bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infantile Colic: Exploring the Potential Role of Maternal Acupuncture
Authors: Cakmak Yusuf Ozgur
Published: October 2011

Lack of knowledge about the pathophysiology of infantile colic limits the development of effective drugs and treatment modalities including acupuncture. Acupuncture research has targeted the baby without considering the mother. However, the pathophysiological clues indicate that infantile colic is a shared pathology between the mother and the baby, especially in the case of breastfeeding mothers. A new theory proposed in this paper involves levels of the cytokine tumour necrosis factor α in the mother's milk and its influences on melatonin and serotonin metabolism in the baby as major components of the pathophysiology of infantile colic. These can be normalised by applying acupuncture to the breastfeeding mother alone or also to the baby.
An Unusual Complication Related to Acupuncture Point Catgut Embedding Treatment of Obesity
Authors: Chuang Yung-Ting , Li Tzong-Shiun , Lin Tze-Yi , Hsu Chih-Jung
Published: October 2011

Treatment of obesity by embedding catgut in acupuncture points has a satisfactory therapeutic effect in many patients. Even though results of its effectiveness are mixed, serious complications are rarely reported with this Chinese traditional therapy. Here an unusual complication of the treatment is reported: multiple tender subcutaneous nodules developed where the catgut was embedded over the lower abdomen and both medial thighs 1 month after treatment. Clinicians should be alert to this possible cause of a rather strange presenting physical sign.
Therapeutic interventions for acute hamstring injuries: a systematic review
Authors: Reurink Gustaaf , Goudswaard Gert Jan , Tol Johannes L , Verhaar Jan A N , Weir Adam , Moen Maarten H
Published: October 2011

Background

Despite the high rate of hamstring injuries, there is no consensus on their management, with a large number of different interventions being used. Recently several new injection therapies have been introduced.

Objective

To systematically review the literature on the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions for acute hamstring injuries.

Data sources

The databases of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CINAHL and SPORTDiscus were searched in May 2011.

Study eligibility criteria

Prospective studies comparing the effect of an intervention with another intervention or a control group without intervention in subjects with acute hamstring injuries were included.

Data analysis

Two authors independently screened the search results and assessed risk of bias. Quality assessment of the included studies was performed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database score. A best evidence synthesis was used to identify the level of evidence.

Main results

Six studies were included in this systematic review. There is limited evidence for a positive effect of stretching, agility and trunk stability exercises, intramuscular actovegin injections or slump stretching in the management of acute hamstring injuries. Limited evidence was found that there is no effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or manipulation of the sacroiliac joint.

Conclusions

There is a lack of high quality studies on the treatment of acute hamstring injuries. Only limited evidence was found to support the use of stretching, agility and trunk stability exercises, intramuscular actovegin injections or slump stretching. Further research is needed using an appropriate control group, randomisation and blinding.
Bowel cancer screening is safe, detects earlier stage cancer and adenomas in 50% of cases: experience of the prevalent round of screening from two first wave centres in the North East of England
Authors: Rajasekhar P T , Clifford G M , Lee T J W , Rutter M D , Waddup G , Ritchie M , Nylander D , Painter J , Singh J , Ward I , Dempsey N , Bowes J , Handley G , Henry J , Rees C J
Published: October 2011

Objective

The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (BCSP) began roll-out in 2006 aiming to reduce cancer mortality through detection at an earlier stage. We report results from the prevalent round of screening at two first wave centres and compare with the UK pilot study.

Design

This is a service evaluation study. Data were collected prospectively for all individuals undergoing faecal occult blood testing (FOBt) and colonoscopy including: uptake and outcomes of FOBt, colonoscopic performance, findings, histological data and complications. Continuous data were compared using a two-tailed test of two proportions.

Setting

The South of Tyne and Tees Bowel Cancer Screening centres.

Patients

Participants of the BCSP.

Main Outcome Measures

1) Colonoscopy Quality Assurance and 2) Cancer stage shift.

Results

195,772 individuals were invited to participate. Uptake was 54% and FOBt positivity 1.7%. 1524 underwent colonoscopy with caecal intubation in 1485 (97%). 180 (12%) cancers were detected. Dukes stages were: 76 (42%) A; 47 (26%) B; 47 (26%) C; 8 (4%) D and 2 (1%) unknown. This demonstrates a significantly earlier stage at diagnosis compared with data from 2867 non-screening detected cancers (p<0.001). Adenomas were detected in 758 (50%). One perforation occurred (0.07%) and two intermediate bleeds requiring transfusion only (0.12%). Both caecal intubation and adenoma detection were significantly higher than in the UK pilot study (p<0.001).

Conclusions

The prevalent round of screening demonstrates a high adenoma and cancer detection rate and significantly earlier stage at diagnosis. Complications were few providing reassurance regarding safety. Efforts are required to improve uptake.
LMP1 expression is positively associated with metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma: evidence from a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Yi , Wang Yan , Zeng Shan , Hu Xinrong
Published: October 2011

Objective

Latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) is an oncogene of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV). Although EBV is associated with 90% of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), the reported detectable expression rates of LMP1 determined by current techniques were from 50% to 80%. This study evaluates the association of LMP1 expression with metastasis in NPC.

