bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applying a 3D situational virtual learning environment to the real world business—an extended research in marketing
Authors: Wang Shwu‐huey
Published: June 2011

In order to understand (1) what kind of students can be facilitated through the help of three‐dimensional virtual learning environment (3D VLE), and (2) the relationship between a conventional test (ie, paper and pencil test) and the 3D VLE used in this study, the study designs a 3D virtual supermarket (3DVS) to help students transform their role from passive learners to active participants. In the 3DVS, a virtual customer poses a total of 18 scenario‐based questions to the participants during the shopping process; the participants have to play a virtual clerk, and answer the questions by integrating marketing mix theory with the real‐world situation. The whole experiment includes a pretest, 3DVS training and a posttest. The instruments utilized in each of the pre‐ and posttest are four open‐ended questions aimed at understanding the participants' application performance. The findings of a chi‐square independence test show the following: (1) the 3D VLE is especially beneficial to those who have not adapted to traditional learning, and (2) there is no significant relationship between performance in 3DVS training and performance of the pretest. However, performance in 3DVS training is significantly correlated to that of the posttest.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

Virtual reality (VR) technology is very noticeable in the recent decade.

A virtual learning environment (VLE) that is extended from VR technology has been widely applied to both practice and education.

VR technology has been verified to be helpful in different areas of education.

What this paper adds

The paper goes further to explore what kind of students could be most facilitated by the three‐dimensional (3D) VLE.

The paper also tries to find out the relationship between traditional instruction and a 3D VLE.

It is the first time that researchers used VR technology to enhance business students' learning.

Implications for practice and/or policy

The paper provides evidence that a 3D VLE is especially beneficial to those who are not adaptive to traditional instruction (eg, exam‐ or lecture‐based instruction).

The paper also concludes that after being trained by a 3D VLE, a student may very possible reach a better learning performance.

The results provide very important reference for instructors or designers to design a more proper 3D VLE to enhance learning in the future.
LEADERSHIP BOOKS: ESSENTIAL READING
Authors: Goffee Rob
Published: June 2011

In the field of leadership, as in other fields, there are the good, the bad and the ugly. Rob Goffee shares his choices of books that examine leaders and leadership from all angles.
RELENTLESS TIDE: AN UNSTOPPABLE MEGABRAND
Authors: Barwise Patrick , Meehan Seán , MacDonald Emma
Published: June 2011

Sixty‐five years after the introduction of Tide in the US, it still dominates the market. How did Procter & Gamble achieve such a feat? Through continuous incremental innovation, consumer relevance and brand support, say Patrick Barwise, Seán Meehan and Emma Macdonald.
SUSTAINABLE SUCCESS: WINNING THROUGH CAPABILITIES
Authors: Leinwand Paul , Mainardi Cesare
Published: June 2011

Paul Leinwand and Cesare Mainardi challenge executives to pinpoint the capabilities that make their companies both distinctive and competitive. The real key to sustainable success, they argue, is being a coherent company.
LADY GAGA, GURU: MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE?
Authors: Peters Georgina
Published: June 2011

Lady Gaga, business guru? Stranger things have happened. So what are the business lessons proffered by the meat‐wearing star?
READ MY TIPS
Authors: Crainer Stuart
Published: June 2011

You have read the latest John Grisham and long consigned the quixotic high‐tech adventures of Lisbeth Salander to the second‐hand bookstore. Now, for some serious Summer reading.
VOICES: CULTIVATING MULTICULTURAL LEADERS
Authors: Muna Farid A.
Published: June 2011

Farid Muna argues that if companies fail to hire and develop multicultural leaders, they will be unable to build a sustainable global competitive advantage.
Treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars using topical and intralesional mitomycin C
Authors: Seo S.‐H. , Sung H.‐W.
Published: June 2011

Background  Keloids develop due to the overgrowth of fibrous tissue. Currently, there is no gold standard treatment for keloids and hypertrophic scars (HTS). Their propensity for local invasion and recurrence has prompted many investigations on antineoplastic agents.

Objectives  To investigate the efficacy of topical and intralesional mitomycin C for the treatment of keloids and HTS.

Methods  Nine patients with clinically diagnosed keloids and HTS were treated using topical mitomycin C (1 mg/mL) for 3 min after shaving excision. The Vancouver Scars Scale, patient satisfaction, and adverse effects were checked after 6 months. The keloids and HTS were photographed at each monthly visit. Intralesional mitomycin C (1 mg/mL) was administered to study the effect on the regression of keloids in 2 patients.

Results  Application of mitomycin C to the base of shave‐removed keloids and HTS showed good results. Six out of 9 patients were very satisfied with the outcome of treatment; none were disappointed. The results of intralesional mitomycin C treatment were disappointing. Both cases worsened, with increased ulceration after treatment.

