bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A kind of specific osteolytic destruction of the vertebral bodies
Authors: Peng Baogan , Chen Jinhong , Pang Xiaodong , Hei Yan
Published: June 2012

This report describes two young patients with osteolytic destruction in two adjacent vertebral bodies along with the intervertebral disc, and reveals its possible mechanism. A lateral radiograph and CT scan displayed a giant osteolytic cavity in the L4 vertebral body. An MRI or CT scan with a two-dimensional reconstruction displayed the same changes in the L4 vertebral body and lower endplate erosion in the L3 vertebral body. A comprehensive preoperative evaluation did not identify a specific cause of vertebral destruction. Both patients underwent anterior lumbar fusion surgery. The lesions were removed for histological and immunohistochemical examination. Histopathological study of the destructed vertebral bodies in the two patients revealed the disruption or atrophy of bone trabeculae with infiltration of a large amount of B-lymphocytes and macrophages into the marrow cavities. Studies of its pathogenesis reveal that it is likely to be a B-lymphocyte-mediated local immune inflammatory reaction in the lumbar spine.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in situs inversus: points of technique
Authors: Pahwa Harvinder Singh , Kumar Awanish , Srivastava Rohit
Published: June 2012

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures carried out in the world today. Rarely do patients present with undiagnosed situs inversus with cholecystitis. Symptomatic gallstones in patients with situs inversus pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. We had one such patient who presented with episodes of pain in the left upper abdomen. She was found to be suffering from situs inversus with gallstones in a left-sided gall bladder. After thorough preoperative evaluation, we performed laparoscopic cholecystectomy by modifying the operative technique adopting a mirror image of port placement on the left side using the left subcostal port (5 mm) for dissection with the right hand and the subxiphoid port for retraction of Hartmann's pouch by the left hand of the surgeon. We can summarise that laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients of situs inversus can be safely performed by an experienced surgeon.
POSITION SENSE ACUITY ACROSS SHOULDER ROTATIONAL RANGE OF MOTION IN HEALTHY YOUNG SUBJECTS
Authors: Kumar C G Shashi , Syed Nafeez , Sirajudeen Mohamed Sherif , Karthikbabu S
Published: June 2012

Objective: To determine the position sense acuity across shoulder rotational range of motion in healthy subjects. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Sports Medicine Department, Manipal hospital, Bangalore. Participants: Thirty healthy subjects with right hand dominance. Method: The ability of the subjects to replicate two criterion positions (mid-range and outer range) was examined in subjects' shoulder joints by using a standard goniometer. 50% and 90% range of total passive shoulder rotational range of motion were the two criterion positions. The difference between the test range of motion and repositioning range of motion indicates the position sense acuity. Results: There was a better position sense acuity in 90% range compared to that at 50% and was more in dominant shoulder than nondominant shoulder. Conclusion: Outer range shoulder rotational range of motion has minimum error in position sense acuity due to the tension in the peri articular structures of shoulder joint.
METAGENOMIC TAXONOMIC CLASSIFICATION USING EXTREME LEARNING MACHINES
Authors: RASHEED ZEEHASHAM , RANGWALA HUZEFA
Published: June 2012

Next-generation sequencing technologies have allowed researchers to determine the collective genomes of microbial communities co-existing within diverse ecological environments. Varying species abundance, length and complexities within different communities, coupled with discovery of new species makes the problem of taxonomic assignment to short DNA sequence reads extremely challenging. We have developed a new sequence composition-based taxonomic classifier using extreme learning machines referred to as TAC-ELM for metagenomic analysis. TAC-ELM uses the framework of extreme learning machines to quickly and accurately learn the weights for a neural network model. The input features consist of GC content and oligonucleotides. TAC-ELM is evaluated on two metagenomic benchmarks with sequence read lengths reflecting the traditional and current sequencing technologies. Our empirical results indicate the strength of the developed approach, which outperforms state-of-the-art taxonomic classifiers in terms of accuracy and implementation complexity. We also perform experiments that evaluate the pervasive case within metagenome analysis, where a species may not have been previously sequenced or discovered and will not exist in the reference genome databases. TAC-ELM was also combined with BLAST to show improved classification results. Code and Supplementary Results: http://www.cs.gmu.edu/~mlbio/TAC-ELM (BSD License).
FINITE ELEMENT SOLUTION OF MULTI-SCALE TRANSPORT PROBLEMS USING THE LEAST SQUARES-BASED BUBBLE FUNCTION ENRICHMENT
Authors: YAZDANI A. , NASSEHI V.
Published: June 2012

