, Rajindra Hospital, Patiala. Fifty cases of either sex in age group of 18 to 50 years suffering from deviated nasal septum were included in the study from May 2010 to November 2012. Among the prevalence of type of nasal septal deviation (Mladina classification), the most common type of nasal septal deviation was type 5 (46%) followed by type 6 (16%), type 2 (10%), type 4 (10%), type 3 (8%), type 7 (8%) and type 1 (2%). Among chief complaints most common was nasal obstruction in 38 (76%) followed by nasal discharge in 10 (20%), headache in 10 (20%), bleeding in 6 (12%) and postnasal discharge in 4 (8%) patients. There was improvement in nasal obstruction in 78%, nasal discharge in 60% and postnasal drip in 75% patients. On objective assessment at last follow-up (3 months), persistent inferior turbinate hypertrophy in 14%, and persistent deviation was seen in 4% of cases. Synechiae formation was seen in 4% of cases.

How to cite this article

Singla K, Singh B, Bhagat S, Verma BS. Endoscopic Septoplasty: Prospective Study in 50 Cases of DNS. Clin Rhinol An Int J 2013;6(2):92-95.
Rare Case of Long Standing Foreign Body in Maxillary Sinus
Authors: Shah Pankaj , Katarkar Ashish , Bhavesh Modi , Modh Datt
Published: September 2013

Foreign body in maxillary sinus is not uncommon. Case reports published worldwide have been reviewed. We present a case which was suggestive of carcinoma of maxillary sinus, but it was foreign body ‘stone’ in right maxillary sinus which was almost 30 years old.

How to cite this article

Katarkar A, Bhavesh M, Modh D, Shah P. Rare Case of Long Standing Foreign Body in Maxillary Sinus. Clin Rhinol An Int J 2013;6(2):110-112.
Changing Dynamics of Foreign Direct Investment in China’s Automotive Industry
Authors: Wang Lingling , Fan Bo , Aybar C. Bulent , Ficici Aysun
Published: September 2013

China’s automotive industry has developed dramatically in recent years as more and more major multinational corporations (MNCs) in this industry began to invest in China.  Most of these investments have developed in the form of joint-ventures with Chinese state owned enterprises (SOEs). This paper contributes to the current literature by studying the effect of foreign direct investment (FDI) on the productivity of the automotive industry in China using panel data during the 1999 –2008 period. Channels through which FDI may directly and indirectly affect the productivity are investigated using pooled ordinary least squares model (POLS) and fixed effects model (FES) to estimate the influence of FDI on productivity in the automotive industry. The results suggest that FDI plays a negative role in this industry and suggests that there is a need for Chinese government to modify its policies and practices in order to improve the productivity of such a key industry in the Chinese economy.
Magic and Vampirism in Philostratus's Life of Apollonius of Tyana and Bram Stoker's Dracula
Authors: Stannish Steven M. , Doran Christine M.
Published: September 2013

This essay considers the intersection of magic and vampirism in Philostratus's Life of Apollonius of Tyana and Bram Stoker's Dracula. It demonstrates that these texts, though separated by more than sixteen hundred years, present a similar picture of the beguiling monster—one that is not simply the product of literary influence. Both bind vampiric sorcery—primarily mesmerism and shape-shifting—to anxieties about foreignness, gender, and sexuality. Given the late antique and Victorian obsession with the occult, as well as the apprehension of marginality and femininity, the vampires of Philostratus and Stoker may be said to embody a “Return of the Repressed.” The essay also acknowledges the particular features of the two periods, such as the rise of asceticism in the former and the triumph of science in the latter, but it emphasizes the parallel and virtuosic representation of the vampire–magician.
Moreau and the Monstrous:
Authors: Snyder E. E.
Published: September 2013

H. G. Wells's novel The Island of Doctor Moreau contains apparently monstrous figures in the Beast Men, the human–animal hybrids that Moreau has created and attempts to “perfect” through pain and the repetition of the Law. Yet Moreau's own philosophy, which attempts to read a purposeful progress out of nonprogressive, Darwinian evolution, is a monstrous hybrid in itself and results in creating an idea of the human that humans cannot live up to, and punishing that failure.

