bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Banach contraction principle on cone rectangular metric spaces
Authors: Azam Akbar , Arshad Muhammad , Beg Ismat
Published: September 2009

We introduce the notion of cone rectangular metric space and prove Banach contraction mapping principle in cone rectangular metric space setting. Our result extends recent known results.
Oscillation and boundedness of solutions to first and second order forced functional dynamic equations with mixed nonlinearities
Authors: Bohner Martin , Hassan Taher
Published: September 2009

We investigate the oscillation and boundedness of first and second order dynamic equations with mixed nonlinearities. Our results extend and improve known results for oscillation of first and second order dynamic equations that have been established by Agarwal and Bohner. Some examples are given to illustrate the main results.
Stability of homomorphisms and (θ,ф)-derivations
Authors: Najati Abbas , Rassias Themistocles
Published: September 2009

In this paper, we prove the generalized Hyers-Ulam stability of homomorphisms and (?,?)-derivations on a ring R into a Banach R-bimodule M.
Advantages and difficulties of brush cytology in the identification of early oral cancer
Authors: Divani Smaroula , Exarhou Maria , Leonidas-Nectarios Theodorou , Georgantzis Dimitrios , Skoulakis Haralambos
Published: September 2009

Background: Early oral cancer is asymptomatic and highly curable, but unfortunately most cancers are advanced by the time when they are discovered, so the mortality is relatively high. The aim of this study was to refer the advantages as well as the difficulties of brush cytology in the identification of early oral cancer. Methods: Cytological smears obtained from of the oral mucosa of 36 patients were evaluated. The materials were taken with a cytobrush by scraping the surface of the suspected lesions, fixed with cytospray fixative and stained with the Papanicolaou method, whereas the residual was prepared by the liquid-based technique Thin-Prep 2000. Results: There were 29 inflammatory and mild dysplastic lesions, three cases with mild dysplasia only and two cases with severe dysplasia possible carcinoma. Another two showed squamous cell carcinoma. Histological examination of possible malignant and malignant cases showed well differentiated squamous cell carcinomas, so wide excisions were performed. Conclusion: Oral cytology is well accepted by the patient and attractive option for the early diagnosis of the oral cancer. It is useful when the lesion is large or multiple or the patients refuse biopsy. However there are factors that contribute to a false negative diagnosis such as the selection of the site of biopsy, necrosis, blood crusting, lack of adequate training, and the fact that malignant features of squamous cell carcinoma can be subtle resembling dysplasia.
Detection of derivative 9 deletion by BCR-ABL fluorescence in-situ hybridization signal pattern to evaluate treatment response in CML patients
Authors: Patel Beena , Trivedi Pina , Brahmbhatt Manisha , Gajjar Sarju , Iyer Ramesh , Dalal Esha , Shukla Shilin , Shah Pankaj , Bakshi Sonal
Published: September 2009

Background: To evaluate prognostic effect of submicroscopic deletions involving breakage and fusion points of the derivative chromosome 9 and 22 in chronic myeloid leukemia in untreated patients and their follow up samples to correlate with disease outcome. Methods: The study included 78 pretreatment (PT) samples from CML patients and 90 follow-up samples, classified as complete responders (CR, n=33), nonresponders (NR, n =54), and partial responder (PR, n=3) depending on the treatment status of the follow-up samples. Karyotype analysis was performed on metaphases obtained through short term cultures of bone marrow and blood. Detection of BCR-ABL fusion gene was performed using dual color dual fusion (D-FISH) translocation probes. Results: BCR-ABL fusion gene detection by D-FISH showed ABL-BCR deletion on derivative 9 in 47.8% of nonresponders which was higher as compared to pretreatment (11%). Mix D-FISH signal pattern was found in around 20% of pretreatment and non-responder samples. Average interval from chronic phase to blast crisis and accelerated phase was respectively 3.5 and 18 months and accelerated to blast crisis was 16.5 months from the time of diagnosis. The follow-up duration of 31 patients responded to therapy was significantly higher (p=0.0001) as compared to 45 patients who did not respond to therapy. Variant D-FISH signal pattern was seen at the time of diagnosis in patient who responded to therapy as well as those patients who did not respond to therapy. Conclusion: This is the first study from India reporting deletion in ABL, BCR, or ABL-BCR on derivative 9 did not correlate with response to therapy.
Metastatic renal hemangiopericytoma: A rare case report
Authors: Bilici Ahmet , Ustaalioglu Oven , Seker Mesut , Salman Tarik , Igdem Akyildiz , Celik Erkan , Salepci Taflan , Gumus Mahmut , Yaylaci Mustafa
Published: September 2009

The hemangiopericytoma (HPC) of the kidney is extremely rare perivascular neoplasm. There are no specific radiological or clinical findings that can aid in preoperative diagnosis. In the world literature, only 41 cases of renal HPC have been previously documented. We report on a 56-year old woman with renal HPC of the right kidney who had lung metastasis at the time of diagnosis. The right radical nephrectomy was performed and the combination chemotherapy was given, postoperatively. After 3 cycles of chemotherapy, disease was stable, but progression was seen at the end of 6 courses of chemotherapy. The patient died due to progression of disease ten months later after the diagnosis. We suggested that for patients present with renal mass, renal HPC as well as the other renal tumors should be considered in the differential diagnosis.
Testament's ability in Balkan endemic nephropathy
Authors: Novakovic Milan
Published: September 2009

