bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple Approaches to the Diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Rijo Rui , Martinho Ricardo , Ge Xiaocheng
Published: March 2014

Studies indicate that about 3-7% of school-age children have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). If these disorders are not diagnosed and treated early, its consequences can harshly impair the adult life of the individual. In this context, early diagnosis is critical. Clinical reasoning is a key contributor to the quality of health care. Clinical decisions at the policy level are made within a stochastic domain; decisions for individuals are usually more qualitative. In both cases, poor reasoning can result in an undesirable outcome. Clinical decisions are most typically communicated in a document through free text. Text has significant limitations (particularly ambiguity and poor structuring) whether used for analysis, or to explain the decision-making process. In safety engineering, similar problems are faced in conveying safety arguments to support certification. As a result, approaches have been developed to conveying arguments in ways which improve communication and which are more amenable to analysis. The Goal Structuring Notation (GSN) – a graphical argumentation notation for safety – was developed for those reasons. It has evolved to be one of the most widely used techniques for representing safety arguments. The use of text-mining techniques is another approach in the process of achieving or suggesting a diagnosis to the physician. This paper investigates the relative feasibility of these two approaches and discuss their complementation. Based on a case example, the benefits and problems of adopting GSN and ontology approach in clinical decision-making for ADHD are discussed and illustrated.
Brown marmorated stink bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in Canada: recent establishment, occurrence, and pest status in southern Ontario
Authors: Gariepy T.D. , Fraser H. , Scott-Dupree C.D.
Published: March 2014

Halyomorpha halys Stål (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), has been intercepted numerous times in Canada, and overwintering BMSB adults have been reported by homeowners. However, established breeding populations were not detected before 2012. Here we report the occurrence of established populations of BMSB in southern Ontario, Canada and describe habitats, host plants, and collection efforts from 2012 to 2013. Tracking the phenology and spread of this pest in Ontario is critical for the development of integrated pest management strategies to prevent severe economic damage due to this pest.
Signal-Transducing Adaptor Protein-2 Controls the IgE-Mediated, Mast Cell–Mediated Anaphylactic Responses
Authors: Sekine Yuichi , Nishida Keigo , Yamasaki Satoru , Muromoto Ryuta , Kon Shigeyuki , Kashiwakura Jun-ichi , Saitoh Kodai , Togi Sumihito , Yoshimura Akihiko , Oritani Kenji , Matsuda Tadashi
Published: March 2014

Signal-transducing adaptor protein-2 (STAP-2) is a recently identified adaptor protein that regulates immune and inflammatory responses through interactions with a variety of signaling and transcriptional molecules. In the current study, we clarified the physiological role of STAP-2 in mast cell function, a key mediator of IgE-associated allergic responses. STAP-2 is constitutively expressed in mast cells. STAP-2 deficiency in mast cells greatly enhances FcεRI-mediated signals, resulting in the increased tyrosine phosphorylation of the phospholipase C-γ isoform, calcium mobilization, and degranulation. Of importance, STAP-2–deficient mice challenged with DNP-BSA after passive sensitization with anti-DNP IgE show more severe rectal temperature decrease than do wild-type mice. STAP-2–deficient mice also show increased vascular permeability and more severe cutaneous anaphylaxis after DNP-BSA injection. These regulatory functions performed by STAP-2 indicate that there is an interaction between STAP-2 and FcεRI. In addition, our previous data indicate that STAP-2 binds to the phospholipase C-γ isoform and IκB kinase-β. Therefore, our data described in this article strongly suggest that manipulation of STAP-2 expression in mast cells may control the pathogenesis of allergic diseases and have the potential for treating patients with allergy.
Metabolic Reprogramming Is Required for Antibody Production That Is Suppressed in Anergic but Exaggerated in Chronically BAFF-Exposed B Cells
Authors: Caro-Maldonado Alfredo , Wang Ruoning , Nichols Amanda G. , Kuraoka Masayuki , Milasta Sandra , Sun Lillian D. , Gavin Amanda L. , Abel E. Dale , Kelsoe Garnett , Green Douglas R. , Rathmell Jeffrey C.
Published: March 2014

B cell activation leads to proliferation and Ab production that can protect from pathogens or promote autoimmunity. Regulation of cell metabolism is essential to support the demands of lymphocyte growth and effector function and may regulate tolerance. In this study, we tested the regulation and role of glucose uptake and metabolism in the proliferation and Ab production of control, anergic, and autoimmune-prone B cells. Control B cells had a balanced increase in lactate production and oxygen consumption following activation, with proportionally increased glucose transporter Glut1 expression and mitochondrial mass upon either LPS or BCR stimulation. This contrasted with metabolic reprogramming of T cells, which had lower glycolytic flux when resting but disproportionately increased this pathway upon activation. Importantly, tolerance greatly affected B cell metabolic reprogramming. Anergic B cells remained metabolically quiescent, with only a modest increase in glycolysis and oxygen consumption with LPS stimulation. B cells chronically stimulated with elevated BAFF, however, rapidly increased glycolysis and Ab production upon stimulation. Induction of glycolysis was critical for Ab production, as glycolytic inhibition with the pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase inhibitor dichloroacetate sharply suppressed B cell proliferation and Ab secretion in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, B cell–specific deletion of Glut1 led to reduced B cell numbers and impaired Ab production in vivo. Together, these data show that activated B cells require Glut1-dependent metabolic reprogramming to support proliferation and Ab production that is distinct from T cells and that this glycolytic reprogramming is regulated in tolerance.
Eosinophils Regulate Peripheral B Cell Numbers in Both Mice and Humans
Authors: Wong Tina W. , Doyle Alfred D. , Lee James J. , Jelinek Diane F.
Published: March 2014

