bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacterial assemblages of the eastern Atlantic Ocean reveal both vertical and latitudinal biogeographic signatures
Authors: Friedline C. J. , Franklin R. B. , McCallister S. L. , Rivera M. C.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. Microbial communities are recognized as major drivers of the biogeochemical processes in the oceans. However, the genetic diversity and composition of those communities is poorly understood. The aim of this study is to investigate the composition of bacterial assemblages in three different water layer habitats: surface (2–20 m), deep chlorophyll maximum (DCM; 28–90 m), and deep (100–4600 m) at nine stations along the eastern Atlantic Ocean from 42.8° N to 23.7° S. The sampling of three discrete, predefined habitat types from different depths, Longhurstian provinces, and geographical locations allowed us to investigate whether marine bacterial assemblages show spatial variation and to determine if the observed spatial variation is influenced by current environmental conditions, historical/geographical contingencies, or both. The PCR amplicons of the V6 region of the 16S rRNA from 16 microbial assemblages were pyrosequenced, generating a total of 352 029 sequences; after quality filtering and processing, 257 260 sequences were clustered into 2871 normalized operational taxonomic units (OTU) using a definition of 97% sequence identity. Community ecology statistical analyses demonstrate that the eastern Atlantic Ocean bacterial assemblages are vertically stratified and associated with water layers characterized by unique environmental signals (e.g., temperature, salinity, and nutrients). Genetic compositions of bacterial assemblages from the same water layer are more similar to each other than to assemblages from different water layers. The observed clustering of samples by water layer allows us to conclude that contemporary environments are influencing the observed biogeographic patterns. Moreover, the implementation of a novel Bayesian inference approach that allows a more efficient and explicit use of all the OTU abundance data shows a distance effect suggesting the influence of historical contingencies on the composition of bacterial assemblages. Surface bacterial communities displayed a general congruency with the ecological provinces as defined by Longhurst with modest exceptions usually associated with unique hydrographic and biogeochemical features. Collectively, our findings suggest that vertical (habitat) and latitudinal (distance) biogeographic signatures are present and that both environmental parameters and ecological provinces drive the composition of bacterial assemblages in the eastern Atlantic Ocean.
Using open sidewalls for modelling self-consistent lithosphere subduction dynamics
Authors: Chertova M. , Geenen T. , van den Berg A. , Spakman W.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. Subduction modelling in regional model domains, in 2-D or 3-D, is commonly done using closed, vertical boundaries. In this paper we investigate the merits of using open boundaries for 2-D modelling of lithosphere subduction but with implication for 3-D modelling. Open sidewalls allow for lateral in- and outflow consistent with the internal dynamics of the model and may simulate the real-mantle environment of subduction much better than closed boundaries, which induce return flows. Our experiments are focused on using open and closed (free-slip) sidewalls while comparing results for two model aspect ratios of 3:1 and 6:1. Slab buoyancy driven subduction with open boundaries immediately develops into strong rollback with high trench retreat velocities. Mantle asthenosphere flow forced by rollback is predominantly laminar and facilitated by the open boundaries. In contrast, free-slip sidewalls proof restrictive on subduction rollback evolution unless the lithosphere plates are allowed to move away from the sidewalls. This, however, initiates return flows pushing both plates toward the subduction zone speeding up subduction. Increasing the aspect ratio to 6:1 does not change the overall flow pattern when using open sidewalls. Again, in contrast, for free-slip boundaries, the slab evolution does change with respect to the 3:1 aspect ratio and does not resemble the 6:1 evolution obtained with open boundaries. We notice a general drop in the amplitude of mantle flow when changing to the 6:1 aspect ratio, which is caused by the increasing shear friction between mantle and lithosphere while the driving slab buoyancy is the same. Based on energy-dissipation arguments we applied a flow speed scaling to convert between flow fields of different model aspect ratios. This proved succesful for the open boundary model. We have also investigated the effect of far-field stress conditions in our open boundary models. Applying realistic normal stress conditions to the strong part of the overriding plate we show that "intra-plate" stresses control subduction dynamics resulting in slab roll-back, stationary or advancing subduction. We conclude that open boundaries are to be preferred for modelling subduction evolution (rollback, stationary or advancing). The relative independence of model aspect ratio avoids the need to place sidewalls at large distance and allows to focus all computational resources on a smaller modelling domain. Open boundaries simulate the natural subduction environment better and avoid the adverse effects (e.g. forced return flows) of free-slip boundaries.
Presentación Vol.6 2010
Authors: Suazo Martha Lorena
Published: June 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/pdac.v6i0.461
Las dos memorias: latinoamérica después de doscientos años
Authors: López Augusto Serrano
Published: June 2012

Si recorremos los espacios históricos, podemos corroborar la existencia de dos tipos de memoria que han determinado el devenir de los pueblos americanos, el de España y el del resto del mundo: Hay una memoria viva irreversible como sedimento y solera de lo que ha sucedido entre Latinoamérica y Europa que la otra memoria que se despliega reversiblemente ha de traernos para que la conozcamos. Podremos comprender los movimientos independentistas de inicios del Siglo XIX, si logramos distinguir entre los mitos acerca de la independencia de los países de América Latina y las realidades históricas y si somos capaces de distinguir entre las esperanzas de entonces y las realidades de hoy, también las nuestras. Este proceso de comprensión nos incluye también a nosotros, españoles y europeos. Palabras clave: memoria e independencia.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/pdac.v6i0.462Revista Población y Desarrollo: Argonautas y Caminantes, Vol. 6, No. 6, 2010
Descalzos, sin pan y en petate: preguntas especiales en el censo de población de Honduras de 1950
Authors: Fonseca Manuel Antonio Flores
Published: June 2012

