bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case Report: Meningioma with Intra-tumoural Haemorrhage Secondary to Ruptured Distal Anterior Cerebral Artery Aneurysm
Authors: Alnaami Ibrahim , Ho Ping , Lu Jian-Qiang , Wheatley Blaise
Published: October 2013

Background:

Brain tumours that are associated with cerebral aneurysms are rare occurrences, whereas the coexistence of brain tumours and intra-tumoural aneurysms is even rarer. There have been 12 brain tumour cases that have been reported in the literature that describe an aneurysm within a brain tumour, with 4 of these tumours being meningiomas.

Case description:

A 34-year-old male patient presented with sudden-onset headache, and an inter-hemispheric meningioma with intra-tumoural bleeding was found due to a ruptured embedded anterior cerebral artery aneurysm. The aneurysm was diagnosed incidentally on the third cerebral angiogram, while the initial 2 angiograms were negative. The patient was treated with endovascular aneurysm embolisation that was followed by tumour resection.

Conclusion:

This paper is the first case report to describe the coexistence of a meningioma and an aneurysm, which presented with intra-tumoural haemorrhage that was negative on the initial cerebral angiogram. Unlike previous case reports, the aneurysm in this case was located with an anterior cerebral artery distribution.
‘I'll Deal with You …’: Power and Domination in Discourse in a Ghanaian Educational Context
Authors: Edu-Buandoh Dora F. , Mwinlaaru Isaac Nuokyaa-Ire
Published: October 2013

In spite of the democratic arrangements that have been made to ensure students' participation in decision-making in the administration of Ghana's school system, it is not uncommon to hear of students' strikes and demonstrations which often result in the destruction of public property and closure of schools. Studies that observe the power dynamics between students and educators as they engage in decision-making and negotiation may contribute to our understanding of conflicts in schools, as well as the need to find solutions to these conflicts. This study applied Critical Discourse Analysis in analysing a 13-minute segment of a meeting between members of staff and student leaders in a Ghanaian senior high school. The study reveals discursive features through which social power and domination are reproduced and enacted in the discourse. Also, school authorities employ both positive self-representation and negative other-representation in cognitively controlling the minds of student leaders. The study has significant implications for power and domination in educational practice.
Magnitude of the Dawn Phenomenon and Its Impact on the Overall Glucose Exposure in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Monnier Louis , Colette Claude , Dejager Sylvie , Owens David
Published: October 2013

OBJECTIVE

To assess the magnitude of the dawn phenomenon and its impact on the total glucose exposure in type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 248 noninsulin-treated persons with type 2 diabetes who underwent continuous glucose monitoring were divided into three groups selected by treatments: diet alone (n = 53); insulin sensitizers alone (n = 82); and insulin secretagogues alone or in combination with insulin sensitizers (n = 113). The dawn phenomenon (∂ glucose, mg/dL) was quantified by its absolute increment from nocturnal nadir to prebreakfast value. The participants were secondarily divided into two paired subsets after they had been separated by the presence/absence of a dawn phenomenon based on a threshold of 20 mg/dL and matched for glucose nadir. The impact of the dawn phenomenon was assessed on HbA1c and 24-h mean glucose.

RESULTS

The median of ∂ glucose (interquartile range) was 16.0 (0–31.5 mg/dL) in the 248 subjects, and no differences were observed across groups selected by HbA1c or treatments. In the overall population, the mean impacts on HbA1c and 24-h mean glucose were 4.3 ± 1.3 mmol/mol (0.39 ± 0.12%) and 12.4 ± 2.4 mg/dL, respectively. The mean impact on 24-h mean glucose was not statistically different between those on diet alone (16.7 ± 5.9 mg/dL) compared with the two subsets treated with oral hypoglycemic agents (11.2 ± 5.3 and 8.5 ± 7.5 mg/dL).

CONCLUSIONS

The impact of the dawn phenomenon on overall glycemic control in type 2 diabetes, as depicted by the HbA1c level, was ∼0.4% and not eliminated by any of the currently available armamentarium of oral antidiabetes agents.
Reductions in Regimen Distress Are Associated With Improved Management and Glycemic Control Over Time
Authors: Hessler Danielle , Fisher Lawrence , Glasgow Russell E. , Strycker Lisa A. , Dickinson L. Miriam , Arean Patricia A. , Masharani Umesh
Published: October 2013

OBJECTIVE

Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations among regimen distress (RD), self-management, and glycemic control were undertaken to explore mechanisms of operation among these variables.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In a behavioral randomized control trial (RCT) to reduce RD, 392 adults with type 2 diabetes were assessed for RD, diet, exercise, medication adherence, and HbA1c at baseline and at 4 and 12 months. Associations among RD, self-management, and HbA1c were examined in cross-sectional analyses at baseline, in prospective analyses using baseline values to predict change over time, and in time-varying analyses.