Conclusions  Topical application of mitomycin C following shaving excision was safe and effective for the treatment of keloids and HTS. However, intralesional mitomycin C therapy aggravated both lesions.
Memory processes and prefrontal network dysfunction in cryptogenic epilepsy
Authors: Vlooswijk Marielle C. G. , Jansen Jacobus F. A. , Jeukens Cécile R. L. P. N. , Marian Majoie H. J. , Hofman Paul A. M. , de Krom Marc C. T. F. M. , Aldenkamp Albert P. , Backes Walter H.
Published: June 2011

Purpose:  Impaired memory performance is the most frequently reported cognitive problem in patients with chronic epilepsy. To examine memory deficits many studies have focused on the role of the mesiotemporal lobe, mostly with hippocampal abnormalities. However, the role of the prefrontal brain remains unresolved. To investigate the neuronal correlates of working memory dysfunction in patients without structural lesions, a combined study of neurocognitive assessment, hippocampal and cerebral volumetry, and functional magnetic resonance imaging of temporal and frontal memory networks was performed.

Methods:  Thirty‐six patients with cryptogenic localization‐related epilepsy and 21 healthy controls underwent neuropsychological assessment of intelligence (IQ) and memory. On T1‐weighted images obtained by 3‐Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), volumetry of the hippocampi and the cerebrum was performed. Functional MRI (fMRI) was performed with a novel picture encoding and Sternberg paradigm that activated different memory‐mediating brain regions. Functional connectivity analysis comprised cross‐correlation of signal time‐series of the most strongly activated regions involved in working memory function.

Key Findings:  Patients with epilepsy displayed lower IQ values; impaired transient aspects of information processing, as indicated by lower scores on the digit‐symbol substitution test (DSST); and decreased short‐term memory performance relative to healthy controls, as measured with the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale subtests for working memory, and word and figure recognition. This could not be related to any hippocampal volume changes. No group differences were found regarding volumetry or fMRI–derived functional activation. In the Sternberg paradigm, a network involving the anterior cingulate and the middle and inferior frontal gyrus was activated. A reduced strength of four connections in this prefrontal network was associated with the DSST and word recognition performance in the patient group.

Significance:  Deficits in the processes involved in transient working memory, and to a lesser extent in short‐term memory, in patients with localization‐related epilepsy of both temporal and extratemporal origin cannot be attributed to hippocampal atrophy or function only, but are also related to reduced functional connectivity in the prefrontal brain. Because patients with symptomatic lesions or mesiotemporal sclerosis were excluded from this study, the results cannot be explained by structural lesions. Therefore, the current findings highlight the influence of epilepsy on the prefrontal network integrity as a possible underlying problem of memory impairment.
Occurrence and Effects of the Rhizocephalan Parasite, Polyascus gregarius, in the Chinese Mitten Crab, Eriocheir sinensis, Cultured in a Freshwater Pond, China
Authors: Li Hengxiang , Yan Yan , Yu Xiujuan , Miao Suying , Wang Ying
Published: June 2011

An epizootic outbreak of the parasitic barnacle, Polyascus gregarius, was reported for the first time in cultured commercial mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis. Observations were made in a freshwater culture pond in Shenjia Dang, Zhejiang province, China, from June to October 2007. The surface morphology and appearance of the interna, externa, or scar of P. gregarius were recorded in 1464 crabs, including 871 males and 593 females. Overall prevalence of infection was 37.8 and 31.7% in male and female crabs, respectively. The monthly variation of infection was mainly dependent on the mortality of the host, with the highest prevalence (58.0% of males and 51.3% of females infected) in June, and the lowest (13.4% of males and 6.3% of females) in October. A host with multiple externae or scars was encountered frequently, with the maximum of 28 externae or 19 scars on a single crab. Being restricted in the culture pond, the hosts could not escape and return to the brackish water of the estuary; therefore, the externae were never exposed to male cyprids and remained unfertilized. As a result, all the externae degenerated and dropped off finally after 2–3 mo. This parasite caused castration, anecdysis, and increased mortality in the host, and therefore, had both direct and indirect effects on the commercial culture of E. sinensis. Infected males were castrated and displayed morphological modifications of secondary sexual characters. The size of infected crabs was significantly smaller than that of uninfected crabs because the molting was reduced by infection. After all the externae dropped off, the scarred host crabs finally died. A high mortality (possibly >50%) due to parasitism was observed in this study.
Precision across the Analytical Measuring Range of a Quantitative Real-Time PCR Assay for Cytomegalovirus Detection among Three Clinical Laboratories
Authors: Grys Thomas E. , Duquette Doreen L. , White Bruce , Irish Cole , Hata D. Jane , Pritt Bobbi S.
Published: June 2011

This study measured the precision of a quantitative laboratory-developed real-time PCR test for cytomegalovirus performed at three different clinical laboratories that use the same methodology. The overall standard deviation (adjusted for analyte level) was 0.18 log
10
copies/ml, and there was no significant relationship between standard deviation and analytical measuring range.
Frequency of Panton-Valentine Leukocidin-Producing Methicillin-Sensitive Staphylococcus Strains in Patients with Complicated Skin and Soft Tissue Infection in Bronx, New York
Authors: Kaltsas Anna , Guh Alice , Mediavilla José R. , Varshney Avanish K. , Robiou Natalie , Gialanellia Philip , Henry Michael , Levi Michael H. , Fries Bettina C.
Published: June 2011

lukF
-
PV
was present in 36% of skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI)-derived methicillin-susceptible
Staphylococcus aureus
(MSSA) strains and comprised six distinct clones, which contained fewer enterotoxin genes than strains without
lukF
-
PV
. Clinical presentations and outcomes of
lukF
-
PV
+
methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
(MRSA) and MSSA SSTIs were comparable. In multivariable analysis, the presence of
lukF
-
PV
remained a significant predictor for incision and drainage among MSSA strains.
Crystal Structure of Zebrafish Interferons I and II Reveals Conservation of Type I Interferon Structure in Vertebrates
Authors: Hamming Ole Jensen , Lutfalla Georges , Levraud Jean-Pierre , Hartmann Rune
Published: June 2011

