bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Verification of clinically diagnosed cases during malaria elimination programme in Guizhou Province of China
Authors: Yin Jianhai , Xia Zhigui , Yan He , Huang Yuting , Lu Lidan , Geng Yan , Xiao Ning , Xu Jianjun , He Ping , Zhou Shuisen
Published: April 2013

Background

China is implementing a National Malaria Elimination Programme. A high proportion of clinically diagnosed malaria cases is reported in some provinces of China. In order to understand the exact situation and make clear the nature of these patients, it is of much importance to make case verifications, particularly from the pathogenic perspective.

Methods

Guizhou Province was targeted because of its high proportion of clinically diagnosed malaria cases. After random selection of around 10% of malaria cases from 1 May 2011 to 30 April 2012, reported through the national web-based case reporting system from this province, field verifications were made on 14–17 May 2012 as follows. Firstly, the reported information of each case was rechecked with the onsite case registrations and investigation forms, and an in-depth interview was conducted with each patient. Secondly, the patient’s blood smears kept by local CDC were cross-checked microscopically by a national experienced microscopist. Thirdly, two kinds of polymerase chain reaction (PCRs). including Tag-primer nested/multiplex PCR (UT-PCR) based on cytochrome oxidase gene (cox I) and nested PCR based on 18s rRNA gene were performed simultaneously using local CDC kept filter paper of dry blood samples to identify the Plasmodium spp.

Results

Twelve out of 152 malaria cases were selected, including nine clinically diagnosed malaria cases, two confirmed falciparum malaria cases and one confirmed vivax malaria case. The original case documents on the site were completely in conformity with their reported data, and all the patients recalled their malaria symptoms and being cured only after consuming the corresponding anti-malarial drugs. Moreover, the re-examination results of microscopy and PCR were exactly in agreement with the original tests.

Discussion

No inconsistent results were found against the reported case information in the present study and the reasons for clinically diagnosed patients remains unclear. Uniform and standardized sample collection and processing should be trained among clinicians, more sensitive and specific techniques should be explored to used in malaria diagnosis. A further study is needed in order to be more observationally focussed rather than retrospective.
Pulmonary sclerosing hemangioma: a unique epithelial neoplasm of the lung (report of 26 cases)
Authors: Chen Bojiang , Gao Jun , Chen Hong , Cao Yidan , He Xin , Zhang Wen , Luo Man , Zhang Shangfu , Li Weimin
Published: April 2013

Background

Pulmonary sclerosing hemangioma (SH) is an uncommon tumor. The aim of this study was to identify the origin of pulmonary SH and summarize its clinicopathologic features.

Methods

Data of 26 cases of pulmonary SH were collected and reviewed, including their clinical symptoms, chest radiological examinations, treatments, and pathological findings.

Results

Female patients of pulmonary SH were markedly frequent (n=23, 88.46%). Solitary mass or nodule in the lung fields was the most common manifestation (n=24, 92.31%), especially in the right middle lobe (n=9, 34.62%). There were two kinds of tumor cells: lining cells and round cells. All tumors contained a mixture of papillary, solid, sclerotic, and hemorrhagic patterns. Immunohistochemistry with a variable number of antibodies was performed for some cases. All of the detected specimens revealed strong reaction of lining cells with epithelial markers, such as thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1), epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), cytokeratin (CK), pancytokeratin (PCK), and cytokeratin 7 (CK-7), while round cells were positive with TTF-1 and EMA. Until the end of last contact, none of the patients died or suffered from the recurrence of the disease after surgical treatment.

Conclusions

Pulmonary SH is a unique neoplasm of the lung with a characteristic solitary mass or nodule. Pulmonary epithelium might be the primary origin of the tumor cells.
Identification of water content in nanocavities
Authors: Douas Maysoun , Marqués Manuel I , Serena Pedro A
Published: April 2013

A tapered dielectric waveguide that scans, at constant height, a sample containing a viral capsid is studied by combining a lattice gas model to simulate water meniscus formation and a finite difference time domain algorithm for light propagation through the media involved. Our results show different contrasts related to different water contents and different meniscus orientations. We propose this method as a way to study water content and evaporation process in nanocavities being either biological, like viral capsides, or nonbiological, like photonic crystals.
Congenital quadricuspid aortic valve associated with aortic insufficiency and mitral regurgitation
Authors: Zhu Jiaquan , Zhang Junwen , Wu Shubin , Zhang Yunjiao , Ding Fangbao , Mei Ju
Published: April 2013

Congenital quadricuspid aortic valve is a rare cardiac anomaly. More than half of the patients with this abnormality will develop aortic insufficiency in adulthood. It is vital that patients with quadricuspid aortic valve who present with progressive aortic regurgitation undergo valve replacement or repair at appropriate time. Here, we present two cases of quadricuspid aortic valve. We first describe a 58-year-old man who had mitral regurgitation and ascending aorta dilatation with quadricuspid aortic valve. He underwent aortic valve replacement and mitral valve plasty and recovered well. The second patient is a 20-year-old asymptomatic boy who has been closely followed up and has not received any surgical treatment.
Seroepidemiology of canine leishmaniosis in Évora (southern Portugal): 20-year trends
Authors: Schallig Henk DFH , Cardoso Luís , Semião-Santos Saul J
Published: April 2013

Background

Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is an endemic zoonosis in the southern regions of Europe. This paper reports the trend in CanL seroprevalence in the municipality of Évora (southern Portugal), where the disease is endemic, over a period of 20 years. The work comprises three different studies that were conducted in the years of 1990 (n = 3,614), 1999 (n = 3,563) and 2010 (n = 1,485 dogs). Blood samples were collected during the anti-rabies vaccination campaigns. Anti-Leishmaniaantibodies were detected with the direct agglutination test (DAT).

