bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinct Features of Congenital Disorder of Glycosylation Type IIx in Kuwait
Authors: Makhseed Nawal , Dhaunsi Gursev , Jaeken Jaak
Published: September 2011

Congenital disorders of glycosylation are a rare but complex group of inborn metabolic diseases that result in carbohydrate-deficient glycoproteins. Biochemical and clinical features of both types I and II of this group of disorders have been well characterized and reported from various parts of the world except the Middle East. The authors describe a patient with congenital disorders of glycosylation type IIx who presented with psychomotor retardation, development delay, hypotonia, and hepatomegaly. Computed tomography scan of the liver showed multiple hepatic focal lesions, and magnetic resonance imaging revealed mild brain and corpus callosum atrophy. This is the first report of congenital disorders of glycosylation type IIx from Kuwait that shows its prevalence and distinct features in the Middle East.
Stability of systems with time-periodic delay: application to variable speed boring process
Authors: Vedula L , Lingala N , Sri Namachchivaya N
Published: September 2011

The stability of systems with fluctuating delay is studied. The aim is to demonstrate that, greater depths of cut may be achieved in a boring process, when the speed of the spindle is modulated sinusoidally instead of being kept constant. Since the variation of spindle speed is small and independent of the tool motion, by expanding the delay terms about a finite mean delay and augmenting the system, the time-dependent delay system can be written as a system of non-linear delay equations with fixed delay. The augmented system of equations is autonomous and has two pairs of pure imaginary eigenvalues without resonance. The centre-manifold and normal form methods are then used to obtain an approximate and simpler four-dimensional system. Analysis of this simpler system shows that periodic variations in the delay lead to larger stability boundaries.
Mixed time–frequency domain simulation of a hydraulic inductance pipe with a check valve
Authors: Scheidl R , Manhartsgruber B , Kogler H
Published: September 2011

This paper deals with the efficient computation of hydraulic switching systems with a check valve by a mixed time–frequency domain method; frequency-domain modelling is performed on the wave propagation in a pipe and time-domain modelling is applied to the switching valve and the check valve. The dual property of the check valve makes the complete problem have variational inequality properties. A solution method is presented which replaces the pressure and the flowrate of the check valve as a function of one new variable. The resulting system of non-linear algebraic equations is solved using a Newton–Raphson method in combination with a smoothing of the non-smooth properties of the check valve. The method is applied to a parameter study of a hydraulic buck converter.
The dynamics of bells as impacting system
Authors: Küpper T , Hosham H A , Dudtschenko K
Published: September 2011

The dynamics of impacting systems is the topic of this research study. As a familiar example of a simple impacting device, which can be used to demonstrate well-known features, the motion of a bell is analysed. Based on the abstract modelling as a double pendulum with state-dependent impacts given by the strikes of the clapper onto the bell, various forms are derived. In particular, it is shown that the size of the ‘coupling’ between clapper and bell determines the form of the oscillations showing such phenomena as falling or flying clapper, chatter, and the spectacular case of non-ringing which occurred in the case of the famous emperor's bell in the Cathedral of Cologne. Besides the specific results concerning the motion of the bell, the example can serve as a simple illustration of complicated dynamics in the presence of impacts.
Electro-thermal non-local vibration analysis of embedded DWBNNTs
Authors: Ghorbanpour Arani A , Amir S , Shajari A R , Mozdianfard M R , Khoddami Maraghi Z , Mohammadimehr M
Published: September 2011

In this article, electro-thermal transverse vibration behaviour of double-walled boron nitride nanotubes embedded in a surrounded elastic medium is investigated using non-local piezoelasticity cylindrical shell theory. The effects of the elastic medium including Winkler spring and Pasternak shear constants and van der Waals interaction between inner and outer nanotubes are taken into account. The higher order governing equations of motion are derived based on Hamilton's principle. Effects of parameters such as Winkler spring constant, Pasternak shear constant, electric field, and temperature change on the dimensionless natural frequency are investigated. The results indicate a decrease in the dimensionless natural frequency as both temperature change and electric field are increased for various aspect ratios. However, the decreasing trend is significant for the former and may be considered constant for the latter.
Performance evaluation of a transpiration-cooled gas turbine for different coolants and permissible blade temperatures considering the effect of radiation
Authors: Kumar S , Singh O
Published: September 2011

Successful gas turbine technology is based significantly upon the introduction of new blade materials with increased permissible temperature for gas turbine blades and/or the use of efficient means and methods of turbine blade cooling in order to achieve the highest possible turbine inlet temperature. The gas turbine blade cooling models found in literature indicate that the effect of radiation from elevated temperature gases is generally not considered. However, the radiative heat transfer always occurs owing to the presence of mainly carbon dioxide and water vapour in the combustion products. The present paper deals with the comparative study of transpiration-cooled gas turbine cycle performance with and without taking radiation effect for different coolants and permissible blade temperature. The thermodynamic evaluation shows that, with consideration of the radiation effect, the theoretical coolant requirement increases so as to be close to the actual requirement and hence the cycle performance is affected accordingly. The transpiration-cooled gas turbine cycle performance parameter variations are presented to exemplify the role of cooling technology, cooling means, and material development, taking the radiation effect into account.
Women Workers in the Mica Industry
Authors: Chattopadhyay Molly
Published: September 2011

