bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cultural identity markers and identity as a whole: Some alternative solutions
Authors: Watzlawik Meike
Published: May 2012

In identity research, scientists usually have different foci. Some examine the structure of identity and describe different facets (e.g., cultural, religious, gender identity), others concentrate on the question how individuals arrive at this structure, which underlies constant change. This commentary shows how conceptual clarifications can assist in understanding developmental processes of identity. Facets or voices (as they are called in dialogical self research) that are closely intertwined in one cultural context can be less so in others. On the basis of these conceptual clarifications and additional cultural dimensions, Skandrani, Taïeb and Moro’s (2011) interpretations leading to hybrid identity formation and conflicting voices are contrasted with alternative viewpoints. It is suggested that the cultural setting demands—as well as allows—agency that can lead to the development of new voices and protection strategies that do not necessarily depict conflict.
‘You do the math’: Mathletics and the play of online learning
Authors: Nansen Bjorn , Chakraborty Kabita , Gibbs Lisa , Vetere Frank , MacDougall Colin
Published: May 2012

This article reports on a case study of the web-based educational maths application, Mathletics. The findings are drawn from an ethnographic study of children’s technology use in Melbourne, Australia. We explore the experience, governance and commerce of children’s Mathletics use, and offer insights into the developing possibilities and challenges emerging through the adoption of Web 2.0 applications for learning and education. In analyzing the interaction between students and this software, this article deploys two key concepts in technology studies – affordance and technicity – to develop a relational understanding of Mathletics play. This conceptualization of play, which accounts for the playability or give of a technology, helps to illuminate some ways in which the aesthetics, functionality, and materiality of this online application accommodate a number of – and often competing – uses, interests and values: parental anxieties, pedagogical concerns and corporate stakes.
Bendability optimization of flexible optical nanoelectronics via neutral axis engineering
Authors: Lee Sangmin , Kwon Jang-Yeon , Yoon Daesung , Cho Handong , You Jinho , Kang Yong Tae , Choi Dukhyun , Hwang Woonbong
Published: May 2012

The enhancement of bendability of flexible nanoelectronics is critically important to realize future portable and wearable nanoelectronics for personal and military purposes. Because there is an enormous variety of materials and structures that are used for flexible nanoelectronic devices, a governing design rule for optimizing the bendability of these nanodevices is required. In this article, we suggest a design rule to optimize the bendability of flexible nanoelectronics through neutral axis (NA) engineering. In flexible optical nanoelectronics, transparent electrodes such as indium tin oxide (ITO) are usually the most fragile under an external load because of their brittleness. Therefore, we representatively focus on the bendability of ITO which has been widely used as transparent electrodes, and the NA is controlled by employing a buffer layer on the ITO layer. First, we independently investigate the effect of the thickness and elastic modulus of a buffer layer on the bendability of an ITO film. Then, we develop a design rule for the bendability optimization of flexible optical nanoelectronics. Because NA is determined by considering both the thickness and elastic modulus of a buffer layer, the design rule is conceived to be applicable regardless of the material and thickness that are used for the buffer layer. Finally, our design rule is applied to optimize the bendability of an organic solar cell, which allows the bending radius to reach about 1 mm. Our design rule is thus expected to provide a great strategy to enhance the bending performance of a variety of flexible nanoelectronics.
Prognostic factors in canine appendicular osteosarcoma – a meta-analysis
Authors: Boerman Ilse , Selvarajah Gayathri T , Nielen Mirjam , Kirpensteijn Jolle
Published: May 2012

Background

Appendicular osteosarcoma is the most common malignant primary canine bone tumor. When treated by amputation or tumor removal alone, median survival times (MST) do not exceed 5 months, with the majority of dogs suffering from metastatic disease. This period can be extended with adequate local intervention and adjuvant chemotherapy, which has become common practice. Several prognostic factors have been reported in many different studies, e.g. age, breed, weight, sex, neuter status, location of tumor, serum alkaline phosphatase (SALP), bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP), infection, percentage of bone length affected, histological grade or histological subtype of tumor. Most of these factors are, however, only reported as confounding factors in larger studies. Insight in truly significant prognostic factors at time of diagnosis may contribute to tailoring adjuvant therapy for individual dogs suffering from osteosarcoma. The objective of this study was to systematically review the prognostic factors that are described for canine appendicular osteosarcoma and validate their scientific importance.

Results

A literature review was performed on selected studies and eligible data were extracted. Meta-analyses were done for two of the three selected possible prognostic factors (SALP and location), looking at both survival time (ST) and disease free interval (DFI). The third factor (age) was studied in a qualitative manner. Both elevated SALP level and the (proximal) humerus as location of the primary tumor are significant negative prognostic factors for both ST and DFI in dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma. Increasing age was associated with shorter ST and DFI, however, was not statistically significant because information of this factor was available in only a limited number of papers.

Conclusions

Elevated SALP and proximal humeral location are significant negative prognosticators for canine osteosarcoma.
A mutation in KIF7 is responsible for the autosomal recessive syndrome of macrocephaly, multiple epiphyseal dysplasia and distinctive facial appearance
Authors: Ali Bassam R , Silhavy Jennifer L , Akawi Nadia A , Gleeson Joseph G , Al-Gazali Lihadh
Published: May 2012

Background

We previously reported the existence of a unique autosomal recessive syndrome consisting of macrocephaly, multiple epiphyseal dysplasia and distinctive facial appearance mapping to chromosome 15q26.

