bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tetraarsenic oxide–induced inhibition of malignant glioma cell invasion in vitro via a decrease in matrix metalloproteinase secretion and protein kinase B phosphorylation
Authors: Gwak Ho-Shin , Park Myung-Jin , Park In-Chul , Woo Sang Hyeok , Jin Hyeon-Ok , Rhee Chang Hun , Jung Hee-Won
Published: October 2014

Object

Local invasiveness of malignant glioma is a major reason for the failure of current treatments including surgery and radiation therapy. Tetraarsenic oxide (As4O6[TAO]) is a trivalent arsenic compound that has potential anticancer and antiangiogenic effects in selected cancer cell lines at a lower concentration than arsenic trioxide (As2O3[ATO]), which has been more widely tested in vitro and in vivo. The authors tried to determine the cytotoxic concentration of TAO in malignant glioma cell lines and whether TAO would show anti-invasive effects under conditions independent of cell death or apoptosis.

Methods

The human phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)-deficient malignant glioma cell lines U87MG, U251MG, and U373MG together with PTEN-functional LN428 were cultured with a range of micromolar concentrations of TAO. The invasiveness of the glioma cell lines was analyzed. The effect of TAO on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) secretion and membrane type 1 (MT1)-MMP expression was measured using gelatin zymography and Western blot, respectively. Akt, or protein kinase B, activity, which is a downstream effector of PTEN, was assessed with a kinase assay using glycogen synthesis kinase-3β (GSK-3β) as a substrate and Western blotting of phosphorylated Akt.

Results

Tetraarsenic oxide inhibited 50% of glioma cell proliferation at 6.3–12.2 μM. Subsequent experiments were performed under the same TAO concentrations and exposure times, avoiding the direct tumoricidal effect of TAO, which was confirmed with apoptosis markers. An invasion assay revealed a dose-dependent decrease in invasiveness under the influence of TAO. Both the gelatinolytic activity of MMP-2 and MT1-MMP expression decreased in a dose-dependent manner in all cell lines, which was in accordance with the invasion assay results. The TAO decreased kinase activity of Akt on GSK-3β assay and inhibited Akt phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner in all cell lines regardless of their PTEN status.

Conclusions

These results showed that TAO effectively inhibits proliferation of glioblastoma cell lines and also exerts an anti-invasive effect via decreased MMP-2 secretion, decreased MT1-MMP expression, and the inhibition of Akt phosphorylation under conditions devoid of cytotoxicity. Further investigations using an in vivo model are needed to evaluate the potential role of TAO as an anti-invasive agent.
Is adult education a ‘white’ business? Professionals with migrant backgrounds in Austrian adult education
Authors: Kukovetz Brigitte , Sprung Annette
Published: October 2014

This paper is based on an applied research project, which examines the participation of migrants (first and second generation) as professionals in Austrian adult education. We present selected outcomes concerning barriers and encouraging factors in the careers of professionals with migrant background. Our main findings show the importance of the recognition of credentials, of social capital and of strategies to avoid discrimination on behalf of the institutions of adult education. Introducing the analytical perspective of critical whiteness, we conclude that Austrian adult education still has to reflect its own role in terms of white privileges. Finally we point out some approaches and strategies to widening participation and reducing discrimination in the professional field.
Geographical Scale Effects on the Analysis of Leptospirosis Determinants
Authors: Gracie Renata , Barcellos Christovam , Magalhães Mônica , Souza-Santos Reinaldo , Barrocas Paulo
Published: October 2014

Leptospirosis displays a great diversity of routes of exposure, reservoirs, etiologic agents, and clinical symptoms. It occurs almost worldwide but its pattern of transmission varies depending where it happens. Climate change may increase the number of cases, especially in developing countries, like Brazil. Spatial analysis studies of leptospirosis have highlighted the importance of socioeconomic and environmental context. Hence, the choice of the geographical scale and unit of analysis used in the studies is pivotal, because it restricts the indicators available for the analysis and may bias the results. In this study, we evaluated which environmental and socioeconomic factors, typically used to characterize the risks of leptospirosis transmission, are more relevant at different geographical scales (i.e., regional, municipal, and local). Geographic Information Systems were used for data analysis. Correlations between leptospirosis incidence and several socioeconomic and environmental indicators were calculated at different geographical scales. At the regional scale, the strongest correlations were observed between leptospirosis incidence and the amount of people living in slums, or the percent of the area densely urbanized. At the municipal scale, there were no significant correlations. At the local level, the percent of the area prone to flooding best correlated with leptospirosis incidence.
Scalable Combinatorial Tools for Health Disparities Research
Authors: Langston Michael , Levine Robert , Kilbourne Barbara , Rogers Gary , Kershenbaum Anne , Baktash Suzanne , Coughlin Steven , Saxton Arnold , Agboto Vincent , Hood Darryl , Litchveld Maureen , Oyana Tonny , Matthews-Juarez Patricia , Juarez Paul
Published: October 2014

