bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypothyroidism and Mortality among Dialysis Patients
Authors: Rhee Connie M. , Alexander Erik K. , Bhan Ishir , Brunelli Steven M.
Published: December 2012

Background and objectives

Hypothyroidism is highly prevalent among ESRD patients, but its clinical significance and the benefits of thyroid hormone replacement in this context remain unclear.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

This study examined the association between hypothyroidism and all-cause mortality among 2715 adult dialysis patients with baseline thyrotropin levels measured between April of 2005 and April of 2011. Mortality was ascertained from Social Security Death Master Index and local registration systems. The association between hypothyroidism (thyrotropin greater than assay upper limit normal) and mortality was estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. To reduce the risk of observing reverse-causal associations, models included a 30-day lag between thyrotropin measurement and at-risk time.

Results

Among 350 (12.9%) hypothyroid and 2365 (87.1%) euthyroid (assay within referent range) patients, 917 deaths were observed during 5352 patient-years of at-risk time. Hypothyroidism was associated with higher mortality. Compared with thyrotropin in the low-normal range (0.4–2.9 mIU/L), subclinical hypothyroidism (thyrotropin >upper limit normal and ≤10.0 mIU/L) was associated with higher mortality; high-normal thyrotropin (≥3.0 mIU/L and ≤upper limit normal) and overt hypothyroidism (thyrotropin >10.0 mIU/L) were associated with numerically greater risk, but estimates were not statistically significant. Compared with spontaneously euthyroid controls, patients who were euthyroid while on exogenous thyroid replacement were not at higher mortality risk, whereas patients who were hypothyroid were at higher mortality risk. Sensitivity analyses indicated that effects on cardiovascular risk factors may mediate the observed association between hypothyroidism and death.

Conclusions

These data suggest that hypothyroidism is associated with higher mortality in dialysis patients, which may be ameliorated by thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
Analysis of factors influencing Cu(II) sorption by clinoptiolite
Authors: Sljivic-Ivanovic Marija , Smiciklas Ivana , Markovic Jelena , Milenkovic Aleksandra
Published: December 2012

Experimental design methodology represents a powerful tool for the analysis
and optimization of various processes. Immobilization of toxic substances by
sorption onto low-cost materials gained a lot of attention in the last
decade. Fundamental knowledge about sorption processes and their practical
use can be improved by experimental planning and statistical analysis. In
this study, the effects of initial metal concentration and pH, as well as the
sorbent mass and particle size, on Cu(II) sorption by natural clinoptilolite
were evaluated and compared. Full factorial experimental design at two levels
was applied. Statistically significant factors were determined considering
residual Cu(II) concentrations as a system response. The Pareto graphs of
standardized effects, Main effect plots and Interaction plots were created
using statistical software. Initial sorbate concentration, sorbent mass and
their interaction were recognized as statistically significant, at 95 %
confidence level. Main effect plot approved that sorbent mass increase and
initial Cu(II) concentration decrease caused reduction of residual Cu(II)
concentration in solution. On the other hand, the change of initial solution
pH and sorbent particle size didn?t provoke significant response changes.
Bearing in mind that pH is the factor with large effect on heavy metal
sorption, insignificant influence of initial pH detected in this study can be
explained by buffering properties of the applied clinoptilolite and
relatively narrow pH range chosen in order to prevent sorbent dissolution on
one side and sorbate precipitation on the other. By regression analysis, the
mathematical model for process description was derived. The correlation
between predicted and experimental values was high (R2>0.99). In the
investigated ranges of parameters, the obtained empirical equation can be
applied for the prediction of system response.
Adjustment of the endoscopic third ventriculostomy entry point based on the anatomical relationship between coronal and sagittal sutures
Authors: Chen Fangxiang , Chen Tsinsue , Nakaji Peter
Published: December 2012

Object

The coronal suture is often used as an empirical landmark for the entry point for endoscopic third ventriculostomy. The trajectory for the approach is often drawn based on midsagittal MRI findings. However, because the coronal suture is not perpendicular to the midline, this method may be inaccurate.

Methods

The junction of the coronal and sagittal sutures was exposed at the outer table of the cranium of 15 cadavers. An ideal coronal line was established perpendicular to the sagittal suture at the junction of the sagittal and coronal sutures. The distance from this ideal coronal line at the level of the coronal-sagittal junction to the actual coronal suture was measured at 1-cm intervals. The measured distance between the 2 planes was termed the distance to the coronal suture.

Results

The coronal suture bows forward as it moves from medial to lateral. From 1–6 cm lateral to the sagittal suture, the distance to the coronal suture was 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.8, 1.0, and 1.4 cm, respectively. There was no significant difference between the right and left sides.

Conclusions

The position of a bur hole for endoscopic third ventriculostomy should be moved posteriorly with respect to the coronal suture the more laterally it is placed. Although the adjustment is small, it may be crucial. Failure to make this adjustment may result in suboptimal bur hole placement and increase the risk of morbidity.
Prognosis by tumor location for pediatric spinal cord ependymomas
Authors: Oh Michael C. , Sayegh Eli T. , Safaee Michael , Sun Matthew Z. , Kaur Gurvinder , Kim Joseph M. , Aranda Derick , Molinaro Annette M. , Gupta Nalin , Parsa Andrew T.
Published: December 2012

Object

Ependymoma is a common CNS tumor in children, with spinal cord ependymomas making up 13.1% of all ependymomas in this age group. The clinical features that affect prognosis in pediatric spinal cord ependymomas are not well understood. A comprehensive literature review was performed to determine whether a tumor location along the spinal cord is prognostically significant in children undergoing surgery for spinal cord ependymomas.