La mitad del siglo pasado marca el inicio de una nueva perspectiva nacional, recién se salía de una larga dictadura y cualquier iniciativa gubernamental sería vista como un adelanto, aparte de que las condiciones del país denotaban un atraso al compararlo con otros países. La creación y reorganización de instituciones estatales vislumbra el nacimiento del estado moderno, entre estas la Dirección General de Censos y Estadísticas que lleva cabo un censo de población, sumándose a una iniciativa regional. El título sugestivo de este ensayo es la descripción sencilla de las cifras del Censo General de Población de Honduras de 1950 de tres preguntas que se consideran especiales,el uso del calzado, el consumo de pan de trigo y la clase de adminículo utilizado para dormir. Los resultados censales muestran que la población hondureña en su mayoría no usaba calzado, tenía un bajo consumo de pan de trigo, aunque este alimento no ha sido tradicional en la dieta de la población y por otro lado la masiva utilización del tradicional “petate”. Los datos describen las condiciones de vida de la población en aspectos tan sensibles de la vida humana como el andar, la alimentación y el descanso. Palabras claves: trigo; petate; calzado.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/pdac.v6i0.463 Revista Población y Desarrollo: Argonautas y Caminantes, Vol. 6, No. 6, 2010 14-25
El modelo de descentralización de los servicios de salud en el municipio de Langue, departamento de Valle como proyecto piloto
Authors: Cruz Janine Gallardo
Published: June 2012

El modelo de gestión descentralizado de salud, implementado en el municipio de Langue, por convenio establecido entre la Secretaria de Salud y la Mancomunidad de Municipios Fronterizos ¨MAFRON¨. Es una oportunidad insuperable de mejorar la calidad de vida y la situación de salud de cada una de las comunidades beneficiadas de dicho municipio, haciendo énfasis en la atención integral materno infantil, promoviendo con ello el parto institucional; y teniendo como objetivo primordial la reducción acelerada de las muertes maternas e infantiles por causas prevenibles y que tienen mayor impacto en las poblaciones postergadas de difícil acceso a los servicios de atención primaria en salud. El modelo permite además, en forma inmediata resolver problemas de abastecimiento de medicamentos, logística e insumos, así como la falta de recurso humano en las diferentes unidades de salud que integran la red de servicios en el municipio. A la vez este modelo permite a la comunidad participar en forma activa y social del desempeño de los empleados y el uso de los recursos económicos producidos en la unidad de salud, así como una mayor organización para contribuir en la gestión y administración de los servicios y en la conservación de la salud mediante la práctica de hábitos y estilo de vida apropiado para los pobladores del municipio. Palabras clave: modelo; descentralización; mancomunidad. Revista Población y Desarrollo: Argonautas y Caminantes, Vol. 6, No. 6, 2010 40-51
Credit-Based Congestion Pricing: Expert Expectations and Guidelines for Application
Authors: Gulipalli Pradeep K. , Kalmanje Sukumar , Kockelman Kara
Published: June 2012

Congestion pricing (CP) ensures that travelers recognize the true travel-time costs of their trip- making by accounting for the cost of delays imposed on fellow road users. Credit-based congestion pricing (CBCP) is a novel strategy which seeks to overcome the negative equity impacts of CP by allocating monthly budgets to eligible travelers to spend on congestion tolls. Previous works on CBCP have surveyed public opinion and examined the traffic and travel-welfare impacts of an Austin, Texas, application. This paper develops the CBCP policy further, examining expert opinions and system cost prediction. Transport economists, toll technology experts, administrators, policymakers, and commercial interests were surveyed for feedback on credit distribution, revenue uses, public reaction, appropriate technology and configuration, enforcement issues, and system-wide economic, land use, and business impacts. The results of this work are detailed recommendations for CBCP implementation, including estimates of administrative and technology costs for implementation of a CBCP policy in the Austin region.
The Productivity of Australia's Railways in the 20th Century
Authors: Wills-Johnson Nick
Published: June 2012

This paper utilizes a unique, century-long dataset for the Australian railways to examine the productivity of Australia's railways over the course of the 20th Century. The long timeframe allows one to trace out the paths of the many technical and policy innovations the industry has experienced. The aim of this analysis is to assist in framing a focus for future rail policy to ensure railways maintain a central role in the sustainable future of Australian land transport.
Spatial Mapping of Traffic Noise Levels in Urban Areas
Authors: Obaidat Mohammed Taleb
Published: June 2012

