bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fuel Use and Optimality of Assignments in Multivehicle Households in 2001 and 2009
Authors: Bolon Kevin M. , Keoleian Greg A. , Kostyniuk Lidia P.
Published: January 2014

Multivehicle household fleets often consist of vehicles with a wide range of attributes, including passenger and cargo capacities, towing capability, and fuel consumption. Decisions for how these vehicles are assigned to trips can have a significant impact on a household's total fuel use. In this paper, actual vehicle assignments from the 2001 and 2009 National Household Travel Surveys data are compared with the decisions for minimizing fuel use by using CTRAM, a model that determines optimal vehicle-to-trip assignments while considering constraints on vehicle availability and capability. Results show that the average potential reduction in fuel use through optimal assignment for multivehicle households was 10.9% in 2001 and 10.1% in 2009. However, the corresponding increase in assignment optimality seen in this period does not appear to be the result of a greater prevalence of active, short-term vehicle assignment decisions, such as a driver's voluntary use of a nonpreferred vehicle or switching of vehicles midday. This finding provides evidence that the higher level of assignment optimality in 2009 was influenced by other, possibly longer-term, decisions such as consideration of fuel consumption in purchase decisions in accordance with the primary driver's expected usage of the vehicle (e.g., a small, efficient vehicle for long-distance work commuting). The significance of this conclusion is reinforced by the finding that increases in assignment optimality are smaller in lower-income households, possibly because of the lack of efficient vehicles in the secondary market in the years preceding the 2009 survey.
Hybrid Choice Model to Investigate Effects of Teenagers' Attitudes toward Walking and Cycling on Mode Choice Behavior
Authors: Kamargianni Maria , Polydoropoulou Amalia
Published: January 2014

The scope of this paper is to develop an advanced stated preferences (SP) survey customized to capture teenagers' behaviors and to estimate models of hybrid mode choices, in which the utilities depend on both the attributes of the mode and the latent variable willingness to walk or cycle. The SP scenarios include four alternative modes for the trip to school—car (escorted by parents), bus, bicycle, and walk—while the attributes are travel time; travel cost; walking time to the bus station; availability of bike paths, sidewalks, and parking places; and weather conditions. The data are drawn from a survey that took place in all the high schools of Cyprus in 2012. The sample consists of 4,174 teenagers (ages 12 to 18) and covers 8.7% of the total high school population. For the model estimations, 8,348 SP observations are used. It was found that the existence of bike paths and wide pavements significantly affect the choice of active transport. The latent variable enters significantly into the specification of the choice model to assure that unobserved variables should be implemented in the choice process. Willingness to walk and to cycle has a positive effect on the choice of those alternatives and a negative effect on the choice of a car. Moreover, parents' level of education and mode use patterns and habits influence the development of attitudes toward mode choice. The results of the study provide insights on policies and campaigns that may help the next generation develop greener travel behavior.
Integrated Model of Residential Location, Work Location, Vehicle Ownership, and Commute Tour Characteristics
Authors: Paleti Rajesh , Bhat Chandra R. , Pendyala Ram M.
Published: January 2014

This paper offers an econometric model system that simultaneously considers six dimensions of activity-travel choices in a unifying framework. The six dimensions include residential location choice, work location choice, automobile ownership, commuting distance, commute mode, and number of stops on commute tours. The paper presents the modeling methodology in detail as well as estimation results for a joint model system estimated on a data set extracted from the 2009 National Household Travel Survey.
Effects of cerebral magnetic resonance imaging in outpatients on observed incidence of intracranial tumors and patient survival: a national observational study
Authors: Solheim Ole , Torsteinsen Magne , Johannesen Tom Børge , Jakola Asgeir Store
Published: January 2014

Object

It is assumed that the observed increase in brain tumor incidence may at least partially be explained by increased use of MRI. However, to date no direct estimate of this effect is available. The authors undertook this registry-based study to examine whether regional frequencies of cerebral MRI use correlate to regional incidence rates of intracranial tumors and survival of patients with these lesions.

Methods

The authors used Norwegian national population registries from January 2002 through December 2007 to conduct this observational study. They obtained information on outpatient MRI scans in Norwegian counties and examined whether the annual regional rates of cerebral MRI scans correlated to regional age- and sex-adjusted brain tumor incidence rates. They also explored whether differences in cerebral MRI use were associated with survival and examined time trends in the study period.

Results

Approximately 50,000 cerebral MRI scans are carried out annually in outpatient settings in Norway, and 6363 primary intracranial tumors were diagnosed in Norway during the study period. There was an overall positive correlation between the annual number of cerebral MRI scans per 100,000 capita and age- and sex-adjusted incidence rates of intracranial tumors in the various Norwegian counties (Spearman's rho = 0.35, p < 0.001). In a linear model, an increase in 1 MRI per 100,000 capita per year results in a 0.004 (95% CI 0.002–0.006) increase in diagnosed intracranial tumors per 100,000 capita per year (p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed a correlation between MRI use and the annual age- and sex-adjusted incidence rates of extraaxial tumors (p = 0.04, Spearman's rho = 0.28) but not intraaxial tumors (p = 0.394). Overall survival for unselected patients with intracranial tumors is longer with increasing number of cerebral MRI scans per capita in the county of residence at the time of the diagnosis (log rank, p = 0.029). However, after adjustment for year of diagnosis and catchment region of the Norwegian neurosurgical centers, the association between MRI scans per capita and overall survival was no longer statistically significant (p = 0.076).