Methods

A PubMed search was performed to identify all papers that contained data on patients with spinal cord ependymomas. Only pediatric patients (age < 18 years) who underwent resection with a clearly reported tumor location were included in the analysis. Myxopapillary tumors were excluded from study. Tumor location was subdivided into 6 regions: cervicomedullary, cervical, cervicothoracic, thoracic, thoracolumbar, and conus medullaris. Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox regression analyses were performed to determine the effects of tumor location on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

Fifty-eight patients who underwent resection of spinal cord ependymomas were identified. Ependymomas were located all along the spinal cord but occurred with the highest frequency in the cervical region (29.3%). Progression-free survival was significantly better in patients with tumors arising in the upper portion of the spinal cord (p = 0.031), which remained significant in the multivariate Cox regression analysis (p < 0.05). Moreover, OS was significantly better in patients with upper spinal cord ependymomas than in those harboring ependymomas in the lower spinal cord (p = 0.048).

Conclusions

Although more common in adults, spinal ependymomas can occur anywhere along the spinal cord in the pediatric population; however, tumors occurring in the lower half of the spinal cord carry a worse prognosis with shorter PFS and OS. By comparison, ependymomas in the upper spinal cord recur later and less frequently, with little or no mortality in this patient group.
A novel animal model of human breast cancer metastasis to the spine: a pilot study using intracardiac injection and luciferase-expressing cells
Authors: Zadnik Patricia , Sarabia-Estrada Rachel , Groves Mari L. , Molina Camilo , Jackson Christopher , McCarthy Edward , Gokaslan Ziya L. , Bydon Ali , Wolinsky Jean-Paul , Witham Timothy F. , Sciubba Daniel M.
Published: December 2012

Object

Metastatic spine disease is prevalent in cancer victims; 10%–30% of the 1.2 million new patients diagnosed with cancer in the US exhibit spinal metastases. Unfortunately, treatments are limited for these patients, as disseminated disease is often refractory to chemotherapy and is difficult to treat with surgical intervention alone. New animal models that accurately recapitulate the human disease process are needed to study the behavior of metastases in real time.

Methods

In this study the authors report on a cell line that reliably generates bony metastases following intracardiac injection and can be tracked in real time using optical bioluminescence imaging. This line, RBC3, was derived from a metastatic breast adenocarcinoma lesion arising in the osseous spine of a rat following intracardiac injection of MDA-231 human breast cancer cells.

Results

Upon culture and reinjection of RBC3, a statistically significantly increased systemic burden of metastatic tumor was noted. The resultant spine lesions were osteolytic, as demonstrated by small animal CT scanning.

Conclusions

This cell line generates spinal metastases that can be tracked in real time and may serve as a useful tool in the study of metastatic disease in the spine.
Perioperative complications in patients undergoing open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion as a revision surgery
Authors: Khan Imad Saeed , Sonig Ashish , Thakur Jai Deep , Bollam Papireddy , Nanda Anil
Published: December 2012

Object

Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) has been increasingly used to treat degenerative spine disease, including that in patients in whom earlier decompressive procedures have failed. Reexploration in these cases is always challenging and is thought to pose a higher risk of complications. To the best of the authors' knowledge, there are no current studies specifically analyzing the effects of previous lumbar decompressive surgeries on the complication rates of open TLIF.

Methods

The authors performed a retrospective study of surgeries performed by a single surgeon. A total of 187 consecutive patients, in whom the senior author (A.N.) had performed open TLIF between January 2007 and January 2011, met the inclusion criteria. The patients were divided into two groups (primary and revision TLIF) for the comparison of perioperative complications.

Results

Overall, the average age of the patients was 49.7 years (range 18–80 years). Of the 187 patients, 73 patients had no history of lumbar surgery and 114 were undergoing revision surgery. Fifty-four patients (28.9%) had a documented complication intraoperatively or postoperatively. There was no difference in the rate on perioperative complications between the two groups (overall, medical, wound related, inadvertent dural tears [DTs], or neural injury). Patients who had undergone more than one previous lumbar surgery were, however, more likely to have suffered from DTs (p = 0.054) and neural injuries (p = 0.007) compared with the rest.