This paper combines field data with an analytical approach to spatially map noise levels due to traffic movements at relatively high traffic volume signalized intersections utilizing the potential of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Noise data were collected using a discrete mapping technique at 29 signalized intersections, as well as between intersections, and at their respective neighborhood areas in Amman, capital of Jordan. Data were collected in three different highly congested traffic peak periods: 7:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m., and 9:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. A portable precision sound level meter capable of measuring noise levels from 34 to 134 decibels (dB) was used during the data collection process. The highest recorded noise level at some signals was 80 dB, while the lowest was 34 dB. In fact, some signalized intersections showed higher noise levels than the acceptable or the standard ones, i.e., 65 dB for daytime and 55 dB for nighttime in residential areas at city center. Two-dimensional (2D) vector and raster maps of noise levels, at different time periods for signals' areas and neighborhoods, were spatially displayed. Results showed that the developed GIS maps could be useful for city planning and other environmental management applications for the purpose of: 1) temporal monitoring and queries of noise level changes as a function of time, 2) spatial queries to find the highest noise disturbance location and its time of the day, 3) development of an online noise information system, 4) using noise level based spatial maps as indicators of variation in land prices, and 5) forecasting and current assessment of the acoustic climate of urban areas.
Developing Transit Station Design Criteria with a Focus on Intermodal Connectivity
Authors: Mbatta Geophrey , Sando Thobias , Moses Ren
Published: June 2012

The safe and efficient movement of passengers to and from the high-capacity transit system to other modes of transportation is of paramount importance to transportation officials. Transit stations are the primary interfaces for passengers with the transit system. This paper presents a procedure which could be used to develop station design criteria and guidelines with a focus on intermodal connectivity. The proposed procedure may be used for developing station design criteria and guidelines for high-capacity transit systems including rail project and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). A successful implementation of the transit projects will result in higher ridership rates and hence reduce dependency on automobile driving along Florida highways.
Derivation of Crop Residue Feedstock Supply Curves Using Geographic Information Systems
Authors: Khachatryan Hayk , Jessup Eric L. , Casavant Ken
Published: June 2012

This paper reports on the availability, collection and transportation costs of agricultural crop residue for cellulosic ethanol processing in the state of Washington using Geographic Information Systems. The GIS Network Analyst extension toolset is employed to map and spatially analyze the crop residue available within given distances/haul zones for 12 eastern counties. Using census feature classification codes, driving speed limits were assigned to all road segments to calculate haul times to a specific biorefinery location. The feedstock farm gate cost, transportation costs, resource availability and geographic distribution were incorporated to derive feedstock supply curves. To better understand how variation in transportation costs affects the feedstock delivered costs, a sensitivity analysis is conducted incorporating a range of diesel prices.
Market Structure Conduct Performance Hypothesis Revisited Using Stochastic Frontier Efficiency Analysis
Authors: Shaik Saleem , Allen Albert J. , Edwards Seanicaa , Harris James
Published: June 2012

Stochastic frontier analysis, which is used to estimate technical efficiency, is extended to examine the market structure, conduct and performance hypothesis for the U.S. trucking industry. The technical efficiency measure takes into account not only the relationship between inputs used in the production of output, but it also examines the importance of market structure conduct factors to the performance of the firm. An empirical application to U.S. trucking carriers over the period 1994-2003 is examined. Results reveal that average haul, average load, debt-to-equity and market concentration significantly affected technical efficiency. Capital, fixed and variable input variables were significant in the production function equation.
Automated Transfer Management Systems and the Intermodal Performance of North American Freight Distribution
Authors: Zumerchik John , Rodrigue Jean-Paul , Lanigan, Sr. Jack
Published: June 2012

For capacity, energy and environmental reasons, intermodal transportation is widely regarded as the preferable option for inland freight distribution. But because of the relatively high embedded costs, intermodal rail is currently only an attractive option for containerized goods carried over long distances. Transfers that in theory should entail only a few operations at a terminal in reality require multiple operations. This paper argues that by incorporating new terminal designs and an automated transfer management system (ATMS) at terminals and distribution centers, the resulting efficiency advances and productivity gains could significantly improve the economics for both long and short haul intermodal movements, including port shuttle trains. This system not only could significantly lower fixed costs and make intermodal more price competitive, but improve time and reliability to make intermodal more service competitive as well.
Coping Styles in Patients with Anxiety and Depression
Authors: Kasi Pashtoon Murtaza , Naqvi Haider Ali , Afghan Abaseen Khan , Khawar Talha , Khan Farooq Hasan , Khan Umber Zaheer , Khuwaja Urooj Bakht , Kiani Jawad , Khan Hadi Mohammad
Published: June 2012

Different individuals use different coping styles to cope with their problems. In patients with anxiety and/or depression, these have important implications. The primary objective of our study was to estimate the frequency of different coping mechanisms used by patients with symptoms of anxiety and depression. A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted and patients with symptoms of anxiety and depression were identified using the Aga Khan University’s Anxiety and Depression Scale (AKUADS). Coping styles were determined by using the 28-item Brief COPE inventory. We were able to recruit 162 people. The prevalence of anxiety and depression was found to be 34%. Females were more than 2 times likely to have anxiety and depression (P value , ). In patients screening positive for AKUADS, “religion” was the most common coping mechanism identified. “Acceptance”, “Use of instrumental support”, and “Active coping” were other commonly used coping styles. Our findings suggest that religious coping is a common behavior in patients presenting with symptoms anxiety and depression in Pakistan. Knowledge of these coping styles is important in the care of such patients, as these coping methods can be identified and to some extent modified by the treating clinician/psychiatrist.
The Missing Link between Juvenile Delinquency and Pediatric Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: An Attachment Theory Lens
Authors: Amatya Pooja L. , Barzman Drew H.
Published: June 2012

