bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The association between Parkinson's disease and anti‐epilepsy drug carbamazepine: a case–control study using the UK General Practice Research Database
Authors: Skow Áine , Douglas Ian , Smeeth Liam
Published: February 2013

Aims

To investigate whether the use of carbamazepine is associated with reduced risk of Parkinson's disease.

Methods

We conducted a population‐based, matched case–control study of patients randomly selected from the UK General Research Practice Database. We identified 8549 patients with Parkinson's disease using diagnosis criteria with a positive predictive value of 90%. These patients were compared with 42 160 control subjects matched for age, sex and general practice.

Results

Overall, 3.0% of cases (257 of 8549) had at least one recorded prescription for carbamazepine compared with 2.5% (1050 of 42 160) of controls. The crude odds ratio for the association between Parkinson's disease and carbamazepine was 1.22 (95% confidence interval 1.06–1.40), but this reduced to 0.93 (95% confidence interval 0.81–1.08, P = 0.34) after adjusting for annual consultation rate. Further adjustment for body mass index, smoking status, alcohol consumption or use of calcium channel blockers did not affect results. There was no evidence that risk decreased with higher doses or longer duration of carbamazepine use.

Conclusions

There was little to no evidence that use of carbamazepine is associated with reduced risk of Parkinson's disease. Although the study was underpowered, it does indicate that any effect of carbamazepine is likely to be small.
Massive transfusion in children and neonates
Authors: Diab Yaser A. , Wong Edward C. C. , Luban Naomi L. C.
Published: February 2013

Resuscitation of children and neonates with severe or refractory bleeding due to surgery or trauma often requires massive transfusion (MT). Findings from recent studies have led to a better understanding of the complex pathophysiology in massive haemorrhage and the effects of MT on haemostasis. Current management of the massively bleeding adult patient has evolved over the past few decades, shifting to early transfusion of products in a balanced ratio as part of MT protocols (MTPs). Paediatric data on successful management of MT are limited and the optimal transfusion approach is currently unknown, leading to practice variability among institutions, depending on resource availability and patients' needs. Here, we review new important concepts in the biology of massive bleeding and MT, outline important management principles and current practices, and highlight available relevant adult and paediatric data.
Impact of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with abnl(17p) acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Mohr Brigitte , Schetelig Johannes , Schäfer‐Eckart Kerstin , Schmitz Norbert , Hänel Mathias , Rösler Wolf , Frickhofen Norbert , Link Hartmut , Neubauer Andreas , Schuler Ulrich , Platzbecker Uwe , Middeke Jan M. , Ehninger Gerhard , Bornhäuser Martin , Schaich Markus , Stölzel Friedrich ,   on behalf of the Study Alliance Leukaemia (SAL)
Published: February 2013

The role of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) as compared to chemotherapy in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) patients with abnormalities of chromosome 17p [abnl(17p)] has not yet been defined. Therefore, we analysed 3530 AML patients treated in three randomized, prospective, controlled clinical trials and compared post‐remission therapies using a multivariate Cox regression analysis to determine whether allogeneic HSCT is superior than chemotherapy in overcoming the detrimental impact of patients with abnl(17p) AML. One hundred and forty‐three patients (4%) were identified with abnl(17p) AML. All patients had received intensive induction chemotherapy. Forty‐seven patients with a median age of 54 years (18–69 years) proceeded to allogeneic HSCT in first or second remission. The 3‐year overall survival (OS) rate for the entire cohort of patients was 4% [95% confidence interval (CI), 1–7%]. OS and event‐free survival at 3 years, calculated from the day of HSCT, was 11% (95% CI, 2–20%) and 6% (95% CI, 0–13%), respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed no benefit of allogeneic HSCT compared to chemotherapy (Hazard Ratio 0·97, 95% CI 0·56–1·67, P = 0·9). In conclusion, allogeneic HSCT does not improve survival in patients with abnl(17p) AML as compared to other adverse cytogenetic risk abnormalities.
The Yin and Yang of pain: variability in formalin test nociception and morphine analgesia produced by the Yin Yang 1 transcription factor gene
Authors: Sorge R. E. , LaCroix‐Fralish M. L. , Tuttle A. H. , Khoutorsky A. , Sotocinal S. G. , Austin J.‐S. , Melmed K. , Labialle S. , Schmidt J. V. , Wood J. N. , Naumova A. K. , Mogil J. S.
Published: February 2013

We recently observed a reliable phenotypic difference in the inflammatory pain sensitivity of a congenic mouse strain compared to its background strain. By constructing and testing subcongenic strains combined with gene‐expression assays, we provide evidence for the candidacy of the Yy1 gene – encoding the ubiquitously expressed and multifunctional Yin Yang 1 transcription factor – as responsible. To confirm this hypothesis, we used a Cre/lox strategy to produce mutant mice in which Yy1 expression was ablated in Nav1.8‐positive neurons of the dorsal root ganglion. These mutants also displayed reduced inflammatory pain sensitivity on the formalin test. Further testing of pain‐related phenotypes in these mutants revealed robustly increased sensitivity to systemic and spinal (but not supraspinal) morphine analgesia, and greatly increased endogenous (swim stress‐induced) opioid analgesia. None of the known biological roles of Yin Yang 1 were suggestive of such a phenotype, and thus a novel player in pain modulatory systems has been identified.
Large Segmental Mandibulectomy for Treatment of an Undifferentiated Sarcoma in a Horse
Authors: Carmalt James L. , Linn Kathleen A.
Published: February 2013

Objective

To describe a large segmental (sub‐total) mandibulectomy for removal of an undifferentiated sarcoma in a horse.