This paper presents a technique for deriving least-squares-based polynomial bubble functions to enrich the standard linear finite elements, employed in the formulation of Galerkin weighted-residual statements. The element-level linear shape functions are enhanced using supplementary polynomial bubble functions with undetermined coefficients. The enhanced shape functions are inserted into the model equation and the residual functional is constructed and minimized by using the method of the least squares, resulting in an algebraic system of equations which can be solved to determine the unknown polynomial coefficients in terms of element-level nodal values. The stiffness matrices are subsequently formed with the standard finite elements assembly procedures followed by using these enriched elements which require no additional nodes to be introduced and no extra degree of freedom incurred. Furthermore, the proposed technique is tested on a number of benchmark linear transport equations where the quadratic and cubic bubble functions are derived and the numerical results are compared against the exact and standard linear element solutions. It is demonstrated that low order bubble enriched elements provide more accurate approximations for the exact analytical solutions than the standard linear elements at no extra computational cost in spite of using relatively crude meshes. On the other hand, it is observed that a satisfactory solution of the strongly convection-dominated transport problems may require element enrichment by using significantly higher order polynomial bubble functions in addition to the use of extremely fine computational meshes.
FLEXIBLE INFRARED HEART RATE SENSOR USING QUANTUM DOTS
Authors: SCHMIDT DAVID , ZARE SABA , LIN YINGZI
Published: June 2012

The proposed design uses Quantum Dots (QDs) and basic MEMS fabrication techniques to create a flexible thin-film optical heart rate sensor. Fields including health sciences, fitness sciences and psychophysiological studies can benefit from a biosensor that detects heart rate (HR) in a noninvasive manner. Optical heart rate sensors achieve this by being able to collect signals simply through contact with the user. While the sensing method itself is nothing new, the nature of the flexible thin-film structure will allow the device to achieve maintained unobtrusive contact with minimal effort.
NONBIOFOULING SURFACES COVERED BY BIO-INSPIRED 2-METHACRYLOYLOXYETHYL PHOSPHORYLCHOLINE POLYMER BRUSH BY USE OF POLYMERIC PHOTOINIFERTER
Authors: SIBARANI JAMES , KONNO TOMOHIRO , TAKAI MADOKA , ISHIHARA KAZUHIKO
Published: June 2012

A versatile method for constructing nonbiofouling and micropatterned surfaces bearing brush type poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (MPC) on polymeric substrates using living radical polymerization with N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate moiety as a photoiniferter for microbiodevices was demonstrated. The polymeric photoiniferters comprised of 4-vinyl benzyl N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate (VBDC) and 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate (EHMA) were synthesized with variation of VBDC contents from 10% to 40% to easily tune the chain density of poly(MPC) grafted while the chain length was regulated by changing photoirradiation time. The characterizations of the poly(MPC)-modified surfaces were conducted by using attenuated total reflection infrared (ATR-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), ellipsometric measurements, along with atomic force microscopy (AFM). The nonspecific protein adsorption from single and binary solutions of bovine plasma fibrinogen and bovine serum albumin was greatly suppressed on moderate to high chain density, moderate chain length of poly(MPC) and on smooth surfaces. The modified surfaces excellently eliminate cell adhesion of fibroblast-like cell L929 as well. Further, micropatterned-nonbiofouling poly(MPC) brush surface could be constructed using photomask with high fidelity.
A Note on Inclusion Intervals of Matrix Singular Values
Authors: Cui Shu-Yu , Tian Gui-Xian
Published: June 2012

We establish an inclusion relation between two known inclusion intervals of matrix singular values in some special case. In addition, based on the use of positive scale vectors, a known inclusion interval of matrix singular values is also improved.
LMI‐Based Approach for Exponential Robust Stability of High‐Order Hopfield Neural Networks with Time‐Varying Delays
Authors: Wang Yangfan , Wang Linshan
Published: June 2012

This paper studies the problems of global exponential robust stability of high‐order hopfield neural networks with time‐varying delays. By employing a new Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional and linear matrix inequality, some criteria of global exponential robust stability for the high‐order neural networks are established, which are easily verifiable and have a wider adaptive.
Induced Interval‐Valued Intuitionistic Fuzzy Hybrid Aggregation Operators with TOPSIS Order‐Inducing Variables
Authors: Zhang Jun-Ling , Qi Xiao-Wen
Published: June 2012

Two induced aggregation operators with novelly designed TOPSIS order‐inducing variables are proposed: Induced Interval‐valued Intuitionistic Fuzzy Hybrid Averaging (I‐IIFHA) operator and Induced Interval‐valued Intuitionistic Fuzzy Hybrid Geometric (I‐IIFHG) operator. The merit of two aggregation operators is that they can consider additional preference information of decision maker’s attitudinal characteristics besides argument‐dependent information and argument‐independent information. Some desirable properties of I‐IIFHA and I‐IIFHG are studied and theoretical analysis also shows that they can include a wide range of aggregation operators as special cases. Further, we extend these operators to form a novel group decision‐making method for selecting the most desirable alternative in multiple attribute multi‐interest group decision‐making problems with attribute values and decision maker’s interest values taking the form of interval‐valued intuitionistic fuzzy numbers, and application research to real estate purchase selection shows its practicality.
The Effect of High-Intensity Intermittent Exercise on Body Composition of Overweight Young Males
Authors: Heydari M. , Freund J. , Boutcher S. H.
Published: June 2012