Introduction Testament is a solemn, authentic instrument in writing, by which a person declares his or her will as to disposal of his or her estate, and it has a psychopathological, lawful and ethical importance to a person, family and society. The aim of the study was to assess if the ability to make a testament was more damaged in patients with Balkan Endemic Nephropathy (BEN) than in patients with other diseases that resulted in Chronic Renal Failure in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the period from the 1st January 2001 to 31st December 2006. Material and methods The 753 respondents were divided into two groups in the study: BEN group (n=150) and control group made of patients with other diseases resulting in CRF (n=150). In a multicentric longitudinal study we used: adapted questionnaire from the Renal Register of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and Mini-Mental State Examination. Descriptive analysis, discriminative function and regression model have been done statistically. Results In BEN group, heirs are mostly mentioned - 84.0% (t=14.391; P=0.001), and in control group: heirs - 66.6%, relatives - 43.3% (t=7.751; P=0.003), carers - 44.0% (t= 6.678 P=0.032), and institutions 10.0% (t=5.147, P=0.061). The discriminative function shows differences between BEN and control group: canonical correlation (rc) =0.827, Wilkinson lambda (lnj) =0.871, Chi-square test =141.575 and significance (P=0.001). The regression course of the analysis can be used for prediction of the ability to make testament for the patients on dialysis: [y=-0.95x + 15.715, and OR = 0.785, (95%) for CI = -0.997 - -0.375); Can Fanc r2=0.861; Significance is P=0.002]. Conclusion The ability to make a testament is more damaged in patients from the nephropathy group than in the patients from the control group who are on dialysis in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This has been confirmed by socio-demographic and psychological parameters, and it is very important for preservation of the ethic norms of the patients on dialysis, responsibility of the expert teams and persons who are benefitiaries of the testament.
An estimate of functional state in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Tomasevic-Todorovic Snezana , Brankovic Slobodan , Boskovic Ksenija
Published: September 2009

Introduction Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory chronic disease that affects 0.5-1% of the population, many of whom develop disease as working-age adults. Material and methods The aim of examination was to estimate functional disability in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and relationship between radiological damage, disease duration, disease activity, functional disability. The examination involved 60 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, aged (53.92?7.06) of both genders (48 female, 12 male). The following varables were assessed at one time point: swollen and tender joint count, visual analogue scale for pain, erythrocite sedimentation rate, health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) score, anatomical stage and functional class according to Stenbrocker's criteria. Disease activity was expressed as 28 joint disease activity score (DAS28). Correlations were calculated by Spearman's coefficient of correlation. Results In our study 82% of the patients had II and III anatomical stage and 80% of the patients had II and III functional class according to Steinbrocker's criteria. The median HAQ score was 1.25 ?0.70, and the median DAS28 was 5.74?0.98. Poor functional status was observed in 37 (61.66%) of the patients with an HAQ score of = 2. Functional disability in patients with rheumatoid arthritis was most strongly related to the presence of pain (rs=0.338, p<0.01) and to a lesser extent to anatomical and functional stage, disease duration, disease activity. Discussion and Conclusion The results of the study show that functional disability significantly correlated with subjective pain score (rs=0.338, p<0.01). We observed strong correlation between functional disability presented by HAQ score and pain but no significant correlation with other common clinical variables used for rheumatoid arthritis patients evaluation such as disease duration, disease activity, radiological damage.
Biliobronchial fistula due to hydatidosis of the liver and choledocholithiasis
Authors: Bilanovic Dragoljub , Zdravkovic Darko , Toskovic Borisav
Published: September 2009

INTRODUCTION Biliobronchial fistula (BBF) is an abnormal communication between the biliary system and bronchial tree due to trauma, hemiheptectomy benign biliary stricture with cholangitis and necrotic hepatic infections such as hydatid disease. Intratoracic rupture of a hydatis cyst of the liver is a rare but severe complication with an incidence about 1% and mortality rate about 10%. CASE REPORT A 50-year-old male patient presented with cough, episodes of biliary expectoration and haemoptysis followed with fever, fatigue and dyspnea. The diagnosis was set by echosonography, Chest x-ray finding, CT scan, bronchoscope aspirates while bronchography did not show results. The surgery was done through right subcostal laparotomy. A hydatid cyst was found in the right liver lobe its diameter being 10 cm, fixed with diaphragm. Intraoperative cholangiography revealed choledocholithiasis (two calculi), dilatation of bile ducts and communication of right hepatic duct with the irregular liver cavity as well as with the bronchi of the right lower pulmonary lobe. Cholecystectomy, choledocholitotomy with drainage lavage of bile ducts pericystectomy and cyst evacuation was performed, followed by diaphragm necrosectomy. The postoperative period and control cholangiography through T drain were normal. DISCUSSION The surgical treatment has five goals: to treat the liver cyst, secure free biliary drainage, perform hepatodiaphragmatic disconection, solve intratoracic lesion and restore ti diaphragm. We believe these goals could be achieved through abdominal approach except for irreversible bronchiectasis, intratoracal collection and chronic pulmonary sepsis. CONCLUSION In any case, a surgery still remains the treatment of choice in cases of echinococcosis. Most cases can be solved by laparo-tomy.
Socioeconomic and cultural factors of low scholastic achievement of Roma children
Authors: Biro Miklos , Smederevac Snezana , Tovilovic Snezana
Published: September 2009