Conclusions

Presumably due to the incidental discovery of benign extraaxial tumors, regional differences in the use of cerebral MRI in outpatients affect observed incidence rates of intracranial tumors.
Fiber tractography of the axonal pathways linking the basal ganglia and cerebellum in Parkinson disease: implications for targeting in deep brain stimulation
Authors: Sweet Jennifer A. , Walter Benjamin L. , Gunalan Kabilar , Chaturvedi Ashutosh , McIntyre Cameron C. , Miller Jonathan P.
Published: January 2014

Object

Stimulation of white matter pathways near targeted structures may contribute to therapeutic effects of deep brain stimulation (DBS) for patients with Parkinson disease (PD). Two tracts linking the basal ganglia and cerebellum have been described in primates: the subthalamopontocerebellar tract (SPCT) and the dentatothalamic tract (DTT). The authors used fiber tractography to evaluate white matter tracts that connect the cerebellum to the region of the basal ganglia in patients with PD who were candidates for DBS.

Methods

Fourteen patients with advanced PD underwent 3-T MRI, including 30-directional diffusion-weighted imaging sequences. Diffusion tensor tractography was performed using 2 regions of interest: ipsilateral subthalamic and red nuclei, and contralateral cerebellar hemisphere. Nine patients underwent subthalamic DBS, and the course of each tract was observed relative to the location of the most effective stimulation contact and the volume of tissue activated.

Results

In all patients 2 distinct tracts were identified that corresponded closely to the described anatomical features of the SPCT and DTT, respectively. The mean overall distance from the active contact to the DTT was 2.18 ± 0.35 mm, and the mean proportional distance relative to the volume of tissue activated was 1.35 ± 0.48. There was a nonsignificant trend toward better postoperative tremor control in patients with electrodes closer to the DTT.

Conclusions

The SPCT and the DTT may be related to the expression of symptoms in PD, and this may have implications for DBS targeting. The use of tractography to identify the DTT might assist with DBS targeting in the future.
Complications of cerebral angiography in children younger than 3 years of age
Authors: Hoffman Caitlin E. , Santillan Alejandro , Rotman Lauren , Gobin Y. Pierre , Souweidane Mark M.
Published: January 2014

Object

The therapeutic potential for cerebral angiography (CA) in young children is expanding. However, its use in this patient population is limited by presumed higher complication rates among children. Therefore, to improve the accuracy of counseling of the parents/guardians of these patients and to identify modifiable risk factors, the authors evaluated complications after CA in young children.

Methods

The authors reviewed data for 309 consecutive cerebral angiograms obtained in 87 children younger than 36 months of age from 2004 to 2010 at a single institution. They analyzed demographics, diagnosis, angiographic findings, and complications.

Results

The patient population comprised 40 boys and 47 girls; mean age was 14.36 months (range 1–36 months) and mean weight was 10.8 kg (range 3.7–21.0 kg). For 292 of the 309 procedures, intraarterial chemotherapy was administered; the remaining 17 procedures were for vascular malformations, stroke, tumor embolization, and intracranial hemorrhage. The rate of neurological complications was 0.0%. The rate of nonneurological complications was 2.9%: 7 cases of contrast allergy or bronchospasm, 1 groin hematoma (body weight 7 kg), and 1 transient femoral artery occlusion (body weight 10.8 kg). The rate of radiographic complications was 1.3%: 1 case of transient asymptomatic intraarterial dissection and 3 cases of asymptomatic vasospasm. Postprocedural MRI was performed for 33.3% of patients with no evidence of ischemia. There were no delayed complications. Mean follow-up time was 16.6 months. No association was found between complications and age, duration of anesthesia, number of vessels catheterized, size of the sheath, or diagnostic versus interventional procedures. Despite a trend toward a higher rate of complications for patients who weighed less than 15 kg, this finding was not significant (p = 0.35).

Conclusions

The rate of complications for CA in young children is comparable to rates reported for older children and lower than rates reported for adults. When appropriately indicated, CA should not be omitted from the therapeutic strategy of children younger than 36 months of age.
Utility of delayed surgical repair of neonatal brachial plexus palsy
Authors: Ali Zarina S. , Bakar Dara , Li Yun R. , Judd Alex , Patel Hiren , Zager Eric L. , Heuer Gregory G. , Stein Sherman C.
Published: January 2014

Object

Neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) represents a significant health problem with potentially devastating consequences. The most common form of NBPP involves the upper trunk roots. Currently, primary surgical repair is performed if clinical improvement is lacking. There has been increasing interest in “early” surgical repair of NBPPs, occurring within 3–6 months of life. However, early treatment recommendations ignore spontaneous recovery in cases of Erb's palsy. This study was undertaken to evaluate the optimal timing of surgical repair in this group with respect to quality of life.

Methods

The authors formulated a decision analytical model to compare 4 treatment strategies (no repair or repair at 3, 6, or 12 months of life) for infants with persistent NBPPs. The model derives data from a critical review of published studies and projects health-related quality of life and quality-adjusted life years over a lifetime.

Results

When evaluating the quality of life of infants with NBPP, improved outcomes are seen with delayed surgical repair at 12 months, compared with no repair or repair at early and intermediate time points, at 3 and 6 months, respectively. ANOVA showed that the differences among the 4 groups are highly significant (F = 8369; p < 0.0001). Pairwise post hoc comparisons revealed that there are highly significant differences between each pair of strategies (p < 0.0001). Meta-regression showed no evidence of improved outcomes with more recent treatment dates, compared with older ones, for either nonsurgical or for surgical treatment (p = 0.767 and p = 0.865, respectively).