Methods

In this manuscript, we have used whole exome sequencing on two affected members of a consanguineous family with this condition and carried out detailed bioinformatics analysis to elucidate the causative mutation.

Results

Our analysis resulted in the identification of a homozygous p.N1060S missense mutation in a highly conserved residue in KIF7, a regulator of Hedgehog signaling that has been recently found to be causing Joubert syndrome, fetal hydrolethalus and acrocallosal syndromes. The phenotype in our patients partially overlaps with the phenotypes associated with those syndromes but they also exhibit some distinctive features including multiple epiphyseal dysplasia.

Conclusions

We report the first missense homozygous disease-causing mutation in KIF7 and expand the clinical spectrum associated with mutations in this gene to include multiple epiphyseal dysplasia. The missense nature of the mutation might account for the unique presentation in our patients.
Validation and characterization of Citrus sinensis microRNAs and their target genes
Authors: Song Changnian , Yu Mingliang , Han Jian , Wang Chen , Liu Hong , Zhang Yanping , Fang Jinggui
Published: May 2012

Background

MicroRNAs play vital role in plant growth and development by changeable expression of their target genes with most plant microRNAs having perfect or near-perfect complementarities with their target genes but miRNAs in Citrus sinensis (csi-miRNAs) and their function have not been widely studied.

Findings

In this study, 15 potential microRNAs in Citrus sinensis (csi-miRNAs) were identified and bioinformatically validated using miR-RACE, a newly developed method for determination of miRNAs prediction computationally. The expression of these fifteen C. sinensis miRNAs can be detected in leaves, stems, flowers and fruits of C. sinensis by QRT-PCR with some of them showed tissue-specific expression. Six potential target genes were identified for six csi-miRNAs and also experimentally verified by Poly (A) polymerase -mediated 3′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends (PPM-RACE) and RNA ligase-mediated 5′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RLM-RACE) which mapped the cleavage site of target mRNAs and detected expression patterns of cleaved fragments that indicate the regulatory function of the miRNAs on their target genes.

Conclusions

Our results confirm that small RNA-mediated regulation whereby all csi-miRNAs regulate their target genes by degradation.
Development of a method for the measurement of primary cilia length in 3D
Authors: Saggese Taryn , Young Alistair A , Huang Chaobo , Braeckmans Kevin , McGlashan Susan R
Published: May 2012

Background

Primary cilia length is an important measure of cell and tissue function. While accurate length measurements can be calculated from cells in 2D culture, measurements in tissue or 3D culture are inherently difficult due to optical distortions. This study uses a novel combination of image processing techniques to rectify optical distortions and accurately measure cilia length from 3D images.

Methods

Point spread functions and experimental resolutions were calculated from subresolution microspheres embedded in 3D agarose gels for both wide-field fluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopes. The degree of axial smearing and spherical aberration was calculated fromxy:xzdiameter ratios of 3D image data sets of 4 μm microspheres that had undergone deconvolution and/or Gaussian blurring. Custom-made 18 and 50 μm fluorescent microfibers were also used as calibration objects to test the suitability of processed image sets for 3D skeletonization. Microfiber length in 2D was first measured to establish an original population mean. Fibers were then embedded in 3D agarose gels to act as ciliary models. 3D image sets of microfibers underwent deconvolution and Gaussian blurring. Length measurements within 1 standard deviation of the original 2D population mean were deemed accurate. Finally, the combined method of deconvolution, Gaussian blurring and skeletonization was compared to previously published methods using images of immunofluorescently labeled renal and chondrocyte primary cilia.

Results

Deconvolution significantly improved contrast and resolution but did not restore thexy:xzdiameter ratio (0.80). Only the additional step of Gaussian blurring equalizedxyandxzresolutions and yielded a diameter ratio of 1.02. Following image processing, skeletonization successfully estimated microfiber boundaries and allowed reliable and repeatable measurement of fiber lengths in 3D. We also found that the previously published method of calculating length from 2D maximum projection images significantly underestimated ciliary length.

Conclusions

This study used commercial and public domain image processing software to rectify a long-standing problem of 3D microscopy. We have shown that a combination of deconvolution and Gaussian blurring rectifies optical distortions inherent in 3D images and allows accurate skeletonization and length measurement of microfibers and primary cilia that are bent or curved in 3D space.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Myelodysplastic Syndromes After Radiation Therapy Are Similar to De Novo Disease and Differ From Other Therapy-Related Myeloid Neoplasms
Authors: Nardi Valentina , Winkfield Karen M. , Ok Chi Young , Niemierko Andrzej , Kluk Michael J. , Attar Eyal C. , Garcia-Manero Guillermo , Wang Sa A. , Hasserjian Robert P.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

Therapy-related myeloid neoplasms (t-MN) represent a unique clinical syndrome occurring in patients treated with chemotherapy and/or external-beam radiation (XRT) and are characterized by poorer prognosis compared with de novo disease. XRT techniques have evolved in recent years and are associated with significantly reduced bone marrow exposure. The characteristics of post-XRT t-MN in the current era have not been studied.