This study investigated environmental influences on scholastic achievement of first-grade elementary school students. A total of 149 (average age 81 months) first-grade children were classified in three groups. The first group comprised of 52 Roma children. Two other groups consisted of 48 non-Roma children classified as children belonging to an average socioeconomic status (SES) group and 49 non-Roma children classified as children belonging to a below-average SES group. All 52 Roma children belonged to a below-average SES group. Children's intellectual abilities were assessed by Test of School Maturity; their scholastic achievement was assessed by teachers, while data on SES and family's educational climate were obtained through a semi structured interview with their parents. Intellectual abilities - strongly influenced by family's SES and family's educational climate - were most predictive of scholastic achievement. Our structural model suggests that family's educational climate, defined by unfavorable educational stimulation and low parents' ambition concerning education of their children, moderates effects of low SES on inferior scholastic achievement. This model may be especially relevant for Roma children, since Roma children are most affected by the lack of adequate educational climate within their families.
Relationships between sexual behavior and personality in the context of sexual dimorphism
Authors: Dinic Bojana , Knezevic Goran
Published: September 2009

The aim of this study was to examine the structure and intensity of relation-ships between dimensions of sexual behavior and personal characteristics in the context of sexual dimorphism. The sample included 233 participants (both genders, mean age 29,34). Dimensions of sexual behavior were measured using the Sexual Behavior Questionnaire, and personal characteristics were measured using the Big Five Inventory and short form of Delta 10 questionnaire. The results suggested that the importance of personality for the understanding of sexual behavior is not far from the relevance of sexual dimorphism. It was found that personality was significant predictor of almost all dimensions of sexual behavior, independent from gender, and in case of tendency to have casual sex a strong interaction effect of gender and Conscientiousness was found. The nature of relationships between dimensions of sexual behavior and personality were very similar within the subsamples of males and females. Namely, adaptive personality functioning was related to richness of sexual experience following by low sexual fantasies and low tendency to paraphilias. Small, but important difference in the structure of canonical factors extracted in the domain of sexual behavior was the following: in male sample adaptive personality structure correlated with high tendency to casual sex, while in female sample the opposite was obtained. In female sample there was one more significant relation suggesting that psychopatic personal structure has sexual style which include richness and casual sexual experience without tendency to non-coital sexual play. The results are discussed in the context of the evolutionary theories of behavior.
Relationship between lesion location and cognitive domains in acute ischemic stroke patients
Authors: Bugarski Vojislava , Semnic Marija , Semnic Robert , Pavlovic Dragan
Published: September 2009

Localization of brain lesions in acute ischemic stroke has a significant effect on performance in various cognitive domains. The aim of the study was to determine whether there is association between different locations of ischemic brain lesions and different cognitive domains. The study included 40 acute ischemic stroke patients (26 male and 14 female, aged 45-78 years, with 8-16 years of education). Lesion location was visualized using brain computerized tomography, whereas performance in different cognitive domains was assessed using an extensive neuropsychological test battery. The following domains were evaluated: executive function, language, immediate recall, delayed recall, attention, divergent reasoning, and visual-constructive performance in two dimensions. A series of categorical regression analyses were applied. The results showed a significant association between the domains of executive function and language and a set of predictors related to lesion location. Global brain atrophy was found to be a significant partial predictor of performance in all cognitive domains, with higher degrees of global brain atrophy correlating with poorer performance in each of the studied domains. Combined (cortical-subcortical) lesions and unilateral lesions were both found to be significant partial predictors for language, with a higher lesion load being associated with poorer language performance. Combined lesions were also a significant partial predictor for delayed recall, with a higher lesion load correlating with poorer performance in the delayed recall domain.
Common Genetic Determinants of Glucose Homeostasis in Healthy Children
Authors: Kelliny Clara , Ekelund Ulf , Andersen Lars Bo , Brage Soren , Loos Ruth J.F. , Wareham Nicholas J. , Langenberg Claudia
Published: September 2009

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to investigate whether the effects of common genetic variants associated with fasting glucose in adults are detectable in healthy children.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Single nucleotide polymorphisms in MTNR1B (rs10830963), G6PC2 (rs560887), and GCK (rs4607517) were genotyped in 2,025 healthy European children aged 9–11 and 14–16 years. Associations with fasting glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment (HOMA)-insulin resistance (IR) and HOMA-B were investigated along with those observed for type 2 diabetes variants available in this study (CDKN2A/B, IGF2BP2, CDKAL1, SLC30A8, HHEX-IDE, and Chr 11p12).