Findings

The total percentages of DAT seropositive dogs were 3.9% (in 1990), 9.4% (in 1999) and 5.6% (in 2010). The overall seroprevalence was significantly higher in 1999 compared to 1990, but in 2010 a significant decrease was found in comparison with 1999. However, compared to 1990 the overall seroprevalence was still significantly higher in 2010. From 1990 to 2010 seroprevalence has switched from significantly lower to higher in the rural areas. Relatively few dogs showed clinical signs of overt disease (0.8% to 2.0%) with lymphadenopathy, onychogryphosis and skin involvement as most frequently observed. Gender associated differences in seroprevalence were not found, and most commonly seropositive dogs were working or stray animals. The mean age of seropositive dogs was significantly higher than seronegative dogs in all three sampling rounds.

Conclusions

A high proportion of dogs, which are apparently healthy, yet seropositive, may remain an important factor in limiting the outcome of zoonotic leishmaniosis control efforts.
Consolidation of auditory fear memories formed by weak unconditioned stimuli requires NMDA receptor activation and de novo protein synthesis in the striatum
Authors: Kishioka Ayumi , Uemura Takeshi , Fukushima Fumiaki , Mishina Masayoshi
Published: April 2013

Background

Fear is one of the most potent emotional experiences and is an adaptive component of response to potentially threatening stimuli. Cumulative evidence suggests that the amygdala plays a central role in the acquisition, storage and expression of fear memory. We previously showed that the selective ablation of striatal neurons in the adult brain impairs the long-term, but not short-term, memory for auditory fear conditioning with a lower-intensity footshock. This finding raises an intriguing possibility that long-term auditory fear memory may be consolidated in the striatum.

Results

There was a significant difference in the freezing responses between two groups of mice subjected to paired and unpaired conditioning, indicating that the auditory fear conditioning with a lower-intensity footshock is an associative learning. Post-conditioning infusion of NMDA receptor inhibitors into the striatum suppressed the consolidation of auditory fear memory when mice were conditioned with a low-intensity footshock. Furthermore, intra-striatum infusion of protein synthesis blocker anisomycin immediately or 1 h after the conditioning prevented the formation of auditory fear memory. On the other hand, the infusion of anisomycin 3 h after conditioning exerted little effect on the auditory fear conditioning, consistent with the presence of a critical time window of protein synthesis for memory consolidation.

Conclusions

These results suggest that NMDA receptors and de novo protein synthesis in the striatum are crucial for the consolidation of auditory fear memory formed with a low-intensity unconditioned stimulus.
Leiomyosarcoma of the rectum mimicking primary ovarian carcinoma: a case report
Authors: Ouh Yung-Taek , Hong Jin Hwa , Min Kyung-Jin , So Kyeong-A , Lee Jae Kwan
Published: April 2013

Leiomyosarcoma of the rectum is a very rare mesenchymal tumor. Because of its rarity, its diagnosis, treatment, and pathology often present challenges to the clinician. The characteristics of this tumor, such as its anatomical location, heterogeneous solid features on imaging, and nonspecific lower gastrointestinal tract symptoms, can be confused with those of primary ovarian carcinoma. Here, we report the case of a 52-year-old-woman presenting with a low abdominal mass that was later pathologically confirmed to be a rectal leiomyosarcoma. The findings of preoperative ultrasonography, pelvic magnetic resonance imaging, and abdominopelvic computed tomography were suggestive of a malignant pelvic mass, most likely a primary ovarian carcinoma. The patient underwent explorative laparotomy, and intraoperative frozen examination revealed a sarcoma originating from the gastrointestinal tract. Low anterior resection and supracervical hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy were performed. The patient’s postoperative course was uneventful, and adjuvant chemotherapy is currently being administered.
Bronchial hyperresponsiveness testing in athletes of the Swiss Paralympic team
Authors: Osthoff Mirjam , Michel Franz , Strupler Matthias , Miedinger David , Taegtmeyer Anne B , Leuppi Jörg D , Perret Claudio
Published: April 2013

Background

The aim of this study was to assess airway hyperresponsiveness to eucapnic voluntary hyperventilation and dry powder mannitol challenge in athletes aiming to participate at the Paralympic Games 2008 in Beijing, especially in athletes with spinal cord injury.

Methods

Forty-four athletes with a disability (27 with paraplegia (group 1), 3 with tetraplegia (group 2) and 14 with other disabilities such as blindness or single limb amputations (group 3) performed spirometry, skin prick testing, measurement of exhaled nitric oxide, eucapnic voluntary hyperventilation challenge test (EVH) and mannitol challenge test (MCT). A fall in FEV1 of ≥10% in either challenge test was deemed positive for exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.