Methods

Data from published case–control studies on LMP1 expression and metastasis in NPC were collected up to 30 March 2011. The databases of Pubmed, Medline, Embase, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure and the Cochrane Library were searched with keywords ‘LMP1 or latent membrane protein 1’, ‘NPC or nasopharyngeal carcinoma’ and ‘metastasis’ to identify articles published in English or Chinese. Review manager V.5.0.24 software was applied for calculating OR and corresponding 95% CI and for statistical analysis. The combined OR and 95% CI for the cumulative metastasis rate in the LMP1 expression cases versus those in the LMP1-negative cases were estimated by using fixed-effects and random-effects models.

Results

718 cases from 12 articles, including 403 cases with LMP1 expression and 315 cases without LMP1 expression, were reviewed. The cumulative metastasis rates were 66.75% (269/403) in cases with LMP1 expression and 46.98% (148/315) in those without LMP1 expression. The combined OR for the cumulative metastasis rates were 1.98 (95% CI 1.38 to 2.837) in the fixed-effects model and 2.27 (95% CI 1.10 to 4.69) in the random-effects model.

Conclusion

LMP1 expression is positively associated with metastasis in NPC, thus LMP1 detection in primary NPC might be an effective and feasible means to predict metastasis.
The role of the molecular footprint of EGFR in tailoring treatment decisions in NSCLC: Figure 1
Authors: Gately Kathy , O'Flaherty John , Cappuzzo Frederico , Pirker Robert , Kerr Keith , O'Byrne Kenneth
Published: October 2011

The majority of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) present with advanced disease, with targeted therapies providing some improvement in clinical outcomes. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase (TK) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of NSCLC. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), which target the EGFR TK domain, have proven to be an effective treatment strategy; however, patient responses to treatment vary considerably. Therefore, the identification of patients most likely to respond to treatment is essential to optimise the benefit of TKIs. Tumour-associated activating mutations inEGFRcan identify patients with NSCLC who are likely to have a good response to TKIs. Nonetheless, the majority of patients relapse within a year of starting treatment. Studies of tumours at relapse have demonstrated expression of a T790M mutation in exon 20 of theEGFRTK domain in approximately 50% of cases. Although conferring resistance to reversible TKIs, these patients may remain sensitive to new-generation irreversible/pan-erb inhibitors. A number of techniques have been employed for genotypic assessment of tumour-associated DNA to identifyEGFRmutations, each of which has advantages and disadvantages. This review presents an overview of the current methodologies used to identify such molecular markers. Recent developments in technology may make the monitoring of changes in patients' tumour genotypes easier in clinical practice, which may enable patients' treatment regimens to be tailored during the course of their disease, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes.
Coordinated expression of oestrogen and androgen receptors in HER2-positive breast carcinomas: impact on proliferative activity
Authors: Lin Francini de Mattos Lima , Pincerato Katia Maciel , Bacchi Carlos Eduardo , Baracat Edmund Chada , Carvalho Filomena Marino
Published: October 2011

Aims

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancers are aggressive neoplasms associated with a variable response to systemic therapies. Therefore, the identification of biomarkers to better characterise this heterogeneity would improve treatment efficacy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of androgen receptor (AR) and oestrogen receptor (ER) on clinicopathological features in a series of HER2-positive breast carcinomas.

Methods

A total of 104 carcinomas were selected and reviewed. Immunohistochemical studies for ER, progesterone receptor and Ki-67 were analysed on tumour whole histological sections. AR expression was analysed on samples represented on tissue microarrays. According to steroid receptor expression, cases were classified into three groups: AR positive/ER positive (48 cases), AR positive/ER negative (41 cases) and AR negative/ER negative (13 cases).

Results

AR-positive tumours corresponded to 89 (85.6%) of 104 carcinomas. AR-positive carcinomas were associated with a higher frequency of ER and progesterone receptor co-expression and lower proliferative activity determined by the expression of Ki-67. AR-negative carcinomas were more often high grade. The group of AR-positive/ER-negative carcinomas was associated with the highest frequency of apocrine morphological features. The group of AR-negative/ER-negative carcinomas was associated with the highest proliferative activity and the highest frequency of high histological and nuclear grade. The lowest frequency of high-grade tumours and the lowest proliferative activity were seen among tumours with expression of both receptors.