This article examines the condition of women workers in the mica industry of Giridih District, Jharkhand, India. The study shows that the decline of the mica industry led to informalisaton of work, that trade unions have not been able to improve working conditions at all or press for better wages for women workers relative to men. I argue that strong patriarchal values among union leaders have been a major factor in their neglect of women workers in this industry.
The Politics of Form in Dalit Fiction
Authors: Nayar Pramod K.
Published: September 2011

This article examines two Dalit novels, Bama’s Sangati and Sivakami’s The Grip of Change. It argues that the two novels hybridise the very novel form through the appropriation of different registers, the mythic, the historical and the immediate. It argues that this narrative hybridisation is a political project, reflecting a radicalisation of consciousness itself. Bama and Sivakami, I argue further, transform folkloric and local-mythic language and narrative by infusing into it the language of rights, Ambedkarite philosophy, dignity and the law. The language of the law and rights, I suggest, have entered common usage and thus results in a radicalising of the common sense, so that folkloric language itself becomes a language of protest and political challenge.
Intercultural Identity and the Local Vernacular
Authors: Kelly Samantha
Published: September 2011

The first history of Naples in over four centuries, the Cronaca di Partenope (c. 1350) articulated a Neapolitan identity through its narration of the past and through its delineation of Naples as a geographical centre in relation to various peripheries or ‘others’. As vehicles of identity, time and space interacted in complex and sometimes surprising ways. Recent developments, notably Naples’ new status as a royal capital, help to explain the Cronaca’s composition after such long historiographical silence. But in affirming Naples as a ‘centre’, the Cronaca eschewed its contemporary centrality to the southern Italian kingdom (itself firmly anchored in the Latin West) and instead resuscitated an early-medieval, Mediterranean geography of identity in which Naples was balanced between Greek, Muslim and transalpine neighbours. Similarly, the Cronaca’s use of the local vernacular was both a reflection of its own age—Neapolitan having only very recently been utilized as a literary language—and a choice that facilitated its nostalgic evocation of a city balanced between Greek, Muslim and Latin worlds: in its very parochialism, the local vernacular permitted the expression of a cosmopolitan identity informed by non-Latin as well as Latin elements.
The View from San Juan del Rio
Authors: Townsend Camilla
Published: September 2011

After the Spanish conquest, Mexican indigenous peoples were exposed to European culture to varying degrees. The people of the Tlaxcala valley, east of Mexico City, were more isolated from Spanish colonisers than many others. Thus in the 17th century, we find a florescence of traditional indi-genous historical annals in the native language of Nahuatl, by then written out in the Roman alphabet rather than in the older pictographic forms. In this region, a new city was founded, Puebla de los Angeles, with Spanish, indigenous and African settlers. Here lived an indigenous historian named don Miguel de los Santos, who produced a text embodying the perspective of indigenous residents, but comingled with the history of the Spaniards as well as that of Africans and other groups of Native Americans. Making fascinating use of his people’s traditional multi-vocal histories, don Miguel was able to maintain a certain flexibility in the face of Spanish conquest: he found that new content and even new styles could be incorporated without obliterating the old.
UDL Distribution (A)
Authors: Shaikh Shazib E.
Published: September 2011

The Sales Director of a nationwide, family owned, PKR 4.6 billion pharmaceuticals distributor, UDL Distribution, is faced with the decision of replacing the sales forces’ manual order-booking with one using handheld devices. Being amongst the Big Five in the Pakistani market, the prime motivation is to catch up with the rest of the players and not lose credibility with their principals, the pharmaceutical companies. While some of the major players had done this more than a decade ago, the recent project survey report submitted by the Operations and IT Director reveals that even smaller local distributors have adopted the technology and the nationwide top player has already done so. The report presents the protagonist with choices to make about the set of software features, the software vendor and the handheld device. However, in justifying the project expense (between PKR 3.7 and PKR 6.4 million, depending on the choices made) to the Executive Director (also his elder brother) the issue of precisely how much productivity improvement is expected becomes a bone of contention. The IT hardware budget has traditionally been PKR 0.5 million annually. Competitive pressures on margins and cash flows also feature greatly. Ultimately, it is the Executive Director’s style of managing the business by thrift and tight efficiency targets that wields the greatest pressure on the Sales Director.