RESULTS

At baseline, greater RD and poorer medication adherence were independently associated with higher HbA1c (P = 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively), and greater RD was associated with poorer medication adherence (P = 0.03). No consistent pattern of significant prospective associations was found. Significant time-varying findings showed that decreases in RD were associated with improvements in medication adherence (P < 0.01), physical activity (P < 0.001), and HbA1c (P = 0.02) over time following intervention. Changes in self-management were not associated with changes in HbA1c over time.

CONCLUSIONS

In the context of an RCT to reduce distress, RD, self-management, and HbA1c were interrelated in cross-sectional and time-varying analyses. Decreases in RD were associated with improvements in both self-management and HbA1c over 12 months. Findings point to the complex and likely multifaceted pathways of association among these key constructs, with results indicating significant linkages between RD and both self-management and glycemic control over time.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adherence and Depression (CBT-AD) in Patients With Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Safren Steven A. , Gonzalez Jeffrey S. , Wexler Deborah J. , Psaros Christina , Delahanty Linda M. , Blashill Aaron J. , Margolina Aleksandra I. , Cagliero Enrico
Published: October 2013

OBJECTIVE

To test cognitive behavioral therapy for adherence and depression (CBT-AD) in type 2 diabetes. We hypothesized that CBT-AD would improve adherence; depression; and, secondarily, hemoglobin A1c (A1C).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Eighty-seven adults with unipolar depression and uncontrolled type 2 diabetes received enhanced treatment as usual (ETAU), including medication adherence, self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG), and lifestyle counseling; a provider letter documented psychiatric diagnoses. Those randomized to the intervention arm also received 9–11 sessions of CBT-AD.

RESULTS

Immediately after acute treatment (4 months), adjusting for baseline, CBT-AD had 20.7 percentage points greater oral medication adherence on electronic pill cap (95% CI −31.14 to −10.22, P = 0.000); 30.2 percentage points greater SMBG adherence through glucometer downloads (95% CI −42.95 to −17.37, P = 0.000); 6.44 points lower depression scores on the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (95% CI 2.33–10.56, P = 0.002); 0.74 points lower on the Clinical Global Impression (95% CI 0.16–1.32, P = 0.01); and 0.72 units lower A1C (95% CI 0.29–1.15, P = 0.001) relative to ETAU. Analyses of 4-, 8-, and 12-month follow-up time points indicated that CBT-AD maintained 16.3 percentage points higher medication adherence (95% CI −26.1 to −6.5, P = 0.001); 22.3 percentage points greater SMBG adherence (95% CI −36.1 to −8.6, P = 0.002); and 0.63 units lower A1C (95% CI 0.06–1.2, P = 0.03) after acute treatment ended. For depression, there was some evidence of continued improvement posttreatment, but no between-group differences.

CONCLUSIONS

CBT-AD is an effective intervention for adherence, depression, and glycemic control, with enduring and clinically meaningful benefits for diabetes self-management and glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes and depression.
Midregional Fragment of Proadrenomedullin, New-Onset Albuminuria, and Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes (ZODIAC-30)
Authors: Landman Gijs W.D. , van Dijk Peter R. , Drion Iefke , van Hateren Kornelis J.J. , Struck Joachim , Groenier Klaas H. , Gans Rijk O.B. , Bilo Henk J.G. , Bakker Stephan J.L. , Kleefstra Nanne
Published: October 2013

OBJECTIVE

The midregional fragment of proadrenomedullin (MR-proADM) is a marker of endothelial dysfunction and has been associated with a variety of diseases. Our aim was to investigate whether MR-proADM is associated with new-onset albuminuria and cardiovascular (CV) and all-cause mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes treated in primary care.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Patients with type 2 diabetes participating in the observational Zwolle Outpatient Diabetes Project Integrating Available Care (ZODIAC) study were included. Cox regression analyses were used to assess the relation of baseline MR-proADM with new-onset albuminuria and CV and all-cause mortality. Risk prediction capabilities of MR-proADM for new-onset albuminuria and CV and all-cause mortality were assessed with Harrell’s C and the integrated discrimination improvement.

RESULTS

In 1,243 patients (mean age 67 [±12] years), the median follow-up was 5.6 years (interquartile range 3.1–10.1); 388 (31%) patients died, with 168 (12%) CV deaths. Log2 MR-proADM was associated with CV (hazard ratio 1.96 [95% CI 1.27–3.01]) and all-cause mortality (1.78 [1.34–2.36]) after adjusting for age, sex, BMI, smoking, systolic blood pressure, cholesterol-to-HDL ratio, duration of diabetes, HbA1c, ACE inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker, history of CV diseases, log serum creatinine, and log albumin-to-creatinine ratio. MR-proADM slightly improved mortality risk prediction. The age- and sex-adjusted, but not multivariate-adjusted, MR-proADM levels were associated with new-onset albuminuria.