Conclusions

These data support a delayed approach of primary surgical reconstruction to optimize quality of life. Early surgery for NBPPs may be an overly aggressive strategy for infants who would otherwise demonstrate spontaneous recovery of function by 12 months. A randomized, controlled trial would be necessary to fully elucidate the natural history of NBPP and determine the optimal time point for surgical intervention.
Adjacent-segment disease in 511 cases of posterolateral instrumented lumbar arthrodesis: floating fusion versus distal construct including the sacrum
Authors: Bydon Mohamad , Xu Risheng , Santiago-Dieppa David , Macki Mohamed , Sciubba Daniel M. , Wolinsky Jean-Paul , Bydon Ali , Gokaslan Ziya L. , Witham Timothy F.
Published: January 2014

Object

The aim of this study was to study the long-term outcomes of patients undergoing instrumented posterior fusion of the lumbar spine.

Methods

The authors present 511 patients who underwent instrumented arthrodesis for lumbar degenerative disease over a 23-year period at a single institution. Patients underwent follow-up for an average of 39.73 ± 46.52 months (± SD) after the index lumbar arthrodesis procedure.

Results

The average patient age was 59.45 ± 13.48 years. Of the 511 patients, 502 (98.24%) presented with back pain, 379 (74.17%) with radiculopathy, 76 (14.87%) with motor weakness, and 32 (6.26%) with preoperative bowel/bladder dysfunction. An average of 2.04 ± 1.03 spinal levels were fused. Postoperatively, patients experienced a significant improvement in back pain (p < 0.0001) and radiculopathy (p < 0.0001). Patients with fusions excluding the sacrum (floating fusions) were statistically more likely to develop adjacent-segment disease (ASD) than those with fusion constructs ending at S-1 distally (p = 0.030) but were less likely to develop postoperative radiculopathy (p = 0.030). In the floating fusion cohort, 31 (12.11%) of 256 patients had cephalad ASD, whereas 39 (15.29%) of 255 patients in the lumbosacral cohort had cephalad ASD development; this was not statistically different (p = 0.295). This suggests that caudad ASD development in the floating fusion cohort is due to the added risk of an unfused L5–S1 vertebral level. Because of the elevated risk of symptomatic radiculopathy but lower risk of ASD, patients in the lumbosacral fusion cohort had a reoperation rate similar to those undergoing floating fusions (p = 0.769).

Conclusions

In this paper, the authors present one of the largest cohorts in the Western literature of patients undergoing instrumented fusion for degenerative lumbar spine disease. Patients who had floating lumbar fusions were statistically more likely to develop ASD over time than those who had lumbosacral fusions incorporating the S-1 spinal segment, but were less likely to experience postoperative radicular symptoms. Additional prospective studies may more clearly delineate the long-term risks of instrumented posterolateral fusions of the lumbar spine.
Childhood and adolescent cancer statistics, 2014
Authors: Ward Elizabeth , DeSantis Carol , Robbins Anthony , Kohler Betsy , Jemal Ahmedin
Published: January 2014

In this article, the American Cancer Society provides estimates of the number of new cancer cases and deaths for children and adolescents in the United States and summarizes the most recent and comprehensive data on cancer incidence, mortality, and survival from the National Cancer Institute, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (which are reported in detail for the first time here and include high‐quality data from 45 states and the District of Columbia, covering 90% of the US population). In 2014, an estimated 15,780 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed and 1960 deaths from cancer will occur among children and adolescents aged birth to 19 years. The annual incidence rate of cancer in children and adolescents is 186.6 per 1 million children aged birth to 19 years. Approximately 1 in 285 children will be diagnosed with cancer before age 20 years, and approximately 1 in 530 young adults between the ages of 20 and 39 years is a childhood cancer survivor. It is therefore likely that most pediatric and primary care practices will be involved in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow‐up of young patients and survivors. In addition to cancer statistics, this article will provide an overview of risk factors, symptoms, treatment, and long‐term and late effects for common pediatric cancers. CA Cancer J Clin 2014;64:83–103. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Textual practices in the new media digital landscape: messing with digital literacies
Authors: Gourlay Lesley , Hamilton Mary , Lea Mary Rosalind
Published: January 2014

This paper offers a working conversation between the authors about the uneasy relationship between literacy studies and learning technologies. We come from the field of literacy studies but from contrasting perspectives: from academic literacies and work on literacies and technologies in higher education; from an interest in media theory and the implications of digital mediation for the contemporary university; from everyday literacies in informal settings and a concern for the gaps between policy and practice. We illustrate our perspectives through reference to post-compulsory education, especially higher education, but intend our arguments to be of broader value to all sectors of education and learning. We argue that it is probably inevitable that terms such as literacy/digital/network will be taken up by different arenas of scholarship and practice to mean different things, but what is important is finding spaces to make visible the embedded and implicit understandings, assumptions and ideological positions that are carried by these terms. In the paper, we attempt to lay bare some of the tendencies in the different approaches and argue the case for building on these differences in our work rather than seeing them as paradigm contests. We suggest that it would be more generative to the field to acknowledge the richness and diversity of these different traditions, rather than attempting the impossible task of forcing them into a superficial reconciliation.Keywords: literacies; digital; textual practices; learning landscapes; ethnographic(Published: 31 January 2014)Citation: Research in Learning Technology 2014, 21: 21438 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/rlt.v21.21438
eQTL Networks Reveal Complex Genetic Architecture in the Immature Soybean Seed
Authors: Bolon Yung‐Tsi , Hyten David L. , Orf James H. , Vance Carroll P. , Muehlbauer Gary J.
Published: January 2014