Study Design

Clinical report.

Animals

A 10‐year‐old mare.

Methods

A combination of methods including computed tomography (CT) were used to diagnose a large undifferentiated sarcoma of the right mandible. A large segmental mandibulectomy extending from 3 cm below the right temporomandibular joint to immediately caudal to tooth 407 was used to perform an en‐bloc resection of the mass under general anesthesia.

Results

Surgery time was 11 hours and 35 minutes and total anesthesia time, 12 hours and 40 minutes. The mare was eating well 3 days after surgery. Some postoperative skin sloughing occurred, but the cosmetic and functional outcome was good. The mare continued to do well, with no evidence of disease recurrence, 24 months after surgery.

Conclusions

Three‐dimensional reconstruction of the CT images was instrumental in surgical planning. A very large portion of the mandible can be removed in a horse with acceptable cosmetic and functional outcome.
Prey exoskeletons influence the course of gastric evacuation in Atlantic cod Gadus morhua
Authors: Couturier C. S. , Andersen N. G. , Audet C. , Chabot D.
Published: February 2013

This study examined the effects of prey exoskeleton characteristics on gastric evacuation patterns in Atlantic cod Gadus morhua. Three distinct stages were highlighted in the gastric evacuation of crustacean prey characterized by a robust exoskeleton. The experiments confirmed that the three shrimp species, Pandalus borealis, Pandalus montagui and Eualus macilentus, and the crab Chionoecetes opilio, were evacuated from the stomach at different rates. The duration of all stages increased with increasing ash (and carbonate) content of the fresh prey. Thickness, chemical composition and morphology of the prey exoskeleton all affected gastric evacuation: duration of initial delay, overall evacuation rate and a decreased evacuation rate at the end of the process. The power exponential function (PEF), with its shape parameter, described the course of evacuation for these prey types well, especially the initial delay. The PEF does not, however, allow describing evacuation by the current stomach content mass independent of meal size, which limits its usefulness in estimating consumption rates of wild G. morhua. To predict and describe gastric evacuation of prey with a robust exoskeleton, it is therefore suggested that the square‐root function be expanded with an initial lag phase, coupled to the mechanistically based cylinder model of gastric evacuation.
Predictive value of Refit Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease, Refit Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease‐Na, and pre‐existing scoring system for 3‐month mortality in Korean patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Koo Ja Kyung , Kim Jeong Han , Choi Yun Jung , Lee Cho I , Yang Jae Hoon , Yoon Hyeon Young , Choi Hye Jin , Ko Soon Young , Choe Won Hyeok , Kwon So Young , Lee Chang Hong
Published: February 2013

Background and Aim

The Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) has been widely used for predicting short‐term mortality in patients with cirrhosis in the U.S. A modification of the MELD score was published in 2011. This was validated for Korean patients with cirrhosis.

Methods

The medical records of patients with cirrhosis who were admitted to Konkuk University Hospital from 2006 to 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. The predictive value for 3‐month mortality was compared between the Refit MELD, Refit MELD‐Na, MELD, MELD‐Na, and Child–Pugh score. The comparison was performed by calculating the area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC).

Results

A total of 882 patients were enrolled and 77 (8.7%) died within 3 months. The most common etiology was alcohol (45.4%) followed by hepatitis B (34.2%). The AUROCs of the Refit MELD, Refit MELD‐Na, MELD, MELD‐Na, and Child–Pugh score were 0.842, 0.817, 0.844, 0.848, and 0.831, respectively. The Refit MELD‐Na showed a lower value than MELD‐Na (P = 0.0005), MELD (P = 0.0190), and the Refit MELD (P = 0.0174). When the patients with hepatitis B, C, and alcoholic cirrhosis were analyzed, the AUROCs were 0.960, 0.920, 0.953, 0.951, 0.896, 0.959, 0.956, 0.947, 0.956, 0.943, and 0.746, 0.707, 0.752, 0.747, 0.755.