Conclusions

These results suggest that co-expression of AR and ER can provide a protective effect based on phenotypical presentation of HER2-positive carcinomas. Furthermore, lack of both steroid hormone receptors characterises the most aggressive phenotype.
Detection of HER2 and Topo 2 in breast cancers: comparison between MLPA and FISH approaches
Authors: Bravaccini Sara , Rengucci Claudia , Medri Laura , Zoli Wainer , Silvestrini Rosella , Amadori Dino
Published: October 2011

A significant proportion of breast cancers with HER2 amplification show simultaneous amplification or deletion of Topo 2. Amplification of Topo 2 may lead to the overexpression of the Topo 2 protein and ultimately to hypersensitivity to Topo 2 inhibitors. HER2 and Topo 2 gene status in breast cancer patients has been determined in several studies using immunohistochemistry, florescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA). Although comparisons of FISH and MLPA have been reported for HER2, it is believed that there are no similar studies for Topo 2. In this study, HER2 and Topo 2 were analysed by MLPA and FISH. There was a high agreement between the two approaches, although MLPA was easier to perform and cheaper than FISH. In conclusion, MLPA is a fast and accurate quantitative method to detect HER2 and Topo 2 amplification, and could be considered a good alternative to FISH.
Diagnosis of breast lesions: fine-needle aspiration cytology or core needle biopsy? A review
Authors: Willems S M , van Deurzen C H M , van Diest P J
Published: October 2011

Diagnosis of breast lesions is routinely performed by the triple assessment of a specialised surgeon, radiologist and pathologist. In this setting, fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and core needle biopsy (CNB) are the current methods of choice for pathological diagnosis, both with their specific advantages and limitations. Evidence-based literature discussing which of both modalities is preferable in breast lesion diagnosis is sparse and there is no consensus among different specialised breast cancer centres. This study reviews FNAC and CNB for diagnosing breast lesions, comparing methodological issues, diagnostic performance indices, possibilities for additional prognostic and predictive tests and cost effectiveness. Overall, CNB achieved better sensitivity and specificity especially in those lesions that were not definitively benign or malignant, non-palpable and/or calcified lesions. Although FNAC is easier to perform, interpretation requires vast experience and even then, it is more often inconclusive requiring additional CNB. The authors conclude that overall CNB is to be preferred as a diagnostic method.
Change in meticillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureusclones at a tertiary care hospital in the United Arab Emirates over a 5-year period
Authors: Sonnevend Ágnes , Blair Iain , Alkaabi Mohammed , Jumaa Pauline , al Haj Mohammed , Ghazawi Akela , Akawi Nadia , Jouhar Fatima Saeed , Hamadeh Mohammad Baraa , Pál Tibor
Published: October 2011

Aims

Meticillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) strains isolated in Tawam Hospital, a tertiary care hospital in the United Arab Emirates, were examined in order to understand the reasons for a doubling of its incidence between 2003 and 2008 while maintaining the same infection control measures.

Methods

All consecutive non-duplicate clinically relevant MRSA isolates recovered between January and December 2003 and between May and October 2008 were studied. The antibiotic susceptibility, pulsed field gel electrophoresis, toxin gene, staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec),spa,agrand multilocus sequence types of the strains were tested.

Results

In 2003, typical healthcare-associated (HA-MRSA) genotypes (ST239-MRSA-III, ST22-MRSA-IV and ST5-MRSA-II) represented the majority (61.5%) of the isolates. By 2008 this pattern had changed and clonal types considered as community-associated (CA) MRSA comprised 73.1% of the strains with ST80-MRSA-IV, ST5-MRSA-IV and ST1-MRSA with non-typable SCCmec types being the most frequent. However, further epidemiological investigations showed that only one-third of the CA-MRSA infections were actually acquired in the community, indicating that CA-MRSA clones have entered and spread within the hospital.

Conclusions

The emergence of CA-MRSA clones with subsequent entry to and spread within the hospital has contributed to the increasing incidence of MRSA observed in Tawam Hospital and probably also in other hospitals in the UAE.
Young men, sexual health and responsibility for contraception: a qualitative pilot study
Authors: Brown Sally
Published: November 2011

Background and methodology

Despite increasing interest over the last decade or more in men's views of sexual health services and use of contraception, most published literature focuses on women. It is important that the views of boys and young men are better understood, particularly with regard to responsibility for use of contraception. This pilot study aimed to gain insights into young men's views of sexual health services and contraception; five non-fathers aged between 14 and 18 years took part in two focus groups. The groups were recorded, transcribed and analysed using the constant comparative method to build up categories of data.

Results

Engaging young men in research is very difficult, particularly young men who are not in education or employment. Young fathers proved impossible to recruit. The young men who took part in the study thought responsibility for contraception was shared, although this was partly dependent on relationship status, namely whether sex was with a regular partner or a one-night stand.

Discussion and conclusions

These findings are based on a small sample and all participants were in full-time education. It is likely that attitudes may differ from those who are not in education, training or employment. In a future study, it would be important to ensure that young men from different class and educational backgrounds are included in the research, as the tentative conclusions from this pilot study suggest that educational status is a factor in beliefs about responsibility.
MEASURING THE REPAIR PERFORMANCE FOR STRICKEN CULTIVATED LAND AND AGRICULTURAL EFFICIENCY IN CHINA WITH A MODIFIED TWO-STAGE DEA MODEL
Authors: CHIU YUNG-HO , HUANG CHIN-WEI , TING CHUNG-TE
Published: November 2011

This study develops a modified two-stage DEA model based on the model of Chen and Zhu (2004) to evaluate China's agricultural efficiency and repaired efficiency (for stricken cultivated land) in a single DEA implementation. The government expenditures and the difference of various cultivated land types are identified as the external influence factors for agricultural efficiency in former works. Those are internalized into the empirical model.