The complex network of regulatory factors and interactions involved in transcriptional regulation within the seed is not well understood. To evaluate gene expression regulation in the immature seed, we utilized a genetical genomics approach on a soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] recombinant inbred line (RIL) population and produced a genome‐wide expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) dataset. The validity of the dataset was confirmed by mapping the eQTL hotspot for flavonoid biosynthesis‐related genes to a region containing repeats of chalcone synthase (CHS) genes known to correspond to the soybean inhibitor locus that regulates seed color. We then identified eQTL for genes with seed‐specific expression and discovered striking eQTL hotspots at distinct genomic intervals on chromosomes (Chr) 20, 7, and 13. The main eQTL hotspot for transcriptional regulation of fatty acid biosynthesis genes also coincided with regulation of oleosin genes. Transcriptional upregulation of genesets from eQTL with opposite allelic effects were also found. Gene–eQTL networks were constructed and candidate regulatory genes were identified from these three key loci specific to seed expression and enriched in genes involved in seed oil accumulation. Our data provides new insight into the complex nature of gene networks in the immature soybean seed and the genetic architecture that contributes to seed development.
La « Marque France »
Authors: Gardel Michel
Published: January 2014

Quatre ministères ont lancé, le 30 janvier 2013, une mission de réflexion et de concertation destinée à mettre en lumière les enjeux et les moyens de mise en œuvre d’une marque France. Cette mission faisant suite au rapport Gallois a été annoncée dans le cadre du pacte national pour la compétitivité, la croissance et l’emploi. L’attractivité de la France, sa capacité à attirer des investissements, des projets, mais aussi à exporter ses produits, à diffuser un modèle culturel, ses technologies et ses savoir-faire doit être renforcée grâce à un travail sur l’image véhiculée par notre pays. L’objectif majeur est d’améliorer la compétitivité hors coût de l’économie française, la notoriété de ses produits agricoles et manufacturés, la qualité de ses services, l’image de son industrie, et sa capacité d’innovation.
Le climat, enjeu de puissance internationale
Authors: Mazzucchi Nicolas
Published: January 2014

La question du climat est devenue un enjeu majeur dans le domaine de l’énergie depuis une quinzaine d’années. Du Protocole de Kyoto aux conférences annuelles de l’UNFCCC, sous l’égide de l’ONU, les négociations climatiques sont l’enjeu d’âpres batailles d’influence de la part des États comme des entreprises. La position de chaque État est bien souvent le résultat de ses propres politiques intérieures où influence et lobbying ont une part de plus en plus importante. C’est d’ailleurs au cours de ces conférences que se manifeste une synergie entre les différents types d’acteurs, reflet le plus souvent d’une stratégie étatique pensée pour offrir un avantage géoéconomique à ses propres entreprises. Deux groupes d’États s’opposent pour l’instant sur la question du climat : d’un côté ceux disposant d’un fort mix énergétique carboné, opposés à toute modification majeure du régime actuel ; de l’autre les pays ayant fait le choix d’énergies peu ou pas émettrices de CO 2 , désireux de mettre en place un régime de taxation strict, leur permettant du même coup de prendre un ascendant économique sur leurs opposants.
L'Inde et sa projection comme puissance globale du XXI e siècle
Authors: Boillot Jean-Joseph
Published: January 2014

Avec 1,2 milliards d’habitants, l’Inde est aujourd’hui un géant démographique. C’est également un géant économique puisqu’elle est la troisème masse économique du monde par son PIB exprimé en parité de pouvoir d’achat, devant le Japon et l’Allemagne. Mais chacun s’accorde à reconnaître que l’Inde n’est pas une puissance globale au sens où elle ne réunit pas les conditions qui lui permettraient d’influencer véritablement les destinées du monde. Or l’Inde veut se projeter comme une puissance globale du XXI e siècle. Sur quels domaines l’Inde apparaît-elle en retard dans cette ambition et quelles sont les orientations politiques visant à les combler ?
Réinventer les relations franco-chinoises
Authors: Lincot Emmanuel
Published: January 2014

La France et la Chine : une relation singulière qui, au-delà du mythe que représente la reconnaissance diplomatique de 1964, entre en résonance avec une vision du monde longtemps partagée. Qu’en est-il aujourd’hui ? Tenter d’y répondre revient à tracer pour les années à venir l’ébauche d’un nouveau partenariat rééquilibrant des échanges devenus profondément asymétriques. Au c œur de cette problématique, la formation des élites de demain et la mise en valeur tant pour la Chine que la France de leurs atouts qui – plus que jamais – comptent dans un contexte fortement concurrentiel imposé par la globalisation.
La France doit restaurer son avantage comparatif à l'international
Authors: Bourcieu Stephan , Gallo Jérôme
Published: January 2014

Depuis plus d’une décennie, le commerce extérieur français accumule les mauvais résultats, y compris lorsque la conjoncture semble profiter à nos principaux concurrents. Si les mesures proposées dans le prolongement du rapport Gallois semblent aller dans le bon sens, cet article suggère que l’accent doit être mis sur les secteurs où la France possède des avantages comparatifs, au sens de l’économiste britannique David Ricardo. L’analyse de la filière bois, de la filière portuaire et de celle du tourisme illustre que c’est par une meilleure exploitation de ces avantages que le commerce extérieur français pourra sortir de l’ornière.
Agriculture : un rendez-vous géoéconomique pour la France
Authors: Abis Sébastien , Pouch Thierry
Published: January 2014