RESULTS

Strongest associations were observed for G6PC2 and MTNR1B, with mean fasting glucose levels (95% CI) being 0.084 (0.06–0.11) mmol/l, P = 7.9 × 10−11 and 0.069 (0.04–0.09) mmol/l, P = 1.9 × 10−7 higher per risk allele copy, respectively. A similar but weaker trend was observed for GCK (0.028 [−0.006 to 0.06] mmol/l, P = 0.11). All three variants were associated with lower β-cell function (HOMA-B P = 9.38 × 10−5, 0.004, and 0.04, respectively). SLC30A8 (rs13266634) was the only type 2 diabetes variant associated with higher fasting glucose (0.033 mmol/l [0.01–0.06], P = 0.01). Calculating a genetic predisposition score adding the number of risk alleles of G6PC2, MTNR1B, GCK, and SLC30A8 showed that glucose levels were successively higher in children carrying a greater number of risk alleles (P = 7.1 × 10−17), with mean levels of 5.34 versus 4.91 mmol/l comparing children with seven alleles (0.6% of all children) to those with none (0.5%). No associations were found for fasting insulin or HOMA-IR with any of the variants.

CONCLUSIONS

The effects of common polymorphisms influencing fasting glucose are apparent in healthy children, whereas the presence of multiple risk alleles amounts to a difference of >1 SD of fasting glucose.
Emphasis on Carbohydrates May Negatively Influence Dietary Patterns in Youth With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Mehta Sanjeev N. , Haynie Denise L. , Higgins Laurie A. , Bucey Natalie N. , Rovner Alisha J. , Volkening Lisa K. , Nansel Tonja R. , Laffel Lori M.B.
Published: September 2009

OBJECTIVE

To assess perceptions of healthful eating and the influence of diabetes management on dietary behaviors among youth with type 1 diabetes and parents.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Youth with type 1 diabetes (n = 35), ages 8–21 years, and parents participated in focus groups. Focus group recordings were transcribed and coded into themes. Clinical data were abstracted from the electronic medical record.

RESULTS

Central topics were perceptions of healthful eating and the impact of diabetes management on diet. An emphasis on limiting postprandial glycemic excursions occasionally contradicted the traditional perception of healthful eating, which emphasized consumption of nutrient-dense whole foods in favor of prepackaged choices. Whereas fixed regimens required more rigid diets, basal-bolus regimens provided more opportunities for unhealthful eating. Most youth perceived “refined” grains as more healthful grains.

CONCLUSIONS

For youth with type 1 diabetes and parents, an emphasis on carbohydrate quantity over quality may distort beliefs and behaviors regarding healthful eating.
Influence of C-factor and Light-curing Mode on Gap Formation in Resin Composite Restorations
Authors: Santos G. O. , Santos M. E. O. , Sampaio E. M. , Dias K. R. H. C. , Silva E. M.
Published: September 2009

Clinical Relevance

Gap formation in resin composite restorations may have influence on some parameters, such as C-factor and light-curing mode.
Five-year Clinical Evaluation of 300 Teeth Restored with Porcelain Laminate Veneers Using Total-etch and a Modified Self-etch Adhesive System
Authors: Aykor A. , Ozel E.
Published: September 2009

Clinical Relevance

Total-etch (Scotchbond Multi-Purpose Plus) and two-step self-etch (AdheSE) adhesive systems were successful in terms of marginal adaptation, cavosurface discoloration, secondary caries, postoperative sensitivity, satisfaction with restoration shade and gingival tissue response in a five-year follow-up.
Nanohybrid Resin Composites: Nanofiller Loaded Materials or Traditional Microhybrid Resins?
Authors: Moraes R. R. , Gonçalves L. S. , Lancellotti A. C. , Consani S. , Correr-Sobrinho L. , Sinhoreti M. A.
Published: September 2009

Clinical Relevance

Under clinical conditions, nanohybrid resin composites may not perform comparable to nanofilled materials.
Effect of Placement Agitation and Drying Time on Dentin Shear Bond Strength: An In Vivo Study
Authors: Tewari S. , Goel A.
Published: September 2009

Clinical Relevance

Primer agitation and primer drying time both affect dentin shear bond strength in vivo.
Effect of Light-activated Bleaching on the Microleakage of Class V Tooth-colored Restorations
Authors: Khoroushi M. , Fardashtaki S. R.
Published: September 2009

Clinical Relevance

There is no need to replace appropriate resin composite, compomer and hybrid glass ionomer restorations following plasma arc light-activated tooth bleaching.
The Release of Mercury from Amalgam Restorations and Its Health Effects: A Review
Authors: Roberts H. W. , Charlton D. G.
Published: September 2009

Clinical Relevance

Amalgam remains an important restorative material in dentistry. Because of continuing controversy concerning the material's safety and environmental friendliness, dentists should remain current in their knowledge of the effect of mercury and its release from amalgam. This will enable dentists to provide accurate, evidence-based information to their patients.
Comparing Microleakage and the Layering Methods of Silorane-based Resin Composite in Wide Class II MOD Cavities
Authors: Bagis Y. H. , Baltacioglu I. H. , Kahyaogullari S.
Published: September 2009

Clinical Relevance

This in vitro study showed that the Silorane-based microhybrid resin composite system had no microleakage for wide Class II MOD restorations with oblique and vertical layering techniques.
Cross‐Border Acquisitions and Shareholder Wealth: Evidence from Spain
Authors: Renze‐Westendorf Martin , Schiereck Dirk , Zeidler Felix
Published: September 2009