Results

Fourteen (32%) athletes were atopic and 7 (16%) had a history of physician-diagnosed asthma. Absolute lung function values were significantly lower in patients of group 1 and 2 compared to group 3. Nine (20%) athletes were positive to EVH (8 paraplegics, 1 tetraplegic), and 8 (18%) athletes were positive to MCT (7 paraplegics, 1 tetraplegic). Fourteen (22.7%) subjects were positive to at least one challenge; only three athletes were positive to both tests. None of the athletes in group 3 had a positive test. Both challenge tests showed a significant association with physician-diagnosed asthma status (p = 0.0001). The positive and negative predictive value to diagnose physician-diagnosed asthma was 89% and 91% for EHV, and 75% and 86% for MCT, respectively.

Conclusion

EVH and MCT can be used to identify, but especially exclude asthma in Paralympic athletes.
Translation and semiotic mediation
Authors: Nöth Winfried
Published: April 2013

Translation, according to Charles S. Peirce, is semiotic mediation. In sign processes in general, the sign mediates between the object, which it represents, and its interpretant, the idea it evokes, the interpretation it creates, or the action it causes. To what extent does the way a translator mediates correspond to what a sign does in semiosis? The paper inquires into the parallels between the agency of the sign in semiosis and the agency of the interpreter (and translator) in translation. It argues that some of the limits and limitations of translatability are also the limits of the sign in semiosis. Since genuine icons and genuine indices do not convey meaning they are strictly speaking also untranslatable. Nevertheless, icons and indices also serve as mediators in learning how to translate.
Culture-related decision conflicts in the translation process
Authors: Loogus Terje
Published: April 2013

Translators as members of a certain culture, generally that of the target culture, base their translation-relevant decisions on their own culture, while the decisions are motivated by the (alien) source culture. In the translation process, cultural differences may lead to various decision-making conflicts and the translator has to find a compromise between the author of the source text, the target recipient and finally, of course, the translator him/herself. In this article, proceeding from functionalist approaches to translation, the discussion focuses on the decision conflicts related to translating culturespecific elements. Culture-related decision conflicts, as considered here, refer to the translator's inner indecision with reference to his/her goals, interests, values, beliefs, methodological approach, or any consequences thereof, attributable to the different cultural embeddings of the source text and the target text. In general, decision conflicts are perceived as subjective translation problems. The translator has to be able to  constantly act between separate perspectives, continuously see things from different viewpoints. The conflicts arise when the translator attempts to bring together two incongruent cultures without prejudice to any of the parties involved in the process. Acting within the interface of two different cultures, bearing in mind the interests of several participants, is what makes translation-relevant decisions a highly complex matter.
The image of neighbours: Latvian and Lithuanian literature in Estonia
Authors: Mihkelev Anneli
Published: April 2013

The translated text has a specific value in the new culture: it can be a translation of a literary text, and it can be a translation of culture, i.e. a synchronic text of a cultural system. There are two principal concepts which are used in the present article: 'translation' and 'reception'. Reception begins with the selection of the author, literary or historical epoch, literary style, or ideology. So, every translation and reception begins with reading, and every reading creates meanings. At the same time, reception is also translation: it is a moment when two distinct cultures mix, and this situation needs understanding of the other. The translated texts create the image of the translated culture and/or nation. The article examines texts from Latvian and Lithuanian literatures from the second half of the 18th century to the early 20th century which have been translated into Estonian: what kind of texts are translated in different periods and by different translators (the selection of the authors and the texts); what the purpose of the translations is; how these translations translate Latvian or Lithuanian culture into Estonian; and how Estonians understand and accept these translated texts. And, finally, how these translated texts create the image of the translated culture and/or nation.
Theses about the poietic principle of metonymy
Authors: Pilv Aare
Published: April 2013

The paper observes the relation of fictional/figural discourses to language-games that are active in reality. The starting point for the discussion is the "theory of two contexts" by Arne Merilai, the basic idea of which is distinguishing between fictional and factual speech acts on the basis of their different contexts of truth value. It seems to be justified to expand it to the whole sphere of figurality. After that the paper views John Gibson’s Wittgensteinian theory of fiction as an archive of standards/etalons of languagegames and a laboratory of reshaping and creating these standards. The fictional/figural sphere can be described as the area of possibility that creates language-games of reality via poiesis. The article describes some cases where the logic of figural sphere is introduced directly into real political discourse, forcing the reality to act according to the rules of art, but thus excluding the ethical freedom of our real-life language-games. It means that there exists a certain principle of metonymy between the figural sphere as archive and laboratory of standards, on the one hand, and the language-games of reality, on the other hand, while violation of that principle involves a danger of losing the reconciliatory power of fictionality/figurality that, according to Jaak Tomberg, is a significant function of literature as a human practice. There are several possibilities for further analysis: the cases where the danger can be turned into something positive; the problems and gains of art forms (certain forms of the theatre, happenings) that use techniques of intrusion into reality; the question if such violation of the "principle of metonymy" is specifically connected with modernist avant-gardism or not.
Semiotics of mediation. Theses
Authors: Torop Peeter
Published: April 2013

