bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Change of mucosal color in early gastric cancer
Authors: Lee Hak Hyun , Lee Sun‐Young , Yoon Hyeon Young , Hong Sung Noh , Kim Jeong Hwan , Sung In‐Kyung , Park Hyung Seok , Shim Chan Sup , Han Hye Seung
Published: June 2012

Objective: 

To investigate the association between mucosal color change and the characteristics of early gastric cancer (EGC).

Methods: 

Data of consecutive patients with EGC resected between August 2005 and October 2010 at Konkuk University Medical Center were analyzed retrospectively. The characteristics of EGC relative to mucosal color change were analyzed.

Results: 

Whitish discoloration of the cancer was linked to female to male gender ratio (P = 0.009), large tumor size (P < 0.001), deep invasion (P = 0.046) and depressed contours (P < 0.001) compared with EGC without discoloration or with hyperemic change. In addition, a whitish discoloration was also related to signet ring cell carcinoma (P < 0.001) and diffuse type carcinoma based on Lauren's classification (P < 0.001). On multiple linear regression analysis, diffuse type based on Lauren's classification (P = 0.017) and depth of invasion (P = 0.003) were significant independent factors for whitish discoloration.

Conclusions: 

Mucosal color change is an important clue in the diagnosis of EGC. EGC with whitish discoloration needs more attention due to its link with the diffuse type of Lauren's classification.
Toward a definition and taxonomy of public sector ombudsmen
Authors: Carl Sabine
Published: June 2012

The world‐wide diffusion of the ombudsman concept and the accompanying academic literature have failed to produce a universal definition of “ombudsman.” As a result, liberal interpretations of the concept have flourished, and the invention of technical terms has gone unchecked. This article examines the two most commonly cited definitions of an ombudsman and the wealth of technical terms for their conformity to the original concept. A definition for public sector ombudsmen congruent with primordial functions and recent conceptual extensions is proposed. The article concludes with a taxonomy of the different kinds of ombudsmen in place today.
Parliamentary and judicial ambivalence toward executive prerogative powers in Canada
Authors: Lagassé Philippe
Published: June 2012

This article argues that ambivalence surrounds the prerogative powers of the Canadian Crown and the significant authority they afford the executive in Canada. In strictly legal terms, these residual Crown powers are vulnerable to parliamentary abolition, displacement and limitation, and their exercise is subject to judicial review and remedy, leading scholars to suggest that these powers are an increasingly marginal source of executive authority. In practice, however, they have proven more resilient to legislative infringement than their formal vulnerability to statutory interference implies. In addition, the judiciary's authority to review the exercise of these powers has been tempered by the courts' reluctance to impose robust remedies. The article maintains that the predominant understanding of these powers, which stresses their vestigial status, fails to capture the actual power and acquiescence they afford the executive.
Maturité organisationnelle des organisations publiques et management des connaissances
Authors: Lemay Lilly , Bernier Luc , Rinfret Natalie , Houlfort Nathalie
Published: June 2012

Sommaire

Les départs massifs à la retraite dans les fonctions publiques et le non‐renouvellement d'environ la moitié des effectifs posent non seulement le défi du transfert intergénérationnel des connaissances, mais aussi celui du management de ces dernières. Dans les ouvrages scientifiques sur le sujet, les notions d'apprentissage organisationnel, d'organisation apprenante et d'organisation intelligente sont présentes, mais elles ne sont pas articulées entre elles. Par ailleurs, les résultats d'une recherche menée auprès de 50 cadres de la fonction publique québécoise, nous ont permis de faire état de la situation et de brosser un portrait du contenu du transfert et de la manière dont il est transmis, ou pourrait l'être. Nous intégrons ensuite ces résultats dans un modèle de maturité organisationnelle en cinq phases, lequel permet d'articuler les concepts d'apprentissage organisationnel, d'organisation apprenante et d'organisation intelligente.
Neuroimaging findings in acute ethylene glycol poisoning
Authors: Corr Peter , Szólics Miklós
Published: June 2012

The CT and MR findings of a patient with acute ethylene glycol poisoning are presented. Basal ganglia hemorrhagic infarction especially involving the putamen was detected. The differential diagnosis includes other toxic and hypoxic encephalopathies.
Life‐cycle assessment of local feedstock supply scenarios to compare candidate biomass sources
Authors: Godard Caroline , Boissy Joachim , Gabrielle Benoît
Published: June 2012