CONCLUSIONS

MR-proADM was associated with CV and all-cause mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes after a median follow-up of 5.6 years. There was no independent relationship with new-onset albuminuria. In the availability of an extensive set of risk factors, there was little added effect of MR-proADM in risk prediction of CV and all-cause mortality.
Characteristics of Candidates for Allergen Immunotherapy
Authors: Ciprandi Giorgio , Incorvaia Cristoforo , dell'Albani Ilaria , Masieri Simonetta , Cavaliere Carmine , Puccinelli Paola , Frati Franco ,   the Italian Observation on Rhinitis (RINOBIT) Study Group, Caffarelli C. , Ridolo E. , Masieri S. , Testi S. , Valle C. , Pingitore G. , Savi E. , Romano C. , Mansi N. , Curcio A. , Armenio L. , Fiocchi A. , Terracciano L. , Agostinis F. , Capocasale G. , Gammeri E. , Paternò A. , Saporito S. , Trigila A.
Published: October 2013

Allergic rhinitis (AR) may be cured by allergen immunotherapy (AIT). However, patient characteristics for prescribing AIT are not well defined. This study aimed at evaluating the patient's profile to be a candidate for AIT in a cohort of patients suffering from AR, evaluated in 20 Italian Allergy or Ear, Nose, and Throat Centers. The study has been performed on 198 patients (98 men; mean age, 26.8 years) with AR (assessed by Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma [ARIA] criteria). The kind and the number of prescribed allergen extracts, type of diagnosis, severity of symptoms, and patient's perception of symptoms and drug use were evaluated. Patients were subdivided in AIT-treated and without AIT (as controls) subgroups. Most of the patients (69.7%) had persistent AR with moderate–severe symptoms. The mean number of sensitization was 3.4. ARIA classification and sensitization number did not affect AIT choice, but the type of allergen was relevant. AIT-treated patients had milder symptoms than controls if assessed by doctors, but AIT patients perceived more severe symptoms and larger drug use than controls. This study shows that the choice of AIT is based on patient's perception and type of allergen, but number of sensitizations, symptom severity assessed by doctors, and ARIA classification are not relevant factors. The key message might be that it is always relevant to pay attention to the complaints referred by the patient.
Varied Response to Mirror Gait Retraining of Gluteus Medius Control, Hip Kinematics, Pain, and Function in 2 Female Runners With Patellofemoral Pain
Authors: Willy Richard W. , Davis Irene S.
Published: October 2013

Study Design

Case report.

Background

The underlying mechanism of the changes in running mechanics after gait retraining is presently unknown. This case report assesses changes in muscle coordination and kinematics during treadmill running and step ascent in 2 female runners with patellofemoral pain after mirror gait retraining.

Case Description

Two female runners with chronic patellofemoral pain underwent 8 sessions of mirror gait retraining during treadmill running. Subjective measures and hip abductor strength were recorded at baseline and after the retraining phase. Changes in hip mechanics and electromyography data of the gluteus medius during treadmill running and step ascent were also assessed.

Outcomes

Both runners reported improvements in pain and function that were maintained for at least 3 months. During running, peak contralateral pelvic drop (baseline-postretraining difference: runner 1, 2.6° less; runner 2, 1.7° less) and peak hip adduction (baseline-postretraining difference: runner 1, 5.2° less; runner 2, 6.3° less) were reduced after retraining. Kinematic reductions accompanied earlier activation of the gluteus medius relative to foot strike (baseline-postretraining difference: runner 1, 12.6 milliseconds earlier; runner 2, 37.3 milliseconds earlier) and longer duration of gluteus medius activity (runner 1, 55.8 milliseconds longer; runner 2, 44.4 milliseconds longer). Runner 1 transferred reduced contralateral pelvic drop to step ascent, whereas runner 2 did not (contralateral pelvic drop baseline-postretraining difference: runner 1, 3.6° less; runner 2, 1.5° more; hip adduction baseline-postretraining difference: runner 1, 3.0° less; runner 2, 0.5° more). Both runners demonstrated earlier onset of gluteus medius activity during step ascent (baseline-postretraining difference: runner 1, 48.0 milliseconds earlier; runner 2, 28.3 milliseconds earlier), but only runner 1 demonstrated longer activation duration (runner 1, 25.0 milliseconds longer; runner 2, 69.4 milliseconds shorter).

Discussion

While changes in hip mechanics and gluteus medius activity during running were consistent with those noted during step ascent for runner 1, runner 2 failed to demonstrate similar consistency between the tasks. Earlier onset and longer duration of gluteus medius activity may have been necessary to alter step mechanics for runner 2.

Level of Evidence

Therapy, level 4. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2013;43(12):864–874. Epub 30 October 2013. doi:10.2519/jospt.2013.4516
Anterior Talocrural Joint Laxity: Diagnostic Accuracy of the Anterior Drawer Test of the Ankle
Authors: Croy Theodore , Koppenhaver Shane , Saliba Susan , Hertel Jay
Published: October 2013

Study Design

Prospective, blinded, diagnostic-accuracy study.