L’agriculture française a connu de nombreux rendez-vous avec l’Histoire. En voilà un nouveau, qui se manifeste progressivement, et pour lequel cet article entend prendre position. Ce rendez-vous est géopolitique et géoéconomique. La crise mondiale révèle dans certaines régions du monde de fortes contraintes d’approvisionnements alimentaires, voire des risques. À l’heure où il n’est question que de l’érosion de sa compétitivité, il importe de constater que, dans le registre de l’agriculture, l’économie française détient des atouts. Une réflexion est donc ici proposée sur les opportunités à tirer d’une approche géoéconomique des questions agricoles et alimentaires, qui s’inscrira dans le débat nécessaire sur la puissance de la France.
Les Institutions supérieures de contrôle à l'heure de la maîtrise des dépenses publiques
Authors: Boullanger Hervé
Published: January 2014

Plus de 190 pays dans le monde possède une autorité suprême d’audit de ses finances publiques. Ces institutions supérieures de contrôles (ISC) comptent, parmi leurs principales missions, la réalisation d’audits de performance qui aboutissent à la publication de recommandations pour améliorer la qualité et maîtriser le coût des dépenses publiques. Les juridictions financières françaises, Cour des comptes et Chambres régionales des comptes, accomplissent en France cette mission, en s’appuyant sur leur indépendance et sur les normes internationales d’audit.
La lente algorítmica de Turing: de la computabilidad a la teoría de la complejidad
Authors: Díaz Josep , Torras Carme
Published: January 2014

La cuestión de la decidibilidad, es decir, si es posible demostrar computacionalmente que una expresión matemática es verdadera o falsa, fue planteada por Hilbert y permaneció abierta hasta que Turing la respondió de forma negativa. Establecida la no-decidibilidad de las matemáticas, los esfuerzos en informática teórica se centraron en el estudio de la complejidad computacional de los problemas decidibles. En este artículo presentamos una breve introducción a las clases P (problemas resolubles en tiempo polinómico) y NP (problemas resolubles de manera no determinista en tiempo polinómico), al tiempo que exponemos la dificultad de establecer si P = NP y las consecuencias que se derivarían de que ambas clases de problemas fueran iguales. Esta cuestión tiene implicaciones no solo en los campos de la informática, las matemáticas y la física, sino también para la biología, la sociología y la economía. La idea seminal del estudio de la complejidad computacional es consecuencia directa del modo en que Turing abordaba problemas en diferentes ámbitos mediante lo que hoy se denomina la lupa algorítmica. El artículo finaliza con una breve exposición de algunos de los temas de investigación más actuales: transición de fase en problemas NP, y demostraciones holográficas, donde se trata de convencer a un adversario de que una demostración es correcta sin revelar ninguna idea de la demostración.
Creatividad computacional
Authors: López de Mántaras Badia Ramon
Published: January 2014

Las nuevas tecnologías y en particular la Inteligencia Artificial están cambiando de forma importante la naturaleza del proceso creativo. Los ordenadores están jugando un papel muy significativo en actividades artísticas tales como la música, la arquitectura, las bellas artes y la ciencia. Efectivamente, el ordenador ya es el lienzo, el pincel, el instrumento musical, etc. Sin embargo creemos que debemos aspirar a relaciones más ambiciosas entre los ordenadores y la creatividad. En lugar de verlos solamente como herramientas de ayuda a la creación, los ordenadores podrían ser considerados agentes creativos. Este punto de vista ha dado lugar a un nuevo subcampo de la Inteligencia Artificial denominado Creatividad Computacional. En este artículo abordamos la cuestión de la posibilidad de alcanzar dicha creatividad computacional mediante algunos ejemplos de programas de ordenador capaces de replicar algunos aspectos relacionados con el comportamiento creativo en los ámbitos de la música y la ciencia.
La tardo-eugenesia en Argentina: un enfoque desde la longue durée
Authors: Miranda Marisa A.
Published: January 2014

Este trabajo analiza la eugenesia en Argentina desde un enfoque de larga duración, que, como tal, se mantuvo en el tiempo con cierta indiferencia a cambios contextuales profundos.
Así, respecto a la historia de la ciencia (dentro de cuyo ámbito se incluye a la historia de la eugenesia) puede identificarse esa larga duración como parte de un fenómeno cultural que subsistiera, más o menos incólume, ante eventos habidos en el entorno que, desde otra perspectiva, hubieran implicado un trastocamiento inevitable de la tesis propuesta. Esa fortaleza (o resistencia) paradigmática es la que, leída en términos biopolíticos, le ha otorgado a la tardo eugenesia cierta inmunidad y que, a la vez, le ha permitido fabricar sus propios anticuerpos luego de conocidos los horrores del nazismo.
Clinical evaluation of the efficacy of two commercially available controlled-release drugs-chlorhexidine gel (CHLO-SITE)™ and tetracycline fibers (periodontal plus AB)™ as an adjunct to scaling root planning in the treatment of chronic periodontitis
Authors: Grover Harpreet Singh , Bhardwaj Amit , Dadlani Himanshu , Yadav Anil , Singh Yaswin
Published: January 2014