To determine the effect of a 12-week high intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE) intervention on total body, abdominal, trunk, visceral fat mass, and fat free mass of young overweight males. Participants were randomly assigned to either exercise or control group. The intervention group received HIIE three times per week, 20 min per session, for 12 weeks. Aerobic power improved significantly (P<0.001) by 15% for the exercising group. Exercisers compared to controls experienced significant weight loss of 1.5 kg (P<0.005) and a significant reduction in total fat mass of 2 kg (P<0.001). Abdominal and trunk adiposity was also significantly reduced in the exercising group by 0.1 kg (P<0.05) and 1.5 kg (P<0.001). Also the exercise group had a significant (P<0.01) 17% reduction in visceral fat after 12 weeks of HIIE, whereas waist circumference was significantly decreased by week six (P<0.001). Fat free mass was significantly increased (P<0.05) in the exercising group by 0.4 kg for the leg and 0.7 kg for the trunk. No significant change (P>0.05) occurred in levels of insulin, HOMA-IR, and blood lipids. Twelve weeks of HIIE resulted in significant reductions in total, abdominal, trunk, and visceral fat and significant increases in fat free mass and aerobic power.
Dirichlet Problems with an Indefinite and Unbounded Potential and Concave‐Convex Nonlinearities
Authors: Gasiński Leszek , Papageorgiou Nikolaos S.
Published: June 2012

We consider a parametric semilinear Dirichlet problem with an unbounded and indefinite potential. In the reaction we have the competing effects of a sublinear (concave) term and of a superlinear (convex) term. Using variational methods coupled with suitable truncation techniques, we prove two multiplicity theorems for small values of the parameter. Both theorems produce five nontrivial smooth solutions, and in the second theorem we provide precise sign information for all the solutions.
Optimization of Resource Control for Transitions in Complex Systems
Authors: Pop Florin
Published: June 2012

In complex systems like Large‐Scale Distributed Systems (LSDSs) the optimization of resource control is an open issue. The large number of resources and multicriteria optimization requirements make the optimization problem a complex one. The importance of resource control increases with the need of use for industrial process and manufacturing, being a key solution for QoS assuring. This paper presents different solutions for multiobjective decentralized control models for tasks assignment in LSDS. The transaction in real‐time complex system is modeled in simulation by tasks which will be scheduled and executed in a distributed system, so a set of specifications and requirements are known. The paper presents a critical analysis of existing solutions and focuses on a genetic‐based algorithm for optimization. The contribution of the algorithm is the fitness function that includes multiobjective criteria for optimization in different way. Several experimental scenarios, modeled using simulation, were considered to offer a support for analysis of near‐optimal solution for resource selection.
Comments on “Homotopy Perturbation Method for Solving Reaction‐Diffusion Equations”
Authors: Aslanov Afgan
Published: June 2012

The paper entitled “Homotopy perturbation method for solving reaction diffussion equation” contains some mistakes and misinterpretations along with a false conclusion. Applying the homotopy perturbation method (HPM) in an incorrect manner, the authors have drawn the false conclusion that this approach is efficient for reaction‐diffusion type of equation. We show that HPM in the proposed form is not efficient in most cases, and hence, we will introduce the correct form of HPM.
Test-Retest Reliability and Physiological Responses Associated with the Steep Ramp Anaerobic Test in Patients with COPD
Authors: Chura Robyn L. , Marciniuk Darcy D. , Clemens Ron , Butcher Scotty J.
Published: June 2012

The Steep Ramp Anaerobic Test (SRAT) was developed as a clinical test of anaerobic leg muscle function for use in determining anaerobic power and in prescribing high-intensity interval exercise in patients with chronic heart failure and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD); however, neither the test-retest reliability nor the physiological qualities of this test have been reported. We therefore, assessed test-retest reliability of the SRAT and the physiological characteristics associated with the test in patients with COPD. 11 COPD patients (mean FEV143% predicted) performed a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) on Day 1, and an SRAT and a 30-second Wingate anaerobic test (WAT) on each of Days 2 and 3. The SRAT showed a high degree of test-retest reliability (ICC=0.99;CV=3.8%, and bias 4.5 W, error −15.3–24.4 W). Power output on the SRAT was 157 W compared to 66 W on the CPET and 231 W on the WAT. Despite the differences in workload, patients exhibited similar metabolic and ventilatory responses between the three tests. Measures of ventilatory constraint correlated more strongly with the CPET than the WAT; however, physiological variables correlated more strongly with the WAT. The SRAT is a highly reliable test that better reflects physiological performance on a WAT power test despite a similar level of ventilatory constraint compared to CPET.
Some Formulae for the Product of Two Bernoulli and Euler Polynomials
Authors: Kim D. S. , Dolgy D. V. , Kim T. , Rim S.-H.
Published: June 2012

We investigate some formulae for the product of two Bernoulli and Euler polynomials arising from the Euler and Bernoulli basis polynomials.
Rituximab-Induced Coronary Vasospasm
Authors: Lee Linda , Kukreti Vishal
Published: June 2012

Rituximab has improved the treatment of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas. While it is generally well tolerated, serious adverse effects including infusion reactions with hemodynamic compromise and cardiac arrhythmias or ischemia are possible. We report a case of coronary vasospasm occurring during a rituximab infusion in a patient with minimal tumour burden and who had no cardiac risk factors. This case highlights that determination of the cause of ischemia is important and may identify some patients who can be successfully rechallenged.
Triterpenoid Saponins from the Pericarps of Sapindus mukorossi
Authors: Sharma Amita , Sati Satish Chandra , Sati Om Parkash , Sati Maneesha Dobhal , Kothiyal Sudhir Kumar
Published: June 2012