The use of life cycle assessment (LCA) as a comprehensive tool to assess environmental impacts of bioenergies is recommended. Nevertheless, several methodological points remain under debate, particularly regarding the feedstock production step, which is a key stage of bioenergy chains. The present work focuses on field emissions during feedstock production, improving assessment methods by the use of process‐based models. To do so, a real bioenergy chain, the local feedstock supply for a boiler located in northern France, was studied. The LCA compares flax shives, (the reference) with four other biomass sources: Miscanthus, cereal straw, linseed straw, and triticale as a whole plant. Six feedstock supply scenarios were also compared. The study aimed to test a new LCA methodology for agricultural chains by integrating local characteristics (such as climate, soil, and crop management data) and using models to estimate field dynamics of pesticide emissions and soil organic carbon (SOC). Results showed that flax shives and linseed straw had the lowest impacts, except for global warming: as a consequence, supply scenarios with the largest share of flax shives had the lowest impacts. For all selected impact categories, transportation and fertilization were the main contributors. SOC dynamics led to high C sequestration level (e.g. with Miscanthus) or to high CO
2 emissions level (e.g. with flax shives), thus significantly influencing the global warming impact. Sensitivity analysis showed a large influence of allocation method (economic or mass‐based). This study demonstrated the relevance of integrating simulation models using local data in agricultural LCAs, especially for dynamics of SOC and pesticide from fields. Moreover, this work brought scientific elements to support the choice of flax shives as the main biomass feedstock, and the ranking of the other sources as alternative biomass supplies for the boiler.
Primary inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the diaphragm: Report of a case
Authors: Fu Junke , Wu Qifei , Zhang Yong , Zhang Xufeng , Wang Zhe
Published: June 2012

We report a case of primary inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the diaphragm in a 64‐year‐old man. The patient was hospitalized for a computed tomography (CT)‐detected large tissue mass at the left lower lung field. Complete tumor excision followed by pathological investigation was performed. Microscopically, the tumor showed staggered arrangements of spindle myoepithelial cells, lymphoblastic and eosinophil cells. Immunohistochemically, the proliferating spindle cells showed positive staining for smooth muscle actin, vimentin, CD68 and Desmin, but negative for cytokeratin, leukocyte common antigen, epithelial membrane antigen, and S‐100. This is the first reported inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the diaphragm found in an adult. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient had no recurrence 18 months after surgery.
Huge focal nodular hyperplasia difficult to distinguish from well‐differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Hanaoka Jun , Shimada Mitsuo , Utsunomiya Tohru , Imura Satoru , Morine Yuji , Ikemoto Tetsuya , Mori Hiroki
Published: June 2012

We present a 43‐year‐old man with huge focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) that was difficult to distinguish from well‐differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). He previously had abnormal portal vein circulation due to hypoplasia of the intrahepatic portal vein, which was treated with a superior mesenteric vein–inferior vena cava shunt. Laboratory findings included predominantly indirect hyperbilirubinemia with concomitant elevation in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and ammonia. Serum α‐fetoprotein and des‐γ‐carboxy prothrombin were slightly elevated. Multidetector‐row computed tomography detected the primary tumor in the left liver lobe, which partially showed a central stellate scar. Gd ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging showed some low‐intensity areas in the tumor in the hepatocyte phase. 99mTc‐galactosyl human serum albumin scintigraphy showed normal intake of agent in the tumor. We could not rule out well‐differentiated HCC. Extended left hepatectomy was performed. Final histopathological findings showed that most of the tumor was FNH against a background of portal vein hypoplasia with moderate atypia and hemorrhage. And immunohistochemical analysis revealed high expression of organic anion transporter (OATP) 1B3 and low expression of multidrug resistance‐associated protein (MRP) 2 in a part of the tumor. The patient has remained alive with no hepatic lesion for 1 year after surgery. We describe a case of huge FNH that was difficult to distinguish from well‐differentiated HCC even by current fully preoperative imaging technology and demonstrate the effectiveness of curative surgical resection.
Diagnostic potential of serum direct markers and non‐invasive fibrosis models in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Gümüşay Özge , Özenirler Seren , Atak Ayşegül , Sönmez Cemile , Özkan Seçil , Tuncel Ayşe Fıtnat , Yılmaz Güldal , Akyol Gülen
Published: June 2012

Aim:  Liver biopsy is recommended in the majority of patients with chronic viral hepatitis for fibrosis evaluation. Because of the disadvantages of liver biopsy, many studies related to non‐invasive biomarkers and scores have been performed. In this study, we aimed to assess the diagnostic value of serum direct markers and non‐invasive fibrosis models to predict liver fibrosis in the treatment‐naive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients and to compare their diagnostic performance.

Methods:  This study included 58 patients with a diagnosis of CHB virus infection and 30 healthy controls. Hyaluronic acid, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1 and amino‐terminal propeptide of type III procollagen were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay; and the Original European Liver Fibrosis panel, the Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) panel, PP score, aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI) and FIB‐4 indexes were calculated using the formulas taken from previous publications. Fibrosis stage was determined using Ishak's scoring system.

Results:  The fibrosis stages identified upon liver biopsy was F0 in 12 patients (20.7%), F1–2 in 36 (62.1%) and F3–5 in 10 (17.2%). The diagnostic value of all the non‐invasive indices was low to detect mild fibrosis. We demonstrated that the diagnostic accuracy of HA is the best for predicting fibrosis of F3 or more (area under the receiver–operator curve, 0.902). In our study, the results from a combination of tests showed that ELF and APRI had the highest diagnostic value sensitivity of 90%, specificity of 100%, positive predictive value of 100% and negative predictive value of 96.4% for detection of fibrosis of F3 or more.