Patients and Methods

We analyzed patients who developed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) after XRT alone (47 patients) or cytotoxic chemotherapy/combined-modality therapy (C/CMT, 181 patients) and compared them with patients with de novo MDS or AML (222 patients). We estimated bone marrow exposure to radiation and compared the clinical, pathologic, and cytogenetic features and outcome of the XRT patients with the C/CMT patients and with patients with de novo MDS and AML.

Results

Patients with t-MN after XRT alone had superior overall survival (P = .006) and lower incidence of high-risk karyotypes (P = .01 for AML and < .001 for MDS) compared with patients in the C/CMT group. In contrast, there were no significant differences in survival or frequency of high-risk karyotypes between the XRT and de novo groups.

Conclusion

AML and MDS diagnosed in the past decade in patients after receiving XRT alone differ from t-MN occurring after C/CMT and share genetic features and clinical behavior with de novo AML/MDS. Our results suggest that post-XRT MDS/AML may not represent a direct consequence of radiation toxicity and warrant a therapeutic approach similar to de novo disease.
Marianne Moore and the Old Masters
Authors: Costello Bonnie
Published: May 2012

Most of the scholarship on Marianne Moore and the visual arts has concentrated on her modernist period during the second and third decades of the twentieth century, when she drew inspiration from the formal innovations and metacognitive preoccupations of contemporary art. Modernism emphasized idiosyncratic structures and the unique vision of the poet. Moore was never a “pure poet” in the twenties or a protest poet in the thirties, but she did think about the civic function of poetry. In the thirties she sought to reach an audience with accessible scenes and objects. Eventually Moore drew on the tradition of Western representational art and invoked its greatest authorities to connect with the past rather than break with it. In this way Moore conveyed knowledge that was not exclusively her own—even as she offered unique ways of seeing to both expose the flaws of contemporary culture and foster a community of understanding.
tRNAomics: tRNA gene copy number variation and codon use provide bioinformatic evidence of a new anticodon:codon wobble pair in a eukaryote
Authors: Iben James R. , Maraia Richard J.
Published: May 2012

tRNA genes are interspersed throughout eukaryotic DNA, contributing to genome architecture and evolution in addition to translation of the transcriptome. Codon use correlates with tRNA gene copy number in noncomplex organisms including yeasts. Synonymous codons impact translation with various outcomes, dependent on relative tRNA abundances. Availability of whole-genome sequences allowed us to examine tRNA gene copy number variation (tgCNV) and codon use in four Schizosaccharomyces species and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. tRNA gene numbers vary from 171 to 322 in the four Schizosaccharomyces despite very high similarity in other features of their genomes. In addition, we performed whole-genome sequencing of several related laboratory strains of Schizosaccharomyces pombe and found tgCNV at a cluster of tRNA genes. We examined for the first time effects of wobble rules on correlation of tRNA gene number and codon use and showed improvement for S. cerevisiae and three of the Schizosaccharomyces species. In contrast, correlation in Schizosaccharomyces japonicus is poor due to markedly divergent tRNA gene content, and much worsened by the wobble rules. In japonicus, some tRNA iso-acceptor genes are absent and others are greatly reduced relative to the other yeasts, while genes for synonymous wobble iso-acceptors are amplified, indicating wobble use not apparent in any other eukaryote. We identified a subset of japonicus-specific wobbles that improves correlation of codon use and tRNA gene content in japonicus. We conclude that tgCNV is high among Schizo species and occurs in related laboratory strains of S. pombe (and expectedly other species), and tRNAome-codon analyses can provide insight into species-specific wobble decoding.
First Stage Estimation of Fractional Cointegration
Authors: Hualde Javier , Iacone Fabrizio
Published: May 2012

In a fractionally cointegrated model, we analyze, both theoretically and by means of a Monte Carlo experiment, the performance of the most popular first stage estimation methods, including ordinary and narrow band least squares (Robinson, 1994), difference taper narrow band least squares (Chen and Hurvich, 2003a), instrumental variables (Robinson and Gerolimetto, 2006), and compare it with the behavior of a new proposal, the integrated ordinary least squares. An appropriate version of this latter estimator (and also of the instrumental variables one) achieves in all circumstances the fastest convergence rate (among other first stage methods) and performs well in finite samples. The use of improved first stage methods is most important in cases of low collective memory of regressor and cointegrating error. This is particularly relevant in multivariate settings, where the key parameters which rule the convergence properties of the estimators are the memories of adjacent cointegrating subspaces.
E-Learning im Prozess der Arbeit – Vom Instrument zum Innovationstreiber
Authors: Voigtländer Christine , Breitner Michael H.
Published: May 2012

Changes in today‘s working environment require innovative further development concepts and instruments within a company‘s personnel development strategy. E-Learning plays more and more the role of a driver for these necessary innovations. The current discussion in both the scientific community and corporate practice demonstrate the underlying E-Learning potential for future-proof lifetime learning concepts.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer: What We Know and What We Need to Learn
Authors: Yamauchi Hideko , Woodward Wendy A. , Valero Vicente , Alvarez Ricardo H. , Lucci Anthony , Buchholz Thomas A. , Iwamoto Takayuki , Krishnamurthy Savitri , Yang Wei , Reuben James M. , Hortobágyi Gabriel N. , Ueno Naoto T.
Published: May 2012

Purpose.