Despite staggering investments made in unraveling the human genome, current estimates suggest that as much as 90% of the variance in cancer and chronic diseases can be attributed to factors outside an individual’s genetic endowment, particularly to environmental exposures experienced across his or her life course. New analytical approaches are clearly required as investigators turn to complicated systems theory and ecological, place-based and life-history perspectives in order to understand more clearly the relationships between social determinants, environmental exposures and health disparities. While traditional data analysis techniques remain foundational to health disparities research, they are easily overwhelmed by the ever-increasing size and heterogeneity of available data needed to illuminate latent gene x environment interactions. This has prompted the adaptation and application of scalable combinatorial methods, many from genome science research, to the study of population health. Most of these powerful tools are algorithmically sophisticated, highly automated and mathematically abstract. Their utility motivates the main theme of this paper, which is to describe real applications of innovative transdisciplinary models and analyses in an effort to help move the research community closer toward identifying the causal mechanisms and associated environmental contexts underlying health disparities. The public health exposome is used as a contemporary focus for addressing the complex nature of this subject.
Argon: Systematic Review on Neuro- and Organoprotective Properties of an “Inert” Gas
Authors: Höllig Anke , Schug Anita , Fahlenkamp Astrid , Rossaint Rolf , Coburn Mark , Argon Organo-Protective Network (AON)
Published: October 2014

Argon belongs to the group of noble gases, which are regarded as chemically inert. Astonishingly some of these gases exert biological properties and during the last decades more and more reports demonstrated neuroprotective and organoprotective effects. Recent studies predominately use in vivo or in vitro models for ischemic pathologies to investigate the effect of argon treatment. Promising data has been published concerning pathologies like cerebral ischemia, traumatic brain injury and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. However, models applied and administration of the therapeutic gas vary. Here we provide a systematic review to summarize the available data on argon’s neuro- and organoprotective effects and discuss its possible mechanism of action. We aim to provide a summary to allow further studies with a more homogeneous setting to investigate possible clinical applications of argon.
Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA) of CaMV-35S Promoter and nos Terminator for Rapid Detection of Genetically Modified Crops
Authors: Xu Chao , Li Liang , Jin Wujun , Wan Yusong
Published: October 2014

Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) is a novel isothermal DNA amplification and detection technology that enables the amplification of DNA within 30 min at a constant temperature of 37–42 °C by simulating in vivo DNA recombination. In this study, based on the regulatory sequence of the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S (CaMV-35S) promoter and the Agrobacterium tumefaciens nopaline synthase gene (nos) terminator, which are widely incorporated in genetically modified (GM) crops, we designed two sets of RPA primers and established a real-time RPA detection method for GM crop screening and detection. This method could reliably detect as few as 100 copies of the target molecule in a sample within 15–25 min. Furthermore, the real-time RPA detection method was successfully used to amplify and detect DNA from samples of four major GM crops (maize, rice, cotton, and soybean). With this novel amplification method, the test time was significantly shortened and the reaction process was simplified; thus, this method represents an effective approach to the rapid detection of GM crops.
Melatonin, Noncoding RNAs, Messenger RNA Stability and Epigenetics—Evidence, Hints, Gaps and Perspectives
Authors: Hardeland Rüdiger
Published: October 2014

Melatonin is a highly pleiotropic regulator molecule, which influences numerous functions in almost every organ and, thus, up- or down-regulates many genes, frequently in a circadian manner. Our understanding of the mechanisms controlling gene expression is actually now expanding to a previously unforeseen extent. In addition to classic actions of transcription factors, gene expression is induced, suppressed or modulated by a number of RNAs and proteins, such as miRNAs, lncRNAs, piRNAs, antisense transcripts, deadenylases, DNA methyltransferases, histone methylation complexes, histone demethylases, histone acetyltransferases and histone deacetylases. Direct or indirect evidence for involvement of melatonin in this network of players has originated in different fields, including studies on central and peripheral circadian oscillators, shift work, cancer, inflammation, oxidative stress, aging, energy expenditure/obesity, diabetes type 2, neuropsychiatric disorders, and neurogenesis. Some of the novel modulators have also been shown to participate in the control of melatonin biosynthesis and melatonin receptor expression. Future work will need to augment the body of evidence on direct epigenetic actions of melatonin and to systematically investigate its role within the network of oscillating epigenetic factors. Moreover, it will be necessary to discriminate between effects observed under conditions of well-operating and deregulated circadian clocks, and to explore the possibilities of correcting epigenetic malprogramming by melatonin.
Vertical Distribution of Soil Organic Carbon Density in Relation to Land Use/Cover, Altitude and Slope Aspect in the Eastern Himalayas
Authors: Dorji Tshering , Odeh Inakwu , Field Damien
Published: October 2014