Conclusion:  In CHB patients, combination of ELF and APRI has a better diagnostic value in predicting fibrosis of F3 or more.
Colour and pattern selectivity of receptive fields in superior colliculus of marmoset monkeys
Authors: Tailby Chris , Cheong Soon Keen , Pietersen Alexander N. , Solomon Samuel G. , Martin Paul R.
Published: June 2012

Key points

In addition to supplying signals for conscious visual perception, the pathways from eye to brain serve visual functions such as reflex eye movements, which are controlled by a brain area called the superior colliculus (SC).

It is known that short‐wavelength sensitive (S or ‘blue’) cone photoreceptors serve an evolutionary ancient pathway for colour vision but whether S cones also contribute to reflex eye movements is poorly understood.

We show that in recordings from anaesthetised marmoset monkeys, S cones do not contribute to visual responses in the SC. Thus, although S cones are a primitive part of the visual system their signals are selectively directed to thalamo‐cortical pathways serving colour vision.

The result also implies that colour‐selective responses reported in SC of awake monkeys must arrive through indirect (non‐retinal) inputs to the SC.

Abstract  The main subcortical visual targets of retinal output neurones (ganglion cells) are the parvocellular and magnocellular layers of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) in the thalamus. In addition, a small and heterogeneous collection of ganglion cell axons projects to the koniocellular layers of the LGN, to the superior colliculus (SC), and to other subcortical targets. The functional (receptive field) properties and target specificity of these non‐parvocellular, non‐magnocellular populations remain poorly understood. It is known that one population of koniocellular layer cells in the LGN (blue‐On cells) receives dominant functional input from short‐wavelength sensitive (S or ‘blue’) cones. Here we asked whether SC neurones also receive S cone inputs. We made extracellular recordings from single neurones (n= 38) in the SC of anaesthetised marmoset monkeys. Responses to drifting and flashed gratings providing defined levels of cone contrast were measured. The SC receptive fields we recorded were often binocular, showed ‘complex cell’ like responses (On–Off responses), strong bandpass spatial frequency tuning, direction selectivity, and many showed strong and rapid habituation to repeatedly presented stimuli. We found no evidence for dominant S cone input to any SC neurone recorded. These data suggest that S cone signals may reach cortical pathways for colour vision exclusively through the koniocellular division of the lateral geniculate nucleus.
Dietary nitrate increases tetanic [Ca2+]i and contractile force in mouse fast‐twitch muscle
Authors: Hernández Andrés , Schiffer Tomas A. , Ivarsson Niklas , Cheng Arthur J. , Bruton Joseph D. , Lundberg Jon O. , Weitzberg Eddie , Westerblad Håkan
Published: June 2012

Key points

Dietary supplementation with inorganic nitrate has beneficial effects on skeletal muscle responses to exercise.

Both mitochondrial and extra‐mitochondrial explanations have been proposed.

Contractile force of fast‐twitch muscles was enhanced in mice supplemented with 1 mm NaNO3 in drinking water for 7 days.

Myoplasmic free [Ca2+] during tetanic stimulation was increased in fast‐twitch muscles of nitrate‐supplemented mice and this was accompanied by increased expression of calsequestrin 1 and the dihydropyridine receptor.

These results provide a new mechanism by which nitrate exerts beneficial effects on muscle function with applications to sports performance and a potential therapeutic role in conditions with muscle weakness.

Abstract  Dietary inorganic nitrate has profound effects on health and physiological responses to exercise. Here, we examined if nitrate, in doses readily achievable via a normal diet, could improve Ca2+ handling and contractile function using fast‐ and slow‐twitch skeletal muscles from C57bl/6 male mice given 1 mm sodium nitrate in water for 7 days. Age matched controls were provided water without added nitrate. In fast‐twitch muscle fibres dissected from nitrate treated mice, myoplasmic free [Ca2+] was significantly greater than in Control fibres at stimulation frequencies from 20 to 150 Hz, which resulted in a major increase in contractile force at ≤50 Hz. At 100 Hz stimulation, the rate of force development was ∼35% faster in the nitrate group. These changes in nitrate treated mice were accompanied by increased expression of the Ca2+ handling proteins calsequestrin 1 and the dihydropyridine receptor. No changes in force or calsequestrin 1 and dihydropyridine receptor expression were measured in slow‐twitch muscles. In conclusion, these results show a striking effect of nitrate supplementation on intracellular Ca2+ handling in fast‐twitch muscle resulting in increased force production. A new mechanism is revealed by which nitrate can exert effects on muscle function with applications to performance and a potential therapeutic role in conditions with muscle weakness.
Comparison of Moving and Stationary Surface Roughness Effects on Bearing Performance, With Emphasis on High Knudsen Number Flow
Authors: White James
Published: June 2012

Low clearance gas bearing applications require an understanding of surface roughness effects at increased levels of Knudsen number. Because very little information has been reported on the relative air-bearing influence of roughness location, this paper is focused on a comparison of the effects of moving and stationary striated surface roughness under high Knudsen number conditions. First, an appropriate lubrication equation will be derived based on multiple-scale analysis that extends the work of White (2010, “A Gas Lubrication Equation for High Knudsen Number Flows and Striated Rough Surfaces,” ASME J. Tribol., 132, p. 021701). The resulting roughness averaged equation, applicable for both moving and stationary roughness over a wide range of Knudsen numbers, allows an arbitrary striated roughness orientation with regard to both (1) the direction of surface translation and (2) the bearing coordinates. Next, the derived lubrication equation is used to analyze and compare the influences produced by a stepped transverse roughness pattern located on the moving and the stationary bearing surface of a wedge bearing geometry of variable inclination. Computed results are obtained for both incompressible and compressible lubricants, but with an emphasis on high Knudsen number flow. Significant differences in air-bearing performance are found to occur for moving versus stationary roughness.
Cavitation Mechanism of Oil-Film Bearing and Development of a New Gaseous Cavitation Model Based on Air Solubility
Authors: Li Xue-song , Song Yin , Hao Zeng-rong , Gu Chun-wei
Published: June 2012