The view of eosinophils (Eos) as solely effector cells involved in host parasite defense and in the pathophysiology of allergic diseases has been challenged in recent years. In fact, there is a growing realization that these cells interact with other components of innate and adaptive immunity. For example, mouse Eos were recently demonstrated to promote plasma cell retention in the bone marrow. However, it remains unknown whether Eos influence the biology of normal B lymphocytes. In this study, we specifically assessed the effect of Eos on B cell survival, proliferation, and Ig secretion. Our data first revealed that the genetic deletion of Eos from NJ1638 IL-5 transgenic hypereosinophilic mice (previously shown to display profound B cell expansion) resulted in the near abolishment of the B cell lymphocytosis. In vitro studies using human tissues demonstrated Eos’ proximity to B cell follicles and their ability to promote B cell survival, proliferation, and Ig secretion via a contact-independent mechanism. Additionally, this ability of Eos to enhance B cell responsiveness was observed in both T-independent and T-dependent B cell activation and appears to be independent of the activation state of Eos. Finally, a retrospective clinical study of hypereosinophilic patients revealed a direct correlation between peripheral blood eosinophil levels and B cell numbers. Taken together, our study identifies a novel role for Eos in the regulation of humoral immunity via their impact on B cell homeostasis and proliferation upon activation.
Sequence-Specific Alterations of Epitope Production by HIV Protease Inhibitors
Authors: Kourjian Georgio , Xu Yang , Mondesire-Crump Ijah , Shimada Mariko , Gourdain Pauline , Le Gall Sylvie
Published: March 2014

Ag processing by intracellular proteases and peptidases and epitope presentation are critical for recognition of pathogen-infected cells by CD8+ T lymphocytes. First-generation HIV protease inhibitors (PIs) alter proteasome activity, but the effect of first- or second-generation PIs on other cellular peptidases, the underlying mechanism, and impact on Ag processing and epitope presentation to CTL are still unknown. In this article, we demonstrate that several HIV PIs altered not only proteasome but also aminopeptidase activities in PBMCs. Using an in vitro degradation assay involving PBMC cytosolic extracts, we showed that PIs altered the degradation patterns of oligopeptides and peptide production in a sequence-specific manner, enhancing the cleavage of certain residues and reducing others. PIs affected the sensitivity of peptides to intracellular degradation, and altered the kinetics and amount of HIV epitopes produced intracellularly. Accordingly, the endogenous degradation of incoming virions in the presence of PIs led to variations in CTL-mediated killing of HIV-infected cells. By altering host protease activities and the degradation patterns of proteins in a sequence-specific manner, HIV PIs may diversify peptides available for MHC class I presentation to CTL, alter the patterns of CTL responses, and provide a complementary approach to current therapies for the CTL-mediated clearance of abnormal cells in infection, cancer, or other immune disease.
Acute Pancreatitis Secondary to an Incarcerated Paraoesophageal Hernia: A Rare Cause for a Common Problem
Authors: Boyce Kathryn , Campbell William , Taylor Mark
Published: March 2014

This is a rare case report of acute pancreatitis secondary to a massive incarcerated paraoesophageal hernia. The pathogenesis resulted from obstruction of the distal pancreatic duct after displacement of the pancreatic head and body into the thorax as part of a Type IV paraoesophageal hernia. Although this condition is rare, the patient made steady progress following laparotomy and open repair of hernia. She made a good recovery after prompt therapy, therefore, this report can be a guide to the diagnosis and treatment of similar conditions.
The effects of spring versus summer calving on beef cattle reproductive and growth performance in western Canada
Authors: Durunna Obioha N. , Girardin Lynne C. , Scott Shannon L. , Robins Clayton , Block Hushton C. , Iwaasa Alan D. , Khakbazan Mohammad , Lardner Herbert A.
Published: March 2014

Durunna, O. N., Girardin, L. C., Scott, S. L., Robins, C., Block, H. C., Iwaasa, A. D., Khakbazan, M. and Lardner, H. A. 2014. The effects of spring versus summer calving on beef cattle reproductive and growth performance in western Canada. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 94: 259–271. The majority of beef producers in western Canada have adopted a spring calving system. Evaluating alternative calving systems such as summer calving may lead to better use of forage resources to optimize cow-calf productivity. In order to evaluate the impact of calving system on cow-calf productivity, 346 Hereford or Angus crossbred cows were used in a 3-yr research study (2007 to 2009) at Brandon, Manitoba; Swift Current, Saskatchewan and Lanigan, Saskatchewan. Cows were bred to calve from February to May (early-calving system, EC) or from May to August (late-calving system, LC). Each system was evaluated for effect on performance and reproductive efficiency. Forage yield, utilization and nutritive value were assessed. Cow body weights (BW), ultrasound measures of backfat and calf BW were evaluated at precalving, breeding and weaning. There was no difference between calving systems for pregnancy rate (P=0.13) EC (93.0%) vs. LC (95.8%); calving rate (P=0.89) EC (92.0%) vs. LC (91.7%) or proportion of calves born alive (P=0.85) EC (99.5%) vs. LC (99.6%). The average length of calving season was not different (P=0.26) between the two systems. The EC cows had greater (P=0.002) BW losses from calving to breeding but greater (P=0.001) BW gain from breeding to weaning than LC cows. Although calves born in LC had greater birth BW (P=0.003) than EC calves, calf weaning rate (P=0.01) and calf weaning BW (P<0.0001) were greater in EC. The higher weaning rate and higher weaning BW with EC has the potential to increase cow-calf productivity and may be more attractive to beef producers in western Canada.
Bone Marrow Parasite Burden among Patients with New World Kala-Azar is Associated with Disease Severity
Authors: Silva Joyce M. , Zacarias Danielle A. , de Figueirêdo Lívio C. , Soares Maria Regiane A. , Ishikawa Edna A. Y. , Costa Dorcas L. , Costa Carlos H. N.
Published: March 2014