In-depth understanding about the vertical distribution of soil organic carbon (SOC) density is crucial for carbon (C) accounting, C budgeting and designing appropriate C sequestration strategies. We examined the vertical distribution of SOC density under different land use/land cover (LULC) types, altitudinal zones and aspect directions in a montane ecosystem of Bhutan. Sampling sites were located using conditioned Latin hypercube sampling (cLHS) scheme. Soils were sampled based on genetic horizons. An equal-area spline function was fitted to interpolate the target values to predetermined depths. Linear mixed model was fitted followed by mean separation tests. The results show some significant effects of LULC, altitudinal zone and slope aspect on the vertical distribution of SOC density in the profiles. Based on the proportion of mean SOC density in the first 20 cm relative to the cumulative mean SOC density in the top meter, the SOC density under agricultural lands (34%) was more homogeneously distributed down the profiles than forests (39%), grasslands (59%) and shrublands (43%). Similarly, the SOC density under 3500–4000 m zone (35%) was more uniformly distributed compared to 3000–3500 m zone (43%) and 1769–2500 m and 2500–3000 m zones (41% each). Under different aspect directions, the north and east-facing slopes (38% each) had more uniform distribution of SOC density than south (40%) and west-facing slopes (49%).
Structural Elucidation of the DFG-Asp in and DFG-Asp out States of TAM Kinases and Insight into the Selectivity of Their Inhibitors
Authors: Messoussi Abdellah , Peyronnet Lucile , Feneyrolles Clémence , Chevé Gwénaël , Bougrin Khalid , Yasri Aziz
Published: October 2014

Structural elucidation of the active (DFG-Asp in) and inactive (DFG-Asp out) states of the TAM family of receptor tyrosine kinases is required for future development of TAM inhibitors as drugs. Herein we report a computational study on each of the three TAM members Tyro-3, Axl and Mer. DFG-Asp in and DFG-Asp out homology models of each one were built based on the X-ray structure of c-Met kinase, an enzyme with a closely related sequence. Structural validation and in silico screening enabled identification of critical amino acids for ligand binding within the active site of each DFG-Asp in and DFG-Asp out model. The position and nature of amino acids that differ among Tyro-3, Axl and Mer, and the potential role of these residues in the design of selective TAM ligands, are discussed.
Exploration of Piperidinols as Potential Antitubercular Agents
Authors: Abuhammad Areej , Fullam Elizabeth , Bhakta Sanjib , Russell Angela , Morris Garrett , Finn Paul , Sim Edith
Published: October 2014

Novel drugs to treat tuberculosis are required and the identification of potential targets is important. Piperidinols have been identified as potential antimycobacterial agents (MIC < 5 μg/mL), which also inhibit mycobacterial arylamine N-acetyltransferase (NAT), an enzyme essential for mycobacterial survival inside macrophages. The NAT inhibition involves a prodrug-like mechanism in which activation leads to the formation of bioactive phenyl vinyl ketone (PVK). The PVK fragment selectively forms an adduct with the cysteine residue in the active site. Time dependent inhibition of the NAT enzyme from Mycobacterium marinum (M. marinum) demonstrates a covalent binding mechanism for all inhibitory piperidinol analogues. The structure activity relationship highlights the importance of halide substitution on the piperidinol benzene ring. The structures of the NAT enzymes from M. marinum and M. tuberculosis, although 74% identical, have different residues in their active site clefts and allow the effects of amino acid substitutions to be assessed in understanding inhibitory potency. In addition, we have used the piperidinol 3-dimensional shape and electrostatic properties to identify two additional distinct chemical scaffolds as inhibitors of NAT. While one of the scaffolds has anti-tubercular activity, both inhibit NAT but through a non-covalent mechanism.
A Note on the Fundamental Theorem of Asset Pricing under Model Uncertainty
Authors: Bayraktar Erhan , Zhang Yuchong , Zhou Zhou
Published: October 2014

We show that the recent results on the Fundamental Theorem of Asset Pricing and the super-hedging theorem in the context of model uncertainty can be extended to the case in which the options available for static hedging (hedging options) are quoted with bid-ask spreads. In this set-up, we need to work with the notion of robust no-arbitrage which turns out to be equivalent to no-arbitrage under the additional assumption that hedging options with non-zero spread are non-redundant. A key result is the closedness of the set of attainable claims, which requires a new proof in our setting.
Asymmetric Programming: A Highly Reliable Metadata Allocation Strategy for MLC NAND Flash Memory-Based Sensor Systems
Authors: Huang Min , Liu Zhaoqing , Qiao Liyan
Published: October 2014

While the NAND flash memory is widely used as the storage medium in modern sensor systems, the aggressive shrinking of process geometry and an increase in the number of bits stored in each memory cell will inevitably degrade the reliability of NAND flash memory. In particular, it’s critical to enhance metadata reliability, which occupies only a small portion of the storage space, but maintains the critical information of the file system and the address translations of the storage system. Metadata damage will cause the system to crash or a large amount of data to be lost. This paper presents Asymmetric Programming, a highly reliable metadata allocation strategy for MLC NAND flash memory storage systems. Our technique exploits for the first time the property of the multi-page architecture of MLC NAND flash memory to improve the reliability of metadata. The basic idea is to keep metadata in most significant bit (MSB) pages which are more reliable than least significant bit (LSB) pages. Thus, we can achieve relatively low bit error rates for metadata. Based on this idea, we propose two strategies to optimize address mapping and garbage collection. We have implemented Asymmetric Programming on a real hardware platform. The experimental results show that Asymmetric Programming can achieve a reduction in the number of page errors of up to 99.05% with the baseline error correction scheme.
Aléas et risques naturels dans le Pamir occidental : du local au global (Natural hazards and risks in Western Pamir : from local to global)
Authors: Fort Monique , Vazyrov Kabud
Published: October 2014