Cavitation phenomenon in lubricants significantly influences the performance of associated machinery. In this paper, the cavitation mechanism of an oil-film bearing is attributed to gaseous cavitation, and a new gaseous cavitation model based on air solubility in the lubricant is presented. The model is validated using the Reynolds equation algorithm for fixed-geometry oil-film journal bearing, and the predicted results at different eccentricity ratios show good agreement with published data. The analyses show that gaseous mechanism can explain the cavitation phenomena that occur in the bearing except for very heavy load cases. In particular, this new model is compatible with the Jakobsson–Floberg–Olsson condition. Therefore, the new model has an explicit physical meaning, can produce good results, can identify whether vaporous cavitation occurs, and more importantly, can provide a novel means of developing cavitation models for low-vapor-pressure lubricants.
Keeping Baby Safe
Authors: Mueller Kristen L.
Published: June 2012

Turning off the expression in the placenta of T cell attractants allows the mother to tolerate the fetus.
Vancomycin Tolerance in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus: Influence of Vancomycin, Daptomycin, and Telavancin on Differential Resistance Gene Expression
Authors: Rose Warren E. , Fallon Michael , Moran John J. M. , Vanderloo Joshua P.
Published: June 2012

Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) isolates that are susceptible to vancomycin but are tolerant to its killing effect may present a potential challenge for effective treatment. This study compared the microbiologic characteristics of clinical vancomycin-tolerant (VT-MRSA) and vancomycin-susceptible (VS-MRSA) strains using phenotypic and gene regulation studies. MRSA isolates collected from vancomycin-treated patients with bacteremia over a 5-year period were analyzed for vancomycin, daptomycin, and telavancin susceptibility, as well as accessory gene regulator (
agr
) group and function. Vancomycin tolerance was defined by a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC)/minimum inhibitor concentration (MIC) ratio of ≥32 mg/liter. VT-MRSA isolates were compared to VS-MRSA isolates for differences in antimicrobial susceptibility, time-kill activity, and gene expression of key cell envelope response genes
vraSR
,
dltA
, and
mprF
. All 115 isolates evaluated were susceptible to vancomycin, daptomycin, and telavancin. Seven isolates (6%) were VT-MRSA.
agr
group II was more prevalent in isolates with vancomycin MBC/MIC ratios of ≥8. In time-kill analyses, VT-MRSA had reduced vancomycin killing, but daptomycin and telavancin activities were maintained. Significantly greater gene expression was observed in VT-MRSA after 72 h of subinhibitory antibiotic exposures. Vancomycin most notably increased
vraSR
expression (
P
= 0.002 versus VS-MRSA strains). Daptomycin and telavancin increased expression of all genes studied, most significantly
mprF
expression (
P
< 0.001). Longer durations of antibiotic exposure (72 h versus 24 h) resulted in substantial increases in gene expression in VT-MRSA. Although the clinical impact of VT-MRSA is not fully recognized, these data suggest that VT-MRSA strains, while still susceptible, have altered gene regulation to adapt to the antimicrobial effects of glyco- and lipopeptides that may emerge during prolonged durations of exposure.
Campylobacter jejuni-Mediated Induction of CC and CXC Chemokines and Chemokine Receptors in Human Dendritic Cells
Authors: Hu Lan , Bray Mechelle D. , Geng Yansheng , Kopecko Dennis J.
Published: June 2012

Campylobacter jejuni
is a leading worldwide bacterial cause of human diarrheal disease. Although the specific molecular mechanisms of
C. jejuni
pathogenesis have not been characterized in detail, host inflammatory responses are thought to be major contributing factors to the resulting typical acute colitis. The intestinal mucosal chemokine response is particularly important in the initial stages of bacterium-induced gut inflammation. Chemokines attract blood phagocytes and lymphocytes to the site of infection and regulate immune cell maturation and the development of localized lymphoid tissues. The production of chemokines by dendritic cells (DCs) following
Campylobacter
infection has not yet been analyzed. In the current study, we infected human monocyte-derived DCs with
C. jejuni
to examine the production of key proinflammatory chemokines and chemokine receptors. The chemokines, including CC families (macrophage inflammatory protein 1α [MIP-1α], MIP-1β, RANTES) and CXC families (growth-related oncogene α [GRO-α], IP-10, and monokine induced by gamma interferon [MIG]), were upregulated in
Campylobacter
-infected DCs. Chemokine receptors CCR6 and CCR7, with roles in DC trafficking, were also induced in
Campylobacter
-infected DCs. Further,
Campylobacter
infection stimulated the phosphorylation of P38, P44/42, and stress-activated protein kinase/Jun N-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK) mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in DCs. NF-κB activation was specifically involved in chemokine induction in DCs infected with
C. jejuni
. Additionally, STAT3 was significantly increased in
Campylobacter
-infected DCs compared to that in uninfected DCs. These results suggest that DCs play a significant role in the initiation and modulation of the inflammatory response by enlisting monocytes, neutrophils, and T lymphocytes during human intestinal infection with
Campylobacter
.
Cardiac tamponade as an initial manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Carrion Diego M , Carrion Andres F
Published: June 2012