The results indicate that the repaired and agricultural efficiencies are positively correlated on a significant level, which implies an efficient utilization of governmental service expenditures that in turn drives high performance in agricultural efficiency. The external effects analysis finds that increasing the degree of education for agricultural employees improves the agricultural efficiency and that developing a mechanized irrigation system is beneficial in enhancing repaired efficiency for fallow land. Information on repaired cultivated land utilization, which was extracted from analysis on optimal ratios and includes the quantity of excess and deficit for each region, is also provided.
OPTION PRICING FOR WEIGHTED AVERAGE OF ASSET PRICES
Authors: MIYAKE MASATOSHI , INOUE HIROSHI , TAKAHASHI SATORU
Published: November 2011

Average options are path-dependent and have payoffs which depend on the average price over a fixed period leading up to the maturity date. This option is of interest and important for thinly-traded assets since price manipulation is prohibited, and both the investor and issuer may enjoy a certain degree of protection from the caprice of the market. However, to deal with unexpected situations incurred the usual simple average options may not be sufficient. Therefore, in this paper, we consider to propose a more general weight instead of the simple average, for which it may be possible to control the weight in the light of the unexpected circumstances. Further, we derive approximate solutions for the weighted sums of asset prices, and in order for these formulae to be applicable some adjustment must be taken into account along with Monte Carlo simulations. Finally, some comparisons for these results are made.
SINGULAR SOLITON SOLUTION IN THE CHERN–SIMONS–CP(1) MODEL
Authors: SOURROUILLE LUCAS
Published: November 2011

We show that the Chern–Simons–CP(1) model can support a singular soliton solution in which the magnetic field is a Dirac delta.
TESTING THE KERR BLACK HOLE HYPOTHESIS
Authors: BAMBI COSIMO
Published: November 2011

It is thought that the final product of the gravitational collapse is a Kerr black hole and astronomers have discovered several good astrophysical candidates. While there are some indirect evidences suggesting that the latter have an event horizon, and therefore that they are black holes, a proof that the spacetime around these objects is described by the Kerr geometry is still lacking. Recently, there has been an increasing interest in the possibility of testing the Kerr black hole hypothesis with present and future experiments. In this paper, I briefly review the state-of-the-art of the field, focusing on some recent results and works in progress.
CASTING LIGHT ON THE GHOST
Authors: URBAN FEDERICO R.
Published: November 2011

The infrared sector of QCD contains all the necessary ingredients, once laid onto a time-dependent, curved background, to cater for the much needed cosmological vacuum energy. This is achieved through the fields that describe the impact of the long-range interactions of QCD, the Veneziano ghost and its dipolar partner. Although technically extremely challenging, the physics is well understood and the estimated dark energy density is of the correct order of magnitude. In this brief review I will retrace the steps leading to two new cosmological applications of this model, namely the possibility of the generation of cosmic magnetic fields, and the unification of several observed polarization anomalies under the same roof.
A TERRESTRIAL SEARCH FOR DARK CONTENTS OF THE VACUUM, SUCH AS DARK ENERGY, USING ATOM INTERFEROMETRY
Authors: ADLER RONALD J. , MUELLER HOLGER , PERL MARTIN L.
Published: November 2011

We describe the theory and first experimental work on our concept for searching on earth for the presence of dark contents of the vacuum (DCV) using atom interferometry. Specifically, we have in mind any DCV that has not yet been detected on a laboratory scale, but which might manifest itself as dark energy on the cosmological scale. The experimental method uses two atom interferometers to cancel the effect of earth's gravity and diverse noise sources. It depends upon two assumptions: first, that the DCV possesses some space inhomogeneity in density, and second that it exerts a sufficiently strong nongravitational force on matter. The motion of the apparatus through the DCV should then lead to an irregular variation in the detected matter–wave phase shift. We discuss the nature of this signal and note the problem of distinguishing it from instrumental noise. We also discuss the relation of our experiment to what might be learned by studying the noise in gravitational wave detectors such as LIGO. The paper concludes with a projection that a future search of this nature might be carried out using an atom interferometer in an orbiting satellite. The laboratory apparatus is now being constructed
MODELING THE PIEZOELECTRIC d33 COEFFICIENT OF THE CELLULAR PIEZOELECTRET FILM BY FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
Authors: WAN YONGPING , FAN LIANGLIANG
Published: November 2011

The piezoelectric d33 coefficient of voided charged polypropylene film is much pronounced, which can be as large as that of PZT ceramics. The piezoelectric effect originates from the electric field of distributed charges that is coupled with elastic deformation of the host matrix. For modeling the piezoelectric effect of cellular piezoelectret, we present a finite element model for the electrostatic analysis and the solution of elastic deformation. Qualitative analysis of piezoelectric d33 coefficient is given with respect to various parameters including material constants, void geometry and charge density. Quantitative comparison shows that this finite element model can simulate the inflation experiments of cellular piezoelectret very well. This finite element model is believed to be conducive to the optimization design of cellular piezoelectret, where the analysis is generally encountered for the piezoelectret with complex microstructures.
The Computing Alliance of Hispanic-Serving Institutions
Authors: Gates Ann Quiroz , Hug Sarah , Thiry Heather , Aló Richard , Beheshti Mohsen , Fernandez John , Rodriguez Nestor , Adjouadi Malek
Published: November 2011