Le Pamir Central se caractérise par des reliefs élevés, un climat rude et un englacement abondant au-dessus de 5000 m. L 'irrigation est pratiquée grâce aux eaux de fonte glaciaires et nivales. Les principaux aléas naturels sont décrits : laves torrentielles, instabilités de versant. Les glaciers à accélération brutale, la forte séismicité, les blocages de vallée et les ruptures de lacs sont des menaces majeures, qui pèsent sur les populations des montagnes et du piémont. Ces menaces rendent dérisoires les efforts, pourtant réels mais surtout venus de l 'extérieur, pour développer des moyens de prévention et de protection.
The evolution of flowering strategies in US weedy rice
Authors: Thurber Carrie S. , Reagon Michael , Olsen Kenneth M. , Jia Yulin , Caicedo Ana L.
Published: October 2014

• Premise of the study: Local adaptation in plants often involves changes in flowering time in response to day length and temperature. Many crops have been selected for uniformity in flowering time. In contrast, variable flowering may be important for increased competitiveness in weed species invading the agricultural environment. Given the shared species designation of cultivated rice (Oryza sativa) and its the invasive conspecific weed, weedy rice, we assessed the extent to which flowering time differed between these groups. We further assessed whether genes affecting flowering time variation in rice could play a role in the evolution of weedy rice in the United States.

• Methods: We quantified flowering time under day‐neutral conditions in weedy, cultivated, and wild Oryza groups. We also sequenced two candidate gene regions: Hd1, a locus involved in promotion of flowering under short days, and the promoter of Hd3a, a locus encoding the mobile signal that induces flowering.

• Key results: We found that flowering time has diverged between two distinct weedy rice groups, such that straw‐hull weeds tend to flower earlier and black‐hull awned weeds tend to flower later than cultivated rice. These differences are consistent with weed Hd1 alleles. At both loci, weeds share haplotypes with their cultivated progenitors, despite significantly different flowering times.

• Conclusions: Our phenotypic data indicate the existence of multiple flowering strategies in weedy rice. Flowering differences between weeds and ancestors suggest this trait has evolved rapidly. From a weed management standpoint, there is the potential for overlap in flowering of black‐hull awned weeds and crops in the United States, permitting hybridization and the potential escape of genes from crops.
Re: Reflections on Screening Mammography and the Early Detection of Breast Cancer
Authors: Baum M.
Published: October 2014

I welcome this opportunity to comment on the piece by Dr. Steven Narod in this issue of Current Oncology.[...]
Oligomerization of optically active N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)mandelamide in the presence of β-cyclodextrin and the minor role of chirality
Authors: Ritter Helmut , Stöhr Antonia , Favresse Philippe
Published: October 2014

The oxidative oligomerization of a chiral mandelamide derivative (N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)mandelamide, 1) was performed in the presence of horseradish peroxidase, laccase and N,N'-bis(salicylidene)ethylenediamine-iron(II) to obtain chiral oligophenols 2. The low enantioselectivity of the enzymatic catalyzed asymmetric enantiomer-differentiating oligomerizations was investigated. In addition, the poor influence of cyclodextrin on the enantioselectivity of enzymatic catalyzed asymmetric enantiomer-differentiating oligomerizations was studied.
BOOK REVIEW OF LÉON KRIER’S "ALBERT SPEER. ARCHITECTURE 1932–1942"
Authors: Younés Samir
Published: October 2014

Book review of Léon Krier’s "Albert Speer. Architecture 1932–1942" Journal of Architecture and Urbanism, 38(3), p. 210-212
Best’s Vitelliform Macular Dystrophy in 10- and 31-Month-Old Siblings
Authors: Griffith Joseph F. , Hess Ditte J. , Berrocal Audina M.
Published: October 2014

There are limited reports of Best’s disease in children younger than 3 years. This is a case series of two family members aged 10 and 31 months with Best’s disease. To the authors’ knowledge, the 10-month-old male infant is the youngest patient with Best’s disease documented by fundus photography.

[J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2014;51:e8–e12.]
Using Technology and Community Partnerships to Improve Educator Preparation
Authors: Lierheimer Kristin S. , Murray Mary M. , Wooldridge Deborah G. , Smith Sheila
Published: October 2014

This chapter describes how an institution of higher education, Bowling Green State University (BGSU), partnered with the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI), a quasi-governmental agency, to meet the training needs of the local, state, national, and international community by providing an online autism spectrum disorders (ASD) certificate program. This curriculum incorporates and builds on OCALI's numerous on-line learning modules specifically focused on ASD that were developed by experts in the field of autism. Today over one hundred individuals from eight states and three countries have completed the comprehensive certificate ASD program through BGSU. This program is one example of how technology has broadened the outreach of educational preparation in ASD from local to national and international audiences.
Behavioral Intentions to Adopt Technological Innovations
Authors: Ratten Vanessa
Published: October 2014