Conclusions

In the hands of an experienced surgeon, revision open TLIF does not necessarily increase the risk of perioperative complications compared with primary TLIF. Two or more previous lumbar decompressive procedures, however, increase the risk of inadvertent DTs and neural injury.
Hardware implementation issues of turbo decoders
Authors: Islam MS , Quaium MA , Morshed M , Roy RC
Published: December 2012

This paper gives a general overview of the implementation aspects of turbo decoders. Although the parallel architecture of the turbo code is emphasized, the serial concatenated convolutional codes for the turbo decoder are discussed too. Considering the general structure of iterative decoders, the main features of the soft input and soft output algorithm, which are the heart of a turbo decoder, are observed. The efficient parallel architectures of turbo decoders are shown which allow high speed implementation. Apart from these, implementation aspects like quantization issues and stopping rules to increase the throughput as well as an evaluation of the various turbo decoders are discussed. Finally, we suggest a number of solutions to overcome the implementation issues as well as the complexities without affecting the high throughput rate. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v47i3.13068 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 47(3), 327-332 2012
Images of Survival, Stories of Destruction: Nuclear War on British Screens from 1945 to the Early 1960s
Authors: Grant Matthew
Published: December 2012

This article discusses a range of depictions and discussions of nuclear war, which appeared on British screens in the first half of the Cold War, in order to understand the changing way nuclear weapons were viewed within British culture. Using such screened images to understand how nuclear war was constructed and represented within British culture, the article argues that the hydrogen bomb, not the atomic bomb, was the true harbinger of the nuclear revolution that transformed cultural understandings of warfare and destruction. Although the atomic bomb created a great deal of anxiety within British popular culture, representations of atomic attack elided atomic destruction with that experienced in 1939–45, emphasising the ‘survivability’ of atomic war. In the thermonuclear era, the Second World War could not undertake the same symbolic work. The image of the city-destroying bomb was an imaginative as well as technological step-change. Screened representations stressed that a thermonuclear war would literally end the world. As such, they preceded, and indeed provided the cultural climate for, the rise of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND). The Campaign exploited and further popularised this idea of the apocalyptic nuclear war as a key aspect of its political and moral standpoint. The article concludes, however, that the cultural hegemony of this vision of nuclear war equally helped underpin notions of nuclear deterrence. The basic assumptions about the nature of nuclear war constructed and circulated on British screens therefore formed part of CND's ‘cultural’ victory but the article also explains why this did not translate into the political realm.
Filming Treachery: British Cinema and Television's Fascination with the Cambridge Five
Authors: Willmetts Simon , Moran Christopher
Published: December 2012

The article examines the cultural importance of the ‘Cambridge spies’, the infamous traitors who betrayed British secrets to the Soviets over a period of several decades. In particular, it looks at the various ‘screen fictions’ which have drew inspiration from the well-known tale of treachery, and argues the centrality of the Cambridge spies as a Cold War narrative in British culture in the second part of the twentieth century. Aspects of the story has figured in such screen dramas as Traitor (1971), Philby, Burgess and Maclean (1977), Another Country (1984), and The Cambridge Spies (2003), while this article pays particular attention to the classic BBC adaptation of John le Carré’s Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (1979), and the screen versions of Alan Bennett's An Englishman Abroad (1983) and A Question of Attribution (1991). The article argues the transformative effect of the narrative of the Cambridge spies on the spy genre and its centrality to a wider critical reassessment of nationalism, state power, individual identity and citizenship in the context of imperial decline in the postwar period.
A Personal View
Authors: Downing Taylor
Published: December 2012

The following article is a personal reminiscence of the planning and making of the 24-part television documentary series Cold War (CNN, 1998–9). It reveals the vision of TV mogul Ted Turner in getting a series made on what many felt to be an unpopular subject, the influence of the award-winning British television documentary series The World at War (1973–4), and the contribution of the producer Jeremy Issacs, who was behind both series. Cold War was able to take advantage of recent access to former Eastern bloc archives and drew on the expertise and authority of young Cold War historians. The article considers the initial broadcasting of the series and its impact.
Trevor Griffiths' ‘Absolute Beginners’: Socialist Humanism and the Television Studio
Authors: Panos Leah
Published: December 2012

This article examines how conventional studio production strategies were active in the construction of political meaning in the 1974 television play ‘Absolute Beginners’, written by Trevor Griffiths. Produced for the BBC anthology series Fall of Eagles, the play dramatises Lenin's involvement with the Russian Social Democratic Workers Party (RSDWP) and explores the contradictions between personal ethics and political necessity. Through close textual analysis and contextual discussion of other plays in the series, this piece demonstrates how shot patterns and spatial and performative devices in ‘Absolute Beginners’ supported the drama's socialist-humanist and feminist themes. Drawing on existing writing about the studio mode, it argues that the qualities of intimacy and presentational distance that it engendered were highly appropriate for the personal and the political dialectic in ‘Absolute Beginners’. While using authorship as a convenient category for referring to the coherence of Griffiths' thematic concerns and dramatic structure during this period, the article complicates notions of the television dramatist as author by arguing for the importance of visual style and showing how ‘ordinary’ studio form was operational in the play's political meanings.
Locating the ‘Radical’ in Shoot the Messenger
Authors: Malik Sarita
Published: December 2012