A novel acetylated triterpene bisdesmoside saponin is elucidated as named Hederagenin 3‐O‐α‐L‐rhamnopyranosyl (3 → 1)‐[2,4‐O‐diacetyl‐α‐L‐arabinopyranosyl]‐28‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(2 → 1) [3‐O‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl] ester (1) along with two known saponins, hederagenin 3‐O‐(α‐L‐arabinopyranoside‐(1 → 3)‐α‐L‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐α‐L‐arabinopyranoside (2) and hederagenin 3‐O‐[β‐D‐xylopyranosyl‐(1 → 3)‐α‐L‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1 → 2)‐α‐L‐arabinopyranoside] (3), from the pericarps of Sapindus mukorossi. The structures of these saponins were characterized by means of chemical and spectral methods including advanced 2D NMR studies.
CeCl3 · 7H2O/SiO2 as an Efficient and Recyclable Catalyst for the Synthesis of Dihydropyrano[3,2‐b]chromenediones
Authors: Zhang Chong , Qu Yan
Published: June 2012

Dihydropyrano[3,2‐b]chromenedione derivatives were synthesized in moderate‐to‐high yields in one‐pot three‐component reaction from the corresponding aromatic aldehydes, kojic acid, and dimedone, in the presence of catalytic amount of CeCl3 · 7H2O/SiO2 as a nontoxic, reusable, inexpensive, and easily available reagent, under solvent‐free conditions.
Nematocidal Constituents from the Ethanol Extract of Evodia rutaecarpa Hort Unripe Fruits
Authors: Liu Qi Zhi , Li He Qin , Liu Zhi Long
Published: June 2012

The ethanol extract of Chinese medicinal herb, Evodia rutaecarpa Hort unripe fruits, was found to possess nematocidal activity against the root‐knot nematodes, Meloidogyne incognita, during the screening program for new agrochemicals from local wild plants and Chinese medicinal herbs. Bioactivity‐guided chromatographic separation of the ethanol extract of E. rutaecarpa on repeated silica gel columns led to isolate five constituent components (two limonoids, evodol and limonin; three alkaloids, evodiamine, rutaecarpine, and wuchuyuamide I). Evodiamine (LC50 = 73.55 μg/mL) and rutaecarpine (LC50 = 120.85 μg/mL) exhibited stronger nematocidal activity against M. incognita than the crude ethanol extract of E. rutaecarpa (LC50 = 131.54 μg/mL). Wuchuyuamide I, evodol, and limonin also possessed nematocidal activity against M. incognita with LC50 values of 147.87 μg/mL, 155.02 μg/mL, and 197.37 μg/mL, respectively, but weaker than the crude ethanol extract of E. rutaecarpa.
Growth of Regional Acute Stroke Systems of Care in the United States in the First Decade of the 21st Century
Authors: Song Sarah , Saver Jeffrey
Published: June 2012

Background and Purpose—

States and counties in the US began implementing regional systems of acute stroke care in the first decade of the 21st century, whereby emergency medical services systems preferentially route acute stroke patients directly to primary stroke centers. The pace, geographic range, and population reach of regional stroke system implementation has not been previously delineated.

Methods—

We performed a review of legislative archives, internet and media reports, consultation with American Heart Association/American Stroke Association and Centers for Disease Control staff, and phone interviews with state public health and emergency medical service officials from each of the 50 states.

Results—

The first counties to adopt regional regulations supporting routing of acute stroke patients to primary stroke centers were in Alabama and Texas in 2000; the first states were Florida and Massachusetts in 2004. By 2010, 16 states had state-level legislation or regulations to enable emergency medical service routing to primary stroke centers, as did counties in 3 additional states. The US population covered by routing protocols increased substantially in the latter half of the decade, from 1.5% in 2000 to 53% of the US population by the end of 2010.

Conclusions—

The first decade of the 21st century witnessed a remarkable structural transformation in acute stroke care: by the end of 2010, over half of all Americans were living in states/counties with emergency medical service routing protocols supporting the direct transport of acute stroke patients to primary stroke centers. Additional efforts are needed to extend regional stroke systems of care to the rest of the US.
Reexamining the Role of Gifted Education and Talent Development for the 21st Century
Authors: Renzulli Joseph S.
Published: June 2012

Why and how should a society devote special resources to the development of giftedness in young people for the twenty-first century? If we agree that the goals of gifted education and talent development are to maximize young people’s opportunities for self-fulfillment and increase society’s reservoir of creative problem solvers and producers of knowledge, then it would seem wise that programming and services enhance students’ capacity for creative productivity, not just content acquisition. This general theory for the development of human potential is discussed through an exploration of four research-based subtheories: the Three-Ring Conception of Giftedness, the Enrichment Triad Model, Operation Houndstooth, and Executive Functions. In this article, a reexamination of current gifted and talented programming is intended to generate future research, extend dialogue among scholars, and inspire continued support for programming based on theory and related research.
Projection of Non-peptidergic Afferents to Mouse Tooth Pulp
Authors: Chung M.-K. , Jue S.S. , Dong X.
Published: June 2012