We study the wealth effects of 177 domestic and cross‐border acquisitions announced by Spanish corporations between 1990 and 2004. Our findings show that domestic transactions significantly outperform international transactions. However, controlling for several firm and transaction characteristics, we do not find any cross‐border effect for acquisitions of Spanish firms. Short‐term valuation is driven by three factors in particular. Target size and bidder’s profitability negatively affect announcement returns, whereas transactions in related industries have a positive effect. Our results may indicate that in contrast to prior empirical findings, international diversification incurs higher costs than synergies and is, among others, driven by managerial and ownership factors.
The Role of Commitment Perceived by the Consumer in Service Industries
Authors: Suárez Álvarez Leticia , Vázquez Casielles Rodolfo , María Díaz Martín Ana
Published: September 2009

The current work aims to analyze the role of commitment perceived by the consumer in the maintenance of long‐term relationships. The context of analysis chosen is the tourism sector, more specifically the relationships that retail travel agencies establish with their consumers. The study tests a conceptual model via a system of structural equations using the statistics package EQS 6.1 for Windows. The results corroborate the importance of the consumer’s trust in the travel agency and the consumer’s perception of the firm’s commitment, because this commitment acts as an antecedent of trust and creates the conditions for the firm to achieve a stable portfolio of customers.
Molecule Non-Radiative Coupling to a Metallic Nanosphere: An Optical Theorem Treatment
Authors: Des Francs Gérard  Colas
Published: September 2009

The non-radiative coupling of a molecule to a metallic spherical particle is approximated by a sum involving particle quasistatic polarizabilities. We demonstrate that energy transfer from molecule to particle satisfies the optical theorem if size effects corrections are properly introduced into the quasistatic polarizabilities. We hope that this simplified model gives valuable information on the coupling mechanism between molecule and metallic nanostructures available for, e.g., surface enhanced spectroscopy signal analysis.
Physicochemical Properties and Antioxidant Activities of Luteolin-Phospholipid Complex
Authors: Xu Keyong , Liu Benguo , Ma Yuxiang , Du Jiquan , Li Guanglei , Gao Han , Zhang Yuan , Ning Zhengxiang
Published: September 2009

luteolin and phospholipid complex was prepared to improve the lipophilic properties of luteolin. The physicochemical properties of the complex were analyzed by ultraviolet-visible spectrometry (UV), infrared spectrometry (IR), X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results showed that luteolin and phospholipid in the complex were joined by non-covalent-bonds and did not form a new compound. It was found that the complex was an effective scavenger of DPPH radicals, with an IC50 value of 28.33 μg/mL. In the Rancimat antioxidant test using lard oil as substrate, the complex also showed the strong antioxidant activity.
Game and Balance Multicast Architecture Algorithms for Sensor Grid
Authors: Fan Qingfeng , Wu Qiongli , Magoulés Frèdèric , Xiong Naixue , Vasilakos Athanasios V. , He Yanxiang
Published: September 2009

We propose a scheme to attain shorter multicast delay and higher efficiency in the data transfer of sensor grid. Our scheme, in one cluster, seeks the central node, calculates the space and the data weight vectors. Then we try to find a new vector composed by linear combination of the two old ones. We use the equal correlation coefficient between the new and old vectors to find the point of game and balance of the space and data factorsbuild a binary simple equation, seek linear parameters, and generate a least weight path tree. We handled the issue from a quantitative way instead of a qualitative way. Based on this idea, we considered the scheme from both the space and data factor, then we built the mathematic model, set up game and balance relationship and finally resolved the linear indexes, according to which we improved the transmission efficiency of sensor grid. Extended simulation results indicate that our scheme attains less average multicast delay and number of links used compared with other well-known existing schemes.
Adaptive Immunity to Hepatitis C Virus
Authors: Zeisel Mirjam B. , Fafi-Kremer Samira , Robinet Eric , Habersetzer François , Baumert Thomas f. , Stoll-Keller Françoise
Published: September 2009

The precise role of adaptive immune responses in the clinical outcome of HCV infection is still only partially defined. Recent studies suggest that viral-host cell interactions during the acute phase of infection are essential for viral clearance or progression into chronic HCV infection. This review focuses on different aspects of the adaptive immune responses as determinants of the different outcomes of HCV infection, clearance or persistent infection, and outlines current concepts of HCV evasion strategies. Unravelling these important mechanisms of virus-host interaction will contribute to the development of novel strategies to prevent and control HCV infection.
Improving the public understanding of science: New initiatives
Authors: Scotchmoor Judy , Thanukos Anastasia , Potter Sheri
Published: September 2009