Cloud computing services are a prominent innovation that has changed consumer behaviours towards adopting new technological services. Despite the popularity of this technological innovation the underlying factors that contribute to a consumer's intention to adopt cloud computing services has not been well researched. This paper builds upon the well-known behavioural intention theories of the technology acceptance model and social cognitive theory to develop and test a number of hypotheses designed to understand the factors influencing intention to use cloud computing services. The research hypotheses in the paper propose that perceived usefulness, consumer innovation attitude, social norms, performance expectancy and trust influence behavioural intentions of consumers towards cloud computing services. The hypotheses are tested in a sample of United States and Chinese consumers to understand whether there are differences in behavioural attitudes towards technological innovations. The paper identifies research limitations, practical implications and future research suggestions.
A Comparative Study of Different Approaches for Finding the Upper Boundary Points in Stochastic-Flow Networks
Authors: Mansourzadeh Seyed Mehdi , Nasseri Seyed Hadi , Forghani-elahabad Majid , Ebrahimnejad Ali
Published: October 2014

An information system network (ISN) can be modeled as a stochastic-flow network (SFN). There are several algorithms to evaluate reliability of an SFN in terms of Minimal Cuts (MCs). The existing algorithms commonly first find all the upper boundary points (called d-MCs) in an SFN, and then determine the reliability of the network using some approaches such as inclusion-exclusion method, sum of disjoint products, etc. However, most of the algorithms have been compared via complexity results or through one or two benchmark networks. Thus, comparing those algorithms through random test problems can be desired. Here, the authors first state a simple improved algorithm. Then, by generating a number of random test problems and implementing the algorithms in MATLAB, the proposed algorithm is demonstrated to be more efficient than some existing ones in medium-sized networks. The performance profile introduced by Dolan and More is used for analyzing the output of programs.
Sociocultural Factors Influencing Online Instruction
Authors: Reyes Christine M. , Hernandez Cecilia , Baptiste H. Prentice
Published: October 2014

Home computer ownership and Internet access have become essential to education, job security and economic opportunity. The digital divide remains greatest for ethnic/racial groups placing them at a disadvantage. The purpose of the study was to gain understanding and insight into the sociocultural factors influencing the digital divide as related to Latinos as a group, specifically a group of non-traditional Latina pre-service teachers from the midwest in a required online instructional media and technology course. The following sociocultural factors (1) generational status, (2) English language ability, (3) educational attainment, (4) socioeconomic status and (5) gender identity are defined and identified in relationship to the success of these participants. Of the five sociocultural factors explored in this study, only English language ability did not appear to have any direct influence on the success of these particular students. These sociocultural factors also influenced one another, particularly as generational status influences English language ability, educational attainment, gender roles, and ultimately socioeconomic status.
Digital Explorations Along the Borderlands
Authors: Araujo Blanca , Carmona Judith Flores , Parra Julia , Chávez Rudolfo Chávez
Published: October 2014

Pedagogical strategies that use technologies for connecting and communicating across differences, provide us with opportunities to disseminate historically excluded voices in academia and in society. The use of new and emerging technologies in and out of classrooms provides students and teachers with tools to craft, narrate, create, and share their lived experiences, life stories, and testimonios in digitized formats. The authors present three digital explorations that focus on technological tools that on the surface may seem simplistic but that carry deep constructs of meaning for the participants involved. These digital explorations focus on the affordances provided to students of all ages by the use of technological tools to demonstrate cultural and linguistic agency and embrace their Community Cultural Wealth in using critical media. The authors hope to signal the need for critical pedagogues to further incorporate digital learning technologies in classrooms.
New Technology, Old Habits
Authors: Kang Inkyu
Published: October 2014

This paper investigates how the Internet has lost its power as a tool for political participation in South Korea, one of the world's most wired countries. Its 2002 presidential election was praised as one of the most spectacular examples of social change caused by the Internet. The following election in 2007, however, marked the total inability of the Internet to mobilize voters. How did the Internet, which is often claimed to have a democratizing potential, lose its power so quickly? By comparing the two elections, this paper shows why the effects of the Internet cannot be generalized. Although many scholars believe that cyberspace is anonymous and difficult to regulate, the Korean Internet is drastically different. This paper explores how the Internet evolves into many “internets” under the influence of a country's unique sociocultural factors.
The MobiFall Dataset
Authors: Vavoulas George , Pediaditis Matthew , Chatzaki Charikleia , Spanakis Emmanouil G. , Tsiknakis Manolis
Published: October 2014

Fall detection is receiving significant attention in the field of preventive medicine, wellness management and assisted living, especially for the elderly. As a result, several fall detection systems are reported in the research literature or exist as commercial systems. Most of them use accelerometers and/ or gyroscopes attached on a person's body as the primary signal sources. These systems use either discrete sensors as part of a product designed specifically for this task or sensors that are embedded in mobile devices such as smartphones. The latter approach has the advantage of offering well tested and widely available communication services, e.g. for calling emergency when necessary. Nevertheless, automatic fall detection continues to present significant challenges, with the recognition of the type of fall being the most critical. The aim of this work is to introduce a human fall and activity dataset to be used in testing new detection methods, as well as performing objective comparisons between different reported algorithms for fall detection and activity recognition, based on inertial-sensor data from smartphones. The dataset contains signals recorded from the accelerometer and gyroscope sensors of a latest technology smartphone for four different types of falls and nine different activities of daily living. Utilizing this dataset, the results of an elaborate evaluation of machine learning-based fall detection and fall classification are presented and discussed in detail.
Best-Practice of Reducing Risk through a Culture of Total Quality Management
Authors: Bialaszewski Dennis
Published: October 2014