This case is the first part of a series; Cases B and C may be obtained from the author.
Investigating group singing activity with people with dementia and their caregivers: Problems and positive prospects
Authors: Davidson Jane W. , Fedele Julie
Published: September 2011

The current study investigated the results of a 6-week singing program targeted for older individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Participants were from: a) a residential care unit within a retirement village with dementia clients and their site-based professional caregivers (mainly occupational therapists, but some care assistants); and b) a drop-in program organized by a dementia trust for clients living in the community, in which both client and spouse were asked to participate. The program, already tried and tested, had been developed with elderly clients mainly without dementia (see Davidson & Faulkner, 2010 ) but was modified to suit the new cohort and evaluated using standardized measures of dementia, health, and wellbeing, plus measures designed to examine specific singing program outcomes. In addition, video footage of the sessions and checklists kept by both the singing group facilitator and some of the caregivers were drawn upon for qualitative analysis. Whilst little effect of the singing program was revealed using standard outcome measures, study-specific measures and the qualitative analyses indicated that many participants had positive gains including lucidity and improved social interaction within session, as well as enjoyment, singing engagement, and carry-over memory and recall from one week to the next. Thus, it seems that well-structured singing programs can encourage both caregiver and cared-for participant to develop better communication. The lack of outcomes from the standardized measures indicates that these types of measures are either not sufficiently fine-grained or appropriate to the context of the short-term singing program to account for the changes that are otherwise captured in the qualitative measures.
Modal strain energy based methods for the analysis of complex patterned free layer damped plates
Authors: Curà Francesca , Mura Andrea , Scarpa Fabrizio
Published: September 2011

The aim of this work is to study the modal behavior of structures covered with a complex pattern of viscoelastic material in Free Layer Damping (FLD) configuration in terms of damping performances. Two original methods based on the Modal Strain Energy (MSE) method named New Modified MSE method and the Corrected MSE method have been developed and applied to some test cases. A comparison between the new methods and the classic one has been done. Different viscoelastic distributions have been analyzed in order to evaluate how the patch design may influence the damping performances of the coupled structure. The structure has been discretized by means of a hybrid Finite Element (FE) developed to simulate the structure with the FLD viscoelastic treatment. The hybrid FE element has been benchmarked against an analytical example with full FLD coverage.
Epistemological Groundings
Authors: Callier Durell M.
Published: September 2011

“Epistemological Groundings: Searchin’ for the Words” is an explorative journey toward mapping, understanding, and staking the authors ways of knowing. Taking up the charge, as Madison (2005), outlays to start where you are, and answer the deeply personal, spiritual, and political questions of (a) Who are you? and (b) What work do you need to do to feed your soul? The author through a series of short poems/thoughts seeks to make sense of the research process—theory, method/ology, and epistemology. Honoring his own personal history, knowledge, and the communities to which he ascribes and has an affinity for, “Epistemological Groundings” purports that not only should our research be grounded in a living practice but also this application should be socially just, life giving, and sustaining.
Coping With Serious Events at Work
Authors: Buurman Bianca M. , Mank Arno P. M. , Beijer Hein J. M. , Olff Miranda
Published: September 2011

Background: Nurses often encounter serious events during their work, which can lead to traumatic stress. Objective: To examine how serious events, demographic variables, and coping strategies are associated with traumatic stress in a sample of nurses working in the medical department of a university teaching hospital. Design: The data for this survey were collected in 2003. Two questionnaires were completed by nurses: the Utrecht Coping List (UCL) and the List of Serious Events and Traumatic Stress in Nursing (Nursing LIST). Results: The 69 nurses who participated in the study had experienced a mean of 8 serious events in the past 5 years. In all, 98% of all nurses reported traumatic stress. Active coping, social support, and comforting cognitions were independently associated with traumatic stress. Conclusion: The participating nurses had experienced multiple serious events, and many felt traumatized. Active coping decreased the risk of experiencing traumatic stress, whereas comforting cognitions and social support increased the likelihood of appraising a serious event as traumatic. More research needs to be conducted to support these findings and to develop strategies to support nurses after serious events.
Changes in Diurnal Salivary Cortisol Levels in Response to an Acute Stressor in Healthy Young Adults
Authors: Hulme Polly A. , French Jeffrey A. , Agrawal Sangeeta
Published: September 2011

Background: Knowledge of the diurnal cortisol response to acute stress in healthy individuals can help us better understand the physiological and health effects of chronic stress. Objective: To compare the diurnal patterns of cortisol secretion of 15 medical students 2 weeks before a major written examination (control phase) and 2 weeks later at the time of the examination (acute stress phase). Design: Interrupted time series within-subjects. Results: During the acute stress phase, less cortisol was secreted over the course of the day, as demonstrated by a more prolonged and steeper decline in cortisol levels. In addition, higher cortisol levels were present in the evening. Despite these changes in the usual diurnal pattern, overall exposure to cortisol remained the same for both phases. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that specific adaptations to the diurnal pattern of cortisol are made in the face of acute stress, important information for understanding cortisol regulation in health and illness.
Learning and Memory Impairment Induced by Salvinorin A, the Principal Ingredient of Salvia divinorum, in Wistar Rats
Authors: Braida Daniela , Donzelli Andrea , Martucci Roberta , Capurro Valeria , Sala Mariaelvina
Published: September 2011