Background: Selective removal or inhibition of pathogenic microbes with locally delivered antimicrobials, combined with scaling and root planning (SRP) is an effective approach for the management of chronic periodontitis. Aim: Evaluation of the efficacy of two commercially available controlled release drugs - tetracycline fibers (periodontal plus AB™ ) and chlorhexidine gel (CHLO-SITE™ ) as an adjunct to SRP in the treatment of chronic periodontitis. Materials and Methods: Twenty systemically healthy patients in the age group of 30-50 years suffering from generalized chronic periodontitis were selected. Three experimental sites were chosen that had probing depth 5-8 mm in maxillary and mandibular posterior segment. First site receiving tetracycline fibers, other chlorhexidine gel and one site was taken as control after SRP. Plaque score, bleeding score, probing pocket depth (PPD), and relative attachment level (RAL) gain were recorded on baseline, 1 month and at the end of 3 months. Results and Conclusion: In all groups, there was statistically highly significant reduction in all the clinical parameters that is plaque score, bleeding score, PPD, and RAL gain were seen at different time intervals. Inter-comparison shows that tetracycline fibers and chlorhexidine gel are equally efficacious for treatment of chronic periodontitis, but more efficient than SRP alone.
An illusionary prosthetic design for a unilateral cleft palate patient
Authors: Bavbek Andaç Barkin , Culhaoglu Ahmet Kursad
Published: January 2014

The prosthetic rehabilitation is an important part of the cleft lip and palate therapy assisting orthodontic and orthognathic treatments. Prosthesis does not only help to improve function and aesthetics but also needs to facilitate a better oral health. The aim of this report is to introduce the prosthetic approach of a 21-year-old female unilateral cleft palate patient that considered reinforcing the mobile canine adjacent to the cleft, easing the elimination of dental plaque from the remaining fistula and reaching an accurate occlusion. Facial aesthetics was established by the illusionary effect of a removable crown complex which is joined onto a fixed partial denture with a precision attachment system.
Flexure Strength and Fatigue Durability of Ce-TZP/Al2O3 Nanocomposite with Different Sintering Process and Surface Treatment
Authors: Tasaka Akinori , Sakurai Kaoru , Takano Tomofumi , Yoshinari Masao
Published: January 2014

Purpose

Ce-TZP/Al2O3 nanocomposite (NANOZR) has not only higher strength, but also higher fracture toughness than conventional Y-TZP. NANOZR is generally machined from densely sintered block. However, it is more efficient to sinter densely after machining partially sintered block, if the mechanical strength of final product is enough. Moreover, as for NANOZR, it has been reported that mechanical strength changes with surface treatments. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of sintering process and surface treatment on biaxial flexure strength and fatigue durability of NANOZR.

Material and methods

Two kinds of NANOZR specimens were prepared (Pre-sinter and Full-sinter). Pre-sinter and Full-sinter were given machine polish (MP) or shot-blast and fluoric acid etching (SB + HF). Biaxial flexure strength was measured as recommended by ISO 6872. The cyclic loading test of the load equivalent to 480 MPa was performed by the application of a cyclic load in the bending mode at a frequency of 10 Hz, for 106 cycles in distilled water at 37°C.

Results

Biaxial flexure strength of MP was 1244 ± 43 MPa and 1320 ± 50 MPa in Pre-sinter and Full-sinter, respectively. and it of SB + HF was 1070 ± 60 MPa and 1069 ± 12 MPa in Pre-sinter and Full-sinter, respectively. In the cyclic fatigue test, the durability over the 106 cycle load equivalent to 480 MPa was shown on all the conditions.

Conclusion

Even if NANOZR was densely sintered after machining partially sintered block, having satisfactory biaxial flexure strength and fatigue durability on clinical application as dental prosthetic material was shown.

How to cite this article

Takano T, Tasaka A, Yoshinari M, Sakurai K. Flexure Strength and Fatigue Durability of Ce-TZP/Al2O3 Nanocomposite with Different Sintering Process and Surface Treatment. Int J Prosthodont Restor Dent 2013;3(3):92-95.
A Conservative Esthetic Rehabilitation of Complicated Tooth Fracture: Two Case Reports
Authors: Ramugade Manoj Mahadeo , Chandwani Neelam Dilip , Sapkale Kishor Dattatray , Metkari Sachin Shashikant
Published: January 2014

Maxillary incisors are the most commonly involved teeth in traumatic injuries. As their esthetic and functional value is unequivocal, their treatment becomes major concern for both, the patient as well as the dentist. Various treatment modalities have been practiced for fractured anterior teeth, including composites, laminates, esthetic crown or the reattachment of fractured fragment. Among which fragment reattachment is considered to be the most conservative, natural and an esthetic approach. Reattachment of fragment could be the viable treatment option only when the tooth fragment is intact and having its good clinical approximation with the remaining tooth structure. In addition, the overall success of this treatment modality depends upon the fragment's extend of dehydration (time lapsed), patient cooperation and also the skill of the operator for such case selection. This article discusses the management of complicated crown fractures of anterior teeth which were managed successfully in a conservative manner.

How to cite this article

Ramugade MM, Chandwani ND, Sapkale KD, Metkari SS. A Conservative Esthetic Rehabilitation of Complicated Tooth Fracture: Two Case Reports. Int J Prosthodont Restor Dent 2013;3(3):96-100.
Endodontic Management of Patient with Hemophilia
Authors: Atara Rahul Ramesh , Shenoi Pratima Ramakrishna , Mute Wanmala Ramchandra , Makade Chetana Sachin , Mahajan Anup Kiran
Published: January 2014

Bleeding disorders have always been a stigma to dentists. The apparent complexities in diagnosis and handling of a bleeding problem contribute to this and force us to avoid such patients in clinical practice. Hemophilia, being the commonest bleeding disorder in the world requires special mention. This article presents a case report of successful endodontic management of patient with severe Hemophilia.