Kala-azar or visceral leishmaniasis, found mostly throughout the Indian Subcontinent, East Africa, and Brazil, kills 20,000–40,000 persons annually. The agents, Leishmania donovani and Leishmania infantum, are obligatory intracellular protozoa of mononuclear phagocytes found principally in the spleen and bone marrow. Protracted fever, anemia, wasting, hepatosplenomegaly, hemorrhages, and bacterial co-infections are typical features. One hundred and twenty-two (122) in-hospital patients were studied to verify if higher bone marrow parasite load estimated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction is associated with severe disease. The estimated median parasite load was 5.0 parasites/106 human nucleated cells. It is much higher in deceased than among survivors (median 75.0 versus 4.2). Patients who lost more weight had a higher parasite burden, as well as patients with epistaxis, abdominal pain, edema, and jaundice. This study suggests that higher parasite load is influenced by wasting, which may lead to more severe disease.
Rickettsia africae and Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae in Ticks in Israel
Authors: Waner Trevor , Keysary Avi , Eremeeva Marina E. , Din Adi Beth , Mumcuoglu Kosta Y. , King Roni , Atiya-Nasagi Yafit
Published: March 2014

DNA of several spotted fever group rickettsiae was found in ticks in Israel. The findings include evidence for the existence of Rickettsia africae and Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae in ticks in Israel. The DNA of R. africae was detected in a Hyalomma detritum tick from a wild boar and DNA of C. Rickettsia barbariae was detected in Rhipicephalus turanicus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus collected from vegetation. The DNA of Rickettsia massiliae was found in Rh. sanguineus and Haemaphysalis erinacei, whereas DNA of Rickettsia sibirica mongolitimonae was detected in a Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus. Clinicians should be aware that diseases caused by a variety of rickettsiae previously thought to be present only in other countries outside of the Middle East may infect residents of Israel who have not necessarily traveled overseas. Furthermore, this study reveals again that the epidemiology of the spotted fever group rickettsiae may not only involve Rickettsia conorii but may include other rickettsiae.
New emission factors for Australian vegetation fires measured using open-path Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy – Part 2: Australian tropical savanna fires
Authors: Smith T. E. L. , Paton-Walsh C. , Meyer C. P. , Cook G. D. , Maier S. W. , Russell-Smith J. , Wooster M. J. , Yates C. P.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. Savanna fires contribute approximately 40–50% of total global annual biomass burning carbon emissions. Recent comparisons of emission factors from different savanna regions have highlighted the need for a regional approach to emission factor development, and better assessment of the drivers of the temporal and spatial variation in emission factors. This paper describes the results of open-path Fourier Transform Infrared (OP-FTIR) spectroscopic field measurements at twenty-one fires occurring in the tropical savannas of the Northern Territory, Australia, within different vegetation assemblages and at different stages of the dry season. Spectra of infrared light passing through a long (22–70 m) open-path through ground-level smoke released from these fires were collected using an infrared lamp and a field-portable FTIR system. The IR spectra were used to retrieve the mole fractions of fourteen different gases present within the smoke, and these measurements used to calculate the emission ratios and emission factors of the various gases emitted by the burning. Only a handful of previous emission factor measures are available specifically for the tropical savannas of Australia and here we present the first reported emission factors for methanol, acetic acid, and formic acid for this biome. Given the relatively large sample size, it was possible to study the potential causes of the within-biome variation of the derived emission factors. We find that the emission factors vary substantially between different savanna vegetation assemblages; with a majority of this variation being mirrored by variations in the modified combustion efficiency (MCE) of different vegetation classes. We conclude that a significant majority of the variation in the emission factor for trace gases can be explained by MCE, irrespective of vegetation class, as illustrated by variations in the calculated methane emission factor for different vegetation classes using data subsetted by different combustion efficiencies. Therefore, the selection of emission factors for emissions modelling purposes need not necessarily require detailed fuel type information, if data on MCE (e.g. from future spaceborne total column measurements) or a correlated variable were available. From measurements at twenty-one fires, we recommend the following emission factors for Australian tropical savanna fires (in grams of gas emitted per kilogram of dry fuel burned) which are our mean measured values: 1674 g kg−1 of carbon dioxide; 87 g kg−1 of carbon monoxide; 2.1 g kg−1 of methane; 0.11 g kg−1 of acetylene; 0.49 g kg−1 of ethylene; 0.08 g kg−1 of ethane; 1.57 g kg−1 of formaldehyde; 1.06 g kg−1 of methanol; 1.54 g kg−1 of acetic acid; 0.16 g kg−1 of formic acid; 0.53 g kg−1 of hydrogen cyanide; and 0.70 g kg−1 of ammonia.
An improved dust emission model with insights into the global dust cycle's climate sensitivity
Authors: Kok J. F. , Mahowald N. M. , Albani S. , Fratini G. , Gillies J. A. , Ishizuka M. , Leys J. F. , Mikami M. , Park M.-S. , Park S.-U. , Van Pelt R. S. , Ward D. S. , Zobeck T. M.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. Simulations of the global dust cycle and its interactions with a changing Earth system are hindered by the empirical nature of dust emission parameterizations in climate models. Here we take a step towards improving global dust cycle simulations by presenting a physically-based dust emission model. The resulting dust flux parameterization depends only on the wind friction speed and the soil's threshold friction speed, and can therefore be readily implemented into climate models. We show that our parameterization's functional form is supported by a compilation of quality-controlled vertical dust flux measurements, and that it better reproduces these measurements than existing parameterizations. Both our theory and measurements indicate that many climate models underestimate the dust flux's sensitivity to soil erodibility. This finding can explain why dust cycle simulations in many models are improved by using an empirical preferential sources function that shifts dust emissions towards the most erodible regions. In fact, implementing our parameterization in a climate model produces even better agreement against aerosol optical depth measurements than simulations that use such a source function. These results indicate that the need to use a source function is at least partially eliminated by the additional physics accounted for by our parameterization. Since soil erodibility is affected by climate changes, our results further suggest that many models have underestimated the climate sensitivity of the global dust cycle.
Distinguishing molecular characteristics of aerosol water soluble organic matter from the 2011 trans-North Atlantic US GEOTRACES cruise