Semiotics of mediation is based on comparative analysis of mediation processes, on typology of forms of mediation and on the subsequent complementary analysis of culture. Not only does cultural analysis that is based on semiotics of mediation proceed from communication processes, it also searches for possibilities of correlation between concepts of describability, analysability, translatability. Depending on the strategy of mediation semiotics it is possible to create an overview of the main parameters of cultural analysis and to specify the boundaries of semiotic analysis of culture. The main types of mediation are simultaneously parameters of cultural analysis. The main types include autocommunicative mediation, metalingual mediation, intertextual mediation, interdiscursive mediation, and inter- or transmedial mediation. Typology of mediation types facilitates the understanding of the autocommunicative aspect of culture and creates the basis for analysing communication processes not on the level of the immediate sender and receiver but as part of the culture’s communication with itself. Semiotics of mediation starts from semiotic mediation and ends with a culture of mediation in which one and the same cultural language or text operates as a means of dialogue with itself, as a means of communication with others, as part of some textual system or discourse, or as a transmedial phenomenon. Semiotics of mediation is a means of studying the correlation between implicit semiotic mediation and forms of explicit semiotic mediation, thus complementing cultural semiotic study of culture.
Valuing the social? The nature and controversies of measuring social return on investment (SROI)
Authors: Arvidson Malin , Lyon Fergus , McKay Stephen , Moro Domenico
Published: April 2013

The concept of ‘social return on investment’ (SROI) has come to play an important role in debates about how social enterprises and charities conceptualise, measure and communicate their achievements. In this paper we analyse the nature and role of SROI as used in the United Kingdom for impact assessment of such organisations. The paper offers insight into methodological and procedural aspects of the framework. Key issues explored include the quantification of benefits, the valuing of volunteering and the ways in which judgement and discretion are exercised. There is a particular tension between the participatory element in the design of each SROI exercise and its use for the purpose of competition. The paper concludes by proposing a research agenda that includes an examination of the context in which discretion and judgement are applied and the use and usefulness of SROI in the new policy and funding environment in which third sector organisations currently find themselves.
Growing Existing Customers’ Revenue Streams through Customer Referral Programs
Authors: Garnefeld Ina , Eggert Andreas , Helm Sabrina V. , Tax Stephen S.
Published: April 2013

Customer referral programs are an effective means of customer acquisition. By assessing a large-scale customer data set from a global cellular telecommunications provider, the authors show that participation in a referral program also increases existing customers’ loyalty. In a field experiment, recommenders’ defection rates fell from 19% to 7% within a year, and their average monthly revenue grew by 11.4% compared with a matched control group. A negative interaction between referral program participation and customer tenure reveals that the loyalty effect of voicing a recommendation is particularly pronounced for newer customer–firm relationships. A laboratory experiment further demonstrates that referral programs with larger rewards strengthen attitudinal and behavioral loyalty, whereas smaller rewards affect only the behavioral dimension. This article contributes to our theoretical understanding of the roles played by the commitment–consistency principle and positive reinforcement theory as mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of customer referral programs.
On the Selection of Bypassing Schemes Affecting the Secondary Arc Current and TRV in Series Compensated Lines
Authors: Zandi Zeynab , Sheshyekani Keyhan , Afjei Ebrahim
Published: April 2013

This paper investigates the effect of different bypassing schemes and grounding methods on the secondary arc current and the transient recovery voltage (TRV) of series compensated transmission lines. It is known that in series compensated lines, the peak value of the TRV may exceed the insulation strength. Furthermore, a secondary arc current is generated during a single line to ground fault mainly affected by the capacitive coupling between the healthy lines and the faulted line and can persist for seconds. The steadiness of secondary arc current prevents line reclosers from having a prompt closing to fulfill the system stability. This paper discusses different scenarios that can be employed to limit the secondary arc current consistency and to suppress a severe TRV during a single line to ground fault. A frequency domain analysis is conducted to better understand the nature of the secondary arc current. It is noted that an accurate arc model based upon the Kiziclay’s arc model is used in the simulations.
Effect of Air Velocity and Temperature on the Drying Kinetics of Drumstick Leaves (Moringa Oleifera)
Authors: Premi Monica , Sharma Harish , Upadhyay Ashutosh
Published: April 2013

The present study examines the effect of air velocity on drying kinetics of the drumstick leaves in a forced convective dryer. The drumstick leaves were dried in the temperature range of 50–800 C, at different air velocity (Dv) of 0.5 and 1.3 m/s. The results indicated that drying temperature and air velocity are the factors in controlling the drying rate. Experimental data obtained for the samples for color, drying rate and drying time proved that air velocity of 1.3 m/s yielded the product superior in terms of both quality and energy efficiency as compared to the samples at 0.5 m/s. Activation energy for drumstick leaves dried with air velocity, 0.5 and 1.3 m/s was 12.50 and 32.74 kJ/mol respectively. The activation energy relates similarly with the effective moisture diffusivity which also increased with increase in air velocity and temperature.
Effects Of Spray Drying On Physical Properties, Total Phenolic Content And Antioxidant Activity Of Carob Molasses
Authors: Akkaya Züleyha , Schröder Jewe , Tavman Sebnem , Kumcuoglu Seher , Schuchmann Heike Petra , Gaukel Volker
Published: April 2013