We review the current status of multidisciplinary care for patients with inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) and discuss what further research is needed to advance the care of patients with this disease.

Design.

We performed a comprehensive review of the English-language literature on IBC through computerized literature searches.

Results.

Significant advances in imaging, including digital mammography, high-resolution ultrasonography with Doppler capabilities, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography–computed tomography, have improved the diagnosis and staging of IBC. There are currently no established molecular criteria for distinguishing IBC from noninflammatory breast cancer. Such criteria would be helpful for the diagnosis and development of novel targeted therapies. Combinations of neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy have led to an improved prognosis; however, the overall 5-year survival rate for patients with IBC remains very low (∼30%). Sentinel lymph node biopsy and skin-sparing mastectomy are not recommended for patients with IBC.

Conclusion.

Optimal management of IBC requires close coordination among medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists, as well as radiologists and pathologists. There is a need to identify molecular changes that define the pathogenesis of IBC to enable eradication of IBC with the use of IBC-specific targeted therapies.
Reliability and optimised maintenance for sea defences
Authors: Chen Hua-Peng , Alani Amir M.
Published: May 2012

Sea defence structures are valuable assets hence requiring viable and diligent asset management and maintenance strategies in order to ensure their integrity and functionality. It has been well documented that rising sea levels due to climate change together with the aggressive environment to which coastal defence structures are subjected can lead to serious defects compromising the integrity of the structures. This paper presents a method for quantitatively assessing the risk of wave overtopping of sea defences, analysing the probability of failure of the structures under future hydraulic and structural conditions and providing cost-effective maintenance planning during the service life. Typical failure mechanisms in an earth sea defence are considered for reliability analyses, namely erosion of dyke crest and landside slope by wave overtopping, piping in the underlain water-conductive layer and uplifting of impermeable layer behind the structure. The stochastic deterioration model based on the gamma process is adopted to represent the settlement of dyke crest height and the deterioration of seepage resistance. The time-dependent reliability of the earth dyke is analysed by using a Monte Carlo simulation method to give probability of failure over time. Optimal repair planning during the service life is determined by optimising the balance between the risk of failure and the costs for maintenance. The numerical results for the example typical earth dyke section show that overtopping is a dominant failure mechanism with significantly increasing failure probability over time. The optimal repair time largely depends on the deterioration rate of structural resistance and the relative cost of preventive maintenance.
Drought monitoring for rooftop rainwater-harvesting systems
Authors: Peters Everson James
Published: May 2012

The drought in the eastern Caribbean during the latter part of 2009 and the first quarter of 2010 has revealed the vulnerability of these Caribbean islands to droughts. In islands such as the Grenadines in the south of the eastern Caribbean, where the principal source of water supply is harvested rainwater stored in cisterns, an emerging challenge is one of meeting household water needs during periods of extreme low rainfall. Drought monitoring and forecasting are essential tools for appropriate decision making for water management in households that are dependent on harvested rainwater. This paper considers a simple model that could be used by local authorities for rainwater-harvesting management to reduce the risks and impacts of extremely severe water shortages during extended periods of low rainfall. Specifically, the use of the deciles method and standardised drought indices in addition to simulated performances of rainwater cisterns were used in this study to facilitate decision making.
Letter: Driving waveforms based on powder charge for a quick‐response liquid‐powder display
Authors: Yang Chang‐Jing , Chen Yung‐Fang
Published: May 2012

Abstract— A driving waveform based on the powder charge of a quick‐response liquid‐powder display (QR‐LPD®) was investigated. The charging mechanisms for contact charging and triboelectric charging determine the powder charge of a QR‐LPD®. In this letter, driving waveforms containing both charging mechanisms are used for driving a QR‐LPD®. As the experimental results indicate, the charge of the powder accumulates according to the image refresh times. The waveform of a pixel voltage with a slight frictional charge achieves a better contrast ratio for a QR‐LPD®.
Low‐temperature‐applicable polymer‐stabilized blue‐phase liquid crystal and its Kerr effect
Authors: Zheng Zhi‐Gang , Wang Hai‐Feng , Zhu Ge , Lin Xiao‐Wen , Li Jia‐Nan , Hu Wei , Cui Hong‐Qing , Shen Dong , Lu Yan‐Qing
Published: May 2012

Abstract— A type of polymer‐stabilized blue‐phase liquid crystal, which can be used in a low‐temperature environment, is proposed. The blue‐phase range after polymerization was widened to more than 73°C, and the blue‐phase texture is very stable even at a temperature as low as −35°C. The electro‐optical performances dependence on polymer concentration was investigated. The results indicate that the saturation voltage increases and the hysteresis enhances as the polymer concentration increases. The rise and decay times could reach as low as 391 and 789 μsec, respectively. Such material also shows good electro‐optical behavior at a temperature of −35°C. In addition, the Kerr constant was tested under a uniformly distributed electric field to be 2.195 nm/V2 at room temperature and 2.077 nm/V2 at −35°C. The Kerr constant tested under white‐light illumination was 1.975 nm/V2, which shows a small dispersion.
A reflective polarizer‐free display using dye‐doped polymer‐stabilized blue‐phase liquid crystals
Authors: Lin Yi‐Hsin , Chen Hung‐Shan , Chiang Tsung‐Han
Published: May 2012