Objectives

To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of the ankle anterior drawer test (ADT) to detect anterior talocrural joint laxity in adults with a history of lateral ankle sprain.

Background

The ADT is used to manually detect anterior talocrural joint laxity following lateral ankle sprain injury; however, the diagnostic accuracy of this test has not been established.

Methods

Sixty-six subjects with a history of lateral ankle sprain were examined with the ADT. Anterior talocrural joint laxity was measured digitally from ultrasound images of the talofibular interval during performance of the ADT. In addition, anterior talocrural joint laxity was measured digitally in 20 control subjects to establish a reference standard. ADT results were defined as “positive” or “negative,” based on this and a second reference standard established from the literature.

Results

The group with a history of lateral ankle sprain had a mean ± SD anterior talocrural joint laxity of 3.36 ± 3.25 mm, compared with 0.17 ± 1.87 mm in the control group. Thirty-five of 66 (53%) subjects demonstrated anterior talocrural joint laxity at a reference standard of 2.3 mm or greater, and 24 (36%) at a reference standard of 3.7 mm or greater. Sensitivity of the ADT was 0.74 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.58, 0.86) and 0.83 (95% CI: 0.64, 0.93) at the 2.3 mm or greater and 3.7 mm or greater reference standards, respectively. Specificity of the test was 0.38 (95% CI: 0.24, 0.56) and 0.40 (95% CI: 0.27, 0.56), respectively. Positive likelihood ratios were 1.2 and 1.4, whereas the negative likelihood ratios were 0.66 and 0.41, respectively.

Conclusion

The ADT provides limited ability to detect excessive anterior talocrural joint laxity; however, it may provide useful information when used in side-to-side ankle comparisons and in conjunction with other physical exam procedures, such as palpation.

Level of Evidence

Diagnosis, level 3b. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2013;43(12):911–919. Epub 30 October 2013. doi:10.2519/jospt.2013.4679
Hedda’s Silences: Beauty and Despair in Hedda Gabler
Authors: Moi Toril
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT:

This essay asks what it means to read literature with philosophy and argues that we should discover the literary work’s own concepts before engaging it in a dialogue with philosophy. The essay also considers the vexed question of whether Hedda Gabler should be read as a “woman’s play” or, rather, as a critique of modernity. With reference to Simone de Beauvoir, it argues that this “choice” is itself an example of a sexist logic. By paying close attention to Hedda’s three significant silences, the essay shows that Hedda chooses to place herself in Judge Brack’s power, that the play’s key concerns are modernity, subjectivity, and meaning, and that its key concepts are silence, hiddenness, disgust, triviality, beauty, freedom, despair, and suicide. The essay ends by relating Hedda Gabler to Kierkegaard’s The Sickness unto Death, before returning to the question of the role of philosophy in literary readings.
Macrodystrophia lipomatosis : a rare congenital anomaly
Authors: Singal KK , Singal N , Mehra V , Singh H , Kaur J , Relan P
Published: October 2013

Macrodystrophia Lipomatosis is rare congenital hamartomatous enlargement of soft tissue components leading to gigantism of single, multiple digits or entire limb. Clinical findings are recognised as early as in neonatal period to late adulthood. Patients usually present for either cosmetic corrections or mechanical problems. We report a case of 8 year old female with progressive increase in size of left 2nd and 3rd toes. X-ray findings show congenital focal enlargement of soft tissues and bones of 2nd and 3rd toes and adjacent metatarsals. Clinical and radiological features of our patient points out towards this uncommon condition. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v12i4.13465 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 12 No. 04 October 13 Page 442-444
Focus Assessed Transthoracic Echocardiography (FATE) to facilitate the diagnosis of low risk Pulmonary Embolism in Emergency Department
Authors: Sazwan RS , Devi YU , Hashairi FM , Faizia WAR Wan
Published: October 2013

A diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism (PE) is difficult that may be missed because of non specific clinical presentation. However, early diagnosis is fundamental, since immediate treatment is highly effective. Thus, with the availability of ultrasound machine in Emergency Department (ED) can help Emergency Physician to diagnose PE by using Focus Assessed Transthoracic Echocardiography (FATE) to facilitate the diagnosis of PE in low risk patient before proceed with the gold standard investigation which is CT Pulmonary Angiogram (CTPA). We believed this case was likely to be repeated on some readers' clinical practice and this procedure is an appropriate option to consider in such cases. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v12i4.16101 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 12 No. 04 October 13 Page 459-461
Pyogenic granuloma - report of three cases in rare sites
Authors: Sulabha AN , Choudhari S , Suchitra G
Published: October 2013