There have been many projects that have not met expectations or have completely failed. Yet, these projects that have not reached a desired outcome may have undergone extensive planning. However, the planning for these failed projects may have omitted some critical concepts. These projects may have employed technical tools such as Gant Charts or current project management software while neglecting the use of appropriate project management tools or neglected incorporating Total Quality Management (TQM) concepts. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate, through practitioner reflection with an example, how the risk of failure may be reduced through the employment of TQM principles. The 14 points for TQM are reviewed and related to the project management processes.
The Case Against Weapons Research
Authors: Forge John
Published: October 2014

Weapons research seeks to design new or improved weapons and their ancillary structures. It is argued here that weapons research is both morally wrong and morally unjustified. This ‘case against weapons research' requires lengthy discussion and the argument given here is a summary of that discussion. The central claim is that the ‘standard justification; for all forms of weapons acquisition and deployment, which appeals to defense and deterrence, does not stand up for weapons research because the harms caused by the latter projects into the future in unknowable ways. Weapons research produces practical knowledge in the form of designs for the means to harm, and its practitioners cannot know how this knowledge will be used in the future.
The Leadership Role of the Ethicist
Authors: van Wynsberghe Aimee
Published: October 2014

The pervasive presence of Information and Communication technologies has profound effects on cultural norms and values. This relationship is most commonly referred to in terms of values embedded in a technology (Nissenbaum, 2001). To mitigate potential threats to values, researchers from a variety of disciplines advocate in favor of incorporating ethics into research and design processes. As Boenink (2013) rightly points out, however, there is little work done that outlines exactly what it is that the ethicist does when engaged in ‘ethics in the lab'. This paper aims to fill the gap that Boenink has identified and to contribute to the ongoing discussions related to ethics in the lab. The following work will review what the ethicist does in terms of the tasks of the ethicist as articulated by van Wynsberghe and Robbins (2013) and will present two case studies as examples to illustrate the different role of the ethicist in each. The issue of central importance for this paper is how the ethicist's role differs from one case to the next and what guides this shift. For insight the paper looks to the work of Manders-Huits and Zimmer (2009) and their suggestion of the ‘leadership role'. Finally, it will argue that a virtue ethics approach should be taken in order to guide the ethicist in these divergent roles.
Rediscovery of Cerceris fumipennis (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae) in British Columbia, Canada, with notes on geographic variation and nesting habits
Authors: Kimoto Troy , Buck Matthias
Published: October 2014

Within Canada, Cerceris fumipennis Say (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae) is known to occur in Ontario and Québec but there is also one historic record from 1935 of two female specimens captured in Lytton, British Columbia. No other records have been recorded for the last 77 years. In 2012 and 2013, one male and four females were captured in a sweep net adjacent to a gravel parking lot in Merritt, British Columbia. Although there are differences in size and colouration between the British Columbia and eastern species, the variation between the populations does not warrant assigning a new name to this geographical race.
Penile prosthesis surgery in out-patient setting: Effectiveness and costs in the “spending review” era
Authors: Mondaini Nicola , Sarti Enrico , Giubilei Gianluca , Gavazzi Andrea , Costanzi Antonio , Belba Arben , Cai Tommaso , Bartoletti Riccardo
Published: October 2014

Introduction: Penile implant patients are required to remain in the hospital after the operation for monitoring, antibiotic and analgesia administration. Cost containment, however, has resulted in the increased use of ambulatory surgery settings for many surgical procedures. Few studies have studied the feasibility of performing penile prosthesis insertion in an outpatient setting. The results are controversial and nowadays, in the most of centers that deal with prosthetic surgery, patients are still hospitalized. Aim: The aim of our investigation was to compare the feasibility of the performance as well as the complication profiles of penile implant surgery performed in an in-patient and an outpatient setting at a single center by a single surgeon. Methods: From January 2009 to June 2014, 50 patients of the same uro-andrological unit underwent penile prosthesis implantation performed by a single surgeon (N.M.). Twenty implantations were performed in an ambulatory day surgery setting. Main outcome measures: Effectiveness and costs of outpatient setting versus the in-patient setting of the penile prosthesis surgery. Results: There were some differences between the two groups in the intra-operative parameters, such as, operating time. Time lost from work was similar in both groups approximating 14 days. The mean number of analgesic pills ingested by the patients post-operatively was similar in both groups, averaging just under 25 pills per patient. There weren’t post-operative complications in the outpatient group. Cost were 17% less in outpatient clinic. Conclusions: The outpatient setting for this surgery is safe and effective even in patients with comorbidities or in case of secondary procedures. Costs are reduced by 17%.
Impact of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Regulator (CFTR) gene mutations on male infertility
Authors: Elia Jlenia , Mazzilli Rossella , Delfino Michele , Piane Maria , Bozzao Cristina , Spinosa Vincenzo , Chessa Luciana , Mazzilli Fernando
Published: October 2014