The 2006 BBC drama Shoot the Messenger is based on the psychological journey of a Black schoolteacher, Joe Pascale, accused of assaulting a Black male pupil. The allegation triggers Joe's mental breakdown which is articulated, through Joe's first-person narration, as a vindictive loathing of Black people. In turn, a range of common stereotypical characterisations and discourses based on a Black culture of hypocrisy, blame and entitlement is presented. The text is therefore laid wide open to a critique of its neo-conservatism and hegemonic narratives of Black Britishness. However, the drama's presentation of Black mental illness suggests that Shoot the Messenger may also be interpreted as a critique of social inequality and the destabilising effects of living with ethnicised social categories. Through an analysis of issues of representation, the article reclaims this controversial text as a radical drama and examines its implications for and within a critical cultural politics of ‘race’ and representation.
The Role of Photolabile Dermal Nitric Oxide Derivates in Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR)-Induced Cell Death
Authors: Opländer Christian , Suschek Christoph
Published: December 2012

Human skin is exposed to solar ultraviolet radiation comprising UVB (280–315 nm) and UVA (315–400 nm) on a daily basis. Within the last two decades, the molecular and cellular response to UVA/UVB and the possible effects on human health have been investigated extensively. It is generally accepted that the mutagenic and carcinogenic properties of UVB is due to the direct interaction with DNA. On the other hand, by interaction with non-DNA chromophores as endogenous photosensitizers, UVA induces formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which play a pivotal role as mediators of UVA-induced injuries in human skin. This review gives a short overview about relevant findings concerning the molecular mechanisms underlying UVA/UVB-induced cell death. Furthermore, we will highlight the potential role of cutaneous antioxidants and photolabile nitric oxide derivates (NODs) in skin physiology. UVA-induced decomposition of the NODs, like nitrite, leads not only to non-enzymatic formation of nitric oxide (NO), but also to toxic reactive nitrogen species (RNS), like peroxynitrite. Whereas under antioxidative conditions the generation of protective amounts of NO is favored, under oxidative conditions, less injurious reactive nitrogen species are generated, which may enhance UVA-induced cell death.
Quantitative Profiling of DNA Damage and Apoptotic Pathways in UV Damaged Cells Using PTMScan Direct
Authors: Stokes Matthew , Silva Jeffrey , Jia Xiaoying , Lee Kimberly , Polakiewicz Roberto , Comb Michael
Published: December 2012

Traditional methods for analysis of peptides using liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) lack the specificity to comprehensively monitor specific biological processes due to the inherent duty cycle limitations of the MS instrument and the stochastic nature of the analytical platform. PTMScan Direct is a novel, antibody-based method that allows quantitative LC-MS/MS profiling of specific peptides from proteins that reside in the same signaling pathway. New PTMScan Direct reagents have been produced that target peptides from proteins involved in DNA Damage/Cell Cycle and Apoptosis/Autophagy pathways. Together, the reagents provide access to 438 sites on 237 proteins in these signaling cascades. These reagents have been used to profile the response to UV damage of DNA in human cell lines. UV damage was shown to activate canonical DNA damage response pathways through ATM/ATR-dependent signaling, stress response pathways and induce the initiation of apoptosis, as assessed by an increase in the abundance of peptides corresponding to cleaved, activated caspases. These data demonstrate the utility of PTMScan Direct as a multiplexed assay for profiling specific cellular responses to various stimuli, such as UV damage of DNA.
Purification and Properties of an Insecticidal Metalloprotease Produced by Photorhabdus luminescens Strain 0805-P5G, the Entomopathogenic Nematode Symbiont
Authors: Chang Yu-Tzu , Hsieh Chienyan , Wu Li-Ching , Chang Hebron , Kao Suey-Sheng , Meng Menghsiao , Hsieh Feng-Chia
Published: December 2012

A total of 13 Photorhabdus luminescens strains were screened for proteolytic activity. The P. luminescens strain 0805-P5G had the highest activity on both skim milk and gelatin plates. The protease was purified to electrophoretical homogeneity by using a two-step column chromatographic procedure. It had a molecular weight of 51.8 kDa, as determined by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The optimum pH, temperature, as well as pH and thermal stabilities were 8, 60 °C, 5–10, and 14–60 °C, respectively. It was completely inhibited by EDTA and 1,10-phenanthroline. Bioassay of the purified protease against Galleria mellonella by injection showed high insecticidal activity. The protease also showed high oral toxicity to the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) of a Taiwan field-collected strain, but low toxicity to an American strain. To our knowledge, this is the first report to demonstrate that the purified protease of P. luminescens has direct toxicity to P. xylostella and biopesticide potentiality.
Chemical Constituents of Three Allium Species from Romania
Authors: Vlase Laurian , Parvu Marcel , Parvu Elena , Toiu Anca
Published: December 2012

The aim of this work was to study the chemical composition of Allium obliquum L., A. senescens L. subsp. montanum (Fries) Holub, and A. schoenoprasum L. subsp. schoenoprasum. Sulphur-containing compounds analysis was performed by an LC-MS method, the identification and quantification of polyphenolic compounds through a HPLC-UV-MS method, and the presence of five sterols was simultaneously assessed by HPLC-MS-MS. Alliin was identified only in A. obliquum and A. senescens subsp. montanum extracts, whilst allicin was present in all extracts, with higher amounts in A. schoenoprasum and A. obliquum. The pattern of phenol carboxylic acids shows the presence of p-coumaric and ferulic acids in all species. Isoquercitrin was identified in A. obliquum and A. schoenoprasum, and rutin in A. senescens subsp. montanum and A. schoenoprasum. Luteolin and apigenin were identified only in A. obliquum. All three species contain glycosides of kaempferol and quercetol. β-Sitosterol and campesterol were identified in all species. The results obtained showed significant differences in the composition of the three Allium species.
Evolution of Coral Rubble Deposits on a Reef Platform as Detected by Remote Sensing
Authors: Shannon Amelia , Power Hannah , Webster Jody , Vila-Concejo Ana
Published: December 2012