Conclusions

The improvement in predictive value for 3‐month mortality was not definite. The Refit MELD‐Na especially showed the lowest value. This result may have been due to differences in underlying etiology of cirrhosis between Korea and the U.S. Thus, a larger prospective study is warranted.
Analysis and Thurstonian Scaling of Applicability Scores
Authors: Ennis Daniel M. , Ennis John M.
Published: February 2013

Check‐all‐that‐apply (CATA) lists are commonly used in both survey research and sensory science. A related technique, referred to in this paper as applicability scoring, requires respondents to respond positively or negatively to the item of interest – applicability scoring differs from CATA as CATA only requires a check when the item applies to the object being scored. Both hypothesis testing and scale estimation for applicability scoring of sequentially tested products are considered in this paper. For the former, we demonstrate the use of McNemar's test and for the latter, we present a Thurstonian model. Using applicability scores for scale estimation is important because a connection can then be made to other methods through a common framework, allowing cross‐comparison and validation. In addition, applicability scoring provides a sensitive method for assessing product differences and may be particularly useful when an attribute cannot be conveniently expressed in a rating or 2‐alternative forced choice (2‐AFC) format.

Practical Applications

The first use of applicability scoring in survey research was by Sudman and Bradbury and its first use in sensory science was by Loh and Ennis. In survey research, the method is more appropriate than CATA lists in telephone surveys and may lead to deeper processing of the items. In sensory science, the method offers a convenient way of collecting and analyzing data on product differences for attributes that may not be easily expressed as ratings or in a 2‐AFC format. Since the method is used sequentially, it can be used for more than two products. When the attribute is liking (the item scored is I like this product), the method allows the separation of like both from like neither which is not provided using a preference question with a no‐preference option. This capability therefore provides more information about the acceptability of both products than can be obtained from a preference test.
Genomic patterns of introgression in rainbow and westslope cutthroat trout illuminated by overlapping paired‐end RAD sequencing
Authors: Hohenlohe Paul A. , Day Mitch D. , Amish Stephen J. , Miller Michael R. , Kamps‐Hughes Nick , Boyer Matthew C. , Muhlfeld Clint C. , Allendorf Fred W. , Johnson Eric A. , Luikart Gordon
Published: February 2013

Rapid and inexpensive methods for genomewide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) discovery and genotyping are urgently needed for population management and conservation. In hybridized populations, genomic techniques that can identify and genotype thousands of species‐diagnostic markers would allow precise estimates of population‐ and individual‐level admixture as well as identification of ‘super invasive’ alleles, which show elevated rates of introgression above the genomewide background (likely due to natural selection). Techniques like restriction‐site‐associatedDNA(RAD) sequencing can discover and genotype large numbers ofSNPs, but they have been limited by the length of continuous sequence data they produce with Illumina short‐read sequencing. We present a novel approach, overlapping paired‐endRADsequencing, to generateRADcontigs of >300–400 bp. These contigs provide sufficient flanking sequence for design of high‐throughputSNPgenotyping arrays and strict filtering to identify duplicate paralogous loci. We applied this approach in five populations of native westslope cutthroat trout that previously showed varying (low) levels of admixture from introduced rainbow trout (RBT). We produced 77 141RADcontigs and used these data to filter and genotype 3180 previously identified species‐diagnosticSNPloci. Our population‐level and individual‐level estimates of admixture were generally consistent with previous microsatellite‐based estimates from the same individuals. However, we observed slightly lower admixture estimates from genomewide markers, which might result from natural selection against certain genome regions, different genomic locations for microsatellitesvs.RAD‐derivedSNPs and/or sampling error from the small number of microsatellite loci (n = 7). We also identified candidate adaptive super invasive alleles fromRBTthat had excessively high admixture proportions in hybridized cutthroat trout populations.
SalmonellaOranienburg Isolated from Horses, Wild Turkeys and An Edible Home Garden Fertilized with Raw Horse Manure
Authors: Jay‐Russell M. T. , Madigan J. E. , Bengson Y. , Madigan S. , Hake A. F. , Foley J. E. , Byrne B. A.
Published: February 2013

In July 2010, a horse from a rural farm (Farm A) in coastal Northern California was diagnosed withSalmonellaOranienburg infection following referral to a veterinary hospital for colic surgery. Environmental sampling to identify potential sources and persistence ofSalmonellaon the farm was conducted from August 2010 to March 2011.Salmonellawas cultured using standard enrichment and selective plating. Pure colonies were confirmed by biochemical analysis, serotyped and compared by pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis. A total of 204 clinical and environmental samples at Farm A were analysed, andSalmonellaspp. was isolated from six of eight (75%) horses, an asymptomatic pet dog, two of seven (28.6%) water samples from horse troughs, nine of 20 (45%) manure storage pile composites, 16 of 71 (22.5%) wild turkey faeces and four of 39 (10.3%) soil samples from the family's edible home garden. Well water and garden vegetable samples and horse faecal samples from a neighbouring ranch were negative.S. Oranienburg with aPFGEpattern indistinguishable from the horse clinical strain was found in all positive sample types on Farm A. The investigation illustrates the potential for widespread dissemination ofSalmonellain a farm environment following equine infections. We speculate that a recent surge in the wild turkey population on the property could have introducedS. Oranienburg into the herd, although we cannot rule out the possibility wild turkeys were exposed on the farm or to other potential sources ofSalmonella. Findings from the investigation indicated that raw horse manure applied as fertilizer was the most likely source of garden soil contamination. ViableS. Oranienburg persisted in garden soil for an estimated 210 days, which exceeds the 120‐day standard between application and harvest currently required by the National Organic Program. The study underscores the need to educate the public about potential food safety hazards associated with using raw animal manure to fertilize edible home gardens.
Misalignment in Combi-Bearing: A Cause of Parametric Instability in Vertical Rotor Systems
Authors: Luneno Jean-Claude , Aidanpää Jan-Olov , Gustavsson Rolf
Published: February 2013