Clinical manifestations of pericardial disease may precede other signs and symptoms associated with systemic lupus erythematosus. Although pericardial effusion is one of the most common cardiac problems in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, haemodynamically significant effusions manifesting as cardiac tamponade are rare and require prompt diagnosis and treatment.
ASTD TechKnowledge 2012
Authors: Bozarth Jane
Published: June 2012

eLearn Magazine's Editor in Chief, Jane Bozarth, provides a thorough overview of the American Society of Training and Development's Tech Knowledge (TK) 2012 conference, held in Las Vegas, Nevada. Keep reading for some key highlights.
A Place to Call Our Own
Authors: Miller Allison
Published: June 2012

The need to stay up-to-date is becoming ever more important. Sole reliance on traditional forms of education and training, which are orchestrated by others, means a lot of informal learning and practical experience goes unnoticed and unrewarded. To overcome this more and more people are using eportfolios as personal, online learning spaces to capture experiences and earn recognition or credit toward a qualification; gain employment, a promotion or industry accreditation; or simply achieve their personal/professional learning goals.
Rapid eLearning: Building a House Without an Architect
Authors: Boulet Guy
Published: June 2012

According to some, rapid eLearning solutions would allow subject matter experts to create eLearning without the intervention of learning professionals. Of course, this way of doing things may save time and money by reducing the number of steps required to design and develop eLearning, but are the end results worth those savings? Rapid eLearning tools have their place in the eLearning toolset, but it takes more that just mastering a software tool to build learning events: It takes good instructional design. And this does not come boxed with the tool.
Connecting Mobile Learning To The Cloud
Authors: Branon Rovy F. , Wolfenstein Moses , Raasch Chris
Published: June 2012

Amazon's SimpleDB provides a low-cost, scalable solution for applications requiring robust, potentially processor-intensive database tasks. This article describes lessons learned by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Extension's Academic Advanced Distributed Learning Co-Laboratory (AADLC) while using Amazon SimpleDB as a cloud storage solution to support a new mobile learning application.
Power to the Learners
Authors: Hipple Christine , Mattingly Karen
Published: June 2012

The ISD graduate program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County is well established in educating training and development professionals. Six graduate students who recently experienced an informal learning course reflect on their transformational learning experience: tweeting, blogging, reading, sharing, and growing personal learning networks. Here's their story, along with a number of tips and tricks for using various Web-based tools to help to discover, create, organize, and share.
Learning in the Semantic Web
Authors: Tozman Reuben
Published: June 2012

As our use of technology becomes more social, the amount of information shared and distributed has exploded. Understanding how to organize and manage our online experience will be the work of computers not humans. This is the idea behind the semantic Web. In his latest article for eLearn Magazine, Reuben Tozman explores learning in the dawning age of the semantic Web.
Lights, Camera, Learn!: Five tips for using video in eLearning
Authors: Phillips Veronica
Published: June 2012

Video is steadily gaining popularity as a valuable design tool for visually demonstrating soft skills in eLearning courses. But people tend to shy away from them because of misconceptions of high productions costs or the draw on resources. This article provides five tips on when to use video, how to maximize its effectiveness, and how to keep costs reasonable. The article focuses more specifically on using video for behavioral modeling of soft skills, keeping video length short and sweet, generating interactivity with video, considerations for resources and budget, and notes on self-production.
Complexity Theory for Operators in Analysis
Authors: Kawamura Akitoshi , Cook Stephen
Published: June 2012

We propose an extension of the framework for discussing the computational complexity of problems involving uncountably many objects, such as real numbers, sets and functions, that can be represented only through approximation. The key idea is to use a certain class of string functions as names representing these objects. These are more expressive than infinite sequences, which served as names in prior work that formulated complexity in more restricted settings. An advantage of using string functions is that we can define their size in a way inspired by higher-type complexity theory. This enables us to talk about computation on string functions whose time or space is bounded polynomially in the input size, giving rise to more general analogues of the classes P, NP, and PSPACE. We also define NP- and PSPACE-completeness under suitable many-one reductions.

Because our framework separates machine computation and semantics, it can be applied to problems on sets of interest in analysis once we specify a suitable representation (encoding). As prototype applications, we consider the complexity of functions (operators) on real numbers, real sets, and real functions. For example, the task of numerical algorithms for solving a certain class of differential equations is naturally viewed as an operator taking real functions to real functions. As there was no complexity theory for operators, previous results only stated how complex the solution can be. We now reformulate them and show that the operator itself is polynomial-space complete.
Collusion-Resistant Mechanisms with Verification Yielding Optimal Solutions
Authors: Penna Paolo , Ventre Carmine
Published: June 2012

A
truthful mechanism
consists of an algorithm augmented with a suitable payment function that guarantees that the players cannot improve their utilities by cheating. Mechanism design approaches are particularly appealing for designing protocols that cannot be manipulated by rational players.