An investigation into the evolution of coral rubble deposits on a coral reef platform is assessed using high-resolution remote sensing data and geospatial analysis. Digital change detection analysis techniques are applied to One Tree Reef in the southern Great Barrier Reef by analysing aerial photographs and satellite images captured between 1964 and 2009. Two main types of rubble deposits were identified: (1) rubble flats that are featureless mass accumulations of coral rubble; and, (2) rubble spits that are shore-normal linear features. While both deposits prograde in a lagoon-ward direction, rubble spits move faster (~2 m/yr) than rubble flats (~0.5 m/yr). The volume of rubble, the underlying substrate, the energy regime, and storm frequency control the rate of progradation. Rubble flat occurrence is restricted to the high-energy (windward) margin of the coral reef platform, while rubble spits are distributed reef wide, both in modal high energy and modal low energy regions of the reef. Rubble spit deposition is considered to be a result of enlarged spur and groove morphology of the forereef, whereby wave energy is focused through the enlarged groove formations causing the preferential deposition of coral rubble in particular zones of the adjacent reef flat. One last control is thought to be the elevation of the reef crest whereby lower areas are more prone to rubble flat development. A vertical and ocean-ward accumulation of rubble is occurring on the windward margin of the reef leading to a build-up and build-out of the reef, governing the expansion of the reef footprint. This study shows for the first time the evolution of a coral reef rubble flat and rubble spits over decadal time scales as detected through remotely sensed images spanning 45 years.
Spaceflight engages heat shock protein and other molecular chaperone genes in tissue culture cells of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Zupanska Agata K. , Denison Fiona C. , Ferl Robert J. , Paul Anna‐Lisa
Published: December 2012

• Premise of the study: Gravity has been a major force throughout the evolution of terrestrial organisms, and plants have developed exquisitely sensitive, regulated tropisms and growth patterns that are based on the gravity vector. The nullified gravity during spaceflight allows direct assessment of gravity roles. The microgravity environments provided by the Space Shuttle and International Space Station have made it possible to seek novel insights into gravity perception at the organismal, tissue, and cellular levels. Cell cultures of Arabidopsis thaliana perceive and respond to spaceflight, even though they lack the specialized cell structures normally associated with gravity perception in intact plants; in particular, genes for a specific subset of heat shock proteins (HSPs) and factors (HSFs) are induced. Here we ask if similar changes in HSP gene expression occur during nonspaceflight changes in gravity stimulation.

• Methods: Quantitative RT‐qPCR was used to evaluate mRNA levels for Hsp17.6A and Hsp101 in cell cultures exposed to four conditions: spaceflight (mission STS‐131), hypergravity (centrifugation at 3 g or 16 g), sustained two‐dimensional clinorotation, and transient milligravity achieved on parabolic flights.

• Key results: We showed that HSP genes were induced in cells only in response to sustained clinorotation. Transient microgravity intervals in parabolic flight and various hypergravity conditions failed to induce HSP genes.

• Conclusions: We conclude that nondifferentiated cells do indeed sense their gravity environment and HSP genes are induced only in response to prolonged microgravity or simulated microgravity conditions. We hypothesize that HSP induction upon microgravity indicates a role for HSP‐related proteins in maintaining cytoskeletal architecture and cell shape signaling.
Intramolecular carbolithiation of N-allyl-ynamides: an efficient entry to 1,4-dihydropyridines and pyridines – application to a formal synthesis of sarizotan
Authors: Gati Wafa , Rammah Mohamed M , Rammah Mohamed B , Evano Gwilherm
Published: December 2012

We have developed a general synthesis of polysubstituted 1,4-dihydropyridines and pyridines based on a highly regioselective lithiation/6-endo-dig intramolecular carbolithiation from readily available N-allyl-ynamides. This reaction, which has been successfully applied to the formal synthesis of the anti-dyskinesia agent sarizotan, further extends the use of ynamides in organic synthesis and further demonstrates the synthetic efficiency of carbometallation reactions.
PRIORITY BASED TAG AUTHENTICATION AND ROUTING ALGORITHM FOR INTERMODAL CONTAINERS RFID SENSOR NETWORK
Authors: Andziulis Arūnas , Plėštys Rimantas , Jakovlev Sergej , Adomaitis Danielius , Gerasimov Konstantin , Kurmis Mindaugas , Pareigis Valdemaras
Published: December 2012