Abstract— A reflective polarizer‐free display using dye‐doped polymer‐stabilized blue‐phase liquid crystal (DDPSBP‐LC) has been demonstrated. The mechanism is a combination of electrically tunable light absorption and Bragg reflection. In this paper, the influence of light absorption in DDPSBP‐LC by changing the dye concentration and absorption paths has been studied. Increased dye concentration can improve the contrast ratio of DDPSBP‐LC; however, the response time is the tradeoff. Increasing the cell gap can improve the contrast ratio of DDPSBP‐LC; however, the response time remains the same. The study of DDPSBP‐LC can help in shutter‐glass applications of 3‐D displays and electronic paper.
Low‐voltage and high‐transmittance blue‐phase liquid‐crystal device with slanted electrodes
Authors: Cui Jian‐Peng , Zhou Feng , Song Chengqun , Zhong Quan‐Min , Wang Qiong‐Hua
Published: May 2012

Abstract— A low‐voltage (∼10 Vrms) and high‐transmittance (∼90%) polymer‐stabilized blue‐phase liquid‐crystal (BPLC) device with a slanted‐electrodes structure is proposed. Unlike the vertical‐field‐switching (VFS) mode in which oblique incident light and a vertical field are employed, the proposed device utilizes normal incident light and an oblique field. The slanted electrodes generate a strong and uniform oblique electric field, which contributes in obtaining low voltage and high transmittance. Moreover, no couple films or prism sheets are needed, which helps to enhance the optical efficiency and simplify of the device structure. This device has great potential application for emerging BPLC displays and photonic devices.
Improvement of electro‐optical properties of PSBP LCD using a double‐sided IPS electrode
Authors: Jau Hung‐Chang , Liao Po‐Hsuan , Li Hsueh‐Wen , Hsu Hsu‐Kuan , Chen Chien‐Hong , Wang Chuan‐Chung , Lin Tsung‐Hsien
Published: May 2012

Abstract— In this work, a low‐hysteresis polymer‐stabilized blue‐phase LCD is developed by controlling the polymerization temperature and using a double‐sided IPS (DS‐IPS) electrode. Compared to a conventional IPS LCD, this DS‐IPS LCD has a driving voltage of 45 V, which is lower than that, 62 V, of a conventional single‐sided IPS LCD. The transmittance is increased approximately 23%. The hysteresis is reduced to 0.44% which decreases as a function of the operating voltage. Furthermore, simulations of the maximum transmittance and operation voltage associated with the offset between the electrodes in the top and bottom substrates were also evaluated.
Dryness is accelerating degradation of vulnerable shrublands in semiarid Mediterranean environments
Authors: Vicente-Serrano S. M. , Zouber A. , Lasanta T. , Pueyo Y.
Published: May 2012

Semiarid Mediterranean regions are highly susceptible to desertification processes. This study investigated the influence of increasing climate aridity in explaining the decline in vegetation cover in highly vulnerable gypsum semiarid shrublands of the Mediterranean region. For this purpose, we have used time series of percent cover of vegetation obtained from remote sensing imagery (Landsat satellites). We found a dominant trend toward decreased vegetation cover, mainly in summer and in areas affected by the most severe water stress conditions (low precipitation, higher evapotranspiration rates, and sun‐exposed slopes). We show that past human management and current climate trends interact with local environmental conditions to determine the occurrence of vegetation degradation processes. The results suggest that degradation could be a consequence of the past overexploitation that has characterized this area (and many others in the Mediterranean region), but increased aridity, mainly related to global warming, may be triggering and/or accelerating the degradation processes. The observed pattern may be an early warning of processes potentially affecting more areas of the Mediterranean, according to the most up‐to‐date climate change models for the 21st century.
The antioxidant activity of kombucha fermented milk products with stinging nettle and winter savory
Authors: Vitas Jasmina , Malbasa Radomir , Grahovac Jovana , Loncar Eva
Published: May 2012

This paper investigates the antioxidant activity of fermented milk products
obtained by kombucha fermentation. Two starter cultures were used as follows:
starter obtained after kombucha fermentation on sweetened stinging nettle
extract; as well as starter obtained after kombucha fermentation on sweetened
winter savory extract. The starters were added to milk with 0.8, 1.6 and 2.8%
milk fat. Fermentation was carried out at 37, 40 and 43oC and stopped when
the pH reached 4.5. Antioxidant activity to hydroxyl and DPPH radicals was
monitored using response surface methodology. Kombucha fermented milk
products with stinging nettle (KSN) and with winter savory (KWS) showed the
same antioxidant response to hydroxyl and different response to DPPH
radicals. Synergetic effect of milk fat and fermentation temperature to
antioxidant activity to hydroxyl radicals for both types of kombucha
fermented milk products (KSN and KWS) was established. Optimum processing
conditions in term of antioxidant activity are: milk fat around 2.8% and
process temperature around 41 and 43?C for KSN and KWS respectively.
Early postoperative complications in children with secretory otitis media after tympanostomy tube insertion in the Military Medical Academy during 2000-2009
Authors: Erdoglija Milan , Sotirovic Jelena , Baletic Nenad
Published: May 2012