The dynamic characteristics of the combi-bearing (combined thrust-journal bearing) in vertical rotor systems were analytically modeled and experimentally verified in the authors’ previous publications. An angular misalignment, which may be caused by a possible manufacturing or assembling error, is introduced in the combi-bearing’s rotating collar. A new model of the defective combi-bearing has been derived. The derived model shows that the angular misalignment in the combi-bearing’s rotating collar generates an asymmetry in the rotor system at the combi-bearing’s location. The rotor system’s stiffness in its two translational X and Y directions differ at the combi-bearing’s location. Constant parameters and/or coefficients in rotating asymmetric structures appear to change with time when observed in the stationary frame. These time dependent parameters (coefficients) are the source of the so-called parametric instability in rotating systems. If the collar angular misalignment is located in the X-Z plane all rotor motions in this plane at the contact point between the combi-bearing and the rotor will be coupled. A parametric instability is observed within certain ranges of the rotor speed, depending on the magnitude of the angular misalignment.
Stochastic Subspace Identification Applied to the Weave Mode of Motorcycles
Authors: Brendelson James C. , Dhingra Anoop K.
Published: February 2013

This paper presents a safe and practical method for the identification of the weave mode of motorcycles without the need for the test rider to provide a deliberate lateral input to excite a large perceptible weave response. The solution utilizes stochastic subspace identification (SSI) and relies on the smooth surface of the road under normal steady-state running conditions to randomly excite the steering system. Three SSI variants: covariance (COV), unweighted principal component (UPC), and the canonical variate analysis (CVA) are outlined and pole selection via stabilization diagrams is discussed. Then a motorcycle test protocol necessary to collect quality data for identification analysis is described. Strong correlation between stochastic identifications and traditional impulse-based weave testing of several straight running motorcycles under multiple trim states is shown. Because of the ability to use data collected under normal steady-state running conditions, the proposed stochastic technique has the potential for allowing the identification of weave modal properties under trim state conditions that are not possible with traditional weave testing, like hands-on the handlebars in straight running or when the motorcycle is cornering. Results from identifications under these hands-on trim states are presented, demonstrating the potential for deeper understanding of these conditions.
International Arbiter of Animal Names Faces Financial Woes
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: February 2013

Proposals hope to prevent a lack of systematic name assignment and a communication breakdown.
Cryofibrinogenaemia: not just skin deep
Authors: Sandouk Zahrae , Alirhayim Zaid , Hassan Syed , Qureshi Waqas
Published: February 2013

A Caucasian woman in her 60s with a history of rheumatoid arthritis presented to our institution complaining of skin ulceration. Her initial course was complicated by superinfection and sepsis until a diagnosis of cryofibrinogenaemia was finally established. Cryofibrinogenaemia remains as an under-recognised entity in part, because it can mimic other causes of skin ulcerations. In addition, its diagnosis can be challenging because of the particular handling techniques required of lab specimens. This case exemplifies some of the diagnostic and treatment challenges encountered while managing the patient with cryofibrinogenaemia.
Perforation of Meckel's diverticulum by an intact fish bone
Authors: Mouawad Nicolas J , Hammond Stephen , Kaoutzanis Christodoulos
Published: February 2013

Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract, with an overall incidence of approximately 2.2%. It is generally noted incidentally during laparotomy for management of other abdominal pathology. Complications are infrequent, developing in 4% of individuals with this abnormality, and are usually seen in childhood. Herein, we discuss the case of a 52-year-old Caucasian man presenting with a 1-day history of worsening central and right-sided abdominal pain. Initial evaluation posed a broad differential however, following conservative measures and unremarkable plain films, the patient developed peritoneal signs necessitating operative intervention. During diagnostic laparoscopy, a Meckel's diverticulum was noted to be inflamed and perforated by an intact fish bone. The patient was treated successfully with a segmental resection and primary anastomosis, and had an uneventful postoperative recovery.
Perioperative anaesthetic management of penetrating neck injury associated with Rh blood type in a young adult
Authors: Wang Tao , Zhou Yeting , Shi Jiaohui , Wang Zhichun
Published: February 2013

We describe here a young adult patient with penetrating neck injuries (PNI) with an Rh negative blood type and discuss the perioperative anaesthetic management of single-stage surgical exploration under general anaesthesia and extracorporeal circulation in this patient. The patient had zone II PNI and he was in a haemodynamically progressive unstable state, and the knife penetrated the left internal jugular vein, superior thyroid artery and recurrent laryngeal nerve; the trachea and the oesophagus were swelling at a rapid rate. Eight weeks after operation, the patient was discharged from the hospital without any complications.
An unexpected finding of a rare intrascrotal lesion: the sertoliform cystadenoma of the rete testis
Authors: Sahnan Kapil , Manjunath Aditya , Vaughan-Shaw Peter G , Mitsopoulos Grigorios
Published: February 2013