Interferons (IFNs) play a major role in orchestrating the innate immune response toward viruses in vertebrates, and their defining characteristic is their ability to induce an antiviral state in responsive cells. Interferons have been reported in a multitude of species, from bony fish to mammals. However, our current knowledge about the molecular function of fish IFNs as well as their evolutionary relationship to tetrapod IFNs is limited. Here we establish the three-dimensional (3D) structure of zebrafish IFNφ1 and IFNφ2 by crystallography. These high-resolution structures offer the first structural insight into fish cytokines. Tetrapods possess two types of IFNs that play an immediate antiviral role: type I IFNs (e.g., alpha interferon [IFN-α] and beta interferon [IFN-β]) and type III IFNs (lambda interferon [IFN-λ]), and each type is characterized by its specific receptor usage. Similarly, two groups of antiviral IFNs with distinct receptors exist in fish, including zebrafish. IFNφ1 and IFNφ2 represent group I and group II IFNs, respectively. Nevertheless, both structures reported here reveal a characteristic type I IFN architecture with a straight F helix, as opposed to the remaining class II cytokines, including IFN-λ, where helix F contains a characteristic bend. Phylogenetic trees derived from structure-guided multiple alignments confirmed that both groups of fish IFNs are evolutionarily closer to type I than to type III tetrapod IFNs. Thus, these fish IFNs belong to the type I IFN family. Our results also imply that a dual antiviral IFN system has arisen twice during vertebrate evolution.
Identification of the First Human Gyrovirus, a Virus Related to Chicken Anemia Virus
Authors: Sauvage Virginie , Cheval Justine , Foulongne Vincent , Gouilh Meriadeg Ar , Pariente Kevin , Manuguerra Jean Claude , Richardson Jennifer , Dereure Olivier , Lecuit Marc , Burguiere Ana , Caro Valérie , Eloit Marc
Published: June 2011

We have identified in a skin swab sample from a healthy donor a new virus that we have named human gyrovirus (HGyV) because of its similarity to the chicken anemia virus (CAV), the only previously known member of the
Gyrovirus
genus. In particular, this virus encodes a homolog of the CAV apoptin, a protein that selectively induces apoptosis in cancer cells. By PCR screening, HGyV was found in 5 of 115 other nonlesional skin specimens but in 0 of 92 bronchoalveolar lavages or nasopharyngeal aspirates and in 0 of 92 fecal samples.
Factors influencing the inclusion of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in undergraduate medical education
Authors: Smith Kevin R
Published: June 2011

Objective

To investigate the views and practices of UK medical schools regarding the inclusion (or exclusion) of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in undergraduate medical curricula.

Design

Survey (by email) of UK medical schools offering MBBS (or equivalent) degrees.

Results

The overall response rate was 58.1% (18/31). All respondents indicated that their curricula included CAM elements. However, the quantity of CAM within curricula varied widely between medical schools, as did the methods by which CAM education was delivered. General Medical Council requirements were the strongest factor influencing the inclusion of CAM, although medical student preferences were also important. Respondents were generally satisfied with the extent of CAM provision within their curricula, while a wide range of views on the appropriateness of CAM in the medical curriculum were held by faculty members.

Conclusions

It may be useful for the General Medical Council to clarify the extent to which CAM should be incorporated into the curriculum. Current CAM education appears to exist primarily as a means of educating future doctors on the modalities that their patients may use or request. However, some forms of pedagogy arguably risk students assimilating CAM advocacy in an uncritical fashion.
Economics of tobacco control in Pakistan: estimating elasticities of cigarette demand
Authors: Mushtaq Nasir , Mushtaq Saghir , Beebe Laura A
Published: June 2011

Background

Despite ongoing global efforts for tobacco control, low-income countries with struggling economies have challenges to effectively implement tobacco policies and programs. Due to the complexity of the tobacco control issue and lack of comprehensive policies, tobacco use is increasing in Pakistan.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of taxes on tobacco demand in Pakistan.

Methods

Various surveillance indicators of tobacco use were assessed from 2001 to 2009. Price elasticities of cigarette demand in Pakistan were investigated.

Results

During 2003–2009, annual per capita cigarette consumption increased by 30%. Analysis of economic data indicated that a 10% increase in cigarette prices would lead to 4.8% decrease in cigarette consumption while controlling for per capita income in the short term. The long-term price elasticities of cigarette demand were estimated at −1.17. The estimations provided support for myopic addiction model for cigarette consumption in Pakistan.