Intermodal containers transportation management has always been a serious issue among logistics worldwide companies where the application of secure mobile information technologies (e.g. radio frequency identification systems (RFID) and sensor networks) could significantly improve the current situation by sending managers all the needed transportation conditions information. In this paper, we have focused on improving managerial decision making method by introducing the expert system evaluation functionality in a common software solution CTRMS for additional ICT risks evaluation. The basic risks involved in transportation and the appropriate measures are introduced as well. The pre-defined RFID sensor network was used to develop an optimal tag authentication and routing algorithm where tags and reader authentication protocols were defined and based upon the highest security assurance and the reader to tag response time criterias. A Nearest Neighbor (NN) heuristic approach and a Priority setting method were used to address the problem of routing within the RFID sensor network between tags with the objective function of minimizing the data transfer time between tags with the highest priority values. Computational results also indicate that when the tags have the same level of confidence in the system, they can exchange information without any additional verification, so making the authentication protocol less time consuming and therefore more effective against other proposed protocols.
ANALYSIS OF THE INFLUENCE OF FATIGUE ON PASSENGER TRANSPORT DRIVERS’ PERFORMANCE CAPACITY
Authors: Zaranka Jurijus , Pečeliūnas Robertas , Matijošius Jonas
Published: December 2012

The article deals with the influence of professional drivers’ fatigue on the occurrence of traffic events. The study of various scientific works on the causes of traffic events related to human psychophysiological qualities has revealed that all of these works highlight the complex work process of a driver as an operator of a certain mechanism. It is governed by the regulatory documents reviewed in this article. Driver's fatigue is a quite frequent accident-causing human factor. Building upon the results of the study on human idiosyncrasies, the authors suggest a methodology for professional selection of drivers. This methodology is based on practical data, i.e. on a comprehensive analysis of performance peculiarities of professional drivers employed at Joint-Stock Company ‘Vilnius Public Transport’ (in Lithuanian – UAB ‘Vilniaus viešasis transportas’). Application of the suggested methodology enables to reduce the number of road accidents caused by city passenger transport drivers by up to 40÷50%. The article proposes a methodology for compilation of professional selection criteria for passenger transport drivers, also applicable to drivers working in other transportation areas, as well as to employees of field investigation services and other persons who constantly face nervous and emotional stress and experience a lack of information and time.
DIGITAL ZENITH CAMERA FOR VERTICAL DEFLECTION DETERMINATION
Authors: Abele Māris , Balodis Jānis , Janpaule Inese , Lasmane Ieva , Rubans Augusts , Zariņš Ansis
Published: December 2012

Recent accomplishments in advancement of accurate astrometric reference star catalogues, development of digital imaging technology, high accuracy tiltmeter technology, and geocentric coordinate availability provided by GNSS, have made possible accurate, fast and automated determination of vertical deflections using astrometric methods. Zenith cameras for this kind of measurements have been developed or are being developed by several research groups. The paper describes a research project by Institute of Geodesy and Geoinformation, intended to design a portable digital zenith camera for vertical deflection determination with 0.1” expected accuracy. Camera components are described, proposed data processing algorithm and preliminary results, obtained with prototype instrument, are presented.
METHODOLOGY DEVISING FOR BUCKET-WHEEL EXCAVATOR SURVEYING BY LASER SCANNING METHOD TO DETERMINE ITS MAIN GEOMETRICAL PARAMETERS
Authors: Vrublová Dana , Kapica Roman , Jurman Josef
Published: December 2012

The application of laser scanning techniques to bucket-wheel excavator surveying seeks primarily to determine the machines’ key geometric parameters and to establish realistic mathematical descriptions of their movement dynamics in 3D space. The data will be used to visualize excavator movement and to control the coal extraction process in real time. The measurements take place at Doly Nástup Opencast Coal Mine, Tušimice, North-Bohemian Lignite Coal Field, Czech Republic. GNSS technology and inclinometric measurements are used to calculate 3D positions of the bucket-wheel excavators. The data is transferred to the research team workplace and stored in a database. KVAS software is used to visualise the bucket-wheel excavators and their 3D movements in real time.
Combination Therapy with Amantadine, Oseltamivir and Ribavirin for Influenza a Infection: Safety and Pharmacokinetics
Authors: Seo Sachiko , Englund Janet A , Nguyen Jack T , Pukrittayakamee Sasithon , Lindegardh Niklas , Tarning Joel , Tambyah Paul A , Renaud Christian , Went Gregory T , De Jong Menno D , Boeckh Michael J
Published: December 2012

Background

Antiviral resistance among influenza A viruses is associated with high morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised hosts. However, treatment strategies for drug-resistant influenza A are not established. A triple-combination antiviral drug (TCAD) regimen consisting of amantadine (AMT), oseltamivir (OSL) and ribavirin (RBV) demonstrated good efficacy in an animal model.

Methods

We first analysed the pharmacokinetics (PKs) of TCAD therapy in healthy volunteers. We then performed a pilot study of TCAD therapy in patients undergoing chemotherapy or haematopoietic cell transplantation. AMT (75 mg), OSL (50 mg) and RBV (200 mg) were administered three times a day for 10 days. The safety and PKs of TCAD therapy were monitored.

Results

The PKs of TCAD therapy in healthy volunteers was shown to be similar to the PKs of each drug individually from a single dose. In the pilot study, six immunocompromised patients received TCAD therapy and one patient received OSL monotherapy. All but one patient completed 10 days of TCAD therapy without side effects; one patient receiving TCAD was withdrawn from the study because of respiratory failure and ultimately recovered. Viral load was decreased after TCAD therapy, despite the presence of either AMT- or OSL-resistant virus in two cases. One patient with 2009 influenza A/ H1N1 receiving OSL monotherapy developed confirmed OSL resistance during treatment.