A large proportion of pulpal nociceptors are known to contain neuropeptides such as CGRP. However, the projection of non-peptidergic nociceptors to tooth pulp is controversial. Recently, the non- peptidergic subset of nociceptors has been implicated in mechanical pain in the skin. Since mechanical irritation of pulpal nociceptors is critical for evoking tooth pain under pathophysiological conditions, we investigated whether the non-peptidergic afferents project to tooth pulp as potential mechanotransducing afferents. For clear visualization of the non-peptidergic afferents, we took advantage of a recently generated knock-in mouse model in which an axonal tracer, farnesylated green fluorescence protein (GFP), is expressed from the locus of a sensory neuron-specific gene, Mrgprd. In the trigeminal ganglia (TG), we demonstrated that GFP is exclusively expressed in afferents binding to isolectin B4 (IB4), a neurochemical marker of non-peptidergic nociceptors, but is rarely co-localized with CGRP. Retrograde labeling of pulpal afferents demonstrated that a low proportion of pulpal afferents was co-localized with GFP. Immunohistochemical detection of the axonal tracer revealed that GFP-positive afferent terminals were densely projected into the tooth pulp. These results provide convincing evidence that non-peptidergic nociceptors are projected into the tooth pulp and suggest a potential role for these afferents in tooth pain.
Improving Intergroup Attitudes through Televised Vicarious Intergroup Contact
Authors: Joyce Nick , Harwood Jake
Published: June 2012

In an experiment, participants exposed to depictions of an intergroup interaction between a border patrolling U.S. citizen and an illegal immigrant demonstrated changed attitudes toward illegal immigrants depending on the valence of the portrayal. Negative effects were enhanced among people who identified more strongly with the U.S. citizen character, and positive effects were moderately, although nonsignificantly enhanced among those who viewed the illegal immigrant character as more typical of illegal immigrants in general. Liking of the illegal immigrant character was a significant mediator of the effects. The positive effects on attitudes toward illegal immigrants transferred to more positive attitudes toward other social groups as well. The study is framed in terms of a social cognitive theory approach to vicarious intergroup contact.
Effect of an Interdisciplinary Educational Program on Antipsychotic Prescribing Among Residents With Dementia in Two Long-Term Care Centers
Authors: Monette Johanne , Monette Michele , Sourial Nadia , Vandal Alain C. , Wolfson Christina , Champoux Nathalie , Fletcher John , Savoie Maryse L.
Published: June 2012

The effect of an educational program on antipsychotic prescribing was assessed in two Canadian long-term care centers (LTCC). In each center (Center A residents, n = 258 and Center B residents, n = 191, with dementia at program inception), the rate of change in the odds of using antipsychotics in residents was estimated using mixed-effects logistic regression during a 6-month program period and a 4-month postprogram period, with baseline proportions of use estimated during the 6 months prior to the program. Preprogram proportions of antipsychotic use were 41.6% and 46.2%, respectively. Antipsychotic use decreased during the program in both centers: (odds ratio with 95% CI: 0.943 per week [0.921, 0.965] and 0.969 per week [0.944, 0.994], respectively). During the postprogram period, antipsychotic use increased in Center A (1.039 per week [1.007, 1.072]) but decreased progressively in Center B. The study results suggest the need to implement an ongoing educational program in LTCC.
Defining Suburbs
Authors: Forsyth Ann
Published: June 2012

There is no consensus as to what exactly constitutes a suburb. This article examines the range of suburban definitions in terms of their structure and the topical issues that they grapple with. Suburbs have been defined according to many different dimensions from location and transportation modes to culture and physical appearance. Given this confusion, one approach is to abandon the term; another is to use it with greater precision. This is more than just an issue of semantics. Rather how people talk and think about suburbs shapes how they can see such areas being developed and redeveloped in the future.
Overexposed: Capturing a secret side of sports photography
Authors: Keats Patrice A , Keats-Osborn William R
Published: June 2012

Accredited photographers have been observed taking sexualized, voyeuristic images of athletes that are later distributed on pornography websites and among collectors of pornographic images. As with other emergent forms of digital voyeurism, such as upskirting, these images are taken in public places in such a way that they capture compromising moments without any awareness on the part of the victim, and expand the temporal and geographical scope of the intrusion. Such a prurient use of photographs can be devastating and humiliating for the athletes. An examination of the ambiguity of an image’s meaning, especially in the eyes of the law, is used to demonstrate the inadequacy of legal approaches to policing these kinds of voyeurism. In addition, an exploration of the culture of sports journalism, where the priority of self-promotion and competition often underscores the lack of attention given to the rampant sexism that frequently pervades the profession, is used to illustrate the apparent factors that precipitate and maintain the practice of sports voyeurism. Recommendations for potential interventions and further research are provided.
Continuous Subcutaneous Infusion of Compound Oxycodone for the Relief of Dyspnea in Patients With Terminally Ill Cancer
Authors: Kawabata Masahiro , Kaneishi Keisuke
Published: June 2012