Authors: Wozniak A. S. , Willoughby A. S. , Gurganus S. C. , Hatcher P. G.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. The molecular characteristics of aerosol organic matter (OM) determines to a large extent its impacts on the atmospheric radiative budget and ecosystem function in terrestrial and aquatic environments, yet the molecular details of aerosol OM from different sources are not well established. Aerosol particulate samples having North American-influenced, North African-influenced, and marine (minimal recent continental influence) air mass back trajectories were collected as part of the 2011 trans-North Atlantic US GEOTRACES cruise and analyzed for their water soluble OM (WSOM) molecular characteristics using electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. Principal component analysis (PCA) separated the samples into five groups defined by distinct molecular formula characteristics. An abundance of nitrogen containing compounds with molecular formulas consistent with amino acid derivatives defined the two samples comprising the Primary Marine group suggesting a primary marine biological source to their WSOM in spite of their North American-influenced air mass trajectories. A second group of samples (Aged Marine) having primarily marine air mass trajectories was characterized by an abundance of low O / C (0.15–0.45) sulfur containing compounds consistent with organosulfate compounds formed via secondary aging reactions in the atmosphere. Several samples having North American-influenced air mass trajectories formed another group again characterized by organosulfate and nitrooxyorganosulfate type compounds with higher O / C ratios (0.5–1.0) than the Aged Marine samples reflecting the combustion influence from the North American continent. All the samples having North African-influenced air mass trajectories grouped together in the PCA and were characterized by a lack of heteroatom (N, S, P) containing molecular formulas covering a wide O / C range (0.15–0.90) reflecting the desert source of this WSOM. The two marine groups showed molecular formulas that, on average, had higher O / C ratios and lower O / C ratios and modified aromaticity indices than the two continentally-influenced groups suggesting these properties are characteristic of marine vs. continental aerosol WSOM. The final sample group, the Mixed Source samples, showed intermediate molecular characteristics suggesting no dominant continental or marine source. The source-specific OM details described here will aid efforts to link aerosol OM source with molecular characteristics and impacts in the environment.
Evaluation of a plot scale methane emission model at the ecosystem scale using eddy covariance observations and footprint modelling
Authors: Budishchev A. , Mi Y. , van Huissteden J. , Belelli-Marchesini L. , Schaepman-Strub G. , Parmentier F. J. W. , Fratini G. , Gallagher A. , Maximov T. C. , Dolman A. J.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. Most plot-scale methane emission models – of which many have been developed in the recent past – are validated using data collected with the closed-chamber technique. This method, however, suffers from a low spatial representativeness and a poor temporal resolution. Also, during a chamber-flux measurement the air within a chamber is separated from the ambient atmosphere, which negates the influence of wind on emissions. Additionally, some methane models are validated by upscaling fluxes based on the area-weighted averages of closed-chamber measurements, and by comparing those to the eddy covariance (EC) flux. This technique is rather inaccurate, as the area of upscaling might be different from the EC tower footprint, therefore introducing significant mismatch. In this study, we present an approach to validate plot-scale methane models with EC observations using the footprint-weighted average method. Our results show that the fluxes obtained by the footprint-weighted average method are of the same magnitude as the EC flux. More importantly, the temporal dynamics of the EC flux on a daily time scale are also captured (r2 = 0.7). In contrast, using the area-weighted average method yielded a low (r2 = 0.14) correlation with the EC measurements and an underestimation of methane emissions by 27.4%. This shows that the footprint-weighted average method is preferable when validating methane emission models with EC fluxes for areas with a heterogeneous and irregular vegetation pattern.
A spatial bootstrap technique for parameter estimation of rainfall annual maxima distribution
Authors: Uboldi F. , Sulis A. N. , Lussana C. , Cislaghi M. , Russo M.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. Estimation of extreme event distributions and depth-duration-frequency (DDF) curves is achieved at any target site by repeated sampling among all available raingauge data in the surrounding area. The estimate is computed over a gridded domain in Northern Italy, using precipitation time series from 1929 to 2011, including data from historical analog stations and from the present-day automatic observational network. The presented local regionalisation naturally overcomes traditional station-point methods, with their demand of long historical series and their sensitivity to very rare events occurring at very few stations, possibly causing unrealistic spatial gradients in DDF relations. At the same time, the presented approach allows for spatial dependence, necessary in a geographical domain such as Lombardy, complex for both its topography and its climatology. The bootstrap technique enables evaluating uncertainty maps for all estimated parameters and for rainfall depths at assigned return periods.
Hydroclimatic regimes: a distributed water-balance framework for hydrologic assessment and classification
Authors: Weiskel P. K. , Wolock D. M. , Zarriello P. J. , Vogel R. M. , Levin S. B. , Lent R. M.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. Runoff-based indicators of terrestrial water availability are appropriate for humid regions, but have tended to limit our basic hydrologic understanding of drylands – the dry-sub-humid, semi-arid, and arid regions which presently cover nearly half of the global land surface. In response, we introduce an indicator framework that gives equal weight to humid and dryland regions, accounting fully for both vertical (precipitation + evapotranspiration) and horizontal (groundwater + surface-water) components of the hydrologic cycle in any given location – as well as fluxes into and out of landscape storage. We apply the framework to a diverse hydroclimatic region (the conterminous USA), using a distributed water-balance model consisting of 53 400 networked landscape hydrologic units. Our model simulations indicate that about 21% of the conterminous USA either generated no runoff or consumed runoff from upgradient sources on a mean-annual basis during the 20th century. Vertical fluxes exceeded horizontal fluxes across 76% of the conterminous area. Long-term average total water availability (TWA) during the 20th century, defined here as the total influx to a landscape hydrologic unit from precipitation, groundwater, and surface water, varied spatially by about 400 000-fold, a range of variation ~100 times larger than that for mean-annual runoff across the same area. The framework includes, but is not limited to classical, runoff-based approaches to water-resource assessment. It also incorporates and re-interprets the green-blue water perspective now gaining international acceptance. Implications of the new framework for hydrologic assessment and classification are explored.
A Critical Analysis of Legal Aid in Bangladesh
Authors: Mian Md. Nannu , Rashid Md. Mamunur
Published: March 2014