The effects of salvinorin A ( Salvia divinorum principal ingredient), a potent κ-opioid natural hallucinogen, on learning and memory were investigated. Wistar rats were tested in the 8-arm radial maze, for object recognition and passive avoidance tasks for spatial, episodic, and aversive memory. Attention was assessed using a latent inhibition task. Salvinorin A (80-640 μg/kg subcutaneous [sc]) did not affect short-term memory, but it impaired spatial long-term memory. Episodic and aversive memories were impaired by salvinorin A (160-640 μg/kg). Memory impairment was blocked by the selective κ-opioid receptor antagonist, nor-binaltorphimine ([nor-B]; 0.5-1 mg/kg, intraperitoneal [ip]). Salvinorin A (160 μg/kg) disrupted latent inhibition, after LiCl treatment, such as reduced sucrose intake, suggesting an attention would result in an impairment of cognitive behavior. These findings demonstrate for the first time that salvinorin A has deleterious effects on learning and memory, through a κ-opioid receptor mechanism.
A new approach to the design of coordinated road departure avoidance systems
Authors: Alirezaei M , Corno M , Ghaffari A , Kazemi R
Published: September 2011

In this article, a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) robust road departure avoidance system based on a closed-loop driver decision estimator (DDE) is presented. The main idea is that of incorporating the driver intent in the control of the vehicle. The driver decision estimator computes the vehicle look ahead lateral position based on driver input and uses this position to establish the risk of road departure. The MIMO controller uses the vehicle lateral position at the look ahead distance and yaw rate to calculate both the front steering angle and differential braking as the control efforts. The DDE ensures that the vehicle remains within the road borders without altering the vehicle response when the driver steers the vehicle back. It is shown that the use of both active steering and differential braking can stabilize the vehicle with shorter look ahead distances compared to the use of only steering. Numerical simulations show the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed approach in comparison with the generalization of other available methods.
High burden of musculoskeletal conditions: a problem that has only recently come to recognition
Authors: Slim Zeinab N , Chaaya Monique , Habib Rima R , Arayssi Thurayya , Uthman Imad
Published: September 2011

Objectives: Musculoskeletal conditions have only recently been acknowledged and research on their burden is scarce in the Middle East and North African (MENA) region. For the first time, a population based study was conducted in Lebanon to assess the prevalence, level of disability, and health seeking behaviours related to musculoskeletal pain and rheumatic disorders.

Methods: A random sample of 500 participants aged ≥ 15 years from Southern Lebanon was interviewed using the COPCORD (Community Oriented Program for Control of Rheumatic Diseases) questionnaire.

Results: The prevalence of current musculoskeletal pain was 31.2% [CI (27.0–35.2%)]. Being a female [OR=1.8, CI (1.2–2.8)] and of advancing age [OR=1.03, CI (1.01–1.05)] were the only significant factors associated with current musculoskeletal pain. Prevalence of current functional disability was 6.4% [CI (4.2–8.5%)]. Around quarter (26.0%) [CI (22.3–30.1%)] of our sample sought some kind of treatment. The overall prevalence rate of rheumatic disease was 17.0% [CI (13.7–20.3%)].

Discussion: Our findings indicate that musculoskeletal conditions are common in Lebanon. This is a timely public health issue that needs further investigation and solid recognition by health authorities. Community-based interventions should target patients to prompt them to seek early help in order to prevent the development of musculoskeletal pain into disorders.
Path-based calculation of MTTFF, MTTFR, and asymptotic unavailability with the stochastic process algebra tool CASPA
Authors: Schuster J , Siegle M
Published: September 2011

CASPA is a stochastic process algebra tool for performance and dependability modelling, analysis, and verification. It is based entirely on the symbolic data structure of the multi-terminal binary decision diagram (MTBDD) which enables the tool to handle models with very large state space. This paper describes an extension of CASPA’s solving engine for path-based approximation of the mean time to first failure, the mean time to first recovery, and asymptotic unavailability by MTBDD algorithms. A non-trivial case study illustrates the use of path-based analysis and comparisons between the path-based unavailability calculations and results obtained from standard Markovian analysis are presented.
Collective memories: A complex construction
Authors: Shahzad Farhat
Published: September 2011

The study uses qualitative research methods to investigate how Canadian youth construct collective memory in relation to the War on Terror, and deals with the memories and understandings of 99 university students. I find that the landscape of collective memory is both material and social in its composition because it involves not only a human agent who remembers but also a collectivity of significant ‘others’ and material technologies of memory. The study concludes that significant, complex, uneven and mutually constitutive relationships between these features result in the construction of multiple and contested collective memories within a single compass.
Prognostic DNA methylation patterns in cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia are predefined by stem cell chromatin marks
Authors: Deneberg Stefan , Guardiola Philippe , Lennartsson Andreas , Qu Ying , Gaidzik Verena , Blanchet Odile , Karimi Mohsen , Bengtzén Sofia , Nahi Hareth , Uggla Bertil , Tidefelt Ulf , Höglund Martin , Paul Christer , Ekwall Karl , Döhner Konstanze , Lehmann Sören
Published: September 2011

Cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia (CN-AML) compose between 40% and 50% of all adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cases. In this clinically diverse group, molecular aberrations, such as FLT3-ITD, NPM1, and CEBPA mutations, recently have added to the prognostic accuracy. Aberrant DNA methylation is a hallmark of cancer, including AML. We investigated in total 118 CN-AML samples in a test and a validation cohort for genome-wide promoter DNA methylation with Illumina Methylation Bead arrays and compared them with normal myeloid precursors and global gene expression. IDH and NPM1 mutations were associated with different methylation patterns (P = .0004 and .04, respectively). Genome-wide methylation levels were elevated in IDH-mutated samples (P = .006). We observed a negative impact of DNA methylation on transcription. Genes targeted by Polycomb group (PcG) proteins and genes associated with bivalent histone marks in stem cells showed increased aberrant methylation in AML (P < .0001). Furthermore, high methylation levels of PcG target genes were independently associated with better progression-free survival (odds ratio = 0.47, P = .01) and overall survival (odds ratio = 0.36, P = .001). In summary, genome-wide methylation patterns show preferential methylation of PcG targets with prognostic impact in CN-AML.
The tolerogenic interplay(s) among HLA-G, myeloid APCs, and regulatory cells
Authors: Carosella Edgardo D. , Gregori Silvia , LeMaoult Joel
Published: September 2011

Myeloid antigen-presenting cells (APCs), regulatory cells, and the HLA-G molecule are involved in modulating immune responses and promoting tolerance. APCs are known to induce regulatory cells and to express HLA-G as well as 2 of its receptors; regulatory T cells can express and act through HLA-G; and HLA-G has been directly involved in the generation of regulatory cells. Thus, interplay(s) among HLA-G, APCs, and regulatory cells can be easily envisaged. However, despite a large body of evidence on the tolerogenic properties of HLA-G, APCs, and regulatory cells, little is known on how these tolerogenic players cooperate. In this review, we first focus on key aspects of the individual relationships between HLA-G, myeloid APCs, and regulatory cells. In its second part, we highlight recent work that gathers individual effects and demonstrates how intertwined the HLA-G/myeloid APCs/regulatory cell relationship is.
Total desmosines in plasma and urine correlate with lung function
Authors: Lindberg C.A. , Engström G. , de Verdier M. Gerhardsson , Nihlén U. , Anderson M. , Forsman-Semb K. , Svartengren M.
Published: September 2011

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between the matrix degradation biomarkers, desmosine and isodesmosine (desmosines), and lung function.

Plasma and creatinine-corrected urinary total desmosines (P- and U-desmosines, respectively), lung function and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DL,CO) were measured in a cohort of subjects from the Swedish Twin Registry.

Concentrations of U- and P-desmosines were measured in 349 and 318 subjects, respectively; approximately one-third of subjects had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Age, female sex, body mass index (BMI) and smoking were significantly associated with U-desmosines in a multiple linear regression analysis. In the overall population, after adjustments for age, sex, height, BMI and smoking, concentrations of U-desmosines were significantly correlated with all lung function measures, and P-desmosines with forced expiratory volume in 1 s andDL,CO(p<0.05). With the exception of residual volumeversusP-desmosines, relationships between concentrations of desmosines and lung function measures were markedly stronger in subjects with COPD compared with those without COPD.

These cross-sectional data showing associations between desmosines and several lung function variables suggest that desmosines, particularly U-desmosines, could be a useful biomarker of COPD status.
Linezolid: an effective, safe and cheap drug for patients failing multidrug-resistant tuberculosis treatment in India
Authors: Singla R. , Caminero J.A. , Jaiswal A. , Singla N. , Gupta S. , Bali R.K. , Behera D.
Published: September 2011

Linezolid is identified as an effective drug with which to treat patients failing multidrug-resistant (MDR)-tuberculosis (TB) treatment. However, cost and safety are the concerns. In India, the average price of a 600-mg pill of linezolid is less than one US dollar, much cheaper than most of the third-line drugs.

A prospective study of 29 MDR-TB treatment failure patients (16 with laboratory-proven extensively drug-resistant (XDR)-TB and the remaining 13 with MDR-TB with resistance to any quinolone but sensitive to injectables) was carried out in Delhi, India. All patients received daily unsupervised therapy with linezolid, one injectable agent, one fluoroquinolone and two or more other drugs.

Patients received a median of six anti-mycobacterial agents. Besides linezolid, capreomycin, moxifloxacin, levofloxacin and amoxycillin-clavulanic acid were used in 41.4%, 58.6%, 41.4%, and 79.3% of patients. Out of a total of 29 patients, 89.7% patients achieved sputum smear and culture conversion; 72.4% showed interim favourable outcome; 10.3% died, 6.8% failed and 10.3% patients defaulted. Linezolid had to be stopped in three (10.3%) patients due to adverse reactions. The outcome of treatment of 16 XDR-TB patients was comparable to the other 13 MDR-TB patients.