Pyogenic granuloma is a benign, localized mass of exuberant granulation tissue produced in response to various stimuli. It is inflammatory hyperplasia of oral cavity commonly seen on gingival area and rarely on other parts of oral cavity such as lips, tongue, palate and buccal mucosa. It is seen predominantly in 2nd to 3rd decade of life in young females. Clinically manifesting as small red erythematous exophytic lesion, it must be biopsied to rule out other serious conditions. This article aims to present three cases of extra gingival pyogenic granulomas occurring in rare sites such as buccal mucosa, anterior hard palate and alveolar mucosa of completely edentulous ridge in maxilla. Pyogenic granuloma on buccal mucosa and anterior hard palate were seen in female patients with age of 40 years and 34 years respectively and pyogenic granuloma on alveolar mucosa of edentulous ridge in maxilla was noted in 70 years old male patient. Surgical excision was performed for all the lesion and follow up of one year did not show any recurrence. Please add little description of patient + treatment + followup results. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v12i4.16667 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 12 No. 04 October 13 Page 445-448
Is the One-State Discourse Relevant? Reflections from a Jewish Theology of Liberation
Authors: Ellis Marc H.
Published: October 2013

The revived One-State discourse is a response to the current situation on the ground in Israel/Palestine as well as a call for justice. Analysing the film Hannah Arendt and political actors like President Obama and Samantha Power and a Jewish theology of liberation through the lens of the Holocaust/Israel discourse and the political lobby that utilises it in the United States, what is way forward? Since neither the One-State nor Two-State solution is possible in the foreseeable future, it seems another strategy is necessary. Especially for Jews of Conscience who carry the Jewish prophetic forward, the path ahead is complex and fraught.
Effects of Polymorphisms in Pepsinogen (PEP), Amylase (AMY) and Trypsin (TRY) Genes on Food Habit Domestication Traits in Mandarin Fish
Authors: Yi Tilin , Sun Jian , Liang Xufang , He Shan , Li Ling , Wen Zhengyong , Shen Dan
Published: October 2013

Mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi) have a peculiar feeding habit of only accepting live fish prey and refusing dead prey and artificial diets. However, previous research has shown that some individuals accept dead prey after gradual domestication. Digestive enzymes are correlated with feeding habits in fish. In the current study, SNPs in the mandarin fish genes for pepsinogen (PEP), amylase (AMY), and trypsin (TRY) were evaluated for associations with feeding habits in domesticated mandarin fish by scanning their complete genomic sequence. In total, two SNPs were found in PEP, one was found in TRY, and none were found in AMY. The D1(CTCC) and D5(TTTT) diplotypes in the PEP gene tended to show strong effects on the feeding habits of domesticated fish (p < 0.01). The results indicate that PEP may be associated with the genetic mechanism for feeding habits in mandarin fish, and the D1(CTCC) and D5(TTTT) diplotypes in the PEP gene may be useful markers for selecting mandarin fish with appropriate feeding habits for domestication.
Evidence of Accelerated Evolution and Ectodermal-Specific Expression of Presumptive BDS Toxin cDNAs from Anemonia viridis
Authors: Nicosia Aldo , Maggio Teresa , Mazzola Salvatore , Cuttitta Angela
Published: October 2013

Anemonia viridis is a widespread and extensively studied Mediterranean species of sea anemone from which a large number of polypeptide toxins, such as blood depressing substances (BDS) peptides, have been isolated. The first members of this class, BDS-1 and BDS-2, are polypeptides belonging to the β-defensin fold family and were initially described for their antihypertensive and antiviral activities. BDS-1 and BDS-2 are 43 amino acid peptides characterised by three disulfide bonds that act as neurotoxins affecting Kv3.1, Kv3.2 and Kv3.4 channel gating kinetics. In addition, BDS-1 inactivates the Nav1.7 and Nav1.3 channels. The development of a large dataset of A. viridis expressed sequence tags (ESTs) and the identification of 13 putative BDS-like cDNA sequences has attracted interest, especially as scientific and diagnostic tools. A comparison of BDS cDNA sequences showed that the untranslated regions are more conserved than the protein-coding regions. Moreover, the KA/KS ratios calculated for all pairwise comparisons showed values greater than 1, suggesting mechanisms of accelerated evolution. The structures of the BDS homologs were predicted by molecular modelling. All toxins possess similar 3D structures that consist of a triple-stranded antiparallel β-sheet and an additional small antiparallel β-sheet located downstream of the cleavage/maturation site; however, the orientation of the triple-stranded β-sheet appears to differ among the toxins. To characterise the spatial expression profile of the putative BDS cDNA sequences, tissue-specific cDNA libraries, enriched for BDS transcripts, were constructed. In addition, the proper amplification of ectodermal or endodermal markers ensured the tissue specificity of each library. Sequencing randomly selected clones from each library revealed ectodermal-specific expression of ten BDS transcripts, while transcripts of BDS-8, BDS-13, BDS-14 and BDS-15 failed to be retrieved, likely due to under-representation in our cDNA libraries. The calculation of the relative abundance of BDS transcripts in the cDNA libraries revealed that BDS-1, BDS-3, BDS-4, BDS-5 and BDS-6 are the most represented transcripts.
Cytotoxic Effects of Fucoidan Nanoparticles against Osteosarcoma
Authors: Kimura Ryuichiro , Rokkaku Takayoshi , Takeda Shinji , Senba Masachika , Mori Naoki
Published: October 2013