Legal aid is essentially a mechanism that enables the poor and the vulnerable sectors of the society to be able to enforce their legal rights in order to access a fair and equitable justice in the society. Nowadays, a legal aid can be justifiably said as a crying need to ensure social and legal justice in Bangladesh because most of the citizens are illiterate and they live below the poverty line which incidentally makes matters worse. Due to their financial crisis or lack of legal knowledge they are often precluded to access justice. In recognizing the legal aid as a right, the government has enacted some laws. However, unfortunately those laws are full of weaknesses, loopholes, and procedural complexities which have to be judiciously addressed in the proper legal perspectives. As a matter of fact, legally speaking, much has been said and done, but ironically not much has been practiced. Due to these ever unsettling defects, the ultimate objectives of those laws have frequently failed to ensure enjoyment of the legal aid services among the vulnerable sectors of the society. In this research, an attempt has been made to analyze and find out numerous legal the gaps, loopholes and complexities of the existing laws relating to legal aid services in Bangladesh and frame out a comprehensive solution for ensuring the aid program by adopting the qualitative and the analytical research methods.
Adolescent Endometriosis: Review of Clinical Presentation and Long-Term Issues
Authors: Audebert Alain
Published: March 2014

Endometriosis may affect adolescent girls. The scientific literature on endometriosis in adolescents is limited, and many aspects are still uncertain despite a growing number of related reports. The prevalence of endometriosis in adolescents is unknown, but in selected groups of patients undergoing laparoscopy, it has been found to be higher than 50%. The physiopathology of adolescent endometriosis has not been specifically shown. However, the presence of a family history and associated genital malformations are more frequently identified in adolescents with endometriosis. The clinical presentation of the disease in adolescents has been assessed by numerous prospective and retrospective studies, and the risk factors for the development of endometriosis are well-known. The recommended diagnostic strategy is actually well-characterized, even if an early diagnosis is hardly ever made. The therapeutic management is also more consensual, but not definitive because of a lack of prospective studies evaluating either short- or long-term results and the impact on the natural history of the disease. Finally, the long-term sequelae are still a burden, and many questions are unanswered, despite new insights provided by a few recent reports evaluating the progression of the disease and its effects on subsequent fertility. Further studies are needed to better assess these issues.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis: Comparison of 2DT2- and 3DT2-Weighted TSE Sequences
Authors: Busard Milou P. , Pieters-Van Den Bos Indra C. , Van Kuijk Cornelis , Van Waesberghe Jan hein H.
Published: March 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare image quality and diagnostic confidence of 3DT2 (SPACE) and 2DT2 magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for the evaluation of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE).

Methods

A total of 121 patients, referred for MR imaging because of suspected DIE with bowel involvement, underwent both 2DT2 and 3DT2 MR imaging. Two independent readers assessed both datasets for presence of DIE, artefacts and overall image quality. Inter-rater agreement scores were calculated using Cohen's kappa, and image quality and diagnostic confidence scores were compared using the Wilcoxon rank sum test.