In the present study carob molasses (pekmez) was spray dried to obtain a powder with desired improved handling properties. Maltodextrin with dextrose equivalent (DE) values of 8.6, 15.3 and 18.6 was used as a drying agent. Different molasses to maltodextrin ratios (25:75, 50:50), and dryer air inlet temperatures (160 °C, 210 °C) were additional parameters. The spray dried powders were analyzed for glass transition temperature, moisture content, water activity, wetting behavior, particle size, color, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. The expected increasing effect of decreasing DE value on the glass transition temperature was obscured by different moisture contents. The glass transition temperature was mainly lowered by increasing the pekmez to maltodextrin ratio but also by increasing the air inlet temperature resulting in increasing moisture content. Wetting behavior was strongly influenced by the DE value. Total phenolic content was reduced in general by about 10 % and antioxidant activity changed by about 20 % independent from the investigated parameters. It can be concluded that spray drying of pekmez with addition of maltodextrin is a suitable method to improve and adjust handling properties of pekmez without loss of its nutritional value.
Permutation polynomials and translation planes of even order
Authors: Dempwolff Ulrich , Müller Peter
Published: April 2013

We describe two classes of permutation polynomials over finite fields F in characteristic 2 of the shape L(X)Xk where L(X) is an additive polynomial. Such polynomials determine translation planes of order |F|. We show that our polynomials define new classes of translation planes and we compute the automorphisms of these planes
High dynamic range CMOS (HDRC) imagers for safety systems
Authors: Strobel Markus , Döttling Dietmar
Published: April 2013

The first part of this paper describes the high dynamic range CMOS (HDRC®) imager – a special type of CMOS image sensor with logarithmic response. The powerful property of a high dynamic range (HDR) image acquisition is detailed by mathematical definition and measurement of the optoelectronic conversion function (OECF) of two different HDRC imagers. Specific sensor parameters will be discussed including the pixel design for the global shutter readout. The second part will give an outline on the applications and requirements of cameras for industrial safety. Equipped with HDRC global shutter sensors SafetyEYE® is a high-performance stereo camera system for safe three-dimensional zone monitoring enabling new and more flexible solutions compared to existing safety guards.
Sugar glues for broken neurons
Authors: Swarup Vimal P. , Mencio Caitlin P. , Hlady Vladimir , Kuberan Balagurunathan
Published: April 2013

Proteoglycans (PGs) regulate diverse functions in the central nervous system (CNS) by interacting with a number of growth factors, matrix proteins, and cell surface molecules. Heparan sulfate (HS) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) are two major glycosaminoglycans present in the PGs of the CNS. The functionality of these PGs is to a large extent dictated by the fine sulfation patterns present on their glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains. In the past 15 years, there has been a significant expansion in our knowledge on the role of HS and CS chains in various neurological processes, such as neuronal growth, regeneration, plasticity, and pathfinding. However, defining the relation between distinct sulfation patterns of the GAGs and their functionality has thus far been difficult. With the emergence of novel tools for the synthesis of defined GAG structures, and techniques for their characterization, we are now in a better position to explore the structure-function relation of GAGs in the context of their sulfation patterns. In this review, we discuss the importance of GAGs on CNS development, injury, and disorders with an emphasis on their sulfation patterns. Finally, we outline several GAG-based therapeutic strategies to exploit GAG chains for ameliorating various CNS disorders.
Nationwide multicenter study aimed at the establishment of common reference intervals for standardized clinical laboratory tests in Japan
Authors: Yamamoto Yoshikazu , Hosogaya Shigemi , Osawa Susumu , Ichihara Kiyoshi , Onuma Toshimitsu , Saito Atsushi , Banba Kouji , Araki Hideo , Nagamine Yasunori , Shinohara Katsuyuki , Okada Gen , Matsumoto Hiroyuki , Oguri Takashi , Gonaikawa Satoko , Iwagami Miyuki
Published: April 2013

Background: The Japanese Association of Medical Technologists (JAMT) sought to establish common reference intervals (RIs) applicable nationwide in Japan for 27 serum constituent analytes for which certified reference materials are available and nine analytes frequently measured in routine tests. More than 100 laboratories certified for metrological traceability collaborated in the recruitment, sampling, and measurement of analytes for the establishment of RIs. No previous attempt has been made to establish RIs by such a large number of laboratories. The allowable limits of trueness and intermediate precision based on the JAMT criteria were applied to the reference values measured by these laboratories, and measured values within the allowance limits were used to establish RIs.

Methods: Reference individuals included 5748 healthy volunteers aged 18–65 years who were engaged in medical care-related work based on the CLSI guidelines. After secondary exclusion of individuals in whom abnormal values were detected in basic routine test items and adjustment for the distribution of age and gender, 3371 reference individuals were chosen in the parametric determination of RIs. Employing the three-level nested ANOVA, between-laboratory, -region, -sex, and -age variations were evaluated.