The United States may be on the brink of losing its global edge in science. Many American students are underprepared for and uninterested in the scientific and technical careers they may be asked to take on. Furthermore, these students, their teachers, and the broader public lack basic understandings of what science is and how it works, which may negatively impact their ability to make reasoned and informed decisions about science‐related issues. We describe two unique and recently developed projects designed to help tackle these problems by improving public understanding of and interest in science. The Coalition on the Public Understanding of Science is a grassroots effort to lower the barriers between the scientific community and the public. It aims to inspire broad appreciation of science, inform the public about the nature and process of science, and make science accessible to everyone. Understanding Science is a web‐based project that aims to improve teacher understanding of the nature of the scientific enterprise, to provide resources that encourage and enable kindergarten through undergraduate (K–16) teachers to reinforce the nature of science throughout their teaching, and to serve as a clear and accessible reference that accurately portrays the scientific endeavor. The botanical and broader scientific communities are invited to participate in these efforts.
Assessing Single Joints in Arthritis Clinical Trials
Authors: KEEN HELEN I. , BINGHAM CLIFTON O. , BRADLEY LAURENCE A. , CONAGHAN PHILIP G. , HEALD ALISON E. , KAELEY GURJIT S. , MAKSYMOWYCH WALTER P. , MOSKOWITZ ROLAND W. , SCHUMACHER H. RALPH , WOODWORTH THASIA E. , MEASE PHILIP J.
Published: September 2009

The need to develop validated outcome measures to assess response to therapies in single joints has been recognized. In 2004, a task force was established to assess established and novel outcome measures in accordance with the OMERACT filter (truth, discrimination, and feasibility) for single joint assessment. This report describes the proceedings of the single joint assessment special interest group (SIG) at OMERACT 9, including an updated literature review of imaging of the knee joints, with a focus on the extent to which these modalities fulfill the OMERACT filter. A series of studies are reported that examine patient reported, clinical examination, and imaging outcomes in therapeutic studies in knee arthritis. A summary of discussions from the meeting are presented that raise many of the ongoing challenges in establishing appropriate domains to evaluate a range of conditions and potential therapeutic interventions. Because of emerging drug candidates and modalities targeting individual joints, the ongoing work of this SIG is providing the evidence base that can be used to establish a core domain set to incorporate as outcomes in future studies.
How to Ascertain Drug Safety in the Context of Benefit. Controversies and Concerns: Table 1.
Authors: SIMON LEE S. , STRAND C. VIBEKE , BOERS MAARTEN , BROOKS PETER M. , TUGWELL PETER S. , BOMBARDIER CLAIRE , FRIES JAMES F. , HENRY DAVID , GOLDKIND LARRY , GUYATT GORDON , LAUPACIS ANDREAS , LYND LARRY , MacDONALD TOM , MAMDANI MUHAMMAD , MOORE ANDREW , SAAG KEN S. , SILMAN ALAN J. , STEVENS RANDALL , TYNDALL ALAN
Published: September 2009

There is great concern about clearly defining benefit and risk in the context of both drug development and clinical practice. In view of this pressure, the OMERACT Executive identified the need to bring together clinical trialists, pharmacoepidemiologists, clinicians, clinical epidemiologists, statistical experts, and regulatory representatives to discuss different approaches to define risk and perhaps improved ways to express it. Each attendee spoke on a given topic and the group was charged to consider the issue of risk in the context of formally posed questions. This article provides a summary of the presentations and outlines the discussions that followed.
A Review of the History, Epidemiology and Treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Scrotum
Authors: Azike Jerome E.
Published: September 2009

Squamous cell carcinoma of the scrotum is a tumor that is of interest for clinical and historical reasons. It was the first cancer linked to occupational exposure when, in 1775, Perivall Pott described it in chimney sweeps in England. Other occupations that had a preponderance of the disease included people who worked with the distillates of coal and men exposed to mineral oil. Currently, the disease is very rare and most cases are thought to result from poor hygiene and chronic irritation. Surgery with a negative resection margin offers the best hope of cure as adjunctive therapy has not proved useful. Prognosis correlates with the extent of nodal involvement.
Hepatic angiosarcoma five years following spontaneous intraperitoneal bleed of a hepatic mass
Authors: Cioffi-Pretti Jessica L , Kalof Alexandra N , Ebert George , McCahill Laurence E
Published: September 2009

Primary hepatic angiosarcoma is a rare and rapidly fatal disease. We present the highly unusual identification of this lesion five years after the initial clinical presentation.

In 2003, a 32-year-old man presented with abdominal pain, tachycardia, and evidence of hemorrhage. A CT scan showed a hepatic mass with intralesional hemorrhage, intraperitoneal blood, and splenomegaly. The patient was stabilized clinically. Laparoscopic core biopsies demonstrated no malignancy, only findings consistent with an old hemorrhage. Contralateral lobe biopsies revealed normal liver tissue. A metastatic workup was negative and the decision was made to observe the patient clinically with radiographic follow-up, given his suspected portal hypertension based on thrombocytopenia and splenomegaly.

Sequential imaging demonstrated a decrease in the size of the mass from 12.0 cm in 2003 to 3.0 cm in 2007. Subsequent newly identified esophageal varices prompted a reevaluation of the case. A repeat biopsy demonstrated a neoplasm of vascular etiology and uncertain malignant potential. By early 2008 the lesion had increased to 4.8 cm and was resected via a left hepatic lobectomy. An extremely vascular lesion with surrounding dense fibrosis was identified and pathologic examination demonstrated a high-grade angiosarcoma.