In this study, we analyzed the size-dependent bioactivities of fucoidan by comparing the cytotoxic effects of native fucoidan and fucoidan lipid nanoparticles on osteosarcoma in vitro and in vivo. In vitro experiments indicated that nanoparticle fucoidan induced apoptosis of an osteosarcoma cell line more efficiently than native fucoidan. The more potent effects of nanoparticle fucoidan, relative to native fucoidan, were confirmed in vivo using a xenograft osteosarcoma model. Caco-2 cell transport studies showed that permeation of nanoparticle fucoidan was higher than native fucoidan. The higher bioactivity and superior bioavailability of nanoparticle fucoidan could potentially be utilized to develop novel therapies for osteosarcoma.
OPTIMIZATION OF SEGMENTATION QUALITY OF INTEGRATED CIRCUIT IMAGES / INTEGRINIŲ GRANDYNŲ VAIZDŲ SEGMENTAVIMO KOKYBĖS OPTIMIZAVIMAS
Authors: Mušketas Gintautas
Published: October 2013

The paper presents investigation into the application of genetic algorithms for the segmentation of the active regions of integrated circuit images. This article is dedicated to a theoretical examination of the applied methods (morphological dilation, erosion, hit-and-miss, threshold) and describes genetic algorithms, image segmentation as optimization problem. The genetic optimization of the predefined filter sequence parameters is carried out. Improvement to segmentation accuracy using a non optimized filter sequence makes 6%. Santrauka Nagrinėjamas genetinių algoritmų taikymas integrinių grandynų aktyviųjų sričių vaizdams segmentuoti. Teoriškai aprašomi taikomi segmentavimo metodai (morfologinis plėtimas, erozija, pataikymo-nepataikymo transformacija, slenksčio funkcija), genetiniai algoritmai. Vaizdo segmentavimas apibrėžiamas kaip optimizavimo problema. Atliekamas eksperimentiškai parinktos filtrų sekos parametrų optimizavimas ir parodoma, kad optimizuota filtrų seka gaunami 6 % geresni rezultatai.
TECHNIQUES FOR MODELLING NETWORK SECURITY / KOMPIUTERIŲ SISTEMŲ SAUGUMO MODELIAVIMAS
Authors: Gulbinovič Lech
Published: October 2013

The article compares modelling techniques for network security, including the theory of probability, Markov processes, Petri networks and application of stochastic activity networks. The paper introduces the advantages and disadvantages of the above proposed methods and accepts the method of modelling the network of stochastic activity as one of the most relevant. The stochastic activity network allows modelling the behaviour of the dynamic system where the theory of probability is inappropriate. A real network distributes incidents referring to various distribution methods (exponential, gama, Veibul, etc.). A real system should evaluate time value when the stochastic activity network allows such activity.

Santrauka

Nagrinėjami šiuo metu žinomi kompiuterių sistemų saugumo modeliavimo metodai: tikimybių teorijos, Markovo procesų, Petri tinklų ir stochastinių veiklos tinklų. Šie metodai leidžia modeliuoti dinamines sistemas, kurioms kombinatoriniai metodai yra netinkami. Kadangi kompiuterių tinkluose įvykiai gali būti pasiskirstę ne tik pagal eksponentinį dėsnį, todėl jiems modeliuoti netinka Markovo procesų ir Petri tinklų modeliai. Realiuose tinkluose įvykiai gali būti pasiskirstę pagal eksponentinį, gama, Veibulo ir kt. dėsnius. Parodyta, kad iš aptartų šiuo metu žinomų modeliavimo metodų pagrindiniams saugumo veiksniams įvertinti tinkamiausias yra stochastinės veiklos tinklų metodas.
ANALYSIS OF AUTOMATED MODERN WEB CRAWLING AND TESTING TOOLS AND THEIR POSSIBLE EMPLOYMENT FOR INFORMATION EXTRACTION / ŠIUOLAIKINIŲ TINKLALAPIŲ AUTOMATIZUOTAM NARŠYMUI IR TESTAVIMUI SKIRTŲ PRIEMONIŲ ANALIZĖ IR PRITAIKOMUMAS INFORMACIJAI RINKTI
Authors: Grigalis Tomas , Marozas Leonardas , Radvilavičius Lukas
Published: October 2013

World Wide Web has become an enormously big repository of data. Extracting, integrating and reusing this kind of data has a wide range of applications, including meta-searching, comparison shopping, business intelligence tools and security analysis of information in websites. However, reaching information in modern WEB 2.0 web pages, where HTML tree is often dynamically modified by various JavaScript codes, new data are added by asynchronous requests to the web server and elements are positioned with the help of cascading style sheets, is a difficult task. The article reviews automated web testing tools for information extraction tasks.