The present paper reviews pediatric posttraumatic stress disorder, emphasizing the relational basis of the disorder and highlighting the missing link between juvenile delinquency and trauma. The first part of the paper defines trauma and the diagnostic criteria for PTSD, noting child-specific features. The second part reviews the literature emphasizing the relational and attachment relevant nature of trauma. The third part explores psychological mechanisms for how attachment relations could affect trauma responses. Attachment relations (1) shape core schemas of the world, others, and the self and (2) foster emotional engagement or disengagement, both of which have been associated with traumatic responses. The most empirically supported pediatric trauma treatment, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), acknowledges the attachment figure's influence and includes treating and training the parent and conjoint child-parent discussion. The next section reviews the noteworthy link between juvenile delinquency and trauma history. More awareness of trauma and PTSD in children and adolescents is recommended to effectively address juvenile delinquency. The review ends with a few helpful points for practicing pediatricians regarding childhood trauma.
PP13 and PAPP-A in the First and Second Trimesters: Predictive Factors for Preeclampsia?
Authors: Moslemi Zadeh Narges , Naghshvar Farshad , Peyvandi Sepideh , Gheshlaghi Parand , Ehetshami Sara
Published: June 2012

Background. Preeclampsia affects 5-6% of all pregnancies. Predictive factors of preeclampsia can be helpful in early diagnosis of this disease. In this study the predictive values of biochemical markers placenta protein 13 (PP13) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) have been assessed in early diagnosis of preeclampsia.
Methods. This case-control study was conducted on 1500 women who presented to a healthcare center of Sari, Iran, between 2010 and 2011. Blood samples were drawn in weeks 11–13 and 24–28 of pregnancy. Of them who developed preeclampsia were considered as case group. A control group consisted of similar women regarding mean age, body mass index (BMI), and pregnancy age. PAPP-A and PP13 serum levels were measured. Data were analyzed using proper statistical tests.
Results. PAPP-A and PP13 serum levels were significantly lower in both the first and second trimesters in women who developed preeclampsia (P<0.001). The cumulative value of all four variables with cut-off point of 238.5 has sensitivity, specificity of 91.0%, and undercurve surface of 0.968 which is the most diagnostic value for preeclampsia.
Conclusion. It is possible to advantage measuring of PAPP-A and PP13 in the first and second trimesters especially their cumulative values in both trimesters for prediction of the incidence of preeclampsia.
When Is the Complement of the Zero-Divisor Graph of a Commutative Ring Complemented?
Authors: Visweswaran S.
Published: June 2012

Let be a commutative ring with identity which has at least two nonzero zero-divisors. Suppose that the complement of the zero-divisor graph of has at least one edge. Under the above assumptions on , it is shown in this paper that the complement of the zero-divisor graph of is complemented if and only if is isomorphic to as rings. Moreover, if is not isomorphic to as rings, then, it is shown that in the complement of the zero-divisor graph of , either no vertex admits a complement or there are exactly two vertices which admit a complement.
Synthesis of Test Scenarios Using UML Sequence Diagrams
Authors: Nayak Ashalatha , Samanta Debasis
Published: June 2012

UML 2.0 sequence diagrams are used to synthesize test scenarios. A UML 2.0 sequence diagram usually consists of a large number of different types of fragments and possibly with nesting. As a consequence, arriving at a comprehensive system behavior in the presence of multiple, nested fragment is a complex and challenging task. So far the test scenario synthesis from sequence diagrams is concerned, the major problem is to extract an arbitrary flow of control. In this regard, an approach is presented here to facilitate a simple representation of flow of controls and its subsequent use in the test scenario synthesis. Also, the flow of controls is simplified on the basis of UML 2.0 control primitives and brought to a testable form known as intermediate testable model (ITM). The proposed approach leads to the systematic interpretation of control flows and helps to generate test scenarios satisfying a set of coverage criteria. Moreover, the ability to support UML 2.0 models leads to increased levels of automation than the existing approaches.
A Barotropic Model of the Red Sea Circulation
Authors: El-Shabrawy Mohamed M. , Fasseih Khaled M. , Zaki Mamdouh A.
Published: June 2012

A linear depth-averaged numerical model of the horizontal barotropic circulation of the Red Sea is developed. The flow considered is incompressible, quasi-steady and free from vertical buoyancy currents and horizontal density currents. The model predicts general water circulation as affected by friction stresses at the irregular Red Sea bottom and coastal features, variable Coriolis force, vertical, and lateral turbulent friction, and seasonal non-uniformity of wind stress at the sea surface. The implicit finite-difference solution of the boundary value problem is verified with previous solutions for a rectangular constant-depth sea and for an elliptical lake with uniformly-sloping bottom topography. The model output is shown as plots of seasonally-averaged mass-transport vectors and circulation streamlines in the Red Sea basin.
Gastric Ulceration in Diabetes Mellitus: Protective Role of Vitamin C
Authors: Owu Daniel U. , Obembe Agona O. , Nwokocha Chukwuemeka R. , Edoho Ime E. , Osim Eme E.
Published: June 2012