We are unaware of any previous reports suggesting such a prolonged natural history of hepatic angiosarcoma. This case may represent the possibility of malignant transformation of a lower grade vascular neoplasm such as hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma to an angiosarcoma.
Beyond Divine Command Theory: Moral realism in the Hebrew Bible
Authors: Gericke Jaco W.
Published: September 2009

Philosophical approaches to ancient Israelite religion are rare, as is metaethical reflection on the Hebrew Bible. Nevertheless, many biblical scholars and philosophers of religion tend to take it for granted that the biblical metaethical assumptions about the relation between divinity and morality involve a pre-philosophical version of Divine Command Theory by default. In this paper the author challenges the popular consensus with several arguments demonstrating the presence of moral realism in the text. It is furthermore suggested that the popular consensus came about as a result of prima facie assessments informed by anachronistic metatheistic assumptions about what the Hebrew Bible assumed to be essential in the deity–morality relation. The study concludes with the observation that in the texts where Divine Command Theory is absent from the underlying moral epistemology the Euthyphro Dilemma disappears as a false dichotomy.
Antonovsky’s sense of coherence and job satisfaction: Meta-analyses of South African data
Authors: Strűmpfer Deo J.W. , De Bruin Gideon P.
Published: September 2009

Data on the relationship between sense of coherence (SOC) and job satisfaction (JS) were collected from published sources, unpublished theses and unpublished reports. Twenty-four data sets using the SOC long form and 10 sets using the short form were found. Neither the form of SOC nor the type of JS measure moderated the relation. SOC accounted for approximately 18% of the variance in JS. Approximately 10% of the between-study variance was due to real differences in effect size. Correcting for measurement error, SOC accounted for approximately 25% of the variance in JS, and real differences in effect size accounted for less than 1% of the between-study variance.
Spin Contamination in Inorganic Chemistry Calculations
Authors: Sonnenberg Jason L. , Schlegel H. Bernhard , Hratchian Hrant P.
Published: September 2009

An overview of spin contamination and its relationship to broken‐symmetry wave functions are presented. Spin operator expectation‐value formulas are developed for use with generalized, unrestricted, and restricted spin orbitals. Current projection techniques are reviewed and illustrated for a variety of current theoretical methods.
Lymphatic System
Authors: Kimpton Wayne G , Washington Elizabeth A
Published: September 2009

The lymphatic system consists of a network of vessels lined with endothelial cells and interconnected lymph nodes which are distributed throughout most of the body. It functions as a tissue drainage system which controls blood volume and extracellular fluid volume and prevents tissue oedema. The lymphatic system collects tissue fluids and cells from most organs and tissues and transports it as lymph via a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic lymphatic pumps, ultimately discharging the lymph into blood. It also has an important biological role in the turnover of macromolecules which make up the extracellular matrix, fat absorption from the gut and immune function. Large numbers of lymphocytes migrate from the bloodstream into tissues and lymph nodes every day and the lymphatic system has the essential role of returning these cells to the blood, integrating the widely dispersed organs and tissues that make up the immune system.

Key Concepts

The lymphatic system comprises a network of vessels lined by endothelial cells.

Lymphatic vessels drain nearly all tissues and organs in the body and interconnect lymph nodes.

Lymphatics are essential for returning proteins, fluids and cells to blood, absorbing fat from the gut and are involved in the homeostasis of interstitial macromolecules.

The lymphatic system is a key regulator of extracellular fluid volume and is involved in preventing oedema.

The lymphatics play a central role in integrating the immune system.
Flavin Coenzymes
Authors: Ghisla Sandro , Edmondson Dale E
Published: September 2009

Flavins are yellow chromophores in organisms from bacteria to humans and essential for practically all metabolic processes. They occur in nature in a variety of forms. The core of the flavin cofactor is the (iso)alloxazine nucleus with the most common forms as FMN (flavin mononucleotide) and FAD (flavin‐adenine dinucleotide). A number of flavin cofactors are covalently linked to their apoproteins. The covalent linkage is, in general, via a modification of the benzene subnucleus and functional groups of amino acid side chains. As cofactors, flavins are distinguished by their ability to catalyse a variety of different processes involving oxidation‐reduction (redox) reactions.

Key Concepts

Chemical variation of a basic molecule (the isoalloxazine) leads to several (modified) coenzymes that differ significantly in their catalytic properties.

The type and position of the modification is a key determinant for the properties of the (modified) coenzyme.

The cofactor interacts with the protein in many different ways. These, in turn, affect the properties of the cofactor as a catalyst. The result is a disparate selection of catalytic functions.
Damage Measures
Authors: Ruzzene Massimo
Published: September 2009

This article presents an overview of damage measures proposed in the area of structural health monitoring. This is an extremely active, open, and vast research field, as demonstrated by the variety of topics presented in this encyclopedia. The direction taken in this article is to present some examples of techniques that have been proposed, or that are promising tools for the estimation of location and extent of structural damage. All of the techniques considered are based on the analysis of the dynamic response of the structure under consideration. The organization of the article is based on the frequency range of analysis, which spans the low‐frequency range, and correspondingly long response times, associated with the modal analysis of the structure, to frequencies associated with the propagation of guided ultrasonic waves. Hence, the methods presented belong to the classes of vibration‐based and guided waves‐based techniques. The damage measures discussed rely on the estimation of changes in modal parameters of the structure (natural frequencies, mode shapes, and strain energy distributions), or on features associated with the signal corresponding to the measured dynamic response. This overview is not meant to be exhaustive, but rather it provides examples of interesting solutions and approaches proposed in this area.
Piezoelectric Paint Sensors for Ultrasonics‐based Damage Detection
Authors: Zhang Yunfeng
Published: September 2009