A 19-year-old man presented with a right testicular swelling. Testicular ultrasound demonstrated areas suspicious for malignancy and so it was decided to proceed for a right radical inguinal orchiectomy. Initial histological examination revealed a multiloculated cystic lesion at the area of the rete testis yet normal testicular parenchyma elsewhere. Specialist histological opinion was sought from the regional teratoma multi-disciplinary team which confirmed the diagnosis of a sertoliform cystadenoma, an extremely rare benign testicular neoplasm. The recognition of the benign nature of the mass enabled complete reassurance to be offered to the patient and avoided further oncological treatment.
An unusual case of chest pain
Authors: Ng Peter
Published: February 2013

Boerhaave's syndrome is a rare but life-threatening condition characterised by spontaneous rupture of the oesophagus. Owing to its rarity, it is often not thought about as a cause for chest pain and is often admitted under a medical ward. This can lead to a delayed diagnosis with unfavourable outcomes. A 93-year-old female presented with severe atypical chest pain that was difficult to control. Her initial baseline tests were normal but her condition deteriorated and she desaturated through the night. A repeat chest x-ray showed right basal consolidation and pneumomediastinum. A diagnosis of Boerhaave's syndrome was made. She was unfortunately at this stage critically unwell and continued to deteriorate. She died 17 h after admission.
Cellular Signaling Pathway Alterations and Potential Targeted Therapies for Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Giunti Serena , Antonelli Alessandro , Amorosi Andrea , Santarpia Libero
Published: February 2013

Parafollicular C-cell-derived medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) comprises 3% to 4% of all thyroid cancers. While cytotoxic treatments have been shown to have limited efficacy, targeted molecular therapies that inhibit rearranged during transfection (RET) and other tyrosine kinase receptors that are mainly involved in angiogenesis have shown great promise in the treatment of metastatic or locally advanced MTC. Multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as vandetanib, which is already approved for the treatment of progressive MTC, and cabozantinib have shown distinct advantages with regard to rates of disease response and control. However, these types of tyrosine kinase inhibitor compounds are able to concurrently block several types of targets, which limits the understanding of RET as a specific target. Moreover, important resistances to tyrosine kinase inhibitors can occur, which limit the long-term efficacy of these treatments. Deregulated cellular signaling pathways and genetic alterations in MTC, particularly the activation of the RAS/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) cascades and RET crosstalk signaling, are now emerging as novel and potentially promising therapeutic treatments for aggressive MTC.
Subcorneal Pustular Dermatosis Exhibiting a High Serum TARC/CCL17 Level
Authors: Ono Sachiko , Otsuka Atsushi , Miyachi Yoshiki , Kabashima Kenji
Published: February 2013

Subcorneal pustular dermatosis (SPD) is a rare, relapsing, symmetric sterile pustular eruption that dominantly involves flexural areas. It is considered one form of neutrophilic dermatoses, which are associated with interleukin (IL)-17-producing T helper (Th) 17 cells that induce IL-8 production. We have previously reported that Th17 might be involved in the pathomechanism of Th2-dominant atopic dermatitis [Koga et al.: J Invest Dermatol 2008;128:2625-2630]. On the other hand, it has been a debate whether Th2 is involved in the etiology of neutrophilic dermatoses. Herein, we report a case of SPD that exhibited a high serum thymus and activation-regulated chemokine/chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 17 level, thereby raising the possibility of a Th2 association in its pathogenesis. Although it was limited to a single observation, our case raised the possibility that SPD may possess Th2 properties.
Sinicizing Western Science
Authors: Chan Man Sing
Published: February 2013

This article examines the practice of dual translation (heyi) in
the late Qing, focusing in particular on Quanti xinlun, a
physiological treatise compiled by Benjamin Hobson (1816-1873) and his Chinese
assistants. It argues that, owing to the considerable latitude allowed to
Hobson’s Chinese partners, the intellectual syncretism of the translation
was a direct consequence of the Chinese agency at play in intercultural
exchange. The collaborative process in the making of Quanti xinlun
is also explored, and two passages in which the
“Sinicization” of western physiology is most obvious are analyzed.
  Cet article s’intéresse à la pratique de la
double traduction (heyi). Il examine plus
­particulièrement sur le Quanti xinlun, un
traité de physiologie compilé par Benjamen Hobson (1816-1873) et
ses assistants chinois. L’argument est qu’en raison du
degré considérable d’autonomie laissé à ces
derniers, le syncrétisme intellectuel qui caractérise la
traduction découle directement de l’intervention chinoise dans le
processus d’échange interculturel. L’article examine
également la façon dont fonctionnait le travail de collaboration
dont est issu le Quanti xinlun et propose une analyse de deux
passages dans lesquels la “sinisation” de la physiologie
occidentale est particulièrement en évidence.
Error correcting codes for robust color wavelet watermarking
Authors: Abdul Wadood , Carré Philippe , Gaborit Philippe
Published: February 2013