Conclusions

Increasing tobacco taxes would have a significant impact on tobacco consumption in Pakistan. Cigarette consumption could decrease by 11.7% in the long term if there was a 10% increase in its price. The results of this study should benefit policymakers as it provides information on the characteristics of the cigarette consumption and cigarette demand function that may help in planning tobacco control strategies in low-income and middle-income countries.
THE HAGEDORN TEMPERATURE REVISITED
Authors: CLEYMANS J. , WORKU D.
Published: June 2011

The Hagedorn temperature, T H is determined from the number of hadronic resonances including all mesons and baryons. This leads to a stable result T H = 174 MeV consistent with the critical and the chemical freeze-out temperatures at zero chemical potential. We use this result to calculate the speed of sound and other thermodynamic quantities in the resonance hadron gas model for a wide range of baryon chemical potentials following the chemical freeze-out curve. We compare some of our results to those obtained previously in other papers.
FOURIER ANALYSIS OF EXAFS DATA FOR COPPER METAL AND COPPER COMPLEXES OF ISOXEZOL SERIES AND DETERMINATION OF STRUCTURAL PARAMETERS
Authors: MISHRA A. , PARSAI N.
Published: June 2011

In this paper we deal with the Fourier analysis of EXAFS data and illustrate this by a detailed analysis of the data for copper metal and copper complexes of Isoxezol series. Fourier analysis is useful in extracting distances and information about the phase shifts, the amplitudes, the Debye–Waller factors and the mean free paths. Here we have determined interatomic distances, mean square deviation and inelastic mean free path from Fourier transform of EXAFS data for copper metal and copper complexes of Isoxezol series.
EFFECT OF BARIUM ON DIELECTRIC, FERROELECTRIC, IMPEDANCE AND ELECTRICAL MODULUS PROPERTIES OF Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 CERAMICS
Authors: RAO K. SAMBASIVA , RAJULU K. CH. VARADA , TILAK B.
Published: June 2011

Perovskite structured ferroelectric ( Na 1/2 Bi 1/2)0.945 Ba 0.055 TiO 3 (BNBT-5.5) material has been synthesized by the conventional sintering technique. X-ray analysis on the material showed a single phase compound with rhombohedral structure with lattice parameters a = 3.89 Åand α = 89.893 Å. Frequency and temperature dependence of dielectric permittivity, impedance, modulus and conductivity have been performed in the frequency and temperature range 45 Hz–5 MHz and 35–595°C, respectively. The observed low frequency dielectric dispersion (LFDD) in the material could be explained by Jonschers power law and evaluated activation energies at different temperature regions. Impedance spectroscopy study showed the presence of both bulk and grain boundary effects in the materials. The ac conductivity spectrum obeyed the Jonscher's power law. Modulus analysis indicated the possibility of hopping mechanism for electrical process in the system.
Activation characteristics of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 and its role in nociception
Authors: Raisinghani Manish , Zhong Linlin , Jeffry Joseph A. , Bishnoi Mahendra , Pabbidi Reddy M. , Pimentel Fátima , Cao De-Shou , Steven Evans M. , Premkumar Louis S.
Published: June 2011

Transient receptor potential (TRP) ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) is a Ca2+-permeant, nonselective cationic channel. It is predominantly expressed in the C afferent sensory nerve fibers of trigeminal and dorsal root ganglion neurons and is highly coexpressed with the nociceptive ion channel transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1). Several physical and chemical stimuli have been shown to activate the channel. In this study, we have used electrophysiological techniques and behavioral models to characterize the properties of TRPA1. Whole cell TRPA1 currents induced by brief application of lower concentrations of N-methyl maleimide (NMM) or allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) can be reversed readily by washout, whereas continuous application of higher concentrations of NMM or AITC completely desensitized the currents. The deactivation and desensitization kinetics differed between NMM and AITC. TRPA1 current amplitude increased with repeated application of lower concentrations of AITC, whereas saturating concentrations of AITC induced tachyphylaxis, which was more pronounced in the presence of extracellular Ca2+. The outward rectification exhibited by native TRPA1-mediated whole cell and single-channel currents was minimal as compared with other TRP channels. TRPA1 currents were negatively modulated by protons and polyamines, both of which activate the heat-sensitive channel, TRPV1. Interestingly, neither protein kinase C nor protein kinase A activation sensitized AITC-induced currents, but each profoundly sensitized capsaicin-induced currents. Current-clamp experiments revealed that AITC produced a slow and sustained depolarization as compared with capsaicin. TRPA1 is also expressed at the central terminals of nociceptors at the caudal spinal trigeminal nucleus. Activation of TRPA1 in this area increases the frequency and amplitude of miniature excitatory or inhibitory postsynaptic currents. In behavioral studies, intraplantar and intrathecal administration of AITC induced more pronounced and prolonged changes in nociceptive behavior than those induced by capsaicin. In conclusion, the characteristics of TRPA1 we have delineated suggest that it might play a unique role in nociception.
Neuronal activation times to simple, complex, and natural sounds in cat primary and nonprimary auditory cortex
Authors: Carrasco Andres , Lomber Stephen G.
Published: June 2011

Interactions between living organisms and the environment are commonly regulated by accurate and timely processing of sensory signals. Hence, behavioral response engagement by an organism is typically constrained by the arrival time of sensory information to the brain. While psychophysical response latencies to acoustic information have been investigated, little is known about how variations in neuronal response time relate to sensory signal characteristics. Consequently, the primary objective of the present investigation was to determine the pattern of neuronal activation induced by simple (pure tones), complex (noise bursts and frequency modulated sweeps), and natural (conspecific vocalizations) acoustic signals of different durations in cat auditory cortex. Our analysis revealed three major cortical response characteristics. First, latency measures systematically increase in an antero-dorsal to postero-ventral direction among regions of auditory cortex. Second, complex acoustic stimuli reliably provoke faster neuronal response engagement than simple stimuli. Third, variations in neuronal response time induced by changes in stimulus duration are dependent on acoustic spectral features. Collectively, these results demonstrate that acoustic signals, regardless of complexity, induce a directional pattern of activation in auditory cortex.
IgA-Dominant Postinfectious Glomerulonephritis: A New Twist on an Old Disease
Authors: Nasr Samih H. , D’Agati Vivette D.
Published: June 2011