Results

Inter-rater agreement scores for diagnosis of DIE (located retrocervical/vaginal cuff, or involving the bowel or bladder) using both 3DT2 SPACE and 2DT2, or solely 3DT2 and 2DT2 were excellent. Diagnostic confidence scores were similar for 3DT2 and 2DT2. Analysis of the 3DT2 dataset in combination with 2DT2 showed significant higher diagnostic confidence compared with solely 2DT2 for 1 location, which differed per reader. In 2DT2, artefacts were significantly lower, and overall image quality was significantly higher (p<0.01 and p<0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

Although 3DT2 SPACE could replace routine 2DT2-weighted imaging, the authors prefer 2DT2 over 3D, because of significantly fewer artefacts and a higher overall image quality with almost similar diagnostic confidence scores. Thus 3DT2 might be added to the standard protocol in indistinct cases.
Primary Endometriosis of Umbilical Scar: Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Vignali Michele , Ciocca Erika , Alabiso Giulia , Di Prun Allegra Barbasetti , Scagnelli Giuseppe , Natale Andrea , Solima Eugenio , Busacca Mauro
Published: March 2014

We report a case of umbilical endometriosis and review the literature about the finding. The patient was a 39-year-old woman who presented with 6 months of umbilical bleeding and pain during the first day of her period. A soft tissue ultrasound scan showed 2 superficial solid masses within the periumbilical subcutaneous adipose tissue, suggestive for ectopic endometriosis localization. We decided to remove the umbilical nodules, excising 1 cm of the surrounding tissue. Reports in the literature indicate cases of umbilical endometriosis in about 0.5%-1% of women with endometriosis.
Brachial Artery Aneurysms following Brachio-cephalic AV Fistula Ligation
Authors: Khalid Usman , Parkinson Frances , Mohiuddin Kamran , Davies Paula , Woolgar Justin
Published: March 2014

Purpose

Peripheral artery aneurysms proximal to a long-standing arteriovenous (AV) fistula can be a serious complication. It is important to be aware of this and manage it appropriately.

Methods

Vascular access nurses input all data regarding patients undergoing dialysis access procedures into a securely held database prospectively. This was retrospectively reviewed to identify cases of brachial artery aneurysms over the last 3 years.

Results

In Morriston Hospital, around 200 forearm and arm AV fistulas are performed annually for vascular access in renal dialysis patients. Of these, approximately 15 (7.5%) are ligated. Three patients who had developed brachial artery aneurysms following AV fistula ligation were identified. All 3 patients had developed brachial artery aneurysms following ligation of a long-standing brachio-cephalic AV fistula. Two patients presented with pain and a pulsatile mass in the arm, and one presented with pins and needles and discoloration of fingertips. Two were managed with resection of the aneurysm and reconstruction with a reversed long saphenous vein interposition graft, the third simply required ligation of a feeding arterial branch.

Conclusions

True aneurysm formation proximal to an AV fistula that has been ligated is a rare complication. There are several reasons for why these aneurysms develop in such patients, the most plausible one being the increase in blood flow and resistance following ligation of the AV fistula. Of note, all the patients in this study were on immunosuppressive therapy following successful renal transplantation. Vigilance by the vascular access team and nephrologists is paramount to identify those patients who may warrant further evaluation and investigation by the vascular surgeon.
Evaluation for Hypoperfusion Distal to Arteriovenous Vascular Access Using Skin Perfusion Pressure in Fingers
Authors: Tanaka Akihito , Sakakibara Masaki , Nishimura Hayato , Asano Marina , Kariya Tetsuyoshi , Masamoto Daijiro , Mizutani Makoto , Ishii Hideki , Murohara Toyoaki
Published: March 2014

Purpose

The usefulness of skin perfusion pressure (SPP) measurement in the assessment of critical ischemia of the lower limb has previously been established. This study investigated whether finger SPP measurement is useful to evaluate hypoperfusion distal to arteriovenous vascular access in dialysis patients.

Methods

Seventeen asymptomatic hemodialysis patients with upper extremity arteriovenous access and 17 non-dialysis control patients were prospectively examined. SPP in the thumb, the middle finger and the little finger of both hands was measured. The bilateral difference of the mean SPP of the three fingers was evaluated.

Results

The mean difference of SPP between the contralateral and the arteriovenous access sides among hemodialysis patients (33±2 5 mmHg) was significantly larger than the mean difference of SPP between the left and the right hands among control patients (1.0±6.0 mmHg, p<0.01).

Conclusions

This report shows the potential usefulness of SPP measurement to evaluate hypoperfusion distal to arteriovenous vascular access.
Primary giant cell malignant fibrous histiocytoma-associated with renal calculus
Authors: Altunkol Adem , Savas Murat , Ciftci Halil , Gulum Mehmet , Yagmur Ismail , Bitiren Muharrem
Published: March 2014

Malignant fibrous histiocytomas (MFH) are the most commonly seen soft tissue sarcomas in adults. It is rarely seen in some visceral organs. Kidneys are the parenchymal organs in which MFHs are most frequently seen. More than 50 cases of primary renal MFH have been reported. Among these cases, only 1 was reported as primary giant cell subtype in association with urolithiasis. This case report is the second such case with the these characteristics.
Transitional cell carcinoma arising in a calyceal cyst mimicking a cystic renal tumour
Authors: Kim Jeong Ho , Song Joo Yeon , Lee Wan
Published: March 2014