This paper reviews the state of the art in piezoelectric paint sensor technology and its potential application to ultrasonic‐based damage detection. Piezoelectric paint is a composite piezoelectric material with adjustable material properties that are not easily attainable in a single‐phase material. Through judicious selection of the polymer matrix, the composite properties of the piezoelectric paint can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of an application condition. Because of its ease of application, piezoelectric paint can be easily deposited onto the complex surface of host structures and it uniformly cures at ambient temperature. The ultrasonic wave sensing capability of piezoelectric paint sensor has been verified with experimental results from a series of pitch–catch ultrasonic tests or simulated acoustic emission test. The piezoelectric paint sensor appears to offer a promising transducer technology for ultrasonic‐based nondestructive evaluation such as close‐range acoustic emission sensor and ultrasonic guided wave–based embedded sensors in metal or fiber reinforced polymer composite structures.
Nondestructive Evaluation of Cooperative Structures (NDECS)
Authors: Balageas Daniel L.
Published: September 2009

Structural health monitoring (SHM) is born from the conjunction of several techniques and has common basis with nondestructive evaluation (NDE). Several NDE techniques can be converted into SHM techniques by integrating the sensors and the actuators inside the monitored structure. NDE is mature, since several decades of research and development have been made. On the contrary, SHM has just begun to come out of the laboratories, and its applications at a wide scale remain a long‐term objective. Under these conditions, we may wonder whether an intermediate way, less performing but feasible at a shorter term, would be an attractive and relevant option.

This third way may consist, first in using Lamb wave propagation as the physical phenomenon allowing to establish a diagnostic, and second, in coupling a few localized piezoelectric transducers embedded at well‐chosen locations into the structure and using outside the structure noncontact, full‐field, quasi‐real‐time optical detection or excitation systems.

Such techniques are already available and could be applied short term, permitting time and money to be saving for maintenance operations. A well‐suited appellation for this type of technique is proposed: nondestructive evaluation of cooperative structures (NDECS). Three possible NDECS systems are presented: stroboscopic shearography, lock‐in infrared thermography, and scanned laser ultrasonics.
Energy Harvesting using Thermoelectric Materials
Authors: Inman Daniel J. , Sodano Henry A.
Published: September 2009

This article introduces the concepts of harvesting energy from ambient thermal gradients using thermal electric generators. The basic concepts are presented and a few simple examples are given. The focus here is on the use of thermal energy harvesting to run small electronic components of the type that are used in wireless structural health monitoring applications. Following the basic concepts, simple design formulas are presented. Examples are then given and some simple comparisons to other forms of harvesting are presented (solar and vibration based harvesting).
Selective Angle Electroluminescence of Light‐Emitting Diodes based on Nanostructured ZnO/GaN Heterojunctions
Authors: Fu Hang‐Kuei , Cheng Cheng‐Liang , Wang Chun‐Hsiung , Lin Tai‐Yuan , Chen Yang‐Fang
Published: September 2009

Selective angle electroluminescence of violet light with a peak wavelength of 405 nm from light‐emitting diodes based on nanostructured p‐GaN/ZnO heterojunctions is reported. The fabrication of well‐aligned nanobottles with excellent crystalline quality is achieved by chemical vapor deposition at temperatures as low as 450 °C with a specially designed upside‐down arrangement of substrate configuration. Selective angle light sources are essential in our daily life. With the geometry of the nanobottle waveguides, it is very easy to realize such a practical application. Therefore, the discovery reported here should be very useful for the future development of many unique optoelectronic devices.
Multiresponsive PEDOT–Ionic Liquid Materials for the Design of Surfaces with Switchable Wettability
Authors: Döbbelin Markus , Tena‐Zaera Ramon , Marcilla Rebeca , Iturri Jagoba , Moya Sergio , Pomposo Jose A. , Mecerreyes David
Published: September 2009

Among the different types of stimuli‐responsive polymers, conjugated polymers reveal unique multiresponsive behavior. In this work, the synthesis and characterization of new functional poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophenes) (PEDOT) bearing imidazolium ionic‐liquid moieties (PEDOT‐Im) is reported. PEDOT‐Im polymers show multiresponsive properties to a variety of stimuli, such as temperature, pH, oxidative doping, and presence of anions. These stimuli provoke different changes in PEDOT‐Im, such as changes in color, oxidation state, and, wetting behavior. In all cases, a reversible effect is observed, and the polymers reveal responsive properties in solution as well as in the form of thin films. Whereas sensitiveness to pH and oxidative doping are known phenomena for other PEDOT derivatives, responsiveness to temperature and to anions is a unique property of PEDOT‐Im. The anion exchange is further investigated by means of the Quartz Crystal Microbalance with dissipation. Anion exchanges induce fast, adjustable, and reversible contact angle changes between 24° and 107°. As a potential application, surfaces with switchable wettability triggered by anion solutions are prepared by spin‐coating PEDOT‐Im films onto different substrates.