Pain and dyspnea are the most prevalent and distressing symptoms in patients with terminally ill cancer. Evidences have accumulated for the effects of morphine on dyspnea, whereas little is known about the effects of oxycodone on dyspnea. We investigated the effectiveness of oxycodone for dyspnea in patients with terminally ill cancer. The injectable form of compound oxycodone (iOC) containing hydrocotarnine was administered continuously via subcutaneous route. We administered iOC to 136 patients. The effect on dyspnea was less conspicuous than pain, yet iOC was effective for dyspnea with varying degrees. None of the adverse effects observed were serious. These results suggest that continuous subcutaneous administration of oxycodone could be one of the reasonable alternatives in the management of dyspnea in patients with terminally ill cancer.
Canonical correlation analysis of online video advertising viewing motivations and access characteristics
Authors: Lee Joonghwa , Lee Hyunmin
Published: June 2012

This study investigates consumers’ motivations for watching online video ads and the relationship between the motivations and access characteristics of viewers. Uses and gratifications and characteristics of consumers’ exposure to online video ads were reviewed for this study. First, findings of exploratory factor analysis revealed five different motivations for viewing online video ads – social interaction, relaxation, information, escapism-pass time, and entertainment. Second, canonical correlation analysis revealed that the desire to fulfill viewing motivations is positively correlated with frequencies to actively access websites and frequencies to visit different types of websites. Implications and future research are discussed.
Some ‘technical challenges’ of video analysis: social actions, objects, material realities and the problems of perspective
Authors: Luff Paul , Heath Christian
Published: June 2012

Unlike the wide-ranging methodological debates surrounding the accomplishment and analysis of interviews, fieldwork and focus groups, the discussions concerning the use of video data tend to focus on a few frequently rehearsed issues. In this article we wish to broaden the consideration of methodological concerns related to video. We address the problems faced when collecting data, particularly on how to select the framing for the recordings. We discuss the problems faced by researchers and how these have been addressed, revealing how a conventional solution has emerged that facilitates a particular kind of ‘multi-modal’ analysis. We then suggest some limitations of this framing and describe a number of recent approaches to recording video data that seek to overcome these constraints. While providing opportunities for very distinctive kinds of analyses, adopting these solutions places very particular demands on how data are collected, how research activities are conventionally undertaken, and perhaps more importantly, the nature of the analysis that is made possible. Although seeming to be a practical and technical consideration about recording data, selecting a camera angle uncovers methodological concerns that reveal the distinctive demands that video places on researchers concerned with the detailed analysis of naturally occurring social interaction.
Transcatheter Embolization of Extensive Left Gastric Artery Collaterals Presenting With Massive Upper Gastrointestinal Bleed
Authors: Saddekni Souheil , Abdel-Aal Ahmed Kamel , Oser Rachel F. , Underwood Edgar , Bag Asim
Published: June 2012

We report a case of extensive left gastric artery collaterals that were formed in the region of gastric fundus due to splenic artery occlusion and resulted in massive hematemesis. These collaterals were thought to be portosystemic collaterals related to portal hypertension during upper endoscopy study and single-phase venous computed tomography studies. The collaterals were treated by transcatheter endovascular coil embolization. Our case highlights the importance of recognizing and differentiating left gastric artery collaterals from gastric venous varices as a cause of hematemesis since the treatment approach for each condition is totally different. It also introduces the feasibility of percutaneous left gastric artery embolization as a treatment for this condition, without the need for surgical splenectomy and partial gastrectomy which have a higher mortality and morbidity.
Ethical imperialism or ethical mindfulness? Rethinking ethical review for social sciences
Authors: Bond Tim
Published: June 2012

This article is a response to the challenge with which Zachary Schrag concluded his article, ‘The case against ethics review in social sciences’ − that ‘the burden of proof for its continuation rests on its defenders’ (Schrag, 2011). This article acknowledges that there is substance in the charges he lays against some reviews of social sciences and that these are of sufficient quantity and seriousness to justify his challenge. Instead of favouring abandonment of ethical review of social sciences, the author of this article draws upon his experience as Research Ethics Officer for Social Sciences and Law in a research intensive UK university to identify the sources of some of the problems and suggest potential remedies. These start with reviewing the warrant for ethical review as the basis for understanding reviewer’s role concerning the core ethical issues of rigour, respect and responsibility in the proposed research. This response concludes by considering the implications of a warrant for enhancing trust between scientists and the public as the context in which ethical review is only one component in a number of ethical strategies designed to promote ethical mindfulness as integral to social science research.
Response to Schrag: What are ethics committees for anyway? A defence of social science research ethics review
Authors: Jennings Sean
Published: June 2012

Zachary Schrag would like to put the burden of proof for continuation of research ethics review in the Social Sciences on those who advocate for research ethics committees (RECs), and asks that we take the concerns that he raises seriously. I separate his concerns into a principled issue and a number of pragmatic issues. The principled issue concerns the justification for having research ethics committees; the pragmatic issues concern questions such as the effectiveness of review and the expertise of the committee members. I argue that RECs can be justified by their role in improving ethical practice and in reducing wrongs done to research participants. I propose a model of review for doing this, which I think would also address the pragmatic issues raised. I then offer an account of where the UK ethics review system is now and suggest three steps which could improve social science ethics review in the UK and move it in a perhaps more desirable direction.
Conservation and divergence between cytoplasmic and muscle-specific actin capping proteins: insights from the crystal structure of cytoplasmic Cap32/34 from Dictyostelium discoideum
Authors: Eckert Christian , Goretzki Agnieszka , Faberova Maria , Kollmar Martin
Published: June 2012

Background

Capping protein (CP), also known as CapZ in muscle cells and Cap32/34 in Dictyostelium discoideum, plays a major role in regulating actin filament dynamics. CP is a ubiquitously expressed heterodimer comprising an α- and β-subunit. It tightly binds to the fast growing end of actin filaments, thereby functioning as a “cap” by blocking the addition and loss of actin subunits. Vertebrates contain two somatic variants of CP, one being primarily found at the cell periphery of non-muscle tissues while the other is mainly localized at the Z-discs of skeletal muscles.