Solitary renal cysts are relatively common. The occurrence of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) in a renal cyst is rare. We present the case of a 59-year-old man with a medical history of viral hepatitis B. During a workup for his hepatitis, a computed tomography scan revealed a large cystic tumour in the upper region of the left kidney. A radical left nephrectomy was performed. Microscopic examination of the cystic tumour revealed a grade 2 TCC. The cyst was lined by transitional epithelium. This is a case of a TCC growing within a renal calyceal cyst.
Complications de l’hormonothérapie anti-androgénique du cancer de la prostate
Authors: Ziouziou Imad , Karmouni Tariq , El khader Khalid , Koutani Abdellatif , Iben attya andaloussi Aahmed
Published: March 2014

Les effets indésirables de l’hormonothérapie anti-androgénique (HAA) dans le traitement du cancer de la prostate sont attribuables à la carence d’androgènes. L’HAA entraîne le syndrome de castration, qui se caractérise par une diminution de la libido, la dysfonction érectile, l’asthénie, des bouffées de chaleur, la diminution des capacités intellectuelles et la dépression. Il en résulte également une augmentation de la graisse abdominale, ce qui favorise l’insulinorésistance et le diabète. La perte de la densité minérale osseuse secondaire à l’HAA entraîne un risque fracturaire accru. Il existe de plus un risque cardiovasculaire important dû aux facteurs métaboliques. L’effet thérapeutique de l’HAA doit donc être soupesé en regard de la toxicité liée à l’hypogonadisme.
Age-stratified distribution of metastatic sites in bladder cancer: A population-based analysis
Authors: Bianchi Marco , Roghmann Florian , Becker Andreas , Sukumar Shyam , Briganti Alberto , Menon Mani , Karakiewicz Pierre I. , Sun Maxine , Noldus Joachim , Trinh Quoc-Dien
Published: March 2014

Introduction: Urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder (UCUB) is the most common malignancy of the urinary tract. We examined the distribution of site-specific metastases in patients with UCUB according to age and we assessed contemporary recommendations proposed by guidelines with regard to distant metastases.Methods: Patients with metastatic UCUB (mUCUB) were abstracted from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (1998-2007). Age was stratified into quartiles: ≤63, 64-72, 73-79 and ≥80 years. Cochran-Armitage trend test and multivariable logistic regression analysis tested the relationship between age and the rate of metastases. Finally, we identified patients at high risk of brain or bone metastases.Results: Within 7543 patients with mUCUB, 25%, 24%, 23%,19%, 18% and 3% had lymph node, bone, urinary, lung and liver metastases, respectively. Overall, the rate of concomitant metastases was 29%. The rate of multiple metastatic sites decreased with increasing age (p < 0.001). This was confirmed in patients with lung, bone, liver, urinary system and brain metastases (all p ≤ 0.04). The rate of bone metastases was 15.0% in patients with exclusive abdominal metastases and 40.0% in patients with abdominal, thoracic and brain metastases. The rate of brain metastases was 1% inpatients with exclusive abdominal metastases and 7% in patients with thoracic and bone metastases. Our findings are limited by the retrospective nature of the analyses.Conclusions: We report a higher number of concomitant metastatic sites in young UCUB patients. Bone metastases are frequent in all patient groups, whereas brain metastases are common in UCUB patients with thoracic and/or bone metastases.
MicroRNAs—Nowe biomarkery chorób dróg oddechowych
Authors: Kupczyk Maciej , Kuna Piotr
Published: March 2014

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) to krótkie, niekodujące cząsteczki RNA zdolne do posttranskrypcyjnej regulacji ekspresji genów. Łącząc się z regionem 3’-UTR matrycowego RNA (mRNA) miRNAs powodują zahamowanie translacji lub nasilenie degradacji mRNA. MicroRNAs, obok metylacji DNA, modyfikacji histonów, zależnej od ATP przebudowy chromatyny, należą do podstawowych epigenetycznych mechanizmów regulujących ekspresję genów. Cząsteczki te odgrywają istotną rolę w utrzymaniu homeostazy organizmu, wpływają na cykl komórkowy, różnicowanie, apoptozę i inne fizjologiczne funkcje komórek. Zmiany w typowym, charakterystycznym wzorze miRNAs (wzrost lub zahamowanie ekspresji poszczególnych miRNA) zaobserwowano w wielu jednostkach chorobowych, w tym w nowotworach (m.in. raku płuca), astmie, przewlekłej obturacyjnej chorobie płuc, cukrzycy i chorobie wieńcowej. Na modelach zwierzęcych astmy oskrzelowej wykazano, że podwyższona ekspresja miR-21, miR126 i obniżona miR-672 oraz miR143 są ściśle powiązane z regulacją wielu cytokin związanych z zapaleniem i remodelingiem (IL-13, IL-12, IL-10 i metaloproteinazą MMP-12). W przypadku nowotworów płuca stwierdzono nadmierną ekspresję szeregu miRNAs (miR-155, miR21, miR-17-92, miR221/222) i zahamowanie ekspresji innych miRNAs (let-7, miR-1, miR-29, miR-126) w surowicy pacjentów. Wykazano, że specyficzny wzór ekspresji miRNAs korelował z typem histologicznym guza, chemiowrażliwością i prognozą dotyczącą czasu przeżycia. MicroRNAs wydają się stanowić obiecujący cel w poszukiwaniu biomarkerów chorób układu oddechowego. Potencjalna interwencja terapeutyczna z uwzględnieniem roli microRNAs w nowotworach, chorobach układu oddechowego i innych chorobach przewlekłych wymaga dalszych badań.
1961-2011 : Cinquante ans, six programmes de formation en bibliothéconomie et sciences de l’information à l’Université de Montréal
Authors: Hudon Michèle
Published: March 2014