The effect of vitamin C administration on gastric acid secretion and ulcer in diabetic rats was studied. Vitamin C (200 mg/kg b.w.) was administered to both streptozotocin-induced diabetic and control groups orally for 28 days. Gastric acid secretion was measured and ulcer was induced using ethanol. Histological changes were observed in the stomach. Basal and stimulated acid secretion in diabetic control rat was significantly () decreased when compared to vitamin C-treated diabetic group and control. Administration of vitamin C significantly () increased the histamine-stimulated gastric acid secretion in diabetics than control while reduction in gastric secretion by ranitidine was similar compared with control. Vitamin C treatment significantly () reduced ulcer index in diabetic group and increased mucus weight when compared with diabetic group which was also confirmed with photomicrographs. The mean body weight of diabetic rats treated with vitamin C was comparable to the control. The blood glucose level was significantly () reduced in diabetic group given vitamin C ( mMol/L) compared to the diabetic control ( g). It is concluded that vitamin C is beneficial in improving gastric acid secretion and protects against ulceration in streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus in rats due to its antioxidant potential.
Development and Evaluation of Sustained Release Tablet of Betahistine Hydrochloride Using Ion Exchange Resin Tulsion T344
Authors: Wagh Vijay D. , Pawar Nilesh
Published: June 2012

An attempt was made to sustain the release of Betahistine hydrochloride by complexation technique using strong cation-exchange resin, Tulsion T344. The drug loading onto ion-exchange resin was optimized for mixing time, activation, effect of pH, swelling time, ratio of drug : resin, and temperature. The resinate was evaluated for micromeritic properties and characterized using XRPD and IR. For resinate sustained release tablets were formulated using hydoxypropyl methylcellulose K100M. The tablets were evaluated for hardness, thickness, friability, drug content, weight variation, and in vitro drug release. Tablets thus formulated (Batch T-3) provided sustained release of drug over a period of 12 h. The release of Betahistine HCl from resinate controls the diffusion of drug molecules through the polymeric material into aqueous medium. Results showed that Betahistine HCl was formulated into a sustained dosage form as an alternative to the conventional tablet.
In Crohn's Disease, Anti-TNF-α Treatment Changes the Balance between Mucosal IL-17, FOXP3, and CD4 Cells
Authors: Hölttä Veera , Sipponen Taina , Westerholm-Ormio Mia , Salo Harri M. , Kolho Kaija-Leena , Färkkilä Martti , Savilahti Erkki , Vaarala Outi , Klemetti Paula
Published: June 2012

Aim. In Crohn's disease (CD), anti-TNF-α treatment is a potent medication. We aimed to characterize the effect of anti-TNF-α treatment on T effector and regulatory cells. Material and Methods.
We studied T-effector and regulatory cells on cellular and mRNA levels in intestinal biopsy samples from 13 Crohn's disease patient. Biopsies were obtained at baseline and 3 months after anti-TNF-α treatment, and from 14 inflammation-free control subjects. Results. Patients had higher numbers of ileal IL-17+ and forkhead box P3 (FOXP3)+ cells than did control subjects, both before ( P≤0.001 and P≤0.05, resp.) and after the anti-TNF-α treatment (P≤0.01, P≤0.01). Intestinal interferon-γ and IL-17 mRNA expression was higher in Crohn's disease and remained elevated after anti-TNF-α treatment. The ratio of IL-17+ cells to CD4+ cells decreased (P≤0.05) and compared to baseline the ratio of IL-17+ cells to FOXP3+ was lower after treatment (P≤0.05). Conclusions. TNF-α-blocking agents improved intestinal balance between IL-17+ T-effector and regulatory T cells, although intestinal IL-17 upregulation remained elevated.
Benefit of BP Measurement in Pediatric ED Patients
Authors: Poor Karen M. , Ducklow Tamara Bostrack
Published: June 2012

Introduction. Obtaining blood pressures in pediatric emergency department patients is the standard of care; however, there is little evidence to support its utility. This prospective study assesses the benefit of BP acquisition in patients ≤5 years. Methods. Data were collected by the ED triage nurses on 649 patients in two community hospital EDs. Relationships between abnormal blood pressures and the patients’ age, acuity, and calm versus not-calm emotional state were analyzed. Results. There were significant differences in the rate of elevated BPs in the calm and not-calm groups of patients. Overall, one- and two-year-old patients were more likely to have elevated BPs than those in other age groups. Very few patients in the sample had hypotension (1%). There was no relationship between Emergency Severity Index (ESI) acuity level and an abnormal BP. Nineteen percent of calm patients had elevated BPs, with 3.6% of patients in the stage two class of hypertension. Conclusions. There is limited benefit in obtaining BPs in children age of five or less regardless of whether the child is calm or not in ESI acuity levels 3 and 4.
The Influence of Host Plants on Herbivore Community Composition on Brassica Crops in Western Siberia
Authors: Shternshis M. V. , Andreeva I. V. , Shatalova E. I.
Published: June 2012