Background/Aim. Secretory otitis media (SOM) is a chronic, nonpurulent
inflammation of the middle ear, characterized by a long-term presence of
liquids of different density in the middle ear for at least three consecutive
months, different degrees of hearing loss and the absence of perforation of
the eardrum. The aim of this study was to estimate the early postoperative
complications after insertion of tympanostomy tube (TT) in children with
secretory otitis media (SOM) in an 18-month period after TT insertion.
Methods. This retrospective study included children with SOM (n = 478), aged
from 2.5 to 16 years, operated from 2000 to 2009. During these ten years 365
children had TT in both ears, 131 children had TT in one ear and 55 children
were operated two or more times. Totally 843 ears were operated on. Date were
obtained by regular fallow up in Out-patient clinic concerning symptoms
reported by children and parents, otomicroscopy findings and hearing
measurements (audiometry and tympanometry). Results. Transient otorrhea was
the most common early postoperative complication (16.5%), then obstruction
(9.5%), premature extrusion of TT (3.9%), chronic otorrhea (3.1%),
granulation tissue (1.1%) and medial displacement (0.5%). According to our
experience gold and silicone TT were shown less successful than others. The
incidence of premature extrusion of TT was significantly higher with gold TT,
comparing to others (6/33, 18%; p < 0.001). We also found significantly more
frequent medial displacement with silicone TT than with other ones (2/4, 50%;
p < 0.001). Conclusion. There are many early postoperative complications of
TT insertion, but they depend on the meticulous surgery techniques, regular
postoperative examinations and the type of TT. The type of TT should be
determined according to own experience.
ZnT8 Is a Major CD8+ T Cell–Recognized Autoantigen in Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Énée Émmanuelle , Kratzer Roland , Arnoux Jean-Baptiste , Barilleau Emilie , Hamel Yamina , Marchi Christophe , Beltrand Jacques , Michaud Bénédicte , Chatenoud Lucienne , Robert Jean-Jacques , van Endert Peter
Published: May 2012

Type 1 diabetes results from the destruction of β-cells by an autoimmune T-cell response assisted by antigen-presenting B cells producing autoantibodies. CD8+ T-cell responses against islet cell antigens, thought to play a central role in diabetes pathogenesis, can be monitored using enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot (ELISpot) assays. However, such assays have been applied to monitoring of adult patients only, leaving aside the large and increasing pediatric patient population. The objective of this study was twofold: 1) to develop a CD8+ T-cell interferon-γ ELISpot assay for pediatric patients and 2) to determine whether zinc transporter 8 (ZnT8), a recently described target of autoantibodies in a majority of patients, is also recognized by autoreactive CD8+ T cells. Using DNA immunization of humanized mice, we identified nine HLA-A2–restricted ZnT8 epitopes. Among 36 HLA-A2+ children with diabetes, 29 responded to ZnT8 epitopes, whereas only 3 of 16 HLA-A2+ control patients and 0 of 17 HLA-A2− control patients responded. Some single ZnT8 epitopes performed as well as the group of epitopes in discriminating between patients and control individuals. Thus, ZnT8 is a major CD8+ T-cell autoantigen, and ELISpot assays display similar performance in adult and pediatric type 1 diabetes.
Plasma Fatty Acid–Binding Protein 4, Nonesterified Fatty Acids, and Incident Diabetes in Older Adults
Authors: Djoussé Luc , Khawaja Owais , Bartz Traci M. , Biggs Mary L. , Ix Joachim H. , Zieman Susan J. , Kizer Jorge R. , Tracy Russell P. , Siscovick David S. , Mukamal Kenneth J.
Published: May 2012

OBJECTIVE

To examine the relation of fatty acid–binding protein (FABP)4 and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs) to diabetes in older adults.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We ascertained incident diabetes among 3,740 Cardiovascular Health Study participants (1992–2007) based on the use of hypoglycemic medications, fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL, or nonfasting glucose ≥200 mg/dL. FABP4 and NEFA were measured on specimens collected between 1992 and 1993.

RESULTS

Mean age of the 3,740 subjects studied was 74.8 years. For each SD increase in log FABP4, hazard ratios (HRs) for diabetes were 1.35 (95% CI 1.10–1.65) for women and 1.45 (1.13–1.85) for men controlling for age, race, education, physical activity, cystatin C, alcohol intake, smoking, self-reported health status, and estrogen use for women (P for sex-FABP4 interaction 0.10). BMI modified the FABP4-diabetes relation (P = 0.009 overall; 0.02 for women and 0.135 for men), in that statistically significant higher risk of diabetes was mainly seen in men with BMI <25 kg/m2 (HR per SD: 1.78 [95% CI 1.13–2.81]). There was a modest and nonsignificant association of NEFA with diabetes (Ptrend = 0.21). However, when restricted to the first 5 years of follow-up, multivariable-adjusted HRs for diabetes were 1.0 (ref.), 1.68 (95% CI 1.12–2.53), and 1.63 (1.07–2.50) across consecutive tertiles of NEFA (Ptrend = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma FABP4 was positively associated with incident diabetes in older adults, and such association was statistically significant in lean men only. A significant positive association between plasma NEFA and incident diabetes was observed during the first 5 years of follow-up.
Sequential Intensification of Metformin Treatment in Type 2 Diabetes With Liraglutide Followed by Randomized Addition of Basal Insulin Prompted by A1C Targets
Authors: DeVries J. Hans , Bain Stephen C. , Rodbard Helena W. , Seufert Jochen , D’Alessio David , Thomsen Anne B. , Zychma Marcin , Rosenstock Julio ,   on behalf of the Liraglutide-Detemir Study Group
Published: May 2012