How to cite this article

Atara RR, Shenoi PR, Mute WR, Makade CS, Mahajan AK. Endodontic Management of Patient with Hemophilia. Int J Prosthodont Restor Dent 2013;3(3): 101-104.
Anatomic Landmarks and Morphometric Measurements for Accurate Localization of the Sphenopalatine Ganglion via the Transnasal and Infrazygomatic Approaches: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Sahni Daisy , Aggarwal Anjali , Gupta Tulika
Published: January 2014

Objective

Sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) block is used for a variety of craniofacial pain syndromes either through the trans-nasal route or via the infrazygomatic approach. Intraoperative imaging can identify the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) but not the exact position of the SPG. Accurate localization of the PG requires knowledge of the relevant anatomical landmarks.

Materials and methods

Thirty mid sagittal head and neck cadaveric sections were studied and the morphometric data was te correct SPG localization via trans-nasal roach and infrazygomatic approach.

Results

The sphenopalatine foramen (SPF) was located at an average distance of 55 mm from the anterior nasal spine at a mean angle of 22°. It was at or just superior to the midpoint of a line joining the skull base and the hard palate. The SPG was located 4 mm posterior and 4.7 mm lateral to the SPF at a mean distance of 6.3 mm from the SPF at an inclination of about 50° in both the sagittal and coronal planes. In the infrazygomatic approach, the SPG was between 4.5 and 6.3 cm the skin and an angle of about 7° posterior and inferior.

Conclusion

These morphometric measurements will be of help to the clinician for accurate electrode or needle placement for SPG block and in avoiding complications related to inaccurate needle placement.

How to cite this article

Gupta T, Aggarwal A, Sahni D. Anatomic Landmarks and Morphometric Measurements for Accurate Localization of the Sphenopalatine Ganglion via the Transnasal and Infrazygomatic Approaches: A Cadaveric Study. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2014;48(1):14-18.
How ‘Healthy’ are Villages in District Ambala, Haryana: A Pilot Study?
Authors: Kalyanasundaram Madhanraj , Singh Amarjeet , Singh Navpreet
Published: January 2014

Background

A ‘healthy village’ concept as a healthy setting approach is lacking in India, where approximately 70% of population lives in villages. Despite various village development programs, the quality of life in Indian villages continues to be poor.

Objective

To evaluate some villages in district Ambala as healthy villages.

Materials and methods

This cross-sectional study of seven villages under a sub center was conducted during January to April 2010. These villages were compared on the basis of scores obtained on a checklist developed for evaluating ‘healthy village’. The village headmen, committee members, various health workers, accredited social health activists and anganwadi workers were also interviewed.

Results

The sub center headquarter, the largest village, scored maximum among seven villages (90/130; 69.2%). Lowest score was observed in the smallest village (49/130; 37.7%). Most villages faired poorly on intersectoral coordination, youth activities, and historical/cultural heritage. Performance of all villages on ‘availability of basic statistics’ and ‘animal shelter’ was excellent.

Conclusion

Apparently, population size of a village was linked with its being a healthy village. None of the village had an excellent score. Overall, an average rating can be assigned to these villages as healthy village.

How to cite this article

Kalyanasundaram M, Singh A, Singh N. How ‘Healthy’ are Villages in District Ambala, Haryana: A Pilot Study? J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2014;48(1):19-23.
An Open-Label, Single-Arm Pilot Study in Patients with Moderate to Severe Plaque-Type Psoriasis treated with Mesalazine
Authors: Narang Tarun , Handa Sanjeev
Published: January 2014

Lipoxygenase inhibitors have been reported to have a therapeutic effect in psoriasis. Mesalazine, a lipoxygenase inhibitor, similar to sulfasalazine was tried in psoriasis. Patients with moderate to severe psoriasis were treated with mesalazine in a dose of 400 mg thrice a day for 8 weeks. Patients were assessed for disease activity at the start of therapy, at 4 weeks and at 8 weeks using the psoriasis area severity index (PASI). Twenty-one patients (18 males and 3 females) of stable plaque psoriasis with a mean age of 42.3 years were included in the study. Duration of disease ranged from 3 months to 30 years. Mean body surface area involved was 36.3%. Of 19 patients who completed the study, 7 (36.8%) had ≥40% decline in PASI. Two patients did not respond to therapy. Mean baseline PASI decreased from 16.2 to 13.2 at 4 weeks and 10.1 at 8 weeks (p < 0.01). Both the values were statistically significant. Mesalazine can prove to be a significant addition or adjunct to the systemic therapies available for the treatment of psoriasis.

How to cite this article

Handa S, Narang T. An Open-Label, Single-Arm Pilot Study in Patients with Moderate to Severe Plaque-Type Psoriasis treated with Mesalazine. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2014;48(1):24-26.
Sublingual vs Oral Misoprostol for Labor Induction
Authors: Bagga Rashmi , Siwatch Sujata , Kalra Jasvinder , Doke Goter
Published: January 2014

Background

This study compares the eficacy and safety of sublingual vs oral misoprostol for induction of labor.

Materials and methods

160 women admitted for induction of labor at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh were randomized to receive 25 µg misoprostol orally 3 hourly or 25 µg sublingual misoprostol 4 hourly for labor induction.