Results: No significant difference was noted in between-region variations in any item. Results of ANOVA revealed between-sex and -age variations in 14 and 15 analytes, respectively. Based on these results of variation, RIs were established with and without partition by sex.

Conclusions: Since no between-region variation was detected in reference values among accuracy-certified core laboratories, RIs applicable nationwide were established.
Blood loss from laboratory diagnostic tests in children
Authors: Sztefko Krystyna , Beba Joanna , Mamica Katarzyna , Tomasik Przemysław
Published: April 2013

Background: Excessive diagnostic phlebotomy in children and critically ill patients is a frequent phenomenon in many hospitals. However, little attention is paid to a single blood volume taken routinely everyday from thousands of patients worldwide. The objective of the present study was to assess the volume of a single blood sample draw for laboratory testing in a pediatric population in relation to child age and weight, number of diagnostic tests requested by physicians, laboratory needs, and size of collection tube.

Methods: A single blood volume draw for diagnostic tests was measured in 3136 consecutive routine samples taken from children (from 1 day to 18 years old) and placed into a Microvette® or regular sampling tubes. The serum excess was calculated by taking into account the serum volume needed for the requested number of tests and the dead volume of analyzer.

Results: A huge variation in blood volume draws between individual patients, regardless of the number of tests requested, has been observed. The number of blood samples placed into the microvette decreased with patients’ age, with 53.9% in children younger than 1 month old and 9.3% in children older than 12 years old. There was a clear-cut increase in the mean value of the blood volume draw with an increase in children’s age. Only 2% of children up to 3 years old had a blood volume draw >1 mL/kg body weight.

Conclusions: Each pediatric laboratory should have a clear-cut recommendation on the amount on blood volume necessary for the requested number of tests.
Citric/citrate buffer: an effective antiglycolytic agent
Authors: del Pino Isabel García , Constanso Ignacio , Mourín Luis Vázquez , Safont Carmela Barbuzano , Vázquez Pastora Rodríguez
Published: April 2013

Background: In order to minimize the influence of glycolysis on diabetes mellitus (DM) diagnostic tests, we have compared the behavior of citric/citrate, fluoride additives and gel-serum with plasma-heparin under careful preanalytical conditions. Subsequently, we compared the effectiveness of both fluoride and citric additives at different pre-centrifugation times. Finally, the influence of citric/citrate collection tube on diagnostic tests results was evaluated.

Methods: The first study of 80 voluntary patients assessed the glucose bias of citric/citrate, fluoride additive tubes and gel-serum tubes versus plasma-heparin tubes at several medical decision cut-offs (MDC). The second study performed with 72 volunteers evaluated additives, simulating transport times to the laboratory and centrifugation delay periods. Final evaluation compares the proportion of positive tests in total tests carried out in two different periods.

Results: When citric/citrate (n=79) and fluoride tubes (n=60) were compared with plasma-heparin under controlled preanalytical conditions, both met the bias specification for plasma glucose (±1.8%) at seven MDC. On the contrary, serum samples (n=15) did not meet it at five MDC. In the second study, differences in glucose values at distinct pre-centrifugation times were not statistically significant for citric/citrate tubes, but significant for fluoride tubes and also for comparison of fluoride and citric/citrate tubes. Hemolysis in fluoride tubes was higher. Citric/citrate tube implementation in our laboratory caused an increase in positive diagnostic tests that were only statistically significant for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) screening.

Conclusions: Citric/citrate additive tube is equivalent to plasma-heparin avoiding glycolysis completely and immediately under careful preanalytical conditions even with a 3-h delay in plasma separation. According to used MDC we have not statistically significantly increased the diagnoses of DM cases.
Prenatal diagnosis of cystic fibrosis: an experience of 181 cases
Authors: Tomaiuolo Rossella , Nardiello Paola , Martinelli Pasquale , Sacchetti Lucia , Salvatore Francesco , Castaldo Giuseppe
Published: April 2013

Background:The demand for prenatal diagnosis (PD) of cystic fibrosis (CF) is increasing.

Methods:We performed pre-test multidisciplinary counselling for 192 couples at CF reproductive risk. In 11/192 (5.7%) cases PD was not performed mainly because counselling revealed a reproductive risk for atypical (mild) CF, while 181 PDs were performed in couples revealed at high risk for CF mainly because they already had a CF child (148/181, 81.8%) or had been identified through cascade screening (28/181, 15.5%).

Results:In 167/181 (92.3%) cases (including two dichorionic twin pregnancies), PD was performed on chorionic villi, and in 14 on amniocyte DNA. Only 1/181 PD was unsuccessful. In all other cases, single tandem repeat analysis excluded maternal contamination, and PD was made within 7 days of sampling. In total 116/180 (64.4%) PDs were made with dot-blot analysis; 40 (22.2%) required gene sequencing; in 4/180 cases we tested the gene for large rearrangements; in 23/180 (12.8%) cases linkage analysis was necessary because parental mutation(s) were unknown. Forty-two out of 180 (23.3%) PDs revealed an affected foetus. All couples but one interrupted pregnancy. The first twin PD revealed the absence (1 foetus) and the presence of one mutation (the other foetus); the second twin PD revealed one parental mutation (1 foetus) and both parental mutations (the other foetus); the couple planned selective interruption.