Hispanics have the highest growth rates among all groups in the U.S., yet they remain considerably underrepresented in computing careers and in the numbers who obtain advanced degrees. Hispanics constituted about 7% of undergraduate computer science and computer engineering graduates and 1% of doctoral graduates in 2007--2008. The small number of Hispanic faculty, combined with the lack of Hispanic role models and mentors, perpetuates a troublesome cycle of underrepresentation in STEM fields. In 2004, seven Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) formed the Computing Alliance of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (CAHSI) to consolidate their strengths, resources, and concerns with the aim of increasing the number of Hispanics who pursue and complete baccalaureate and advanced degrees in computing areas. To address barriers that hinder students from advancing, CAHSI defined a number of initiatives, based on programs that produced promising results at one or more institutions. These included the following: a CS-0 course that focuses on adoption of a three-unit pre-CS course that uses graphics and animation to engage and prepare students who have no prior experience in computing; a peer mentoring strategy that provides an active, collaborative learning experience for students while creating leadership roles for undergraduates; an undergraduate and graduate student research model that emphasizes the deliberate and intentional development of technical, team, and professional skills and knowledge required for research and cooperative work; and a mentoring framework for engaging undergraduates in experiences and activities that prepare them for graduate studies and onto the professoriate. CAHSI plays a critical role in evaluating, documenting, and disseminating effective practices that achieve its mission. This paper provides an overview of CAHSI initiatives and describes how each addresses causes of underrepresentation of Hispanics in computing. In addition, it describes the evaluation and assessment of the initiatives and presents the results that support CAHSI’s claim of their effectiveness.
Fractal Simulations of African Design in Pre-College Computing Education
Authors: Eglash Ron , Krishnamoorthy Mukkai , Sanchez Jason , Woodbridge Andrew
Published: November 2011

This article describes the use of fractal simulations of African design in a high school computing class. Fractal patterns---repetitions of shape at multiple scales---are a common feature in many aspects of African design. In African architecture we often see circular houses grouped in circular complexes, or rectangular houses in rectangular complexes. Typically the accompanying ceremonies, cosmologies, and other traditions make use of scaling and recursion in their conceptual models. African scaling designs include textiles, sculpture, adornment, and other forms; in many cases there are explicit geometric algorithms and other formal aspects (e.g., pseudorandom number generation in divination systems) embedded in the associated indigenous knowledge system. Thus African fractals provide a strong counter to stereotypes of African culture as primitive or simplistic. Following this fieldwork, we developed a Web site which uses Java simulations of these African designs to teach computational perspectives on fractals to high school students.1We hypothesized that this combination of anti-primitivist “ethnocomputing” and design-based creative learning would enhance both the engagement and performance of under-represented students in computing. A quasi-experimental study used two 10th grade computing classes, both taught by the same instructor, and both including more than 50% under-represented students (Latino and African American). The control class received six days of instruction using a popular Web site (with Java applets but no cultural content or design activities) for high school fractal lessons; the experimental class received the same amount of instruction using our Web site. Pre/post differences on both achievement and attitude tests indicate statistically significant improvement for the students in the experimental class. Potential implications for improving participation and achievement of under-represented students in computing education are discussed.
Universal Design
Authors: Burgstahler Sheryl
Published: November 2011

Universal design (UD), a concept that grew from the field of architecture, has recently emerged as a paradigm for designing instructional methods, curriculum, and assessments that are welcoming and accessible to students with a wide range of characteristics, including those related to race, ethnicity, native language, gender, age, and disability. This proactive approach holds promise for more fully including underrepresented groups in computing studies and for decreasing the need, and thus costs, for academic accommodations for students with disabilities. This article summarizes the history and development of UD, references research and practices that support the UD approach, provides examples of the strategies that apply UD to instruction and assessment, and recommends topics for future research. Although the application of UD to teaching and learning is in its infancy, the potential of UD to improve computing instruction should not be ignored. Further research could test the efficacy of specific UD practices in promoting learning in computing fields.
The Use of Robotics to Promote Computing to Pre-College Students with Visual Impairments
Authors: Ludi Stephanie , Reichlmayr Tom
Published: November 2011

This article describes an outreach program to broaden participation in computing to include more students with visual impairments. The precollege workshops target students in grades 7--12 and engage students with robotics programming. The use of robotics at the precollege level has become popular in part due to the availability of Lego Mindstorm NXT kits. The robotics programming tools and materials used in the workshops are designed with an accessibility focus for participants with different degrees of vision. Through the use of available assistive technology and open source software, robotics is accessible to the visually impaired. The quantitative and qualitative results from three robotics workshops conducted during the past three years will be discussed, including some initial long-term results. Strategies, based on our experiences, will also be shared to promote accessible outreach. While many of the participants are in middle and early high school, findings indicate that participant interest in computing is high regardless of whether their schools offer computer science courses or not. Increased interest and confidence with robotics persists throughout follow-up activities.
Functional role of NHE4 as a pH regulator in rat and human colonic crypts
Authors: Arena Elizabeth A. , Longo Walter E. , Roberts Kurt E. , Geibel Peter , Nateqi Jama , Brandstetter Michael , Geibel John P.
Published: November 2011