Experiments on three varieties of Brassica oleracea (white cabbage, red cabbage, and cauliflower) were conducted during the years 2008–2011 in Western Siberia (Russia) to study the influence of host plant on herbivore infestation. The results revealed the evidence of different infestation of white cabbage, red cabbage, and cauliflower by the common herbivores in Western Siberia. Flea beetles as the earliest herbivores preferred to infest white cabbage. Contrary to those herbivores, M. brassicae and P. xylostella larvae infested red cabbage most of all. The latest herbivore of all plants studied, P. brassicae, preferred cauliflower but not red cabbage. The possible contribution of some factors in summary effects observed in the study was discussed. Further studies are being planned in which tritrophic interaction including B. oleracea plant, herbivore, and microbial insecticides should be investigated. These studies will help to develop biological insect control on Brassica oleracea crops in order to supply ecologically safe plant protection.
High Loss to Followup and Early Mortality Create Substantial Reduction in Patient Retention at Antiretroviral Treatment Program in North-West Ethiopia
Authors: Wubshet Mamo , Berhane Yemane , Worku Alemayehu , Kebede Yigzaw , Diro Ermias
Published: June 2012

Background. There has been a rapid scale up of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Ethiopia since 2005. We aimed to evaluate mortality, loss to followup, and retention in care at HIV Clinic, University of Gondar Hospital, north-west Ethiopia. Method. A retrospective patient chart record analysis was performed on adult AIDS patients enrolled in the treatment program starting from 1 March 2005. We performed survival analysis to determine, mortality, loss to followup and retention in care. Results. A total of 3012 AIDS patients were enrolled in the ART Program between March 2005 and August 2010. At the end of the 66 months of the program initiation, 61.4% of the patients were retained on treatment, 10.4% died, and 31.4% were lost to followup. Fifty-six percent of the deaths and 46% of those lost to followup occurred in the first year of treatment. Male gender (adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) was 3.26; 95% CI: 2.19–4.88); CD4 count ≤200 cells/μL (AHR 5.02; 95% CI: 2.03–12.39), tuberculosis (AHR 2.91; 95% CI: 2.11–4.02); bed-ridden functional status (AHR 12.88; 95% CI: 8.19–20.26) were predictors of mortality, whereas only CD4 count <200 cells/μL (HR = 1.33; 95% CI: (0.95, 1.88) and ambulatory functional status (HR = 1.65; 95% CI: (1.22, 2.23) were significantly associated with LTF. Conclusion. Loss to followup and mortality in the first year following enrollment remain a challenge for retention of patients in care. Strengthening patient monitoring can improve patient retention AIDS care.
Adverse Cell Culture Conditions Mimicking the Tumor Microenvironment Upregulate ABCG2 to Mediate Multidrug Resistance and a More Malignant Phenotype
Authors: Cheng Grace M. Y. , To Kenneth K. W.
Published: June 2012

ABCG2 is an efflux transporter commonly found to overexpress in multidrug resistant (MDR) cancer cells. It is also believed to be a survival factor for cancer stem cells to drive tumor growth. Tumor microenvironment represents an attractive new drug target because it allows complex interaction between a tumor and its surrounding normal cells, molecules, and blood vessels, which all participate in tumor progression. Hypoxia, glucose deprivation and acidosis are the hallmarks of tumor microenvironment. This study investigated the upregulation of ABCG2 by these adverse growth conditions within the tumor microenvironment. Reporter gene assay revealed that a region within theABCG2promoter close to the reported HIF-1αresponse element is responsible for ABCG2 upregulation. Increased ABCG2 efflux activity was observed under the same conditions, subsequently leading to reduced response to ABCG2 substrate anticancer drug. Importantly, glucose deprivation and hypoxia were also found to enhance the resistance level of ABCG2-overexpressing resistant cells with pre-existing genetic and epigenetic MDR mechanisms. Hypoxia was further demonstrated to cause a more malignant anchorage-independent growth phenotype in the resistant cells, which can be abolished by knocking down ABCG2. A better understanding of ABCG2 regulation by the tumor microenvironment may help design novel strategies to improve treatment outcome.
Multiple Orientation Circuits Converging on the Pd7 Cells inTritonia diomedea
Authors: Abraçado L. G.
Published: June 2012

Magnetoreception is a sophisticated orientation mechanism, involving a magnetoreceptor connected to the nervous system with signal amplification. The molluskTritonia diomedeais a good model to investigate the behavioral and neural responses to the magnetic field. The mollusk inhibits all unnecessary activities and focuses on an available cue during orientation. Although Pd7 cells are inhibited by magnetic pathway, it was excited by another stimulus, water streams plus food odor. Two sensory pathways connected to Pd7 through the same or different circuits were tested. The action potential activity through Pd7 was compared in these different stimulations. The changes in Pd7 activity indicate a response of enhanced electrical activity to water streams plus food odor stimulus, and Pd7 activity can be excited by at least one of these stimuli. These results indicate an inverse relationship between magnetic orientation and feeding.
Metal Phenolates as Polymerization Catalysts
Authors: Carpentier Jean‐François , Kirillov Evgeny , Sarazin Yann
Published: June 2012