Linezolid is an effective, cheap and relatively safe drug for patients failing MDR-TB treatment, including those with confirmed XDR-TB.
Physiological effects of roflumilast at rest and during exercise in COPD
Authors: O’Donnell Denis E. , Bredenbröker Dirk , Brose Manja , Webb Katherine A.
Published: September 2011

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 500 μg roflumilast, taken once daily for 12 weeks, on airway physiology during rest and exercise in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study was conducted in 250 patients with a post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) of 30–80% predicted and a functional residual capacity of ≥120% pred. Pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry and body plethysmography, and pre-bronchodilator constant work rate cycle exercise at 75% of peak work rate were evaluated. Exercise measurements included ventilation, breathing pattern, inspiratory capacity (IC) and arterial oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry (Sp,O2).

Compared with placebo, 12 weeks of treatment with roflumilast was associated with: small but progressive increases in pre- and post-bronchodilator FEV1and FEV1/forced vital capacity; small decreases in specific airway resistance; and no significant changes in resting vital capacity, IC or measurements of lung hyperinflation. There was no treatment effect on exercise endurance time. At a standardised exercise time after roflumilast, compared with placebo, IC increased by 0.12 L (p=0.008) andSp,O2increased by 0.7% (p=0.020); peak ventilation increased by 1.9 L·min−1(p=0.014).

Roflumilast treatment was associated with progressive improvement of airway function but not lung hyperinflation. Newly described non-bronchodilator effects of roflumilast included small but consistent improvements in air trapping andSp,O2during exercise.
Reciprocal classes of p-valently spirallike and p-valently Robertson functions
Authors: Uyanik Neslihan , Shiraishi Hitoshi , Owa Shigeyoshi , Polatoglu Yasar
Published: September 2011

For p-valently spirallike and p-valently Robertson functions in the open unit disk

U

, reciprocal classes

S

p

(

α
,
β

)

, and

C

p

(

α
,
β

)

are introduced. The object of the present paper is to discuss some interesting properties for functions f(z) belonging to the classes

S

p

(

α
,
β

)

and

C

p

(

α
,
β

)

.

2010 Mathematics Subject Classification

Primary 30C45
Filmless versus film-based systems in radiographic examination costs: an activity-based costing method
Authors: Muto Hiroshi , Tani Yuji , Suzuki Shigemasa , Yokooka Yuki , Abe Tamotsu , Sase Yuji , Terashita Takayoshi , Ogasawara Katsuhiko
Published: September 2011

Background

Since the shift from a radiographic film-based system to that of a filmless system, the change in radiographic examination costs and costs structure have been undetermined. The activity-based costing (ABC) method measures the cost and performance of activities, resources, and cost objects. The purpose of this study is to identify the cost structure of a radiographic examination comparing a filmless system to that of a film-based system using the ABC method.

Methods

We calculated the costs of radiographic examinations for both a filmless and a film-based system, and assessed the costs or cost components by simulating radiographic examinations in a health clinic. The cost objects of the radiographic examinations included lumbar (six views), knee (three views), wrist (two views), and other. Indirect costs were allocated to cost objects using the ABC method.

Results

The costs of a radiographic examination using a filmless system are as follows: lumbar 2,085 yen; knee 1,599 yen; wrist 1,165 yen; and other 1,641 yen. The costs for a film-based system are: lumbar 3,407 yen; knee 2,257 yen; wrist 1,602 yen; and other 2,521 yen. The primary activities were "calling patient," "explanation of scan," "take photographs," and "aftercare" for both filmless and film-based systems. The cost of these activities cost represented 36.0% of the total cost for a filmless system and 23.6% of a film-based system.

Conclusions

The costs of radiographic examinations using a filmless system and a film-based system were calculated using the ABC method. Our results provide clear evidence that the filmless system is more effective than the film-based system in providing greater value services directly to patients.
MiR-185 Targets the DNA Methyltransferases 1 and Regulates Global DNA Methylation in human glioma
Authors: Zhang Zuping , Tang Hailin , Wang Zeyou , Zhang Baoxin , Liu Wei , Lu Hongmei , Xiao Lan , Liu Xiaoping , Wang Rong , Li Xiaoling , Wu Minghua , Li Guiyuan
Published: September 2011

Background

Perturbation of DNA methylation is frequent in cancers and has emerged as an important mechanism involved in tumorigenesis. To determine how DNA methylation is modified in the genome of primary glioma, we used Methyl-DNA immunoprecipitation (MeDIP) and Nimblegen CpG promoter microarrays to identify differentially DNA methylation sequences between primary glioma and normal brain tissue samples.

Methods

MeDIP-chip technology was used to investigate the whole-genome differential methylation patterns in glioma and normal brain tissues. Subsequently, the promoter methylation status of eight candidate genes was validated in 40 glioma samples and 4 cell lines by Sequenom's MassARRAY system. Then, the epigenetically regulated expression of these genes and the potential mechanisms were examined by chromatin immunoprecipitation and quantitative real-time PCR.