This article details the conception, design, development and analysis of invisible, blind and robust color image watermarking algorithms based on the wavelet transform. Using error correcting codes, the watermarking algorithms are designed to be robust against intentional or unintentional attacks such as JPEG compression, additive white Gaussian noise, low pass filter and color attacks (hue, saturation and brightness modifications). Considering the watermarking channel characterized by these attacks, repetition, Hamming, Bose Chaudhuri Hocquenghem and Reed-Solomon codes are used in order to improve the robustness using different modes and appropriate decoding algorithms. The article compares the efficiency of different type of codes against different type of attacks. To the best of our knowledge this is the first time that the effect of error-correcting codes against different attacks are detailed in a watermarking context in such a precise way: describing and comparing the effect of different classes of codes against different type of attacks. This article clearly shows that list decoding of Reed-Solomon codes using the algorithm of Sudan exhibits good performance against hue and saturation attacks. The use of error correcting codes in a concatenation mode allows the non-binary block codes to show good performance against JPEG compression, noise and brightness attacks.
High-level expression and characterization of a chimeric lipase from Rhizopus oryzae for biodiesel production
Authors: Yu Xiao-Wei , Sha Chong , Guo Yong-Liang , Xiao Rong , Xu Yan
Published: February 2013

Background

Production of biodiesel from non-edible oils is receiving increasing attention. Tung oil, called “China wood oil” is one kind of promising non-edible biodiesel oil in China. To our knowledge, tung oil has not been used to produce biodiesel by enzymatic method. The enzymatic production of biodiesel has been investigated extensively by using Rhizopus oryzae lipase as catalyst. However, the high cost of R. oryzae lipase remains a barrier for its industrial applications. Through different heterologous expression strategies and fermentation techniques, the highest expression level of the lipase from R. oryzae reached 1334 U/mL in Pichia pastoris, which is still not optimistic for industry applications.

Results

The prosequence of lipases from Rhizopus sp. is very important for the folding and secretion of an active lipase. A chimeric lipase from R. oryzae was constructed by replacing the prosequence with that from the R. chinensis lipase and expressed in P. pastoris. The maximum activity of the chimera reached 4050 U/mL, which was 11 fold higher than that of the parent. The properties of the chimera were studied. The immobilized chimera was used successfully for biodiesel production from tung oil, which achieved higher FAME yield compared with the free chimeric lipase, non-chimeric lipase and mature lipase. By response surface methodology, three variables, water content, methanol to tung oil molar ratio and enzyme dosage were proved to be crucial parameters for biosynthesis of FAME and the FAME yield reached 91.9±2.5% at the optimized conditions by adding 5.66 wt.% of the initial water based on oil weight, 3.88 of methanol to tung oil molar ratio and 13.24 wt.% of enzyme concentration based on oil weight at 40°C.

Conclusions

This is the first report on improving the expression level of the lipase from R. oryzae by replacing prosequences. The immobilized chimera was used successfully for biodiesel production from tung oil. Using tung oil as non-edible raw material and a chimeric lipase from R. oryzae as an economic catalyst make this study a promising one for biodiesel applications.
Evaluation of a Dried Blood Spot Assay to Measure Prenatal Screening Markers Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein A and Free β-Subunit of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
Authors: Cowans Nicholas J , Suonpaa Mikko , Kouru Heikki , Wright David , Spencer Kevin
Published: February 2013

BACKGROUND

First-trimester prenatal screening for aneuploidy by use of dried blood spots (DBSs) may offer practical benefits in settings where the instability of intact human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is problematic. We evaluated a DBS pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) and free β-subunit of hCG (free hCGβ) dual assay and compared it to serum screening.

METHODS

Hematocrit-corrected DBS PAPP-A and free-hCGβ concentrations were measured and compared with serum concentrations in 252 first-trimester samples. Serum intact hCG was also measured and, with serum free hCGβ, was used to fit a model to predict serum-equivalent DBS free-hCGβ concentrations. In a separate experiment, we investigated the effects of temperature and relative humidity during the blood spot drying process.

RESULTS

The DBS assay for PAPP-A performed similarly to the serum assay, whereas free-hCGβ DBS measurements were consistently higher than in serum. Purifying blood spots of intact hCG suggested that the free-hCGβ DBS assay is measuring a composite of free hCGβ and additional β-subunits from intact hCG. The drying experiment showed that increased temperature and relative humidity during the drying process resulted in increased free hCGβ and reduced PAPP-A.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite measuring additional free hCGβ compared to the serum assay, DBS analysis has a role in first-trimester combined screening for trisomy 21.
Modernity, (Post)modernism and New Horizons of Postcolonial Studies. The Role and Direction of Caribbean Writing and Criticism in the Twenty-first Century
Authors: Penier Izabella
Published: February 2013