Results

To elucidate structural and functional differences between cytoplasmic and sarcomercic CP variants, we have solved the atomic structure of Cap32/34 (32 = β- and 34 = α-subunit) from the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium at 2.2 Å resolution and compared it to that of chicken muscle CapZ. The two homologs display a similar overall arrangement including the attached α-subunit C-terminus (α-tentacle) and the flexible β-tentacle. Nevertheless, the structures exhibit marked differences suggesting considerable structural flexibility within the α-subunit. In the α-subunit we observed a bending motion of the β-sheet region located opposite to the position of the C-terminal β-tentacle towards the antiparallel helices that interconnect the heterodimer. Recently, a two domain twisting attributed mainly to the β-subunit has been reported. At the hinge of these two domains Cap32/34 contains an elongated and highly flexible loop, which has been reported to be important for the interaction of cytoplasmic CP with actin and might contribute to the more dynamic actin-binding of cytoplasmic compared to sarcomeric CP (CapZ).

Conclusions

The structure of Cap32/34 from Dictyostelium discoideum allowed a detailed analysis and comparison between the cytoplasmic and sarcomeric variants of CP. Significant structural flexibility could particularly be found within the α-subunit, a loop region in the β-subunit, and the surface of the α-globule where the amino acid differences between the cytoplasmic and sarcomeric mammalian CP are located. Hence, the crystal structure of Cap32/34 raises the possibility of different binding behaviours of the CP variants toward the barbed end of actin filaments, a feature, which might have arisen from adaptation to different environments.
CAV1 siRNA Reduces Membrane Estrogen Receptor-α Levels and Attenuates Sexual Receptivity
Authors: Christensen Amy , Micevych Paul
Published: June 2012

Although classic estrogen receptors (ER) have been proposed to mediate estradiol signaling, it has been relatively recently that mechanisms of trafficking these receptors have been elucidated. ERα is palmitoylated and associates with caveolin proteins to be targeted to the cell membrane. Caveolins are scaffold proteins that not only traffic ERα to the membrane but also are involved in establishing metabotropic glutamate receptor interactions that are necessary for activating G protein signaling. To demonstrate the role of caveolin proteins in regulating an estradiol-dependent behavior, sexual receptivity, we used small interfering RNA to knock down caveolin-1 (CAV1) expression in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. In CAV1 knockdown rats, membrane, but not intracellular levels of ERα, were significantly reduced. As expected, estrogenic stimulation of the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus to medial preoptic nucleus projection was abrogated in CAV1 knockdown rats, indicating that the membrane-initiated activation of this circuit was compromised. Moreover, estradiol-induced lordosis behavior that is dependent on activation of μ-opioid receptors in the medial preoptic nucleus was also significantly reduced. Thus, CAV1-mediated ERα trafficking to the cell membrane is required for estradiol activation of circuits underlying female sexual receptivity.
Flexibility in thermoregulatory physiology of two dunnarts, Sminthopsis macroura and Sminthopsis ooldea (Marsupialia; Dasyuridae)
Authors: Tomlinson Sean , Withers Philip C. , Maloney Shane K.
Published: June 2012

Stripe-faced dunnarts (Sminthopsis macroura) and Ooldea dunnarts (S. ooldea) were acclimated for 2 weeks to ambient temperature (Ta) regimes of 12–22°C, 18–28°C and 25–35°C, and then measured for standard, basal (BMR) and maximum (MMR) metabolic rate using flow-through respirometry. Sminthopsis macroura maintained a stable body temperature under all experimental Ta and acclimation regimes. Although its BMR was not statistically different between the three acclimation regimes, the lower end of the thermoneutral zone (TNZ) shifted from 30°C under the 18–28°C and 12–22°C acclimation regimes to 35°C under the 25–35°C acclimation regime. MMR increased significantly at the cooler acclimation regimes. EWL increased at Ta=35°C, compared with lower Ta, in all acclimation regimes, but an increase in evaporative water loss (EWL) at Ta=10°C observed in cool acclimations did not occur at the 25–35°C regime. In contrast, S. ooldea had variable body temperature between experimental Ta in all acclimation regimes, but no acclimational shift in TNZ, which was between 30 and 35°C. Neither BMR nor MMR was affected by exposure to the three acclimation regimes. EWL did not change across Ta or with acclimation regime. Sminthopsis macroura was flexible in many aspects of its thermoregulation (involving energy and water balance) in response to thermal acclimation, presumably allowing it to balance its energy and water requirements over a broad range of climatic conditions. Sminthopsis ooldea seems to have an inflexible energetic and water balance in response to thermal acclimation, but has low nominal expenditure of either resource on thermoregulation because it thermoregulates less precisely than S. macroura. It seems that S. ooldea is adapted to a more narrow, stable climate.
Recognition of variable courtship song in the field cricketGryllus assimilis
Authors: Vedenina Varvara Yu. , Pollack Gerald S.
Published: June 2012