En 2011, l’École de bibliothéconomie et des sciences de l’information (EBSI) célébrait 50 ans d’intégration à l’Université de Montréal. Au cours de cette période, l’École a offert successivement six programmes d’études principaux : un programme de baccalauréat de 1961 à 1970 et cinq programmes de maîtrise depuis, le plus récent implanté en 2009. Le présent article précise d’abord les facteurs qui mènent à la restructuration ou au remplacement d’un programme d’études et explique les étapes du processus. Il décrit brièvement la structure de chacun des programmes et compare la liste des cours obligatoires qui en était une composante importante. Il évoque finalement quelques-uns des défis auxquels sont confrontés les responsables de la formation des futurs professionnels des sciences de l’information.
La conquista del lector. Retos evolutivos del periodismo científico en un ambiente extremo
Authors: Perla Mateo María Pilar
Published: March 2014

La gran responsabilidad de los medios de comunicación radica en que la ciudadanía tiene derecho a tener una información científica de calidad. Que le sirva para tomar mejores decisiones, con espíritu crítico, y para crear su propia opinión; que reactualice sus conocimientos y le haga partícipe de la cultura de su tiempo. En la actualidad, el entorno es cambiante y competitivo para la prensa escrita y las condiciones ambientales amenazan la supervivencia de la divulgación. Profesionalmente, es momento de evolucionar pero también de conservar lo imprescindible: la esencia del buen periodismo, para diferenciarnos, con calidad y audacia, y ser así elegidos por el público. Debe seguir habiendo sitio para la elaboración, la manufactura, la artesanía divulgativa, el oficio.
Science, its publics and new media: Reflecting on the present and future of science communication
Authors: Brossard Dominique
Published: March 2014

Scientific journalism faces the challenge of adapting not only to new formats but also to new information exchange dynamics. New online platforms, making it easier to access and produce scientific content, are forcing science publics to evolve. The online environment has turned into science communication reality, and both scientists and communicators must adapt to it. This paper discusses these changes and their implications for science journalism and an informed citizenry.
(Invited) Mechanisms of Laser Annealing
Authors: Poate J. M.
Published: March 2014

The mechanisms of laser annealing of semiconductors are reviewed. The principal regrowth and atomic rearrangement effects appear to be due to lattice heating. Two distinct regrowth regimes have been established.

I. Liquid phase where epitaxial regrowth occurs from the liquid-solid interface. In this regime the regrown layer is free of extended defects, dopant depth profiles are consistent with liquid diffusion and equilibrium solid solubilities can be exceeded. Uniform metal silicide layers can be produced from the liquid phase.

II. Solid phase where epitaxial regrowth occurs from the amorphous-crystalline interface. No dopant redistribution is observed.
Buried J-FET Powered Static RAM Cell
Authors: Minato Osamu , Sakai Yoshio , Masuhara Toshiaki , Sasaki Toshio
Published: March 2014

A new high density static RAM cell is designed utilizing a merged junction FET (J-FET) structure. The cell is basically composed of high resistivity-load flipflop and a buried J-FET to supply current to the cell. By eliminating the need for the Al power supply line running through each cell, a smaller-size cell is achieved, i.e. about 900 µm2.
To demonstrate the advantages of the new cell, a 2048 word by 8 bit fully static RAM is fabricated with high-performance CMOS (Hi-CMOS) technology. The technology features 3 µm gate length and 4 µm line width. The RAM realizes a typical address access time of 55 ns., and an active power dissipation of 200 mW. The die measures about 26 mm2 and fits into a standard 24 pin package.
MNOS Traps and Tailored Trap Distribution Gate Dielectric MNOS
Authors: Hsia Yukun , Ngai K. L.
Published: March 2014

A microscopic model of the memory traps has been developed that is consistent with the known properties of the MNOS devices. In this model, the memory traps are attributed to the silicon dangling bonds in the silicon nitride. The resultant trap center is amphoteric in nature, possessing either a positively or a negatively charged state. The dangling bond model is applied towards the interpretation of MNOS properties, including retention and endurance.
In addition, the model was used to explain and further develop the tailored-trap-distribution gate-dielectric MNOS memory transistor.
Low-Power, High-Speed Integrated Logic with GaAs MOSFET
Authors: Yokoyama Naoki , Mimura Takashi , Kusakawa Hirotsugu , Suyama Katsuhiko , Fukuta Masumi
Published: March 2014

The speed/power performance of GaAs MOSFET logic is firstly demonstrated by using GaAs MOSFET ring oscillators. The gate oxide is formed by directly oxidizing GaAs with a low-temperature plasma oxidation technique. The minimum propagation delay per gate is 110 ps, with the power/speed product of 2.0 pJ. The minimum power/speed product is 26 fJ, with the delay time of 385 ps. These performances are equal to or better than those of GaAs MESFET logic in spite of that the GaAs MOSFET integration is in the first stage of developments. With further refinements of device geometries and improvements in gate oxide, GaAs MOSFET logic may be great use in a field of high-speed, very large scale integrated circuit applications.