Conclusions

TCAD therapy had similar PKs to each individual antiviral during monotherapy following a single dose and can be administered safely in immunocompromised patients.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Ugt1A1 Genetic Testing to Inform Antiretroviral Prescribing in HIV Disease
Authors: Schackman Bruce R , Haas David W , Becker Jessica E , Berkowitz Bethany K , Sax Paul E , Daar Eric S , Ribaudo Heather J , Freedberg Kenneth A
Published: December 2012

Background

Homozygosity for UGT1A1*28/*28 has been reported to be associated with atazanavir-associated hyperbilirubinaemia and premature atazanavir discontinuation. We assessed the potential cost-effectiveness of UGT1A1 testing to inform the choice of an initial protease-inhibitor-containing regimen in antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naive individuals.

Methods

We used the Cost-Effectiveness of Preventing AIDS Complications computer simulation model to project quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and lifetime costs (2009 USD) for atazanavir-based ART with or without UGT1A1 testing, using darunavir rather than atazanavir when indicated. We assumed the UGT1A1-associated atazanavir discontinuation rate reported in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (a *28/*28 frequency of 14.9%), equal efficacy and cost of atazanavir and darunavir and a genetic assay cost of $107. These parameters, as well as the effect of hyperbilirubinaemia on quality of life and loss to follow up, were varied in sensitivity analyses. Costs and QALYs were discounted at 3% annually.

Results

Initiating atazanavir-based ART at CD4+ T-cell counts <500 cells/μl without UGT1A1 testing had an average discounted life expectancy of 16.02 QALYs and $475,800 discounted lifetime cost. Testing for UGT1A1 increased QALYs by 0.49 per 10,000 patients tested and was not cost-effective (>$100,000/QALY). Testing for UGT1A1 was cost-effective (<$100,000/QALY) if assay cost decreased to $10, or if avoiding hyperbilirubinaemia by UGT1A1 testing reduced loss to follow-up by 5%. If atazanavir and darunavir differed in cost or efficacy, testing for UGT1A1 was not cost-effective under any scenario.

Conclusions

Testing for UGT1A1 may be cost-effective if assay cost is low and if testing improves retention in care, but only if the comparator ART regimens have the same drug cost and efficacy.
Langue et nation en Angleterre à la fin du moyen âge
Authors: Fletcher Christopher
Published: December 2012

Résumé Quelle est la relation entre langue et nation en Angleterre à la fin du Moyen Âge ? On identifie la langue anglaise au peuple d’Angleterre dès le xiii e siècle, et le roi se sert de cette association puissante. Mais au même moment, la langue française, déjà la langue de la noblesse, devient la langue de la loi et du Parlement anglais. Cet article explore cette situation complexe où les identités sociales, professionnelles et nationale s’entrecroisent, notamment dans les requêtes au Parlement.
Diversité linguistique, identités et mythe de l'empire à la fin du moyen âge
Authors: Naegle Gisela
Published: December 2012

Résumé Dans l’Empire médiéval avec ses parties italiennes, la grande diversité linguistique avait des répercussions importantes sur l’identité de ses habitants. La Bulle d’or de Charles IV de 1356 constate l’importance de connaître la langue de ses sujets. Ceci vaut particulièrement quand l’empereur était également roi d’Espagne, de Bohème ou de Hongrie La discussion sur la nationalité de Charlemagne et des « vrais » Francs pose la question de savoir à partir de quand on peut parler de « Français » et d’« Allemands ». Intensifié par les auteurs humanistes, ce débat leur fit découvrir et valoriser les qualités de leur langue maternelle ; néanmoins le milieu savant resta longtemps profondément imprégné par la langue latine.
Défense et illustration de la langue et de la nation françaises
Authors: Magnien-Simonin Catherine
Published: December 2012

Résumé Par l’ordonnance de Villers-Cotterêts, François I er impose en 1539 la « langue commune » à l’administration du royaume ; avec la Défense et illustration de la langue française , Du Bellay lance en 1549 le manifeste d’une génération de poètes résolument français. Cette représentation éclipse le rôle capital joué par des juristes humanistes, provinciaux ou Parisiens, qui ont cru en la langue française et ont voulu qu’elle devienne celle d’un droit national, bien français et que viendra entériner l’édit de Saint-Germain-en Laye en 1679.
Probiotics and nutrients for the first 1000 days of life in the developing world
Authors: Enos M.K. , Burton J.P. , Dols J. , Buhulata S. , Changalucha J. , Reid G.
Published: December 2012

Clinically proven probiotics are, for the most part, not available in the developing world and certainly not affordable for the majority of people. This is unconscionable considering these products can alleviate diarrhoea and various infections, which are by far the major cause of death in children and in adults who are HIV positive. Indeed, some of these products have been proven in developing world settings. Distribution networks exist along with pharmacies and clinics that dispense drugs and products that require refrigeration. So, are lack of profit or company resources the problem? Our university has shown that alternative community based kitchen models that produce probiotics can be established. These empower local people, are socially responsible, produce affordable products and deliver benefits to over 3,000 children and adults daily. Surely, other institutions and corporations can multiply this effect and develop social business models across the developing world that are supported by clinical and basic science studies? In this review, we will discuss the application of probiotics and selected nutrients in the first 1000 days of life, a critical timepoint which is particularly challenging in resource disadvantaged countries.
Health claim regulation of probiotics in the USA and the EU: is there a middle way?
Authors: Hoffmann D.E.
Published: December 2012