We analyzed the courtship song of the field cricket Gryllus assimilis. The song comprises two elements: groups of ca. 10 pulses (chirps) with low fundamental frequency (3.5–3.7 kHz) alternating with high-frequency (15-17 kHz) pulses (ticks) that usually occur as doublets. Some elements of courtship song are quite variable (high coefficient of variation) both within and between males, whereas others are more stereotypical. In experiments with playback of synthesized courtship songs, we studied the importance of several song parameters for mating success, which we evaluated as the probability with which females mounted muted, courting males. Altering some features that show little variability, such as chirp-pulse rate or carrier frequency of ticks, resulted in significant decreases in mounting frequency, consistent with the notion that trait values showing little variability are constrained by stabilizing selection exerted by females. However, alteration of one invariant trait, the occurrence of both song components, by omitting either component from test songs only slightly affected female responsiveness. Alteration of a variable song trait, the number of ticks per song phrase, had no effect on female response rate, thus failing to provide support for the idea that variable traits provide a substrate for sexual selection. An unusual characteristic feature of the song of G. assimilis is that chirp pulses often contain substantial high-frequency power, and indeed may entirely lack power at the fundamental frequency. Playback experiments showed that such songs are, nevertheless, behaviorally effective. To understand the neural basis for this, we recorded the responses of the two principal ascending auditory interneurons of crickets, AN1 and AN2. Our results suggest that the frequency selectivity of the neurons is sufficiently broad to tolerate the spectral variability of courtship chirps.
Survival of heat stress with and without heat hardening inDrosophila melanogaster: interactions with larval density
Authors: Arias Leticia N. , Sambucetti Pablo , Scannapieco Alejandra C. , Loeschcke Volker , Norry Fabian M.
Published: June 2012

Survival of a potentially lethal high temperature stress is a genetically variable thermal adaptation trait in many organisms. Organisms cope with heat stress by basal or induced thermoresistance. Here, we tested quantitative trait loci (QTL) for heat stress survival (HSS) in Drosophila melanogaster, with and without a cyclic heat-hardening pre-treatment, for flies that were reared at low (LD) or high (HD) density. Mapping populations were two panels of recombinant inbred lines (RIL), which were previously constructed from heat stress-selected stocks: RIL-D48 and RIL-SH2, derived from backcrosses to stocks of low and high heat resistance, respectively. HSS increased with heat hardening in both LD and HD flies. In addition, HSS increased consistently with density in non-hardened flies. There was a significant interaction between heat hardening and density effects in RIL-D48. Several QTL were significant for both density and hardening treatments. Many QTL overlapped with thermotolerance QTL identified for other traits in previous studies based on LD cultures only. However, three new QTL were found in HD only (cytological ranges: 12E–16F6; 30A3–34C2; 49C–50C). Previously found thermotolerance QTL were also significant for flies from HD cultures.
Physician attitudes towards chronic disease management in the USA
Authors: Lee Doohee , Begley Charles E.
Published: June 2012

Whereas physician support of disease management (DM) is recognized as important for improving the quality and effectiveness of care of individuals with chronic illness, little is known about physicians’ perceptions of the model or their likelihood of adoption. A multivariate regression analysis was conducted of a 2008 nationally representative sample of practising physicians in the USA who had been exposed to DM programmes ( n = 1615) to determine their support for DM and how attitudes differ across physicians. Results indicated that the majority of physicians believe in the quality enhancing benefits of DM programmes, but there are systematic differences in the attitudes towards DM of different types of physicians. Physicians affiliated with health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and hospital-based practices are more likely than other physicians to agree that DM programmes improve their ability to provide high-quality care to patients with chronic conditions. Minority physicians and physicians who perceive their market as more competitive, have a more positive attitude towards DM than white physicians and physicians in less competitive markets. International medical graduates hold relatively positive attitudes about the benefits of DM programmes and older physicians are more likely than their young peers to approve of DM and physicians. Physicians with a higher percentage of patients with chronic conditions are more likely to have a favourable view of DM. Specialty physicians are more likely to have a positive view of DM, and DM-exposed physicians are more likely to perceive that DM programmes lead to improved quality of care. Future study is needed to determine the reasons for these differences in attitudes and whether they can be modified by targeted information.
Application of Fuzzy Classifier Fusion in Determining Productive Zones in Oil Wells
Authors: Masoudi Pedram , Tokhmechi Behzad , Jafari Majid Ansari , Moshiri Behzad
Published: June 2012

This study is an application of data fusion techniques, especially fuzzy theory, in determining oil producing zones through four nearby wells, located on an oil field in south west of Iran. Two fusing techniques, used here are based on Bayesian and fuzzy theories. At first, two Bayesian classifiers are being constructed by training in two different wells; then a fuzzy operator, called Sugeno discrete integral, is used to fuse outputs of two mentioned Bayesian classifiers. Finally, it is concluded that using fuzzy classifier fusion improves not only certainty and confidence of decision making, but also generalization ability of determining productive zones.