My article will take issue with some of the scholarship on current and prospective configurations of the Caribbean and, in more general terms, postcolonial literary criticism. It will give an account of the turn-of-the century debates about literary value and critical practice and analyze how contemporary fiction by Caribbean female writers responds to the socioeconomic reality that came into being with the rise of globalization and neo-liberalism. I will use David Scott’s thought provoking study-Refashioning Futures: Criticism after Postcoloniality (1999)-to outline the history of the Caribbean literary discourse and to try to rethink the strategic goals of postcolonial criticism.
The association between enteroviruses and type 1 diabetes
Authors: Dale Gabriela Florina , Popa Loredana , Popa Amorin
Published: February 2013

The hypothesis that under some circumstances enteroviral infections can lead to type1 diabetes (T1D) was proposed several decades ago, based initially on evidence fromanimal studies and sero-epidemiology. The mechanisms leading to the diseaseinvolve complex interactions between the virus, host target tissue (pancreas) and theimmune system. The following article is intended as a review of several recentinformation of the topic based on human studies that try to establish a connectionbetween a viral infection and Type 1 diabetes. Through understanding better thisassociation and it’s implications in the onset of T1D potential new ways ofprevention and treatment may emerge.
Materials Best Paper Award 2013
Authors: Tabrizian Maryam , Han Ophelia
Published: February 2013

Materials is instituting an annual award to recognize the outstanding papers in the area of materials science and engineering published in Materials. We are pleased to announce the first “Materials Best Paper Award” for 2013. Nominations were selected by the Section Editor-in-Chiefs and Editorial Board members of Materials from all papers published in 2009. [...]
The Tandem Ring Opening/Ring Closing Metathesis Route to Oxaspirocycles: An Approach to Phelligridin G
Authors: Cooper Harold , Wright Dennis
Published: February 2013

Phelligridin G is an unusual natural product that contains an embedded spiro-fused furanone core. We have investigated two furan-based synthetic approaches towards the spirocyclic core structure of this natural product from readily available 2-phenylfurans. Although initial studies involving an oxidative cyclization were unsuccessful, we were ultimately able to access this key system through a sequential intermolecular furan Diels-Alder reaction followed by a metathesis-based reorganization. A related approach led to an expanded C ring to form spiro-fused pyran spirocycles.
Inequality and Trust: Testing a Mediating Relationship for Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Kemp-Benedict Eric
Published: February 2013

Instrumental arguments linking inequality to environmental sustainability often suppose a negative relationship between inequality and social cohesion. While social cohesion is difficult to measure, there are measures of a narrower concept, social trust, and empirical studies have shown that social trust is negatively related to inequality. In this paper we test whether at least part of the observed relationship may be explained by income level, rather than income distribution. We use individual response data from the World Values Survey at the income decile level, and find evidence that income level is indeed important in explaining differences in levels of social trust, but it is insufficient to explain all of the dependence. In the sample used for the study, we find that both income level and income distribution help explain differences in social trust between countries.
Pediatric Population Health: Determinants and Policy Paradigm
Authors: Corden Timothy E. , Kindig David A.
Published: February 2013

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Define a health determinant.

2.

Review how health determinants affect a child’s physical and mental health and how several adult diseases are rooted in childhood determinant exposures.

3.

Discuss how biologic health is affected by policies directed at determinants exclusive of traditional medical care program initiatives.

During the past several decades, advances in medical science have given us sophisticated new devices, drugs, and technology that improve our armamentarium for carrying out the task of healing. The general concept of pathology-driven medical care has always been relatively straight forward for the public and policymakers to understand: medical care is a safety net for citizens who are unfortunate enough to become ill. Pediatricians, however, also have a long history of understanding that optimum child well-being is the product of multiple “determinants of health,” of which medical care is only one, and perhaps not the most important.
Childhood Immunization Policies and the Prevention of Communicable Disease
Authors: Conway James H. , Green Tiffany
Published: February 2013

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Review the process through which vaccines are licensed and recommendations are developed for routine use.

2.

Discuss immunization coverage rates.

3.

Review possible strategies to improve immunization coverage rates.

The drastic reduction in the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases through childhood immunization represents one of public health’s greatest achievements. The social and economic benefits gained through the prevention of mortality and morbidity caused by infectious diseases have dramatically improved the lives of people around the world. The most impressive gains have been in developed countries, where abundant economic resources and extensive healthcare systems have supported the development and implementation of increasingly sophisticated and expensive vaccines.
Access to Care for Children: Recent Progress, Remaining Challenges
Authors: Leininger Lindsey Jeanne , Meurer John
Published: February 2013

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Provide a definition of access to care and its correlates in the pediatric population.

2.

Discuss recent policy initiatives that have targeted improving access to quality health care for children.

3.

Recommend policy changes that improve pediatric access to care and promote the health of children.