We present new constructions of so-called mechanisms with verification introduced by Nisan and Ronen [2001]. We first show how to obtain mechanisms that, for single-parameter domains, are resistant to coalitions of colluding agents even if they can exchange compensations. Based on this result we derive a class of exact truthful mechanisms with verification for arbitrary bounded domains. This class of problems includes most of the problems studied in the algorithmic mechanism design literature and for which exact solutions cannot be obtained with truthful mechanisms without verification. This result is an improvement over all known previous constructions of exact mechanisms with verification.
An Inside Look at ASTD's 2012 International Conference and Exposition
Authors: Kelly David
Published: June 2012

In this article, David Kelly shares some of the lessons learned at the ASTD's 2012 International Conference and Exposition and discusses what makes the conference unique and valuable for attendees.
Ustekinumab in Psoriasis Immunopathology with Emphasis on the Th17-IL23 Axis: A Primer
Authors: Quatresooz Pascale , Hermanns-Lê Trinh , Piérard Gérald E. , Humbert Philippe , Delvenne Philippe , Piérard-Franchimont Claudine
Published: June 2012

Psoriasis is a chronic relapsing immunoinflammatory dermatosis that is commonly associated with systemic comorbidities. The pathogenic importance of interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-23 is beyond doubt, as well as the involvement of T helper cells (Th)1 and Th17 cells. There is upregulation of the p40 subunit shared by IL-12 and IL-23 and of the IL-23 p19 subunit, but not an increased expression of the IL-12 p35 subunit. This indicates that IL-23 appears more involved than IL-12 in the pathogenesis of psoriatic plaques. Ustekinumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody of the immunoglobulin (Ig) G1 class targeting the p40 subunit common to both IL-12 and IL-23, thus inhibiting both IL-12 and IL-23 receptor-mediated signalling. Ustekinumab is part of the recent biologic therapies active in psoriasis, autoimmune arthritides, and inflammatory bowel diseases.
Single-Port Laparoscopic Surgery in Children: Concept and Controversies of the New Technique
Authors: Blanco Felix C. , Kane Timothy D.
Published: June 2012

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) is emerging as an alternative technique to conventional laparoscopy for the treatment of common surgical diseases. Despite its wide use, the adoption of SILS in children has been slower since the broad application of minimally invasive techniques in children, in general, has historically lagged behind those in adults. This paper reviews the evolution of SILS from its original conception and its application in the field of pediatric surgery.
Role of Exogenous Nitric Oxide Donor in Treatment of Decompensated Hemorrhagic Shock in Normotensive and Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Khazaei Majid , Barmaki Babak
Published: June 2012

Introduction. In this study, we investigated the role of exogenous NO donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP), on hemodynamic responses and survival rate during decompensated hemorrhagic shock in normotensive and hypertensive rat.Methods. Male wistar rats were divided into normotensive and hypertensive groups (n=12each). Then, the animals were subjected to decompensated hemorrhagic shock by withdrawing blood until the mean arterial pressure (MAP) reached to 40 mmHg. After the shock period, the animals were randomly assigned to SNP-treated (0.5 mg/kg) and control groups (n=6each). MAP and heart rate (HR) were monitored throughout the experiment and 60 min after the administration of drug. Serum NO concentrations were measured. The survival rate was counted during next 72 h.Results. Infusion of SNP caused no significant changes in MAP and HR in normotensive and hypertensive animals. Hemorrhagic shock increased serum NO concentration and SNP administration reduced serum NO concentration in either normotensive or hypertensive groups. Survival counts during 72 h after experiment did not improve by SNP administration, and there were no significant differences between normotensive and hypertensive groups.Conclusion. SNP administration cannot improve hemodynamic responses and survival count during decompensated hemorrhagic shock in normotensive and hypertensive animals.
Chest Pain and Costochondritis Associated with Vitamin D Deficiency: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Oh Robert C. , Johnson Jeremy D.
Published: June 2012

Vitamin D is integral for bone health, and severe deficiency can cause rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Although osteomalacia can cause severe generalized bone pain, there are only a few case reports of chest pain associated with vitamin D deficiency. We describe 2 patients with chest pain that were initially worked up for cardiac etiologies but were eventually diagnosed with costochondritis and vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency is known to cause hypertrophic costochondral junctions in children (“rachitic rosaries”) and sternal pain with adults diagnosed with osteomalacia. We propose that vitamin D deficiency may be related to the chest pain associated with costochondritis. In patients diagnosed with costochondritis, physicians should consider testing and treating for vitamin D deficiency.
Embryonal Sarcoma of the Liver in an Adult Patient
Authors: Lightfoot Nicole , Nikfarjam Mehrdad
Published: June 2012