Conclusions:PD for CF should be performed in reference laboratories equipped for gene scanning and linkage analysis, with a multidisciplinary staff able to offer counselling to couples during all phases of PD.
On main conjectures in
non-commutative Iwasawa theory
and related conjectures
Authors: Burns David
Published: April 2013

The main conjecture of non-commutative Iwasawa theory is shown to be
equivalent, modulo an appropriate torsion hypothesis, to a family of
main conjectures over cyclotomic ℤ
p
-extensions together
with suitable compatibility relations between the associated abelian
p-adic L-functions. This result combines with techniques of
Ritter and Weiss and of Kakde to give a concrete strategy for
deducing main conjectures for (non-abelian) compact p-adic Lie
extensions of arbitrarily large rank from main conjectures in the
classical sense.

As a first application of this approach we combine it with a recent result of Ritter and Weiss to prove, modulo an appropriate vanishing hypothesis on μ-invariants, the main conjecture of non-commutative Iwasawa theory for Tate motives over compact p-adic Lie extensions of totally real number fields of arbitrarily large rank. We then also deduce several interesting consequences of this result concerning a range of related conjectures including special cases of the equivariant Tamagawa number conjecture.
Weil–Châtelet divisible elements in Tate–Shafarevich groups II: On a question of Cassels
Authors: Çiperiani Mirela , Stix Jakob
Published: April 2013

For an abelian variety A over a number field k we discuss the divisibility in H1(k,A) of elements of the subgroup Ш(A/k). The results are most complete for elliptic curves over ℚ.
On a notion of exactness for reduced free products of C*-algebras
Authors: Skoufranis Paul
Published: April 2013

We will study some modifications to the notion of an exact C*-algebra by replacing the minimal tensor product with the reduced free product. First we will demonstrate how the reduced free product of a short exact sequence of C*-algebras with another C*-algebra may be taken. It will then be demonstrated that this operation preserves exact sequences. We will also establish that adjoining arbitrary k-tuples of operators in a free way behaves well with respect to taking ultrapowers.
Operator biflatness of the L
1-algebras of compact quantum groups
Authors: Caspers Martijn , Lee Hun Hee , Ricard Éric
Published: April 2013

We prove that the L
1-algebra of any non-Kac type compact quantum group is not operator biflat. Since operator amenability implies operator biflatness, this result shows that any co-amenable, non-Kac type compact quantum group gives a counterexample to the conjecture that L
1(𝔾) is operator amenable if and only if 𝔾 is amenable and co-amenable for any locally compact quantum group 𝔾. The result also implies that the L
1-algebra of a locally compact quantum group is operator biprojective if and only if 𝔾 is compact and of Kac type.
Can peripartum cardiomyopathy be caused by chemotherapy and radiation of breast cancer?
Authors: Kyvernitakis Andreas , Kyvernitakis Ioannis , Yang Alexander , Albert Ute-Susann , Schmidt Stephan , Arabin Birgit
Published: April 2013

Aim: To report on a pregnant woman with peripartum cardiomyopathy 7 years after combination chemotherapy with doxorubicine and radiation of cancer of the left breast.

Case: A 35-year old primigravida who was treated 7 years earlier with cancer of the left breast (ympT1c, ypN0, cM0), according to a neoadjuvant study protocol (GeparTrio), was transferred to our unit due to HELLP syndome at 35+5 weeks. Symptoms of cardiopulmonary decompensation occurred shortly after cesarean delivery of a healthy newborn. The patient was admitted to cardiac intensive care and treated with oxygen, diuretics and ACE inhibitors. Maternal left ventricular ejection fraction recovered within a few weeks without any surgical interventions and remained stable within 1 year of follow-up.

Conclusion: The association between radical primary treatment of the left breast and life-threatening cardiac disease could possibly be provoked by pregnancy.
Folk accounts of dialect differences in Tyne and Wear
Authors: Pearce Michael
Published: April 2013

This article explores folk-perceptions of dialect differences within Tyne and Wear, North East England. It presents a qualitative analysis of responses to an online survey in which participants offered their descriptions of linguistic variation. These richly detailed comments are used in the composition of a nuanced picture of lay perceptions of linguistic variation in the region.
There are existential constructions and existential constructions: Presumption-invoking existentials in English
Authors: McGregor William B.
Published: April 2013

The article investigates an unusual and poorly studied class of existential-like expressions in English, exemplified in the title. It is contended that these expressions represent a distinct grammatical sign or construction, with a distinct semantic meaning of its own that is not derivable from the meaning of the plain existential. The formal and semantic properties of this sign are examined and specified; it is suggested that the sign is not entirely arbitrary, but shows recurrent and non-random associations between its formal properties and its meanings. To fully understand it, the construction must be situated within the grammar of English; to this end, it is compared and contrasted with other constructions it enters into paradigmatic relations with. The investigation is based largely on instances garnered from language use, including literature, conversation, and electronic corpora. The investigation is framed within a usage-based grammar that presumes the importance of constant and mutual interaction between linguistic description and theory, and the theoretical importance of the rare and unusual.
Existence problems for the p-Laplacian
Authors: Edward Julian , Hudson Steve , Leckband Mark
Published: April 2013