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the addition of liraglutide to metformin in type 2 diabetes followed by intensification with basal insulin (detemir) if glycated hemoglobin (A1C) ≥7%.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In 988 participants from North America and Europe uncontrolled on metformin ± sulfonylurea, sulfonylurea was discontinued and liraglutide 1.8 mg/day added for 12 weeks (run-in). Subsequently, those with A1C ≥7% were randomized 1:1 to 26 weeks’ open-label addition of insulin detemir to metformin + liraglutide (n = 162) or continuation without insulin detemir (n = 161). Patients achieving A1C <7% continued unchanged treatment (observational arm). The primary end point was A1C change between randomized groups.

RESULTS

Of 821 participants completing the run-in, 61% (n = 498) achieved A1C <7% (mean change −1.3% from 7.7% at start), whereas 39% (n = 323) did not (−0.6% from 8.3% at start). During run-in, 167 of 988 (17%) withdrew; 46% of these due to gastrointestinal adverse events. At week 26, A1C decreased further, by 0.5% (from 7.6% at randomization) with insulin detemir (n = 162) versus 0.02% increase without insulin detemir (n = 157) to 7.1 and 7.5%, respectively (estimated treatment difference −0.52 [95% CI −0.68 to −0.36]; P < 0.0001). Forty-three percent of participants with insulin detemir versus 17% without reached A1C <7%. Mean weight decreased by 3.5 kg during run-in, then by 0.16 kg with insulin detemir or 0.95 kg without insulin detemir. In the randomized phase, no major hypoglycemia occurred and minor hypoglycemia rates were 0.286 and 0.029 events per participant-year with and without insulin detemir (9.2 vs. 1.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Supplementation of metformin with liraglutide and then insulin detemir was well tolerated in the majority of patients, with good glycemic control, sustained weight loss, and very low hypoglycemia rates.
Shared Medical Appointments in Diabetes Care: A Literature Review
Authors: Ridge Terry
Published: May 2012

In Brief

Most patients with type 2 diabetes receive their medical care from primary care providers. Shared medical appointments (SMAs) are one option to meet the various medical and education needs of patients in one appointment, while also providing peer support and motivation. Research suggests that SMAs can be effective in improving knowledge, quality of life, and problem-solving skills in patients with diabetes. However, more research is needed to determine the optimal group size, format, and curriculum.
Group Care for Type 2 Diabetes: The Turin Experience
Authors: Miselli Valerio , Trento Marina , Porta Massimo
Published: May 2012

In Brief

In an attempt to make education a nonstop process, the University of Turin in Italy developed an education and clinical care model called Group Care for patients with type 2 diabetes. Through this model, a series of seven sessions facilitated by a nurse, a dietitian, and a pedagogist are matched with clinical practice in the diabetes clinic. A primary goal of the sessions is to transform people with diabetes into self-educators. A randomized, controlled trial documented improvements in metabolic outcomes, quality of life, and health behaviors for participants in Group Care compared to a control group. A second multicenter trial demonstrated that Group Care can be effectively reproduced in other medical clinics. This article describes the Turin experience, from development of the program through its evaluation.
A Novel Maximum Power Point Tracking Control for Permanent Magnet Direct Drive Wind Energy Conversion Systems
Authors: Zhu Ying , Cheng Ming , Hua Wei , Wang Wei
Published: May 2012

This paper proposes a novel optimal current given (OCG) maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control strategy based on the theory of power feedback and hill climb searching (HCS) for a permanent magnet direct drive wind energy conversion system (WECS). The presented strategy not only has the advantages of not needing the wind speed and wind turbine characteristics of the traditional HCS method, but it also improves the stability and accuracy of MPPT by estimating the exact loss torque. The OCG MPPT control strategy is first carried out by simulation, then an experimental platform based on the dSPACE1103 controller is built and a 5.5 kW permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) is tested. Furthermore, the proposed method is compared experimentally with the traditional optimum tip speed ratio (TSR) MPPT control. The experiments verify the effectiveness of the proposed OCG MPPT strategy and demonstrate its better performance than the traditional TSR MPPT control.
Numerical Modelling of Mutual Effect among Nearby Needles in a Multi-Needle Configuration of an Atmospheric Air Dielectric Barrier Discharge
Authors: Wang Xiaojing , Yao Chenguo , Sun Caixin , Yang Qing , Zhang Xiaoxing
Published: May 2012