To regulate ionic and fluid homeostasis, the colon relies upon a series of Na+-dependent transport proteins. Recent studies have identified a sodium/hydrogen exchanger (NHE) 4 (NHE4) protein in the gastrointestinal tract but to date there has been little description of its function. Additionally, we have previously shown that aldosterone can rapidly modulate Na+-dependent proton excretion via NHE proteins. In this study we examined the role of NHE4 in rat and human colonic crypts, determined the effect of aldosterone on NHE4 specifically, and explored the intracellular pathways leading to activation. Colonic samples were dissected from Sprague-Dawley rats. Human specimens were obtained from patients undergoing elective colon resections. Crypts were isolated using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and intracellular pH (pHi) changes were monitored using 2′-7′-bis(carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF). Crypts were exposed to 7 μM ethylisopropylamiloride or 400 μM amiloride, doses previously shown to inhibit NHE1 and NHE3 but allow NHE4 to remain active. Functional NHE4 activity was demonstrated in both rat and human colonic crypts. NHE4 activity was increased in the presence of 1 μM aldosterone. In the rat model, crypts were exposed to 100 μM 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine/1 μM forskolin and demonstrated a decrease in NHE4 activity with increased cAMP levels. No significant change in NHE4 activity was seen by increasing osmolarity. These results demonstrate functional NHE4 activity in the rat and human colon and an increase in activity by aldosterone. This novel exchanger is capable of modulating intracellular pH over a wide pH spectrum and may play an important role in maintaining cellular pH homeostasis.
Possible cues driving context-specific adaptation of optocollic reflex in pigeons (Columba livia)
Authors: Gioanni Henri , Vidal Pierre-Paul
Published: November 2011

Context-specific adaptation (Shelhamer M, Clendaniel R. Neurosci Lett 332: 200–204, 2002) explains that reflexive responses can be maintained with different “calibrations” for different situations (contexts). Which context cues are crucial and how they combine to evoke context-specific adaptation is not fully understood. Gaze stabilization in birds is a nice model with which to tackle that question. Previous data showed that when pigeons ( Columba livia) were hung in a harness and subjected to a frontal airstream provoking a flying posture (“flying condition”), the working range of the optokinetic head response [optocollic reflex (OCR)] extended toward higher velocities compared with the “resting condition.” The present study was aimed at identifying which context cues are instrumental in recalibrating the OCR. We investigated that question by using vibrating stimuli delivered during the OCR provoked by rotating the visual surroundings at different velocities. The OCR gain increase and the boost of the fast phase velocity observed during the “flying condition” were mimicked by body vibration. On the other hand, the newly emerged relationship between the fast-phase and slow-phase velocities in the “flying condition” was mimicked by head vibration. Spinal cord lesion at the lumbosacral level decreased the effects of body vibration, whereas lesions of the lumbosacral apparatus had no effect. Our data suggest a major role of muscular proprioception in the context-specific adaptation of the stabilizing behavior, while the vestibular system could contribute to the context-specific adaptation of the orienting behavior. Participation of an efferent copy of the motor command driving the flight cannot be excluded.
Fifteen Dimensions of Health among Community-Dwelling Older Singaporeans
Authors: Malhotra Chetna , Chan Angelique , Malhotra Rahul , Østbye Truls
Published: October 2011

This paper aims to present a broad perspective of health of older Singaporeans spanning 15 health dimensions and study the association between self-rated health (SRH) and other health dimensions. Using data from a survey of 5000 Singaporeans (≥60 years), SRH and health in 14 other dimensions were assessed. Generalized logit model was used to assess contribution of these 14 dimensions to positive and negative SRH, compared to average SRH. About 86% reported their health to be average or higher. Prevalence of positive SRH and “health” in most other dimensions was lower in older age groups. Positive and negative SRH were associated with mobility, hearing, vision, major physical illness, pain, personal mastery, depressive symptoms, and perceived financial adequacy. The findings show that a majority of older Singaporeans report themselves as healthy overall and in a wide range of health dimensions.
A Systematic Review of Economic Evaluations of Chemoprophylaxis for Tuberculosis
Authors: Chavan Shraddha , Newlands David , Smith Cairns
Published: November 2011