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of most common mutations and intron 8 5T (IVS8-5T) polymorphism of CFTR gene in Italian: a) azoospermic males; b) non azoospermic subjects, male partners of infertile couples enrolled in assisted reproductive technology (ART) programs. Material and methods. We studied 242 subjects attending our Andrology Unit (44 azoospermic subjects and 198 non azoospermic subjects, male partners of infertile couples enrolled in ART programs). Semen analysis, molecular analysis for CFTR gene mutations and genomic variant of IVS8-5T polymorphic tract, karyotype and chromosome Y microdeletions, hormonal profile (LH, FSH, Testosterone) and seminal biochemical markers (fructose, citric acid and L-carnitine) were carried out. Results. The prevalence of the common CFTR mutations and/or the IVS8-5T polymorphism was 12.9% (4/31 cases) in secretory azoospermia, while in obstructive azoospermia was 84.6% (11/13 cases; in these, the most frequent mutations were the F508del, R117H and W1282X). Regarding the non azoospermic subjects, the prevalence of the CFTR and/or the IVS8-5T polymorphism was 11.1% (11/99 cases) in severe dyspermia, 8.1% (6/74 cases) in moderate dyspermia and finally 4.0% (1/25 cases) in normospermic subjects. Conclusions. This study confirms the highly significant prevalence of CFTR mutations in males with bilateral absence of the vas deferens or ejaculatory ducts obstruction compared with subjects with secretory azoospermia. Moreover, the significant prevalence of mutations in severely dyspermic subjects may suggest the possible involvement of CFTR even in the spermatogenic process. This could explain the unsatisfactory recovery of sperm from testicular fine needle aspiration in patients affected by genital tract blockage.
Empiric antibiotics therapy for mildly elevated prostate specific antigen: Helpful to avoid unnecessary biopsies?
Authors: Fandella Andrea , Benvenuto Sara , Guidoni Elisa , Giampaoli Marco , Bertaccini Alessandro
Published: October 2014

Purpose: The management of mildly elevated (4.0-10.0 ng/ml) prostate specific antigen (PSA) is uncertain. Immediate prostate biopsy, antibiotic treatment, or monitoring PSA level for 1-3 months is still in controversy. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analysed the effect of empiric antibiotics on an increased PSA in a mono-institutional study. We analysed the data of 100 patients with a PSA of 4-10 ng/ml and normal digital rectal examination undergoing their first prostate biopsy. Patients were divided in two different cohorts. One cohort was submitted to antibiotic therapy (Levoxacin 500 mg daily for 20 days) and both cohort had a re-dosing of PSA before the prostate biopsy. Results: Average age of the whole group of patients was 66.48 ± 8.32 years and their average initial PSA level was 6.67 ± 1.57 ng/mL. In the treated group (N = 49) 29 patients had a decreasing PSA value from mean baseline PSA value of 6.6 ± 1.54 ng/ml to the re-dosed mean PSA level of 5.4 ± 1,61 ng/ml (p = 0.7); 20 patients didn’t experience a decrease PSA value, with a mean PSA level of 6.9 ± 1.68 ng/ml. In the control group (N = 51), 30 patients had a decrease of PSA level from mean baseline PSA level of 6.5 ± 1,59 ng/ml to a re-dosed PSA level of 5.5 ± 1.57 ng/ml; 21 patients didn’t experience a decrease of PSA value, with a mean PSA level of 6.7 ± 1.71 ng/ml. Multivariate analysis of age, PSA changes, antibiotics therapy and biopsy results (presence or absence of cancer) revealed no significant difference between the two cohorts. Sepsis after biopsy occurred in 3 patient in the antibiotics group (6%) and in one of the control group (2%). Conclusions: The study, even with some limitations, does not seem to show an advantage due to the administration of antibacterial therapy to reduce PSA values before prostate biopsy and subsequently to reduce unnecessary prostate biopsies.
Injection devices for bulking agents in uro-gynaecology
Authors: Cerruto Maria Angela , D’Elia Carolina , Curti Pierpaolo
Published: October 2014

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) affects a large proportion of middle-aged and elderly women. When all conservative means are ineffective, a surgical treatment including retropubic suspension, pubovaginal and tension-free slings, is contemplated. Intra-urethral injections with bulking agents have been used as an alternative to the mentioned surgical procedures with alternate results. Many urethral bulking agents are available, such as bovine glutaraldehyde cross linked (GAX) collagen, polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon), polydimethyl-sillxane elastomer (silicone), carbon coated zirconium beads, hyaluronic acid/dextranomer, and autologous tissues such as fat and cartilage. These substances may be injected in a retrograde or antegrade fashion in the periurethral tissue and whether one route of injection is better than another is not well documented in the literature. We briefly describe the main injection techniques and devices of the most common bulking agents used in the treatment of female SUI.
Evaluation of depression and self-esteem in children with monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis: A controlled trial
Authors: Koca Orhan , Akyüz Mehmet , Karaman Bilal , Özcan Zeynep Yesim , Öztürk Metin , Sertkaya Zülfü , Karaman Muhammet Ihsan
Published: October 2014