Phenolates represent versatile ligand scaffolds capable of stabilizing a large variety of both oxophilic metal centers and late transition elements. Over the past 50 years, they have played a prominent role in the rise of discrete metal complexes employed to promote, initiate and/or catalyze a variety of controlled homogeneous polymerization reactions. This chapter features a selection of the most remarkable metal phenolate complexes used in the polymerization of olefins, styrene and dienes, cyclic esters and (meth)acrylates. Coordination‐insertion polymerization reactions are emphasized, but other types of mechanisms are also treated. Specifically highlighted are catalytic systems where the phenolate ligands have proved valuable ancillaries, to provide either exceptional stability to active species and to generate highly productive catalysts, and/or to control the polymerization reactions, imparting a unique capacity to obtain polymers with tailored macromolecular features: molecular weights and their dispersion, (co)monomer distribution and regio/stereoselectivity.
A mixed‐methods investigation of sensory response patterns in Barth syndrome: A clinical phenotype?
Authors: Reynolds Stacey , Kreider Consuelo M. , Bendixen Roxanna
Published: June 2012

Barth syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects approximately 1/500,000 boys each year. While treatment of medical complications associated with Barth is of primary importance, there is a concomitant need to look at behavioral and clinical features of the disorder. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of atypical sensory processing in 21 boys with Barth syndrome and to explore if phenotypic patterns of sensory responsiveness may be useful in early diagnosis. Using a mixed methods approach, we found that sensory issues related to feeding and eating were ubiquitous in our sample, with some behaviors such as strong gag reflex identifiable early in development. Specifically, boys with Barth had a strong preference for salty, cheesy, and spicy foods while having an overall restricted repertoire of foods they would eat (e.g., picky eaters). In boys with Barth as they age, auditory sensitivity and auditory filtering issues also emerged as potential sensory‐related behaviors affecting academic performance and participation. Overall, this study suggests that early identification of sensory patterns in Barth may assist in differential diagnosis and create opportunities for early interventions that may minimize the impact of these behaviors on function and participation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lung function, diagnosis, and treatment of sleep‐disordered breathing in children with achondroplasia
Authors: Julliand Sébastien , Boulé Michèle , Baujat Geneviève , Ramirez Adriana , Couloigner Vincent , Beydon Nicole , Zerah Michel , di Rocco Federico , Lemerrer Martine , Cormier‐Daire Valérie , Fauroux Brigitte
Published: June 2012

Children with achondroplasia are at risk of sleep‐disordered breathing. The aim of the study was to evaluate lung function and sleep‐disordered breathing in children with achondroplasia. An interview, clinical examination, lung function tests with blood gases, and a polygraphic sleep study were obtained as part of routine annual evaluation in consecutive children with achondroplasia. We included 30 children (median age 3.0 years, range: 0.4–17.1) over a period of 21 months. Habitual snoring and witnessed apneas were observed in 77% and 33% of the patients, respectively. Prior to the sleep study, 10/29 (34%) patients had undergone upper airway surgery and 5/29 (17%) craniocervical decompression operation. Arterial blood gases were abnormal in two (7%) patients. Sleep findings were abnormal in 28/30 (93%) patients. Eleven (37%) patients had an apnea index ≥1 event/hr and 26 (87%) had an apnea–hypopnea index ≥5 events/hr. The ≥3% desaturation index was >5/hr in 22 (73%) patients. Sixteen (53%) patients had a minimal pulse oximetry <90% but only two (7%) patients had a maximal transcutaneous carbon dioxide pressure >50 mmHg during sleep. As a consequence, the following therapeutic interventions were performed: upper airway surgery in four patients and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) in five other patients, resulting in an improvement in sleep studies in all nine patients. Systematic sleep studies are recommended in children with achondroplasia because of the high prevalence of sleep‐disordered breathing. Upper airway surgery and NPPV are effective treatments of sleep‐disordered breathing. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Obtaining gauge invariant actions via symplectic embedding formalism
Authors: Abreu E.M.C. , Ananias Neto J. , Mendes A.C.R. , Neves C. , Oliveira W.
Published: June 2012

The concept of gauge invariance is one of the most subtle and useful concepts in modern theoretical physics. It is one of the Standard Model cornerstones. The main benefit due to the gauge invariance is that it can permit the comprehension of difficult systems in physics with an arbitrary choice of a reference frame at every instant of time. It is the objective of this work to show a path of obtaining gauge invariant theories from non‐invariant ones. Both are named also as first‐ and second‐class theories respectively, obeying Dirac's formalism. Namely, it is very important to understand why it is always desirable to have a bridge between gauge invariant and non‐invariant theories. Once established, this kind of mapping between first‐class (gauge invariant) and second‐class systems, in Dirac's formalism can be considered as a sort of equivalence. This work describe this kind of equivalence obtaining a gauge invariant theory starting with a non‐invariant one using the symplectic embedding formalism developed by some of us some years back. To illustrate the procedure it was analyzed both Abelian and non‐Abelian theories. It was demonstrated that this method is more convenient than others. For example, it was shown exactly that this embedding method used here does not require any special modification to handle with non‐Abelian systems.
Visible‐Light Photoredox Catalysis
Authors: Xuan Jun , Xiao Wen‐Jing
Published: June 2012

In the last few years, visible‐light initiated organic transformations have attracted increasing attention. The development of visible‐light‐promoted photocatalytic reactions, which enable rapid and efficient synthesis of fine chemicals, is highly desirable from the viewpoint of cost, safety, availability, and environmental friendliness. In this Minireview, recent advances made in this fast developing area of research are discussed.
Clinical validation of the new T‐ and Y‐Shape models for the quantitative analysis of coronary bifurcations: An interobserver variability study
Authors: Tuinenburg Joan C. , Janssen Johannes P. , Kooistra Rolf , Koning Gerhard , Corral Maria D. , Lansky Alexandra J. , Reiber Johan H.C.
Published: June 2012

Objectives

This article presents the results of an interobserver validation study of our new T‐ and Y‐shape bifurcation models including their edge segment analyses.