The central concern of the book is that the Beast Men are much the same as other men, and that in our bodies and beliefs, we are all monsters. We all have the remnants of our evolution in us, and while the teleological argument may state that we can be “improved” until we are “perfect,” Wells suggest that this expectation (particularly as it is carried out by Christianity, which threatens hellfire for transgressions) is in itself monstrous. The Island of Doctor Moreau demolishes the idea of a teleological understanding of species change, and with it any easy compromise between evolutionary readings of human progress and readings based in Christian revelation.
Aging Blepharoplasty
Authors: Cho Inchang
Published: September 2013

In performing upper blepharoplasty in the elderly, looking younger and keeping the eyelids harmonious with the rest of the face have to be achieved at the same time. The most important goal in upper blepharoplasty for aging is correcting the drooping upper eyelid skin, and in this process, the surgeon may or may not create a double eyelid fold. The pros and cons have to be fully discussed with the patient, but the author personally prefers creating a double fold unless the patient refuses, because it is efficient in correcting and preventing further drooping of the skin. In most patients, the brow is elevated to compensate for the drooping eyelid, and when the drooping is corrected, brow ptosis may ensue. The surgeon has to prepare for these consequences before performing the procedure, and estimate the exact amount of skin to be excised. In the elderly, the skin and the orbicularis oculi muscle is thin, with a decreased amount of subcutaneous fat and retro-orbicularis oculi fat, and in most cases, excision of the skin alone is enough to correct the deformity. Removing large portions of soft tissue may also prolong the recovery period. Unlike younger patients, the lower skin flap should not be stretched too much in the elderly, as it may create an aggressive looking appearance. A few wrinkles in the lower flap should remain untouched to create a natural look. In this article, the author's own methods of performing an aging blepharoplasty are described specifically, with a step-by-step guide and surgical tips.
Effect of Amniotic Fluid Stem Cells and Amniotic Fluid Cells on the Wound Healing Process in a White Rat Model
Authors: Yang Jung Dug , Choi Dong Sik , Cho Young Kyoo , Kim Taek Kyun , Lee Jeong Woo , Choi Kang Young , Chung Ho Yun , Cho Byung Chae , Byun Jin Suk
Published: September 2013

Background Amniotic-fluid-derived stem cells and amniocytes have recently been determined to have wound healing effects, but their mechanism is not yet clearly understood. In this study, the effects of amniotic fluid stem cells and amniocytes on wound healing were investigated through animal experiments.

Methods On the back of Sprague-Dawley rats, four circular full-thickness skin wounds 2 cm in diameter were created. The wounds were classified into the following four types: a control group using Tegaderm disc wound dressings and experimental groups using collagen discs, amniotic fluid stem cell discs, and amniocyte discs. The wounds were assessed through macroscopic histological examination and immunohistochemistry over a period of time.

Results The amniotic fluid stem cell and amniocyte groups showed higher wound healing rates compared with the control group; histologically, the inflammatory cell invasion disappeared more quickly in these groups, and there was more significant angiogenesis. In particular, these groups had significant promotion of epithelial cell reproduction, collagen fiber formation, and angiogenesis during the initial 10 days of the wound healing process. The potency of transforming growth factor-β and fibronectin in the experimental group was much greater than that in the control group in the early stage of the wound healing process. In later stages, however, no significant difference was observed.

Conclusions The amniotic fluid stem cells and amniocytes were confirmed to have accelerated the inflammatory stage to contribute to an enhanced cure rate and shortened wound healing period. Therefore, they hold promise as wound treatment agents.
Platelet-Rich Plasma: Quantitative Assessment of Growth Factor Levels and Comparative Analysis of Activated and Inactivated Groups
Authors: Lee Jeong Woo , Kwon O Hyun , Kim Taek Kyun , Cho Young Kyoo , Choi Kang Young , Chung Ho Yun , Cho Byung Chae , Yang Jung Dug , Shin Jun Ho
Published: September 2013

Background Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has more concentrated platelets than normal plasma (approximately 150-400×103 cell/dL). Platelets excrete several growth factors and cytokines that are associated with the healing and regeneration process. However, even though PRP is widely used, the mechanism or actual effect is presently unclear. Therefore, this study was performed to investigate the levels of growth factors and platelet concentration rate.

Methods Autologous blood for preparing PRP was obtained from healthy subjects aged 25 to 35 years. The samples were divided into 4 experimental groups (inactivated whole blood, inactivated PRP, activated whole blood with thrombin and calcium chloride, and activated PRP). The platelet counts in the blood were analyzed and the growth factors were quantitatively measured. A statistical analysis was performed by using Dunn's multiple comparison test.

Results In the blood cell analysis, the platelet count of the PRP group was approximately 4.25 times higher than that of the whole blood group. In the quantitative analysis of growth factors, the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-AB, PDGF-BB, and transforming growth factor-β of the inactivated and activated PRP groups were higher than those of the inactivated and activated whole blood groups (P<0.05).

Conclusions In this study, the platelet count and the levels of PDGF-AB and PDGF-BB in the PRP were determined. Further, more research is required on the bioactivity level of the growth factors secreted during the process of PRP preparation and the potency of growth factors that can be exerted physiologically in vivo.