Objectives: Nocturnal enuresis (NE) is very common and is one of the most common causes for patients to be admitted to urology, pediatrics, child psychiatry and child surgery departments. We aimed to investigate the effect on depression and self-esteem of this disorder that can cause problems on person's social development and human relations. Material and methods: 90 patients who were admitted to our clinic with complaints of nocturnal enuresis were enrolled. Investigations to rule out organic causes were performed in this group of patients. Out of them 38 children and adolescents (age range 8-18 years) with primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (PMNE) agreed to participate in the study In the same period 46 healthy children and adolescents with a similar age range without bed wetting complaint were included in the study as a control group. The age of the family, educational and socioeconomic level were questioned and Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale (PHCSCS) and Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) forms were filled out. Results: Mean age of the cases (18 females or 47.4% and 20 males or 52.6%) was 10.76 ± 3.82 years whereas mean age of controls (26 females or 56.5% and 20 males or 43.5%) was 10.89 ± 3.11 years. Depression scale was significantly higher (p = 0.001) in the case group than in the control group (10.42 ± 4.31 vs 7.09 ± 4.35). In both groups there was no statistically significant difference by age and sex in terms of depression scale (p > 0.05). Conclusion: NE is widely seen as in the community and is a source of stresses either for children and for their families. When patients were admitted to physicians for treatment, a multidisciplinary approach should be offered and the necessary psychological support should be provided jointly by child psychiatrists and psychologists.
Association of erectile dysfunction and urolithiasis
Authors: Otunctemur Alper , Ozbek Emin , Cakir Suleyman Sami , Dursun Murat , Polat Emre Can , Ozcan Levent , Kose Osman , Besiroglu Huseyin
Published: October 2014

Objectives: In recent years, it has been shown that there is association between metabolic syndrome and urinary stone disease. Stone disease and erectile dysfunction (ED) are considered as systemic diseases which are associated with hormonal and metabolic disorders. Therefore we investigated the relationship between ED and urinary tract calculi. Material and methods: 98 male patients with urolithiasis and 59 randomly selected male patients without stone disease were included in the study. Serum testosterone (T) levels were measured and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-15 questionnaire forms were used to assess ED. Results: The prevalence of ED was found 29% (29 patients) in the urolithiasis group. Sixty-nine patients (71%) had no ED; 16 (16.3%) had mild, 5 (5.1%) had moderate and 8 (8.2%) had severe ED. None of the patients in the control group had severe or modarete ED, six patients (10.2%) had mild ED. Serum T levels were detected at the level of biochemical hypogonadism on 13 patients with stones (13.3%) and T levels were detected at the lower limit in 18 (18.3%) patients. Conclusion: In our study we have shown that ED and low T levels are significantly associated with urolithiasis. We propose that the patients with urolitiasis should be evaluated for ED and hypogonadism.
Comparison of individuals consuming natural spring water and tap water in terms of urinary tract stone disease
Authors: Resorlu Mustafa , Arslan Muhammet , Resorlu Eylem Burcu , Gulpinar Murat Tolga , Adam Gurhan , Sancak Eyup Burak , Akbas Alpaslan , Aylanc Nilufer , Ozdemir Huseyin
Published: October 2014

Objectives: To compare individuals consuming natural spring water and tap water in terms of presence of urinary tract stone disease. Patients and methods: Patients were divided into two groups on the basis of the type of water: tap water (Group I) vs natural spring water consumers (Group II). The two groups were compared in terms of presence of urolithiasis. In addition to the type of water consumed, participants were investigated in terms of age, sex, occupation, body mass index (BMI) and presence of hypertension (HT) and diabetes mellitus in order to evaluate if they constituted a risk factor for urolithiasis. Results: Two hundred fifty-nine patients consuming tap water and 254 consuming natural spring water were included in this study. Presence of urinary stone disease was determined in 27% of patients in Group I and 26% of Group II (p = 0.794). At multivariate analysis involving all variables that might be correlated with the presence of urolithiasis; male gender, high BMI and presence of HT emerged as being significantly associated with urolithiasis. Conclusions: Although we showed that male gender, presence of HT and high BMI affect stone formation, no difference was demonstated in terms of presence of stone among patients consuming tap or natural spring water.
Bladder tumours in children: An interesting case report of TCC with a partial inverted growth pattern
Authors: El Rahman Davide Abed , Salvo Giuseppe , Palumbo Carlotta , Rocco Bernardo , Rocco Francesco
Published: October 2014

Bladder urothelial carcinoma is typically a disease of older individuals and rarely occurs below the age of 40 years. There is debate and uncertainty in the literature regarding the clinicopathologic and prognostic characteristics of bladder urothelial neoplasms in younger patients compared with older patients, although no consistent age criteria have been used to define "younger" age group categories. We report on a 16 years old girl with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder with a partial inverted growth pattern who presented with gross hematuria. Ultrasonography revealed a papillary lesion in the bladder; cystoscopic evaluation showed a 15 mm papillary lesion with a thick stalk located in the left bladder wall. Pathologic evaluation of the specimen was reported as “low grade transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder with a partial inverted growth pattern”.