Background

Over the last years, the coronary artery intervention procedures have been developed more and more toward bifurcation stenting. Because traditional straight vessel quantitative coronary arteriography (QCA) is not sufficient for these measurements, the need has grown for new bifurcation analysis methods.

Methods

In this article, our two new bifurcation analysis models are presented, the Y‐shape and T‐shape model. These models were designed for the accurate measurement of the clinically relevant parameters of a coronary bifurcation, for different morphologies and intervention strategies and include an edge segment analysis, to accurately measure (drug‐eluting) stent, stent edge, and ostial segment parameters.

Results

The results of an interobserver validation study of our T‐shape and Y‐shape analyses are presented, both containing the pre‐ and post‐intervention analyses of each 10 cases. These results are associated with only small systematic and random errors, in the majority of the cases compliant with the QCA guidelines for straight analyses. The results for the edge segment analyses are also very good, with almost all the values within the margins that have been set by our brachytherapy directive.

Conclusions

Our new bifurcation approaches including their edge segment analyses are very robust and reproducible, and therefore a great extension to the field of quantitative coronary angiography. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Everolimus‐eluting stents and zotarolimus‐eluting stents for percutaneous coronary interventions
Authors: Hannan Edward L. , Zhong Ye , Wu Chuntao , Walford Gary , Holmes David R. , Jacobs Alice K. , Stamato Nicholas J. , Venditti Ferdinand J. , Sharma Samin , Fergus Icilma , King Spencer B.
Published: June 2012

Objectives

To compare 2‐year outcomes (mortality, mortality/myocardial infarction (MI), target vessel PCI (TVPCI), and target lesion PCI (TLPCI)) for patients receiving EES and ZES.

Background

The utilization of drug‐eluting coronary stents (DES) among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) has increased dramatically in the last decade. Everolimus‐eluting stents (EES) and ENDEAVOR zotarolimus eluting stents (ZES) constitute the latest generation of approved DES in the United States, but little is known about their relative effectiveness.

Methods

New York patients undergoing EES and ZES revascularization without any other type of stent between 7/08 and 12/08 were propensity matched at the hospital level using multiple patient, operator, and hospital characteristics, and matched patients were followed through the end of 2010 to obtain comparative 2‐year outcomes.

Results

A total of 3286 patients were propensity‐matched. Patients receiving EES had a significantly lower TVPCI rate (9.0% vs. 11.9%, AHR = 1.31, 95% CI (1.04, 1.65)) and a significantly lower TLPCI rate (6.0% vs. 8.3%, AHR = 1.35, 95% CI (1.02, 1.79)). There was no significant difference between EES and ZES for mortality or MI/mortality.

Conclusions

There were no significant differences in the hard endpoints of death or MI between patients who received EES versus those who received ZES (ENDEAVOR). Patients with EES experienced lower repeat revascularization rates than patients with ZES at 24 months. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Unmasking of an isolated right subclavian artery from the pulmonary artery after device occlusion of a patent arterial duct
Authors: Crystal Matthew A. , Rivenes Shannon M. , Ing Frank F.
Published: June 2012

Isolation of the right subclavian artery (RSCA) from the pulmonary artery is a rare anomaly of the aortic arch. We report a case of an isolated RSCA from the right pulmonary artery that was discovered at the time of device occlusion of a patent arterial duct. We review the literature and discuss management options. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transcatheter aortic valve‐in‐valve implantation of a corevalve in a degenerated stenotic sapien heart valve prosthesis
Authors: Hoffmann Rainer , Möllmann Helge , Lotfi Shahram
Published: June 2012

Treatment options for re‐stenotic aortic valve prosthesis implanted by transcatheter technique have not been evaluated systematically. We describe the case of a 75‐year‐old dialysis patient who was treated by transcatheter aortic valve implantation 3.5 years ago and now presented with severe stenosis of the percutaneous heart valve. The patient was initially treated with a trans‐apical implantation of an Edwards Sapien 26 mm balloon expandable valve. The patient remained asymptomatic for 3 years when he presented with increasing shortness of breath and significant calcification of the valve prosthesis on transesophageal echocardiography. Valve‐in‐valve percutaneous heart valve implantation using a 26‐mm CoreValve prosthesis was performed under local anesthesia. The prosthesis was implanted without prior valvuloplasty. Pacing with a frequency of 140/min was applied during placement of the valve prosthesis. Positioning was done with great care using only fluoroscopic guidance with the aim to have the ventricular strut end of the CoreValve prosthesis 5 mm higher than the ventricular strut end of the Edwards Sapien prosthesis. After placement of the CoreValve prosthesis within the Edwards Sapien valve additional valvuloplasty with rapid pacing was performed in order to further expand the CoreValve prosthesis. The final result was associated with a remaining mean gradient of 5 mm Hg and no aortic regurgitation. In conclusion, implantation of a CoreValve prosthesis for treatment of a restenotic Edwards Sapien prosthesis is feasible and is associated with a good functional result. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.