Santrauka

Internetui tapus milžiniška informacijos duomenų baze, susiduriama su informacijos rinkimo problema – kaip iš itin gausaus kiekio informacijos šaltinių pasirinkti tokį, kuris gebėtų informacijos naudotojui pateikti tinkamą ir jį dominančią aktualią informaciją. Taip pat svarbu gebėti analizuoti šiuolaikinius tinklalapius saugumo prasme ir ieškoti juose, pavyzdžiui, įterpto slapto kenkėjiško kodo, o tai galima padaryti tik surinkus informaciją iš tinklalapio. Be to, nauja WEB 2.0 interneto karta priverčia keisti įprastinius informacijos rinkimo metodus, nes Flash, Javascript, Ajax ir kitos naujos technologijos trukdo surinkti informaciją vien tik analizuojant įprastą HTML kodą. Šiame straipsnyje analizuojamos sudėtingų šiuolaikinių tinklalapių naršymo automatizavimui ir testavimui skirtos priemonės, kurios gali būti panaudotos informacijai rinkti.
RESEARCH ON THE CONTROLLER OF A TESTBENCH / TRIAŠIO STALO VALDIKLIO TYRIMAS
Authors: Gustaitis Paulius
Published: October 2013

The article describes investigation into the controller of the 3 axis rotation table used for simulating complex trajectory motion. The mathematical model of the 3 axis rotation table is developed applying Denavit and Hartenberg’s (D-H) parameters. Graphical modelling, simulation and experimental results are presented to verify the validity of the mathematical model of the 3 axis rotation table.

Santrauka

Nagrinėjamas triašio stalo su trimis sukamosiomis sąnaromis, skirto sudėtingų trajektorijų judesiui imituoti, valdiklis. Šis triašio stalo matematinis modelis, sudarytas taikant Denavito ir Hartenbergo parametrus, skirtas kinematikos uždaviniams spręsti, taip pat sudarytas eksperimentinis modelis. Atliktas kompiuterinis grafinis triašio stalo taško trajektorijos modeliavimas ir eksperimentinis realaus modelio tyrimas. Eksperimentiniai modeliavimo rezultatai palyginti su matematinio modeliavimo metu gautais rezultatais.
APPLICATION AND PERSPECTIVES OF MULTIPHASE INDUCTION MOTORS / DAUGIAFAZIŲ VARIKLIŲ NAUDOJIMO SRITYS IR PERSPEKTYVOS
Authors: Kundrotas Benas
Published: October 2013

The article considers the areas of applying multiphase induction motors. Their advantages against three phase motors have become the main reason for employing them in multiphase drives. The paper deals with the six-phase induction motor having two similar three phase windings in the stator shifted by 30 degrees in space and three phase windings in the rotor. Differential equations for this motor are presented and transformed to dq synchronous reference frame. The transformed equations are expressed in a matrix form and solved by MATLAB software using the Dormand-Prince (ode45) method. The transient characteristics of the torque, speed and current of the six-phase induction motor are calculated and discussed. Santrauka Nagrinėjamos daugiafazių variklių naudojimo sritys, pabrėžiami pagrindiniai jų privalumai lyginant su trifaziais varikliais. Nurodomos daugiafazių variklių teigiamos savybės, lemiančios jų naudojimą šiuolaikinėse elektros pavarose. Nagrinėjamas šešiafazis asinchroninis variklis. Jo statoriuje yra dvi vienodos trifazės apvijos, kurių magnetinės ašys skiriasi 30 erdvinių laipsnių kampu, o rotoriuje yra trifazė apvija. Pateikiamos tokio variklio dinamikos lygtys, transformuotos į dq sinchroniškai besisukančią koordinačių sistemą. Transformuotos lygtys užrašomos matricos pavidalu ir sprendžiamos MATLAB programiniu paketu taikant Dormand-Prince (ode45) metodą. Gautos ir ištirtos šešiafazio asinchroninio variklio greičio, momento ir srovių dinaminės charakteristikos.
Exploration des effets du degré de technologie perçu du magasin sur le comportement de magasinage
Authors: Goudey Alain
Published: October 2013

Ce papier étudie les effets potentiels de la mise en œuvre de technologies numériques (écrans, bornes, etc.) sur le comportement de magasinage. Notre démarche exploratoire dans deux boutiques d’opérateur télécom montre que le degré de technologie perçu a un effet sur la valeur de magasinage, le temps passé perçu et la satisfaction liée au temps de visite. Cela nous amène à proposer de futures voies de recherche en sciences de gestion.
Innovative Ideas for Tutoring and Mentoring Young English Learners
Authors: Barker Kim Stevens
Published: October 2013