Since treatment of active disease remains the priority for tuberculosis control, donors and governments need to be convinced that investing resources in chemoprophylaxis provides health benefits and is good value for money. The limited evidence of cost effectiveness has often been presented in a fragmentary and inconsistent fashion.Objective. This review is aimed at critically reviewing the evidence of cost effectiveness of chemoprophylaxis against tuberculosis, identifying the important knowledge gaps and the current issues which confront policy makers.Methods. A systematic search on economic evaluations for chemoprophylaxis against tuberculosis was carried out, and the selected studies were checked for quality assessment against a standard checklist.Results. The review provides evidence of the cost effectiveness of chemoprophylaxis for all age groups which suggests that current policy should be amended to include a focus on older adults. Seven of the eight selected studies were undertaken wholly in high income countries but there are considerable doubts about the transferability of the findings of the selected studies to low and middle income countries which have the greatest incidence of latent tuberculosis infection.Conclusion. There is a pressing need to expand the evidence base to low and middle income countries where the vast majority of sufferers from tuberculosis live.
Convexities and Existence of the Farthest Point
Authors: Zhang Z. H. , Liu C. Y.
Published: October 2011

Five counterexamples are given, which show relations among the
new convexities and some important convexities in Banach space. Under the assumption that Banach space X is nearly very convex, we give a sufficient
condition that bounded, weakly closed subset of X has the farthest points. We also give a sufficient condition that the farthest point map is single valued in a
residual subset of X when X is very convex.
Comprehensive Proteomic Profiling of Aldehyde Dehydrogenases in Lung Adenocarcinoma Cell Lines
Authors: Zhang Qing , Taguchi Ayumu , Schliekelman Mark , Wong Chee-Hong , Chin Alice , Kuick Rork , Misek David E. , Hanash Samir
Published: October 2011

We have explored the potential of proteomic profiling to contribute to the delineation of the range of expression and subcellular localization of aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs) in lung adenocarcinoma. In-depth quantitative proteomics was applied to 40 lung adenocarcinoma cell lines resulting in the identification of the known members of the ALDH family. Substantial heterogeneity in the level and occurrence of ALDHs in total lysates and on the cell surface and in their release into the culture media was observed based on mass spectrometry counts. A distinct pattern of expression of ALDHs was observed in cells exhibiting epithelial features relative to cells exhibiting mesenchymal features. Strikingly elevated levels of ALDH1A1 were observed in two cell lines. We also report on the occurrence of an immune response to ALDH1A1 in lung cancer.
Studies on Fungal Cultural Filtrates against AdultCulex quinquefasciatus(Diptera: Culicidae) a Vector of Filariasis
Authors: Singh Gavendra , Prakash Soam
Published: October 2011

Entomopathogenic fungi have significant potential to control mosquito population. The culture filtrates ofFusarium oxysporum, Lagenidium giganteum, Trichophyton ajelloi,andCulicinomyces clavisporuswere evaluated against adults ofCx. quinquefasciatus. The culture filtrates were obtained by filtering the broth through Whatman-1 filter paper. These culture filtrates ofC. clavisporushave been found significantly pathogenic with LC50-2.5, LC90-7.24, and LC99-8.7 ML, respectively, after exposure of 24 h. However, the culture filtrates when were combined, in ratios 1 : 1 : 1 ofFusarium oxysporum, Lagenidium giganteum, Trichophyton ajelloithe mortalities were significantly increased. The LC50-3.71, LC90-8.12, and LC99-11.48 were significantly recorded after exposure of 10 hrs. Similarly, the culture filtrates ofT. ajelloi, Culicinomyces clavisporus,andL. giganteumhave been combined in ratios 1 : 1 : 1. Similarly the LC50-1.94, LC90-4, and LC99-6.16 ML Were recorded after exposure of 10 hrs. The results of present study show promise for the use of selected fungal metabolites for control ofCx. quinquefasciatusin the Laboratory.
Relationship between Periodontal Diseases and Preterm Birth: Recent Epidemiological and Biological Data
Authors: Huck O. , Tenenbaum H. , Davideau J.-L.
Published: October 2011

For ten years, the incidence of preterm birth does not decrease in developed countries despite the promotion of public health programs. Many risk factors have been identified including ethnicity, age, tobacco, and infection. However, almost 50% of preterm birth causes remain unknown. The periodontal diseases are highly prevalent inflammatory and infectious diseases of tooth supporting tissues leading to an oral disability. They influence negatively general health worsening cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Periodontal diseases have been also suspected to increase the rate of preterm birth, but data remain contradictory. The objective of this review is to present the principal results of epidemiological, biological, and interventional studies on the link between periodontal diseases and preterm birth. The conclusions of this work underline the importance for the physician/obstetrician to identify women at risk for preterm birth and to address these patients to dentist for periodontal examination and treatment in order to limit adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Benefits of High-Intensity Intensive Care Unit Physician Staffing under the Affordable Care Act
Authors: Logani Sachin , Green Adam , Gasperino James
Published: November 2011

The Affordable Care Act signed into law by President Obama, with its value-based purchasing program, is designed to link payment to quality processes and outcomes. Treatment of critically ill patients represents nearly 1% of the gross domestic product and 25% of a typical hospital budget. Data suggest that high-intensity staffing patterns in the intensive care unit (ICU) are associated with cost savings and improved outcomes. We evaluate the literature investigating the cost-effectiveness and clinical outcomes of high-intensity ICU physician staffing as recommended by The Leapfrog Group (a consortium of companies that purchase health care for their employees) and identify ways to overcome barriers to nationwide implementation of these standards. Hospitals that have implemented the Leapfrog initiative have demonstrated reductions in mortality and length of stay and increased cost savings. High-intensity staffing models appear to be an immediate cost-effective way for hospitals to meet the challenges of health care reform.
A New Combination of RAKE Receiver and Adaptive Antenna Array Beamformer for Multiuser Detection in WCDMA Systems
Authors: Shirvani-Moghaddam Shahriar , Sadeghi Hajar
Published: October 2011