Results

A total of 524 hypermethylated and 104 hypomethylated regions were identified in glioma. Among them, 216 hypermethylated and 60 hypomethylated regions were mapped to the promoters of known genes related to a variety of important cellular processes. Eight promoter-hypermethylated genes (ANKDD1A, GAD1, HIST1H3E, PCDHA8, PCDHA13, PHOX2B, SIX3, and SST) were confirmed in primary glioma and cell lines. Aberrant promoter methylation and changed histone modifications were associated with their reduced expression in glioma. In addition, we found loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at the miR-185 locus located in the 22q11.2 in glioma and induction of miR-185 over-expression reduced global DNA methylation and induced the expression of the promoter-hypermethylated genes in glioma cells by directly targeting the DNA methyltransferases 1.

Conclusion

These comprehensive data may provide new insights into the epigenetic pathogenesis of human gliomas.
Effect of introduction of chondroitin sulfate into polymer-peptide conjugate responding to intracellular signals
Authors: Tomiyama Tetsuro , Toita Riki , Kang Jeong-Hun , Koga Haruka , Shiosaki Shujiro , Mori Takeshi , Niidome Takuro , Katayama Yoshiki
Published: September 2011

We recently developed a novel tumor-targeted gene delivery system responding to hyperactivated intracellular signals. Polymeric carrier for gene delivery consists of hydrophilic neutral polymer as main chains and cationic peptide substrate for target enzyme as side chains, and was named polymer-peptide conjugate (PPC). Introduction of chondroitin sulfate (CS), which induces receptor-medicated endocytosis, into polymers mainly with a high cationic charge density such as polyethylenimine can increase tumor-targeted gene delivery. In the present study, we examined whether introduction of CS into PPC containing five cationic amino acids can increase gene expression in tumor cells. Size and zeta potential of plasmid DNA (pDNA)/PPC/CS complex were <200 nm and between -10 and -15 mV, respectively. In tumor cell experiments, pDNA/PPC/CS complex showed lower stability and gene regulation, compared with that of pDNA/PPC. Moreover, no difference in gene expression was identified between positive and negative polymer. These results were caused by fast disintegration of pDNA/PPC/CS complexes in the presence of serum. Thus, we suggest that introduction of negatively charged CS into polymers with a low charge density may lead to low stability and gene regulation of complexes.
Attributing the burden of cancer at work: three areas of concern when examining the example of shift-work
Authors: Erren Thomas C , Morfeld Peter
Published: September 2011

This commentary intends to instigate discussions about epidemiologic estimates and their interpretation of attributable fractions (AFs) and the burden of disease (BOD) of cancers due to factors at workplaces. By examining recent work that aims to estimate the number of cancers attributable to shift-work in Britain, we suggest that (i) causal, (ii) practical and (iii) methodological areas of concern may deter us from attributable caseload estimations of cancers at this point in time. Regarding (i), such calculations may have to be avoided as long as we lack established causality between shift-work and the development of internal cancers. Regarding (ii), such calculations may have to be avoided as long as we can neither abandon shift-work nor identify personnel that may be unaffected by shift-work factors. Regarding (iii), there are at least four methodological pitfalls which are likely to make AF calculations uninterpretable at this stage. The four pitfalls are: (1) The use of Levin's 1953 formula in case of adjusted relative risks; (2) The use of broad definitions of exposure in calculations of AFs; (3) The non-additivity of AFs across different levels of exposure and covariables; (4) The fact that excess mortality counts are misleading due to the fact that a human being dies exactly once - a death may occur earlier or later, but a death cannot occur more than once nor can it be avoided altogether for any given individual. Overall, causal, practical and methodological areas of concern should be diligently considered when performing and interpreting AF or BOD computations which - at least at the present time - may not be defensible.
Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome with scoliosis
Authors: Tatara Yasunori , Kawakami Noriaki , Tsuji Taichi , Miyasaka Kazuyoshi , Ohara Tetsuya , Nohara Ayato
Published: September 2011

Study Design

Case report.

Objective

The authors present the case of a 14-year-old boy with Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome (RSTS) presenting scoliosis.

Summary of Background Data

There have been no reports on surgery for RSTS presenting scoliosis.

Methods

The patient was referred to our hospital for evaluation of a progressive spinal curvature. A standing anteroposterior spine radiograph at presentation to our hospital revealed an 84-degree right thoracic curve from T6 to T12, along with a 63-degree left lumbar compensatory curve from T12 to L4. We planned a two-staged surgery and decided to fuse from T4 to L4. The first operation was front-back surgery because of the rigidity of the right thoracic curve. The second operation of lumbar anterior discectomy and fusion was arranged 9 months after the first surgery to prevent the crankshaft phenomenon due to his natural course of adolescent growth. To avoid respiratory complications, the patient was put on a respirator in the ICU for several days after both surgeries.

Results

Full-length spine radiographs after the first surgery revealed no instrumentation failure and showed that the right thoracic curve was corrected to 31 degrees and the left lumbar curve was corrected to 34 degrees. No postoperative complications occurred after both surgeries.