Outcome

The two groups were compared for number of women not delivered in 24 hours, misoprostol dose required, induction delivery interval, incidence of uterine contraction abnormalities, mode of delivery, side effects and neonatal outcomes.

Results

Low dose of misoprostol is eficacious with both routes of administration. Majority women delivered vaginally and of them, comparable numbers in both vaginal and sublingual misoprostol groups delivered within 24 hours of induction (93.1 and 83.7%). The sublingual route is associated with a statistically signiicant lesser induction to delivery interval (14.8 ± 6.2 hours vs 17.67 ± 7.32 hours) and lesser requirement of oxytocin augmentation (62.5 vs 35%). The occurrence of uterine contraction abnormalities and neonatal outcome was similar in both groups.

Conclusion

The low dose of 25 µg is eficacious and safe by both sublingual and oral routes. Sublingual route has lesser induction to delivery interval and lesser requirement for oxytocin augmentation.

How to cite this article

Siwatch S, Doke G, Kalra J Bagga R. Sublingual vs Oral Misoprostol for Labor Induction. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2014;48(1):33-36.
Unilateral Hypoplasia of Lung in Association with Dilated Stomach
Authors: Kasilingam Sangeeth Kumar , Jindal Savita
Published: January 2014

Human lung growth starts as a primitive lung bud in early embryonic life and its growth is determined by various factors which occur during development. Pressure effects during intrauterine life from neighboring organs can impede the growth and lead to a hypoplastic lung. These could be due to associated congenital abnormalities of diaphragm, kidney, heart, GIT, etc. Dilated stomach is a rare association with a hypoplastic lung. We describe a case of congenital unilateral pulmonary hypoplasia in association with dilated stomach in a 25-year-old man who presented with exacerbation of bronchial asthma.

How to cite this article

Kasilingam SK, Jindal S. Unilateral Hypoplasia of Lung in Association with Dilated Stomach. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2014;48(1):40-42.
Metastatic Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of Prostate: Is Androgen Deprivation Therapy Beneficial?
Authors: Bal Amanjit , Singh Shrawan K , Gnanasekharan Madhusudhanan , Ganesamoni Raguram , Kumar Santosh
Published: January 2014

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of prostate is a rare malignancy arising from basal cells of prostatic acini. The management of metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma of prostate is not well defined because of its rarity. We report a 68-year-old male presented with acute urinary retention and pain in left hip region. Digital rectal examination revealed a hard nodular prostate with extension to the lateral pelvic walls. His serum PSA was 0.15 ng/ml. Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided prostate biopsy revealed adenoid cystic carcinoma. Bone scan showed metastasis in left acetabulum. He underwent channel transurethral resection of prostate and bilateral orchiectomy. He received palliative radiotherapy for left acetabular metastasis to control his pain. At 3 years of follow-up, the patient is doing well with no new metastasis. Hormone therapy is a viable option in patients with metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma of prostate.

How to cite this article

Singh SK, Gnanasekharan M, Kumar S, Ganesamoni R, Bal A. Metastatic Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of Prostate: Is Androgen Deprivation Therapy Beneficial. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2014;48(1):43-45.
Microbial activity and carbonate isotope signatures as a tool for identification of spatial differences in methane advection: a case study at the Pacific Costa Rican margin
Authors: Krause S. , Steeb P. , Hensen C. , Liebetrau V. , Dale A. W. , Nuzzo M. , Treude T.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. The forearc of the convergent margin offshore Costa Rica is a region characterized by strong advection of methane-charged fluids causing the formation of ubiquitous cold seeps (mounds). Presented here are the first measurements of microbial anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) and sulfate reduction (SR) rates in sediments from two mounds (11 and 12), applying radiotracer techniques in combination with numerical modelling. In addition, analysis of microbial, methane-dependent carbonate δ18O, δ13C, and 87Sr / 86Sr signatures constrained the origin of the carbonate-precipitating fluid. Average rates of microbial activities differed by a factor of ~5 to 6 between Mound 11 (AOM 140.71 (±40.84 SD) mmol m−2 d−1, SR 117.25 (±82.06 SD) mmol m−2 d−1) and Mound 12 (AOM 22.37 (±0.85 SD) mmol m−2 d−1, SR 23.99 (±5.79 SD) mmol m−2 d−1). Modelling results yielded upward fluid advection velocities of 200 cm yr−1 at Mound 11 and 15 cm yr−1 at Mound 12. Analysis of oxygen and carbon isotope variations of authigenic carbonates from the two locations revealed more enriched values for Mound 11 (δ18O : 3.18 to 6.15‰; δ13C: −14.14 to −29.56‰) compared to Mound 12 (δ18O : 3.09 to 4.48‰; δ13C : −39.53 to −48.98‰). The variation of carbonate 87Sr / 86Sr indicated considerable admixture of deep-source fluid at Mound 11, while seawater 87Sr / 86Sr characteristics prevailed at Mound 12 during precipitation. The present study is in accordance with previous work supporting considerable differences of methane flux between the two mounds. It also strengthens the hypothesis of a dominant deep fluid source with thermogenic methane at Mound 11 versus a shallow source of biogenic methane at Mound 12. The results demonstrate that measurements of methane-driven microbial activity in combination with numerical modelling are a valid tool for constraining recent methane fluxes in the study area. In addition, the analysis of methane-derived authigenic carbonates provides an independent line of evidence for long-term fluid contribution to the porewater chemistry of shallow sediments in the study area.