The aim of this paper is to combine smart antenna beamforming and RAKE receiver in wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA). The proposed method combines spatial diversity as well as temporal diversity to improve the performance and overcome both interferences and multipath fading. This investigation has focused on one of the new proposed blind beamforming algorithms. It is based on constrained constant modulus (CCM) algorithm which is used for deriving a recursive-least-squares (RLS-) type optimization algorithm. We illustrate the comparison of bit error rate (BER) of the proposed receiver with simple correlator and also 1D-RAKE receiver in multiuser detection (MUD) WCDMA. The simulation results show that the proposed 2D-RAKE receiver offers lower BER rather than conventional ones, that is, it is an effective solution for decreasing the effect of interference and increasing the capacity, in a joint state.
Wafer-Fused Optically Pumped VECSELs Emitting in the 1310-nm and 1550-nm Wavebands
Authors: Sirbu A. , Volet N. , Mereuta A. , Lyytikäinen J. , Rautiainen J. , Okhotnikov O. , Walczak J. , Wasiak M. , Czyszanowski T. , Caliman A. , Zhu Q. , Iakovlev V. , Kapon E.
Published: October 2011

1300-nm, 1550-nm, and 1480-nm wavelength, optically pumped VECSELs based on wafer-fused
InAlGaAs/InP-AlGaAs/GaAs gain mirrors with intracavity diamond heat spreaders are described. These
devices demonstrate very low thermal impedance of 4 K/W. Maximum CW output of devices with 5 groups
of quantum wells shows CW output power of 2.7 W from 180 μm apertures in both the 1300-nm and the
1550-nm bands. Devices with 3 groups of quantum wells emitting at 1480 nm and with the same aperture
size show CW output of 4.8 W. These VECSELs emit a high-quality beam with beam parameter
below 1.6 allowing reaching a coupling efficiency as high as 70% into a single-mode fiber. Maximum value
of output power of 6.6 W was reached for 1300 nm wavelength devices with 290 μm aperture size. Based
on these VECSELs, second harmonic emission at 650 nm wavelength with a record output of 3 W and
Raman fiber lasers with 0.5 W emission at 1600 nm have been demonstrated.
Indian Schistosomes: A Need for Further Investigations
Authors: Agrawal M. C. , Rao V. G.
Published: October 2011

India is uniquely positioned with regard to schistosomes and schistosomiasis—discovering seven new mammalian species with the existence of three more schistosome species:Orientobilharzia turkestanicum, O. harinasutai, and Schistosoma haematobium(?). An endemic focus of urinary schistosomiasis was reported from Gimvi village of Ratnagiri, Maharashtra with infrequent occurrence of schistosome eggs in human stools. Cercarial dermatitis has been reported to be more abundant in rural population using ponds, tanks, and so forth, for their domestic purposes. Few dermatitis cases were tested positive by CHR. Schistosome antigen was also detected in urine of five cases suggesting existence of active schistosomiasis in India. Nevertheless, human kind does not appear to be the usual host for Indian schistosomes in contrast toS. haematobium, S. mansoni,orS. japonicum. Various reasons for this phenomenon are discussed including evolution of Indian schistosomes, immune mechanisms, and environmental conditions. These and other aspects such as seasonal effect on the prevalence, snail infectivity, heterologous mating, existence of hybrids, and number of schistosomes in heterologous infections need further investigations with application of molecular techniques. Joint efforts by the national as well as international scientific community would be much more rewarding for better understanding of the parasite and the infection.
Influence of System Variables on the Heating Characteristics of Water during Continuous Flow Microwave Heating
Authors: Ramaswamy Hosahalli S. , Lin Manguang
Published: October 2011

A domestic microwave oven (1000 W) was modified to permit the continuous flow of liquids run through a helical coil centrally located inside the oven cavity. Heating characteristics were evaluated by measuring inlet and outlet temperatures of coil as a function of system variables. The influence of number of turns, coil diameter, tube diameter, pitch and initial temperature were evaluated at different flow rates. The average residence time of water was computed by dividing the coil volume by the volumetric flow rate. The influence of Dean number was evaluated. Results from this study showed that (1) higher number of turns resulted in lower heating rate, lower temperature fluctuations, higher exit temperature and longer time to achieve temperature equilibrium; (2) larger tube or coil diameter gave larger coil volume causing the heating rate to decrease; (3) faster flow rates resulted in lower exit temperatures, lower temperature fluctuation, higher Dean number and slightly higher heating rate; (4) higher initial temperatures resulted in higher exit temperatures; (5) higher Dean number resulted in more uniform heating and slightly higher heating rate. Overall, the coil volume was the more dominant factor affecting heating rate as compared with flow rate and Dean number.