Undifferentiated embryonal sarcomas (UESs) are uncommon tumours that are seen predominantly in late childhood. Cases in adults are rare and generally present once a large mass develops and may be mistaken for other tumours. A case of an UES of the liver with an isolated peritoneal metastasis is described. The patient presented with a palpable mass with imaging findings suggestive of a cystic tumour. She had complete surgical resection of the liver mass and isolated peritoneal metastasis. She was tumour-free on imaging at 6 months without adjuvant chemotherapy. An UES should be considered in the differential of large cystic hepatic lesions, with aggressive surgical resection considered when possible.
Epidemiology of the Diseases of Wheat under Different Strategies of Supplementary Irrigation
Authors: Marano Roberto P. , Maumary Roxana L. , Fernandez Laura N. , Rista Luis M.
Published: June 2012

Wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) is one of the most important and highly productive crops grown under supplementary irrigation in the central region of Santa Fe. However, its production is limited by the presence of diseases in the main stages for yield definition. The objective of this work was to assess wheat health in response to different supplementary irrigation strategies under greenhouse and field conditions. The field experiment included three treatments: dry (D), controlled deficit irrigation (CDI), and total irrigation (TI) using the central pivot method. Disease incidence from stem elongation and severity in flag leaf and the leaf below the flag leaf were measured. Leaf area index (LAI), harvest index, air biomass, and yield components were determined. In greenhouse the treatments were TI and CDI, with evaluations similar to the field. The major leaf diseases observed were tan spot, leaf rust, and septoria leaf blotch. Significant differences in disease burden, LAI and yield components were observed in the different treatments. Under greenhouse conditions, only tan spot was observed. The results of this study indicated that the application of supplemental irrigation in wheat improved the yield, without increasing the incidence and severity of foliar diseases.
Development of Animal Model for Studying Deep Second-Degree Thermal Burns
Authors: Tavares Pereira Danielle dos Santos , Lima-Ribeiro Maria Helena Madruga , de Pontes-Filho Nicodemos Teles , Carneiro-Leão Ana Maria dos Anjos , Correia Maria Tereza dos Santos
Published: June 2012

Thermal lesions were produced in 12 male Wistar rats, positioning a massive aluminum bar 10 mm in diameter (51 g), preheated to 99°C ± 2°C/10 min. on the back of each animal for 15 sec. After 7, 14, 21, and 28 days, animals were euthanized. The edema intensity was mild, with no bubble and formation of a thick and dry crust from the 3rd day. The percentage of tissue shrinkage at 28 days was 66.67 ± 1.66%. There was no sign of infection, bleeding, or secretion. Within 28 days reepithelialization was incomplete, with fibroblastic proliferation and moderate fibrosis and presence of modeled dense collagen fibers. It is concluded that the model established is applicable in obtaining deep second-degree thermal burns in order to evaluate the healing action of therapeutic agents of topical use.
A Closer Look at Laryngeal Nerves during Thyroid Surgery: A Descriptive Study of 584 Nerves
Authors: Pradeep P. V. , Jayashree B. , Harshita Skandha S.
Published: June 2012

Morbidity after thyroidectomy is related to injuries to the parathyroids, recurrent laryngeal (RLN) and external branch of superior laryngeal nerves (EBSLN). Mostly these are due to variations in the surgical anatomy. In this study we analyse the surgical anatomy of the laryngeal nerves in Indian patients undergoing thyroidectomy.Materials and Methods. Retrospective study (February 2008 to February 2010). Patients undergoing surgery for benign goitres, T1, T2 thyroid cancers without lymph node involvement were included. Data on EBSLN types, RLN course and its relation to the TZ & LOB were recorded.Results. 404 thyroid surgeries (180 total & 224 hemithyroidectomy) were performed. Data related to 584 EBSLN and RLN were included (324 right sided & 260 left sided). EBSLN patterns were Type 1 in 71.4%, Type IIA in 12.3%, and Type IIB in 7.36%. The nerve was not seen in 4.3% cases. RLN had one branch in 69.34%, two branches in 29.11% and three branches in 1.36%. 25% of the RLN was superficial to the inferior thyroid artery, 65% deep to it and 8.2% between the branches. TZ was Grade 1 in 65.2%, Grade II in 25.1% and Grade III in 9.5%. 31.16% of the RLN passes through the LOB.Conclusions. A thorough knowledge of the laryngeal nerves and anatomical variations is necessary for safe thyroid surgery.
Primary Hyperparathyroidism in Older People: Surgical Treatment with Minimally Invasive Approaches and Outcome
Authors: Dobrinja Chiara , Silvestri Marta , de Manzini Nicolò
Published: June 2012

Introduction. Elderly patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) are often not referred to surgery because of their associated comorbidities that may increase surgical risk. The aim of the study was to review indications and results of minimally invasive approach parathyroidectomy in elderly patients to evaluate its impact on outcome.Materials and Methods. All patients of 70 years of age or older undergoing minimally approach parathyroidectomy at our Department from May 2005 to May 2011 were reviewed. Data collected included patients demographic information, biochemical pathology, time elapsed from pHPT diagnosis to surgical intervention, operative findings, complications, and results of postoperative biochemical studies.Results and Discussion. 37 patients were analysed. The average length of stay was 2.8 days. 11 patients were discharged within 24 hours after their operation. Morbidity included 6 transient symptomatic postoperative hypocalcemias while one patient developed a transient laryngeal nerve palsy. Time elapsed from pHPT diagnosis to first surgical visit evidences that the elderly patients were referred after their disease had progressed.Conclusions. Our data show that minimally invasive approach to parathyroid surgery seems to be safe and curative also in elderly patients with few associated risks because of combination of modern preoperative imaging, advances in surgical technique, and advances in anesthesia care.
Logarithmically Improved Blow up Criterion for Smooths Solution to the 3D Micropolar Fluid Equations
Authors: Wang Yin-Xia , Zhao Hengjun
Published: June 2012