Research consistently demonstrates the centrality of having access to medical care in the production of good health.
1–4
Illustratively, the important role that access to care plays in promoting pediatric health is echoed throughout the articles in this issue. Whether fighting communicable disease, providing behavioral health services to at-risk adolescents, or managing chronic physical conditions (such as asthma), achieving key pediatric health goals is crucially dependent upon the presence and accessibility of high-quality health care services.
Lot-Size Planning with Non-Linear Cost Functions Supporting Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Heck Markus , Schmidt Guenter
Published: February 2013

In this paper, the authors propose a non-linear cost function based on ecological considerations for lot-size planning. The classical approaches of lot-size optimization, the Wagner-Whitin algorithm and the Part-Period Balancing heuristic, are enhanced with so-called eco-factors. These eco-enhanced approaches combined with eco-balancing help to reduce overall production costs. Simultaneously, the environmental impact is also reduced.
Managing Informal Learning in Workplaces
Authors: Zhao Jingyuan , Ordóñez de Pablos Patricia , Tennyson Robert D.
Published: February 2013

There has been increasing interest in informal learning in recent years and interest in managing informal learning, especially in workplaces. This study selects sample companies and surveys in informal learning in work environments and presents the current situation and problems of informal learning in workplaces. The study establishes the mode of informal learning in the work environment and develops the conceptual framework of managing informal learning. This is done based on the theories of knowledge management and social constructionism.
Using an Observation Cycle for Helping Teachers Integrate Technology
Authors: Fuller Julia S. , Bachenheimer Barry A.
Published: February 2013

The purpose of this chapter is to present a simulated case study for class discussion about supporting teachers with technology integration. The study frames the authors’ definition of educational technology by focusing on research-based technology training and follow-up observation cycles for facilitating teachers’ application of technology into instruction. Readers should consider the importance of utilizing professional development to support teachers via technology training geared toward integration of specific digital tools and instructional strategies. The instructional design of the study includes a focus on adult learning assumptions (Knowles et al., 1998) and elements found in the professional development literature: (a) content focus, (b) active learning, (c) coherence, (d) duration, and (e) collective participation (Desimone, 2009). Additionally, the use of observation cycles (Danielson, 2007) in this case study emphasizes collaborative planning and feedback opportunities for helping teachers integrate technology, as well as promotes further analysis of the case.
Innovation in Patient Care and Medical Resident Education
Authors: Black Nicole Paradise , Fromme H. Barrett , Maniscalco Jennifer , Ferrell Cynthia , Myers Jessica , Augustine Erin , Skurkis Christine , Cooper Lou Ann , Kahana Madelyn , Blankenburg Rebecca
Published: February 2013

Medical resident education changed dramatically on July 1, 2011 with the institution of new duty-hour work restrictions. The move to shift scheduling changed the notion of nighttime work from a time of service to one of education. The National Pediatric Nighttime Education Steering Group responded to this paradigm shift by creating a national, peer-reviewed, Web- and case-based curriculum for nighttime learning in pediatrics. Field-test results from implementation in 89 programs revealed statistically significant improvements in knowledge and confidence, but a need for improvement in usability interface, instructional design, and dissemination. Finding support to improve upon the design of the curriculum and provide a robust platform for dissemination and use by residency programs presents a significant challenge, especially in light of severe threats to graduate medical education funding at the national level.
Novelty Detection in Human Behavior through Analysis of Energy Utilization
Authors: Chen Chao , Cook Diane J.
Published: February 2013

The value of smart environments in understanding and monitoring human behavior has become increasingly obvious in the past few years. Using data collected from sensors in these environments, scientists have been able to recognize activities that residents perform and use the information to provide context-aware services and information. However, less attention has been paid to monitoring and analyzing energy usage in smart homes, despite the fact that electricity consumption in homes has grown dramatically. In this chapter, the authors demonstrate how energy consumption relates to human activity through verifying that energy consumption can be predicted based on the activity that is being performed. The authors then automatically identify novelties in human behavior by recognizing outliers in energy consumption generated by the residents in a smart environment. To validate these approaches, they use real energy data collected in their CASAS smart apartment testbed and analyze the results for two different data sets collected in this smart home.
Clustering Algorithm for Human Behavior Recognition Based on Biosignal Analysis
Authors: Nunes Neuza , Rebelo Diliana , Abreu Rodolfo , Gamboa Hugo , Fred Ana
Published: February 2013

Time series unsupervised clustering is accurate in various domains, and there is an increased interest in time series clustering algorithms for human behavior recognition. The authors have developed an algorithm for biosignals clustering, which captures the general morphology of a signal’s cycles in one mean wave. In this chapter, they further validate and consolidate it and make a quantitative comparison with a state-of-the-art algorithm that uses distances between data’s cepstral coefficients to cluster the same biosignals. They are able to successfully replicate the cepstral coefficients algorithm, and the comparison showed that the mean wave approach is more accurate for the type of signals analyzed, having a 19% higher accuracy value. They authors also test the mean wave algorithm with biosignals with three different activities in it, and achieve an accuracy of 96.9%. Finally, they perform a noise immunity test with a synthetic signal and notice that the algorithm remains stable for signal-to-noise ratios higher than 2, only decreasing its accuracy with noise of amplitude equal to the signal. The necessary validation tests performed in this study confirmed the high accuracy level of the developed clustering algorithm for biosignals that express human behavior.