IgA-dominant acute postinfectious glomerulonephritis (APIGN) is an increasingly recognized morphologic variant of APIGN, particularly in the elderly. In contrast to classic APIGN, in which there is typically glomerular deposition of IgG and C3 or C3 only, IgA is the sole or dominant immunoglobulin in IgA-dominant APIGN. Because the vast majority of reported cases occur in association with staphylococcal infections, the alternative designation ‘IgA-dominant acute poststaphylococcal glomerulonephritis’ has been applied. Diabetes is a major risk factor, likely reflecting the high prevalence of staphylococcal infection in diabetics, particularly involving skin. Patients typically present with severe renal failure, proteinuria and hematuria. Prognosis is guarded with less than a fifth of patients fully recovering renal function. This variant of APIGN must be distinguished from IgA nephropathy. Features that favor IgA-dominant APIGN over IgA nephropathy include initial presentation in older age or in a diabetic patient, acute renal failure, intercurrent culture-documented staphylococcal infection, hypocomplementemia, diffuse glomerular endocapillary hypercellularity with prominent neutrophil infiltration on light microscopy, stronger immunofluorescence staining for C3 than IgA, and the presence of subepithelial humps on electron microscopy. The pathogenetic mechanism of selective IgA deposition in patients with poststaphylococcal glomerulonephritis likely involves specific host responses to the inciting pathogen.
Robertsonian Translocation in a Sex Reversal Dog (XX, SRY negative) May Indicate that the Causative Mutation for This Intersexuality Syndrome Resides on Canine Chromosome 23 (CFA23)
Authors: Switonski M. , Szczerbal I. , Nizanski W. , Kociucka B. , Bartz M. , Dzimira S. , Mikolajewska N.
Published: June 2011

A Bernese mountain dog was subjected for clinical evaluation due to the presence of ambiguous external genitalia (enlarged clitoris). Anatomical and histological studies revealed the presence of one testicle, one ovotestis and a uterus. This dog was classified as a female-to-male sex reversal, with 2 normal X chromosomes and a lack of the Y chromosome-linked genes SRY and ZFY. It is the first case of this syndrome in this breed. Apparently a Robertsonian translocation, rob(5;23), was also identified in this dog and it is again the first case of this type of chromosome abnormality in this breed, as well as the first case of co-occurrence of the sex reversal syndrome along with a centric fusion in the dog. Since on the canine chromosome 23 (CFA23) 3 genes (FOXL2,PISRT1 and CTNNB1) involved in the sex determination process are present, further cytogenetic FISH studies were carried out with the use of BAC probes specific for this chromosome. It was found that a pericentromeric fragment of CFA23 was deleted as a result of the centric fusion. We hypothesize that a cis regulatory sequence for the sex determination genes on CFA23 (e.g. proximally located CTNNB1) is present in the deleted fragment. Thus, a causative mutation responsible for this sex reversal syndrome may reside on CFA23.
Long-Term Outcome of Combined Interferon-α and 5-Fluorouracil Treatment for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Major Portal Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Nagano Hiroaki , Wada Hiroshi , Kobayashi Shogo , Marubashi Shigeru , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Tanemura Masahiro , Tomimaru Yoshito , Osuga Keigo , Umeshita Koji , Doki Yuichiro , Mori Masaki
Published: June 2011

Background/Aim: We previously reported the beneficial effects of a combination therapy of interferon (IFN)-α/5-fluorouracil (FU) for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with tumor thrombi in the major portal branches. This report describes the results of longer follow-up and includes more than twice the number of patients relative to the previous report; it also evaluates the clinical predictor on the response to the combination therapy and long-term survival. Methods: The study subjects were 102 patients with advanced HCC and tumor thrombi in the major branches of the portal vein (Vp3 or 4). They were treated with at least 2 courses of IFN-α/5-FU. Results: No major treatment-related complications were noted. In the 102 patients, 40 (39.2%) showed objective response [11 (10.8%) showed complete response, 29 (28.4%) partial response], 8 (7.9%) showed no response and 54 (52.9%) showed progressive disease. Conclusion: IFN-α/5-FU combination therapy is a promising modality for advanced HCC with tumor thrombi in the major portal branches.
Moderate Strontium Loading Induces Rickets in Rats with Mild Chronic Renal Failure
Authors: Fischer Dagmar-Christiane , Jensen Claudia , Rahn Anja , Salewski Birgit , Kundt Günther , D’Haese Patrick C. , Haffner Dieter , Behets Geert J.
Published: June 2011