Blow‐up criteria of smooth solutions for the 3D micropolar fluid equations are investigated. Logarithmically improved blow‐up criteria are established in the Morrey‐Campanto space.
A Rogalski‐Cornet Type Inclusion Theorem Based on Two Hausdorff Locally Convex Vector Spaces
Authors: Liu Yingfan , Wang Youguo
Published: June 2012

A Rogalski‐Cornet type inclusion theorem based on two
Hausdorff locally convex vector spaces is proved and composed of two parts. An example
is presented to show that the associated set‐valued map in the first part does not need any
conventional continuity conditions including upper hemicontinuous. As an application,
solvability results regarding an abstract von Neumann inclusion system are obtained.
Desmoid Tumor of the Anterior Abdominal Wall in Female Patients: Comparison with Endometriosis
Authors: Krentel H. , Tchartchian G. , De Wilde R. L.
Published: June 2012

In female patients presenting a tumor of the lower abdominal wall especially after cesarian section, an endometriotic tumor as well as an aggressive desmoid tumor should be considered. Symptoms in correlation with the monthly period can facilitate the presurgical differentiation between endometriosis and fibromatosis. Ultrasound reveals the typical location of both tumors and its remarkable sonographic appearance. In the clinical practice, the desmoid fibromatosis of the lower abdominal wall is a very rare disease. We present a case of a 25-year-old pregnant and discuss diagnostic and therapeutic options by a PubMed literature review. With the knowledge of the prognosis of the desmoid fibromatosis and the respective treatment options including wait and see, complete surgical resection with macroscopically free margins and adjuvant approaches is essential to avoid further interventions and progression of the locally destructive tumor.
Serum CA19-9 Level Associated with Metabolic Control and Pancreatic Beta Cell Function in Diabetic Patients
Authors: Yu Haoyong , Li Ruixia , Zhang Lei , Chen Haibing , Bao Yuqian , Jia Weiping
Published: June 2012

CA19-9 is a tumor-associated antigen. It is also a marker of pancreatic tissue damage that might be caused by diabetes. Long-term poor glycemic control may lead to pancreatic beta cell dysfunction which is reflected by elevated serum CA19-9 level. Intracellular cholesterol accumulation leads to islet dysfunction and impaired insulin secretion which provide a new lipotoxic model. This study firstly found total cholesterol was one of the independent contributors to CA19-9. Elevated serum CA19-9 level in diabetic patients may indicate further investigations of glycemic control, pancreatic beta cell function, and total cholesterol level.
Influence of Secondary Currents on Solute Dispersion in Curved Open Channels
Authors: Lee Myung Eun , Kim Gunwoo
Published: June 2012

The dispersion coefficient tensor including off‐diagonal components was introduced in the flow with secondary currents, which is called skewed shear flow dispersion (SSFD) coefficient tensor, in this paper. To observe the detailed effect of cross‐dispersion terms in SSFD model on solute dispersion, mathematical analysis of eigenvalue problem with respect to the equation with SSFD coefficient tensor was performed. The analysis results show the several differences of SSFD model compared to CSFD (conventional shear flow dispersion) model: the oblique direction of principal dispersion with respect to the streamline, the increase of peak concentration, and the change in the eccentricity of elliptical tracer cloud. SSFD coefficient tensor in a streamwise curvilinear coordinate system of curved channel was transformed to those components of fixed Cartesian coordinate system, and 2D numerical model with finite element method was established in the Eulerian‐Cartesian coordinate. Through this process, the transformation equation using the depth‐averaged velocity field was derived. Several numerical tests were performed to assure the results obtained in the mathematical analysis and to show the applicability of the derived transformation equation on the flow with continuously changing flow direction.
Magnetic Properties of FePt Nanoparticles Prepared by Sonoelectrodeposition
Authors: Hoang Nam Nguyen , Thi Thanh Van Nguyen , Dang Phu Nguyen , Thi Hong Tran , Hoang Hai Nguyen , Luong Nguyen Hoang
Published: June 2012

Sonoelectrodeposition is a useful technique to make metallic nanoparticles, using ultrasound during electrodeposition to remove nanoparticles as they grow on the cathode surface. This paper reports some structural and magnetic properties of FePt nanoparticles prepared by this method. The as‐prepared Fe45Pt55 nanoparticles were ferromagnetic at room temperature. Upon annealing at 700°C for 1 h under H2 atmosphere, the saturation magnetization and the coercivity of the nanoparticles were improved significantly. The annealed nanoparticles showed a high coercivity of 13.5 kOe at 2 K and of 9 kOe at room temperature. Sonoelectrodeposition is a promising technique to make large quantity of FePt nanoparticles.