A numerical study has been conducted to understand the mutual effect among nearby needles in a multi-needle electrode dielectric barrier discharge. In the present paper, a fluid-hydrodynamic model is adopted. In this model, the mutual effect among nearby needles in a multi-needle configuration of an atmospheric air dielectric barrier discharge are investigated using a fluid-hydrodynamic model including the continuity equations for electrons and positive and negative ions coupled with Poisson’s equation. The electric fields at the streamer head of the middle needle (MN) and the side needles (SNs) in a three-needle model decreased under the influence of the mutual effects of nearby needles compared with that in the single-needle model. In addition, from the same comparison, the average propagation velocities of the streamers from MN and SNs, the electron average energy profile of MN and SNs (including those in the streamer channel, at the streamer head, and in the unbridged gap), and the electron densities at the streamer head of the MN and SNs also decreased. The results obtained in the current paper agreed well with the experimental and simulation results in the literature.
Online Estimation of Peak Power Capability of Li-Ion Batteries in Electric Vehicles by a Hardware-in-Loop Approach
Authors: Xiong Rui , He Hongwen , Sun Fengchun , Zhao Kai
Published: May 2012

Battery peak power capability estimations play an important theoretical role for the proper use of the battery in electric vehicles. To address the failures in relaxation effects and real-time ability performance, neglecting the battery’s design limits and other issues of the traditional peak power capability calculation methods, a new approach based on the dynamic electrochemical-polarization (EP) battery model, taking into consideration constraints of current, voltage, state of charge (SoC) and power is proposed. A hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) system is built for validating the online model-based peak power capability estimation approach of batteries used in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and a HIL test based on the Federal Urban Driving Schedules (FUDS) is used to verify and evaluate its real-time computation performance, reliability and robustness. The results show the proposed approach gives a more accurate estimate compared with the hybrid pulse power characterization (HPPC) method, avoiding over-charging or over-discharging and providing a powerful guarantee for the optimization of HEVs power systems. Furthermore, the HIL test provides valuable data and critical guidance to evaluate the accuracy of the developed battery algorithms.
In Vitro Antioxidant and Anti-Proliferation Activities of Polysaccharides from Various Extracts of Different Mushrooms
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Wang Zhenyu , Wang Lu , Walid Elfalleh , Zhang Hua
Published: May 2012

Polysaccharides were extracted from eight kinds of Chinese mushrooms using three solvents and were evaluated for their total carbohydrate, polyphenolic and protein contents, and antioxidant and anti-proliferation activities. The results suggested that all the polysaccharides had significant antioxidant capacities (EC50 ranged from 1.70 ± 0.42 to 65.98 ± 1.74 μM TE/g crude polysaccharide inhibition of ABTS+, EC50 ranged from 5.06 ± 0.12 to 127.38 ± 1.58 mg VCE/g CP scavenging of OH· and EC50 ranged from 0.70 ± 0.04 to 33.54 ± 0.49 mg VCE/g CP inhibition of lipid peroxidation) (TE: trolox equivalent; VCE: VC equivalent; CP: crude polysaccharide). The acid extracts of Russula vinosa Lindblad had the highest ABTS+ scavenging activity. Aqueous extracts of Dictyophora indusiata and Hohenbuehelia serotina possessed, respectively, the highest OH· scavenging capacity and ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation. Mushroom extracts also inhibited proliferation of HeLa and HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. These results indicate that the mushroom polysaccharides might be potential antioxidant resources.
Room-Temperature Fluorescence Lifetime of Pseudoisocyanine (PIC) J Excitons with Various Aggregate Morphologies in Relation to Microcavity Polariton Formation
Authors: Obara Yuki , Saitoh Keita , Oda Masaru , Tani Toshiro
Published: May 2012

The results of room-temperature fluorescence lifetime measurements are reported for the excitation of J aggregates (Js) of pseudoisocyanine chloride (PIC-Cl) prepared in potassium polyvinyl sulfate (PVS) polymer thin films, their aqueous solutions, and NaCl aqueous solutions. Variations of the microscopic morphologies of the aggregates were investigated. The results show that fluorescence decay features correlated to the morphology change. The observed fluorescence lifetime and quantum efficiency of PIC J aggregates (PIC-Js) in a NaCl aqueous solution were 310 ps and 28%, respectively. The lifetime of the fibril-shaped macroaggregates prepared in PVS thin films was below the instrumental time resolution of 5 ps, and the efficiency decreased to below 3%. The results indicate that PIC-Js prepared with PVS polymers have an increased nonradiative contribution to the excitation deactivation process. In particular, macro-Js with isolated fibril-shaped structures revealed nonradiative pathway(s) that are closely associated to the specific packaging morphology of the constituent meso-Js. The possibility of a destructive effect on the formation of cavity-polaritons is also discussed.
Contemporary Concepts in the Pharmacotherapy of Depression in Older People
Authors: Rojas-Fernandez Carlos , Mikhail Mina
Published: May 2012

Late-life depression is common in older people. Its incidence increases significantly after age 70 to 85, as well as among those living in long-term care facilities. Depression contributes to excess morbidity and complicates management of comorbid conditions in older people. Diagnosis and management of depression often present clinicians with a challenge. Indeed, symptoms of depression in older people may not always be the same as those associated with depression in younger people. Additionally, age-related changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics also impact selection, dosing, and monitoring of psychopharmacologic regimens. Optimizing management of depression and providing sound advice to older patients with depression requires knowledge and understanding of many clinical factors. The purpose of this review is to highlight salient issues in late-life depression, with a focus on the pharmacotherapy of depression.
The Journey to Zero
Authors: O’Grady Doreen , Parmentier Darlene , Woltmann Jeanine
Published: May 2012

This column explores some of the strategies employed on a journey to zero central line infections.