In both the USA and Europe, supermarkets and pharmacies are brimming with probiotics - products containing live micro-organisms claiming they improve health. The availability of these products corresponds to a growing consumer demand for foods that improve or maintain health and wellness. The most persuasive include claims that consumption may confer health benefits. While some of these claims may have merit, others have not been substantiated. For a number of products, claims are based on insufficient research, underpowered studies, or mixed research results, yet individual consumers find that the product is of benefit to them. In attempting to regulate health claims, as distinct from safety, government entities may take positions which represent opposite ends of a philosophical spectrum. On one end of the spectrum they may take a limited approach to regulation relying primarily on the marketplace that respects individual autonomy and assumes a sophisticated consumer and honest sellers; alternatively they may choose substantial regulation based on a belief that consumers need protection from profit-seeking manufacturers. The USA and the European Union have taken two different approaches on this regulatory spectrum.
Ischaemia modified albumin in horses exercised at different intensities in treadmill
Authors: Yonezawa L.A. , Barbosa T.S. , Watanabe M.J. , Marinho C.L. , Knaut J.L. , Michima L.E.S. , Kohayagawa A.
Published: December 2012

Ischaemia modified albumin (IMA) is considered a biomarker of myocardial ischaemia in humans in contrast to other biomarkers released when cardiac necrosis occurs. Little is known about release conditions of IMA in exercise and this is the first report in equine species. For this purpose, ten clinically healthy untrained horses were submitted to a high intensity test (HIT) followed by a low intensity test (LIT) seven days later. Blood samples were taken before, during and immediately after exercise, and 15 min and 30 min thereafter. Serum IMA, lactate and albumin, and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined. There were no significant changes in IMA concentration in any of the exercise tests. There was also a negative correlation between IMA and albumin levels in both tests, and between IMA and lactate levels in LIT, suggesting possible assay interferences. It was concluded that HIT and LIT did not promote significant changes in IMA concentration in horses under these conditions.
Un regimen sanitatis contra la peste: el tratado del licenciado Vázquez
Authors: De la Peña Barroso Efrén
Published: December 2012

Los regimientos o tratados contra la peste o pestilencia son expresión del modo en que los médicos universitarios bajomedievales hicieron frente a la enfermedad epidémica de alta letalidad. Estos textos médicos, que consistían en un repertorio más o menos amplio de recomendaciones prácticas para prevenir y/o tratar dicha enfermedad, experimentaron un notable desarrollo a partir de la peste negra de 1348. El texto que se ofrece a continuación es un tratado inédito contra la peste escrito por el licenciado Vázquez, un judeoconverso toledano que fue procesado por el Tribunal de la Inquisición a principios del siglo XVI.
Médicos y redes sociales. Mecanismos de poder en la profesión médica en el siglo XVIII
Authors: Granjel Mercedes
Published: December 2012

Este trabajo analiza de forma global y articulada la identidad social de los médicos que ejercieron en Salamanca a lo largo del siglo XVIII. A través de sus biografías obtenemos perfiles, trayectorias y pautas de comportamiento que ponen de manifiesto la diversidad interna de este colectivo. El estudio de los vínculos familiares, relaciones con las élites locales y las redes sociales tejidas al hilo de sus trayectorias y actividad profesional, nos permite reconstruir el conjunto relacional en que se mueven y verificar su papel en los procesos de ascenso social. Se trata de una propuesta metodológica que conjuga la prosopografía con el análisis de las redes sociales (familia, amistades, clientela), prácticamente inexplorada como instrumento de análisis social de la profesión médica.
Un patronato para los «anormales»: primeros pasos en la protección pública a los niños con discapacidad intelectual en España (1910-1936)
Authors: Del Cura González Mercedes
Published: December 2012

En el año 1910 el Ministerio de Instrucción Pública y Bellas Artes creaba el Patronato Nacional de Sordomudos, Ciegos y Anormales con el propósito de proteger y tutelar a personas con discapacidad sensorial e intelectual. El objetivo de este trabajo es trazar la trayectoria de esta corporación desde su creación hasta el comienzo de la Guerra Civil y poner de relieve cuál fue su aportación al proceso de institucionalización de la asistencia a los denominados «niños anormales». La fundación del Patronato respondió a un proyecto muy ambicioso que fue sufriendo transformaciones a lo largo del periodo al compás de los continuos cambios políticos. Esta inestabilidad, a la que se sumaron otros problemas de carácter interno, impidió que la institución cumpliese con la mayoría de los objetivos que se le habían encomendado. No obstante, es indiscutible que su actividad ayudó a que el problema de las personas con discapacidad intelectual adquiriese visibilidad en España y sentó las bases para el desarrollo de la educación especial durante las primeras décadas del siglo XX.