We consider a number of boundary value
problems involving the p-Laplacian. The model case is

-

Δ
p

u
=
V

|
u
|

p
-
2

u

${-\Delta _p u = V|u|^{p-2}u}$

for

u
∈

W
0

1
,
p

(
D
)

${u\in W_0^{1,p}(D)}$

with
D a bounded domain in ℝ
n
. We derive necessary conditions for the existence of
nontrivial solutions. These conditions usually involve a lower bound
for a product of powers of the norm of V, the measure of D, and
a sharp Sobolev constant. In most cases, these inequalities are best
possible. Applications to non-linear
eigenvalue problems
are also discussed.
A fascinating decade for the synthesis of 1,2-azoles
Authors: Chakroborty Subhendu , Bhanja Chittaranjan , Jena Satyaban
Published: April 2013

1,2-Azoles comprising pyrazoles, isoxazoles, and isothiazoles have occupied a distinctive position in the design and synthesis of novel biologically active compounds that exert remarkable pharmaceutical activities as medicines and agrochemicals. As a consequence, there has been an increasing interest among synthetic organic/medicinal chemists in the development of methodologies for the rapid access to these heterocycles. In this review, we have summarized the most significant advances in the construction of functionalized pyrazoles, isoxazoles, and isothiazoles reported in the literature up to 2012.
An approach to C-glycosidic conjugates of isoflavones
Authors: Szeja Wiesław , Świerk Piotr , Grynkiewicz Grzegorz , Rusin Aleksandra , Papaj Katarzyna
Published: April 2013

A novel approach to isoflavone glycoconjugates, designed as less biodegradable congeners of natural glycosides, is presented on example of daidzein linkage to a C-glycosidic synthon derived from l-rhamnose. 1,3-Dipolar cycloaddition was employed for chemical ligation of daidzein 7-O-propargyl ester and alkyl azide containing 2,3-unsaturated pyranoside moiety. The obtained constructs with opposite anomeric configuration both exhibited a considerable increase in cytotoxic activity against the HTC 116 cell line, in comparison to the parent isoflavone.
Substituted benzothiazoles: synthesis and medicinal characteristics
Authors: Henary Maged , Paranjpe Shirish , Owens Eric A.
Published: April 2013

The attractiveness of heterocyclic compounds in medicinal chemistry has increased significantly in the past few decades as they have been proven to be highly active for a number of purposes. More specifically, the benzothiazole-containing heterocyclic compounds have shown great promise in the pharmaceutical industry. As continuation of our first review article of the synthesis and specific applications of various benzothiazole cyanine dyes (Henary, M.; Paranjpe, S.; Owens, E. A. Synthesis and application of benzothiazole containing cyanine dyes. Heterocycl. Commun. 2013, 19, 1–11), we will focus in this review on the synthesis and medical applications of alternate compounds that utilize the benzothiazole scaffold as a part of their molecular structure. Benzothiazole derivatives encompass an attractive heterocyclic class that exhibits exciting medicinal properties. The applicability of these heterocyclic structures includes positron emission tomography probes for monitoring Alzheimer’s disease progression; furthermore, these compounds exhibit antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic and anti-HIV activity. Benzothiazole-containing heterocyclic structures are prominent throughout the literature and it is very important to acknowledge their efficacy and applicability. Herein, we review the recent developments covering the past few years concerning the advancements in synthetic methodology for the preparation of medicinally relevant benzothiazole-containing heterocyclic structures.
Elaboration of multilayered thin films based on cellulose nanocrystals and cationic xylans: application to xylanase activity detection
Authors: Dammak Abir , Moreau Céline , Beury Nadège , Schwikal Katrin , Winter Heiko T. , Bonnin Estelle , Saake Bodo , Cathala Bernard
Published: April 2013

Multilayered thin films have been prepared by means of the “spin-assisted electrostatic layer-by-layer self-assembly” method, in which cellulose nanocrystals (CN) and cationic xylans (CX) are alternatively deposited up to 10 times on a rotating silicon wafer. The film growth process was studied and the thickness increment was found to be equal to 23 nm per bilayer. This value is relatively high in comparison with that of previous studies. Atomic force microscopy revealed that the surface of the films consists of thick layers of CX, which are deposited as a compact network of aggregates on the CN layers. After a few deposition cycles, structural color appears. When the film is submitted to enzymatic hydrolysis of xylans, the thickness of the film decreases and a visible color change is induced. The sensitivity of the test was evaluated in comparison with a usual colorimetric measurement, which relies on the detection of reducing sugars set free by enzymatic hydrolysis. The assay sensitivity was found to be similar to that of the colorimetric method. The presented new method is simple, fast, and easy to use. These findings show that the method based on multilayer thin films might open new opportunities to optimize the screening assays for xylanase discovery.