Background/Aims: Renal osteodystrophy and eventually osteoporosis are serious long-term complications in children with end-stage renal disease before and after renal transplantation. Strontium (Sr) salts are used for treatment of osteoporosis in adults. Methods: To evaluate the time-dependent effects of Sr on growth plate morphology and their reversibility, chronic renal failure (CRF) rats received either normal or Sr-loaded drinking water (2 g/l; ±200 mg/kg/day) for periods of 2, 6 and 12 weeks with or without subsequent washout periods of 0, 2, 4 or 8 weeks. Results: While weight gain was not affected by Sr loading, a significant enlargement of the entire growth plate, mainly due to expansion of the hypertrophic zone, was already present after 2 weeks. Sr-loaded animals showed increased osteoid areas and reduced bone formation rates at 2, 6 and 12 weeks compared to controls. This was accompanied by reduced PTH levels and increased serum bone alkaline phosphatase activity. After the washout periods these effects were reversed. In general, the height of the hypertrophic zone was positively correlated with osteoid area and negatively correlated with bone formation rate. Conclusion: Moderate Sr loading in CRF rats results in rapid development of rickets, which is reversible after washout.
Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Followed by Neurogenic Stunned Myocardium in the Same Patient: Gradations of the Same Disease?
Authors: Dande Amit S. , Pandit Amrita S. , Galin Ira D.
Published: June 2011

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a phenomenon of transient acute left ventricular dysfunction without obstructive coronary disease seen predominantly in postmenopausal women in the setting of acute emotional or physical stress. Neurocardiogenic injury from acute neurologic events such as intracranial bleeding can precipitate transient left ventricular dysfunction (termed ‘neurogenic stunned myocardium’) that may be indistinguishable from takotsubo cardiomyopathy. There is controversy about the diagnosis of takotsubo cardiomyopathy in the setting of acute neurologic disorders. We describe a case of a 67-year-old female who initially presented with takotsubo cardiomyopathy due to an acute gastrointestinal illness and 4 years later developed a recurrence in the setting of an ischemic cerebrovascular accident that was associated with more prominent EKG changes and much higher cardiac biomarker release but similar degree of left ventricular dysfunction. This case suggests that susceptibility to this disorder is likely due to patient-specific factors rather than etiology, and acute neurologic disorders should be included as precipitants of takotsubo cardiomyopathy. We also theorize that there may be patients with milder forms of stress-related cardiac injury who do not develop left ventricular dysfunction, being similar to the wide range of cardiac manifestations in patients with acute neurologic disorders. We review published literature on neurologic precipitants of takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
Entrainment for Distinguishing Atypical Atrioventricular Node Reentrant Tachycardia From Atrioventricular Reentrant Tachycardia Over Septal Accessory Pathways With Long-RP Tachycardia
Authors: Bennett Matthew T. , Leong-Sit Peter , Gula Lorne J. , Skanes Allan C. , Yee Raymond , Krahn Andrew D. , Hogg Ellaina C. , Klein George J.
Published: June 2011

Background—

The response to right ventricular (RV) entrainment is useful to distinguish atypical AV node reentrant tachycardia from AV reentrant tachycardia using a septal accessory pathway. Whether entrainment can differentiate between AV node reentrant tachycardia and AV reentrant tachycardia in patients with long-RP tachycardia has not been systematically validated.

Methods and Results—

Twenty-four patients with concealed septal accessory pathways who had an electrophysiology study between January 1, 2000, and January 1, 2010, were included (age, 38±17 years; men, 17). Entrainment was performed from the RV apex pacing at cycle length 20 to 40 ms shorter than tachycardia cycle length (TCL). The mean TCL was 390±80 ms, the mean AH interval during tachycardia was 151±57 ms, and the mean ventriculoatrial (VA) time was 182±103 ms. Twelve patients had typical accessory pathways (VA/TCL <40%), and 12 had slowly conducting accessory pathways (VA/TCL ≥40%). In all patients with typical accessory pathways, the postpacing interval minus the TCL (PPI−TCL) was <115 ms and the difference in the VA interval during pacing and tachycardia (StimA−VA) was <85 ms. On the other hand, in 6 of the 12 patients in the slowly conducting group, the PPI−TCL was >115 ms, and the StimA−VA was >85 ms.

Conclusions—

Slowly conducting accessory pathways frequently yield RV entrainment criteria traditionally attributable to AV node reentry. Distinguishing AV node reentry from AV reentry in patients with long-RP tachycardia requires other criteria.
Gender Differentials in Disability and Mortality Transitions
Authors: Chan Angelique , Zimmer Zachary , Saito Yasuhiko
Published: June 2011

Objective: This study has two aims: (a) to examine gender differentials in disability transitions and active life expectancies among older adults in Japan and (b) to determine whether these gender differentials vary by age, socioeconomic characteristics, and disease profile. Method: Active and inactive states are defined as living with and without disabilities using activities of daily living. Expected years of life and active life are examined by constructing multistate life-tables, which employ probabilities of health and mortality transitions derived from hazard models. Results: Results indicate that older women in Japan live longer than older men and spend a proportion of these extra years with and without disability. Discussion: The discussion highlights a projected increase in the number of years that individuals, in particular women, will need long-term care. Policy implications include the need to bolster long-term care services in Japan.
Influence of biodiesel–methanol blends on the emissions in the low-temperature combustion of a direct-injection diesel engine using high levels of exhaust gas recirculation
Authors: Zhu L , Zhang W G , Huang Z
Published: June 2011