Conclusions

We succeeded in treating the patient without complications. Full-length spine standing radiographs at one year after the second operation demonstrated a stable bony arthrodesis with no loss of initial correction.
Commissioning and early experience with a new-generation low-energy linear accelerator with advanced delivery and imaging functionalities
Authors: Clivio Alessandro , Nicolini Giorgia , Vanetti Eugenio , Fogliata Antonella , Cozzi Luca
Published: September 2011

Background

A new-generation low-energy linear accelerator (UNIQUE) was introduced in the clinical arena during 2009 by Varian Medical Systems. The world's first UNIQUE was installed at Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland and put into clinical operation in June 2010. The aim of the present contribution was to report experience about its commissioning and first year results from clinical operation.

Methods

Commissioning data, beam characteristics and the modeling into the treatment planning system were summarized. Imaging system of UNIQUE included a 2D-2D matching capability and tests were performed to identify system repositioning capability. Finally, since the system is capable of delivering volumetric modulated arc therapy with RapidArc, a summary of the tests performed for such modality to assess its performance in preclinical settings and during clinical usage was included.

Results

Isocenter virtual diameter was measured as less than 0.2 mm. Observed accuracy of isocenter determination and repositioning for 2D-2D matching procedures in image guidance was <1.2 mm. Concerning reproducibility and stability over a period of 1 year, deviations from reference were found <0.3 ± 0.2% for linac output, <0.1% for homogeneity, similarly to symmetry. Rotational accuracy of the entire gantry-portal imager system showed a maximum deviation from nominal 0.0 of <1.2 mm. Pre treatment quality assurance of RapidArc plans resulted with a Gamma Agreement Index (fraction of points passing the gamma criteria) of 97.0 ± 1.6% on the first 182 arcs verified.

Conclusions

The results of the commissioning tests and of the first period of clinical operation, resulted meeting specifications and having good margins respect to tolerances. UNIQUE was put into operation for all delivery techniques; in particular, as shown by the pre-treatment quality assurance results, it enabled accurate and safe delivery of RapidArc plans.
Purification and characterization of novel fibrinolytic proteases as potential antithrombotic agents from earthworm Perionyx excavatus
Authors: Phan Tram Thi Bich , Ta Tien Duy , Nguyen Dung Thi Xuan , Van Den Broek Lambertus AM , Duong Giang Thi Huong
Published: September 2011

Six protease fractions, namely FI, FII, FIII-1, FIII-2, FIII-3 and FIV, were isolated from Perionyx excavatus earthworm biomass by acetone precipitation, followed by serial chromatography using anion exchange, hydrophobic interaction and size exclusion chromatography. All fractions exhibited strong hydrolytic activity towards casein. The activity of six fractions towards fibrin, determined by fibrin plate assay, ranged from 44 to 831 plasmin unit.mg-1 and ranked as FIII-3 > FIII-2 > FI > FIII-1 > FIV > FII. Casein degradation was optimal at pH 7 and 11, and at 45-60°C. All fractions were considerably stable at high temperature and wide pH range. They were completely inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF). The molecular weights (MW) and isoelectric points (pI) determined by 2D-electrophoresis were 27.5-34.5 kDa, and 4.3-5.2, respectively. Tandem mass spectrometry (MS) analysis was used to deduce the amino acid sequences of some peptides from FIII-1 and FIII-2. The sequences shared 16.9% and 13.2% similarity, respectively, with the fibrinolytic enzymes from two related earthworm species, Lumbricus rubellus and Eisenia fetida. The P. excavatus proteases were classified as serine proteases. They could perform rapid hydrolysis on both coagulated fibrous fibrin and soluble fibrinogen monomers without the presence of activators such as tPA or urokinase.
Unipolar and bipolar depression: different or the same?
Authors: Smith Daniel J. , Craddock Nick
Published: September 2011

The diagnostic boundary between recurrent unipolar depression and bipolar disorder may not be clear-cut and, further, the symptoms of unipolar depression compared with bipolar depression (although similar) are subtly different. Here we review the potential implications for clinical practice and research of new thinking about the relationship between recurrent unipolar depression and bipolar disorder.
Providing 24-hour child and adolescent mental health services: demand and outcomes
Authors: Byrne Patricia , Power Lorna , Boylan Carole , Iqbal Mohammed , Anglim Margo , Fitzpatrick Carol
Published: September 2011

Aims and method

The provision of 24-hour specialist child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) is a key target for service commissioners. However, a lack of data exist on models of service delivery or levels of need for out-of-hours specialist CAMHS to guide service development. We aim to describe a model of 24-hour service provision and provide information on the demand for and outcome of assessments of a service in Dublin, Ireland, using a 6-year retrospective case study design.

Results

A total of 468 emergency presentations occurred during the study period; 80% presented with self-harm or suicidal ideation. Two-thirds presented outside of working hours. All presentations received a specialist CAMHS consultation. Over 50% required admission to a paediatric ward and 80% required onward referral to specialist CAMHS.

Clinical implications

There is a need for a 24-hour specialist CAMHS and this allows increased rates of specialist assessment and onward referral for a high-risk group.