In this study, biodiesel and biodiesel–methanol (BM) blends were tested in a four-cylinder direct-injection diesel engine to investigate the combustion and emissions in low-temperature combustion. With increasing exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) rate, the heat release rate decreases and moves towards top dead centre (TDC); the 50 per cent fuel mass fraction burned point and the start of combustion occur later. For BM blends, the nitrogen oxide (NO x) emissions decrease at each tested EGR level, compared with the NO x emissions for biodiesel. However, the reductions are limited. As the EGR rate increases, the NO x emissions decrease monotonically for all fuels at different engine loads. Generally, the smoke opacity of BM blends increases with increasing EGR rate and then decreases, which is the typical characteristic soot ‘hump’ of low-temperature combustion. Meanwhile, it is interesting that, with increasing methanol fraction in the blends, the soot hump moves towards the lower-EGR-rate region. Hydrocarbon (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions increase with increasing EGR rate inevitably. However, it is noted that the use of the biodiesel–10 vol % methanol blend could reduce the HC emissions, compared with the use of biodiesel, or even diesel fuel.
Interpreting finite element results for brittle materials in endodontic restorations
Authors: Pérez-González Antonio , Iserte-Vilar José L , González-Lluch Carmen
Published: June 2011

Background

Finite element simulation has been used in last years for analysing the biomechanical performance of post-core restorations in endodontics, but results of these simulations have been interpreted in most of the works using von Mises stress criterion. However, the validity of this failure criterion for brittle materials, which are present in these restorations, is questionable. The objective of the paper is to analyse how finite element results for brittle materials of endodontic restorations should be interpreted to obtain correct conclusions about the possible failure in the restoration.

Methods

Different failure criteria (Von Mises, Rankine, Coulomb-Mohr, Modified Mohr and Christensen) and material strength data (diametral tensile strength and flexural strength) were considered in the study. Three finite element models (FEM) were developed to simulate an endodontic restoration and two typical material tests: diametral tensile test and flexural test.

Results

Results showed that the Christensen criterion predicts similar results as the Von Mises criterion for ductile components, while it predicts similar results to all other criteria for brittle components. The different criteria predict different failure points for the diametral tensile test, all of them under multi-axial stress states. All criteria except Von Mises predict failure for flexural test at the same point of the specimen, with this point under uniaxial tensile stress.

Conclusions

From the results it is concluded that the Christensen criterion is recommended for FEM result interpretation in endodontic restorations and that the flexural test is recommended to estimate tensile strength instead of the diametral tensile test.
An XMRV Derived Retroviral Vector as a Tool for Gene Transfer
Authors: Cervantes-Garcia Daniel , Rojas-Martinez Augusto , Camerini David
Published: June 2011

Background

Retroviral vectors are widely used tools for gene delivery and gene therapy. They are useful for gene expression studies and genetic manipulation in vitro and in vivo. Many retroviral vectors are derived from the mouse gammaretrovirus, murine leukemia virus (MLV). These vectors have been widely used in gene therapy clinical trials. XMRV, initially found in prostate cancer tissue, was the first human gammaretrovirus described.

Findings

We developed a new retroviral vector based on XMRV called pXC. It was developed for gene transfer to human cells and is produced by transient cotransfection of LNCaP cells with pXC and XMRV-packaging plasmids.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that pXC mediates expression of inserted transgenes in cell lines. This new vector will be a useful tool for gene transfer in human and non-human cell lines, including gene therapy studies.
Hysteresis vs. Natural Rate of Unemployment: One, the Other, or Both?
Authors: Kula Ferit , Aslan Alper
Published: June 2011

Hysteresis vs. Natural Rate of Unemployment: One, the Other, or Both?

This paper re-examines the empirical validity of the hysteresis hypothesis in unemployment rates by education level in 17 OECD countries. To this end, for an unbalanced panel, we employed Pesaran's Cross-Sectional Dependence (CD) and Cross-Sectionally Augmented ADF (CADF) tests. Our empirical findings provide evidence favorable to the non-stationarity of unemployment rates according to levels of primary and secondary education attainment in total unemployment, and therefore the existence of hysteresis for these levels of education. There is no evidence, however, of hysteresis for unemployment rates by tertiary education.
Modelling Sustainable Development Scenarios of Croatian Power System
Authors: Pašičko Robert , Stanić Zoran , Debrecin Nenad
Published: June 2011

Modelling Sustainable Development Scenarios of Croatian Power System

The main objective of power system sustainable development is to provide the security of electricity supply required to underpin economic growth and increase the quality of living while minimizing adverse environmental impacts. New challenges such as deregulation, liberalization of energy markets, increased competition on energy markets, growing demands on security of supply, price insecurities and demand to cut CO2 emissions, are calling for better understanding of electrical systems modelling. Existing models are not sufficient anymore and planners will need to think differently in order to face these challenges. Such a model, on the basis on performed simulations, should enable planner to distinguish between different options and to analyze sustainability of these options. PLEXOS is an electricity market simulation model, used for modeling electrical system in Croatia since 2005. Within this paper, generation expansion scenarios until 2020 developed for Croatian Energy Strategy and modeled in PLEXOS. Development of sustainable Croatian energy scenario was analyzed in the paper - impacts of CO2 emission price and wind generation. Energy Strategy sets goal for 1200 MW from wind power plants in 2020. In order to fully understand its impacts, intermittent nature of electricity generation from wind power plant was modeled. We conclude that electrical system modelling using everyday growing models has proved to be inevitable for sustainable electrical system planning in complex environment in which power plants operate today.
Transparent Proxy for Secure E-Mail
Authors: Michalák Juraj , Hudec Ladislav
Published: June 2011

Transparent Proxy for Secure E-Mail

The paper deals with the security of e-mail messages and e-mail server implementation by means of a transparent SMTP proxy. The security features include encryption and signing of transported messages. The goal is to design and implement a software proxy for secure e-mail including its monitoring, administration, encryption and signing keys administration. In particular, we focus on automatic public key on-the-fly encryption and signing of e-mail messages according to S/MIME standard by means of an embedded computer system whose function can be briefly described as a brouter with transparent SMTP proxy.
Stable Model Predictive Control Design: Sequential Approach
Authors: Veselý Vojtech
Published: June 2011

Stable Model Predictive Control Design: Sequential Approach

The paper addresses the problem of output feedback stable model predictive control design with guaranteed cost. The proposed design method pursues the idea of sequential design for N prediction horizon using one-step ahead model predictive control design approach. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Deterministic and probabilistic analysis of damping device resistance under impact loads from nuclear fuel container drop
Authors: Králik J.
Published: June 2011

Deterministic and probabilistic analysis of damping device resistance under impact loads from nuclear fuel container drop

This paper presents a deterministic and probabilistic solution of damping devices for the protection of the reinforced concrete structure of a nuclear power plant (NPP) from impact loads from a container of nuclear fuel of the type TK C30 drop. The finite element idealization of the building structure is used in space. The interaction soil-structure, as well as the fluid-structure of the deactivated basin is considered in space. A steel pipe damper system is proposed for the dissipation of the kinetic energy of the container in free fall. The Newmark integration method is used for the solution of the dynamic equations. The sensitivity and probabilistic analysis of the damping devices was realized using the AntHILL and ANSYS software.
Robust Estimation of Latent Ability in Item Response Models
Authors: Schuster Christof , Yuan Ke-Hai
Published: June 2011

Because of response disturbances such as guessing, cheating, or carelessness, item response models often can only approximate the “true” individual response probabilities. As a consequence, maximum-likelihood estimates of ability will be biased. Typically, the nature and extent to which response disturbances are present is unknown, and, therefore, accounting for them by altering the model is not possible. Even if the nature of the response disturbances were known, accounting for them by increasing model complexity could easily lead to sample size requirements for estimation purpose that would be difficult to achieve. An approach based on weighting the contributions of the item responses to the log likelihood function has been suggested by Mislevy and Bock. This estimation approach has been shown to effectively reduce bias of ability estimates in the presence of response disturbances. However, this approach is prone to produce infinite ability estimates for unexpected response patterns in which correct answers are sparse. An alternative robust estimator of ability is suggested that does not appear to produce infinite estimates. Limited simulation studies show that the two estimators are equivalent when evaluated in terms of mean squared error.
Joann Sfar Conjures Marc Chagall
Authors: Leroy Fabrice
Published: June 2011

The five episodes of Joann Sfar's The Rabbi's Cat (2002-2006), recently published in English translation in two volumes (2007-2008), and particularly the latest instalment of the series, Africa's Jerusalem, are rich in meta-narrative and meta-iconic elements. By staging various theological arguments about aniconism in Abrahamic religions, Sfar uses the comics medium to reflect on the prohibition of graphic representation in Judaism and Islam (following the Jyllands-Posten Danish cartoons controversy and the trial of the French satirical magazine Charlie-Hebdo ). He also distances his work from the usual Western stance on realistic mimesis and its pseudo-scientific epistemology by criticising the European constructs of race and exoticism. Between the anti-iconic prohibition of the East and the false iconicity of the West, Sfar finds a middle ground in the anonymous character of a Russian painter travelling through Africa in the 1930s, whose physical appearance and biographical background recall that of famous Franco-Russian Jewish painter, Marc Chagall. This article will explore how the painter's cultural hybridity and artistic idiosyncrasy allow Sfar to negotiate a perspective on graphic representation which resolves the problem of simulacrum as it is framed in this binary opposition. It will also discuss the manners in which Sfar borrows from Chagall's aesthetics and magic realism in the process, thus creating a new kind of image in the realm of comics.
Effect of Temperature on Fine Particle Drying in a Draft‐Tube Conical Spouted Bed
Authors: Altzibar H. , Lopez G. , Olazar M. , Bilbao J.
Published: June 2011

The performance of a draft‐tube conical spouted bed for drying fine particles under batch operating conditions has been assessed at several temperatures using nonporous and open‐sided draft tubes, and the results have been compared with those obtained when operating without a draft tube. In order to ascertain the influence of temperature on drying, experimental runs have been carried out in the 25–300 °C temperature range. The open‐sided draft tube provides the best performance due to the excellent gas‐solid contact attained with this device, which enables shorter drying times. A maximum air temperature of 200 °C is recommended for energy optimization. An open‐sided tube protruding above the stagnant bed by at least 2/3 of the latter's height produces much lower and denser fountains than a tube flush with the upper surface of the bed.