Lagging high school graduation rates for English Learners remains a priority concern for states across the nation, and educators under pressure from federal and state accountability measures and tight local budgets are struggling to find solutions for strengthening academic achievement for English Learners and ultimately improving their chances of achieving high school graduation and moving on to postsecondary levels. Educators can look to their own communities for sustainable, low-cost tutoring and mentoring. This chapter describes a community collaboration between a high school and its feeder elementary school that facilitates high school students’ volunteering as tutors and mentors to elementary English learners in a suburban school district in the Southeast. The background for the benefits of tutoring and mentoring for English Learners, a description of the program benefits for the various stakeholders, detailed steps for creating a multi-age, community tutoring and mentoring program, and resources for educators are included.
Mathematics Acquisition and Immigrant Children
Authors: Estes Judi Simmons , Choi Dong Hwa
Published: October 2013

Given that early mathematics education lays the foundation for later mathematics achievement, teachers of young children have the responsibility and challenge of providing effective mathematics instruction to all children, including those who are immigrants. This chapter discusses four key points relevant to mathematics acquisition and immigrant children: (a) bilingualism as an asset, (b) strengths of immigrant families, (c) teachers' mathematical knowledge, and (d) developmentally appropriate mathematics environment. It is suggested that institutions of higher education, administrators, and teachers of young children consider those four key points, and that each topic is linked to on-going professional development for the purpose of effective instruction.
Discourse Analysis and ANLP
Authors: Kent Alexandra , McCarthy Philip M.
Published: October 2013

The goal of this chapter is to outline a (primarily) qualitative and (secondarily) quantitative approach to the analysis of discourse. Discourse Analysis thrives on the variation and inconsistencies in our everyday language. Rather than focusing on what is said and seeking to reduce and homogenise accounts to find a central meaning, discourse analysis is interested in the consequences of “saying it that particular way at that particular time.” Put another way, it is interested in “what was said that didn’t have to be, and why?” and “what wasn’t said that could have been, and why not?” The chapter outlines the basic theoretical assumptions that underpin the many different methodological approaches within Discourse Analysis. It then considers these approaches in terms of the major themes of their research, the ongoing and future directions for study, and the scope of contribution to scientific knowledge that discourse analytic research can make. At the beginning and end of the chapter, we attempt to outline a role for Applied Natural Language Processing (ANLP) in Discourse Analysis. We discuss possible reasons for a lack of computational tools and techniques in traditional Discourse Analysis but we also offer suggestions as to the application of computational resources so that researchers in both disciplines might have an avenue of interest that assists their work, without directing it.
AutoTutor
Authors: Graesser Arthur C. , D’Mello Sidney , Hu Xiangen , Cai Zhiqiang , Olney Andrew , Morgan Brent
Published: October 2013

AutoTutor is an intelligent tutoring system that helps students learn science, technology, and other technical subject matters by holding conversations with the student in natural language. AutoTutor’s dialogues are organized around difficult questions and problems that require reasoning and explanations in the answers. The major components of AutoTutor include an animated conversational agent, dialogue management, speech act classification, a curriculum script, semantic evaluation of student contributions, and electronic documents (e.g., textbook and glossary). This chapter describes the computational components of AutoTutor, the similarity of these components to human tutors, and some challenges in handling smooth dialogue. We describe some ways that AutoTutor has been evaluated with respect to learning gains, conversation quality, and learner impressions. AutoTutor is sufficiently modular that the content and dialogue mechanisms can be modified with authoring tools. AutoTutor has spawned a number of other agent-based learning environments, such as AutoTutor-lite, Operation Aries!, and Guru.
Newness and Givenness of Information
Authors: McCarthy Philip M. , Dufty David , Hempelmann Christian F. , Cai Zhiqiang , McNamara Danielle S. , Graesser Arthur C.
Published: October 2013

The identification of new versus given information within a text has been frequently investigated by researchers of language and discourse. Despite theoretical advances, an accurate computational method for assessing the degree to which a text contains new versus given information has not previously been implemented. This study discusses a variety of computational new/given systems and analyzes four typical expository and narrative texts against a widely accepted theory of new/given proposed by Prince (1981). Our findings suggest that a latent semantic analysis (LSA) based measure called span outperforms standard LSA in detecting both new and given information in text. Further, span outperforms standard LSA for distinguishing low versus high cohesion versions of text. Our results suggest that span may be a useful variable in a wide array of discourse analyses.
Evaluation of Narrative and Expository Text Summaries Using Latent Semantic Analysis
Authors: Venegas René
Published: October 2013

In this chapter I approach three automatic methods for the evaluation of summaries from narrative and expository texts in Spanish. The task consisted of correlating the evaluation made by three raters for 373 summaries with results provided by latent semantic analysis. Scores assigned by latent semantic analysis were obtained by means of the following three methods: 1) Comparison of summaries with the source text, 2) Comparison of summaries with a summary approved by consensus, and 3) Comparison of summaries with three summaries constructed by three language teachers. The most relevant results are a) a high positive correlation between the evaluation made by the raters (r= 0.642); b) a high positive correlation between the computer methods (r= 0.810); and c) a moderate-high positive correlation between the evaluations of raters and the second and third LSA methods (r= 0.585 and 0,604), in summaries from narrative texts. Both methods did not differ significantly in statistical terms from the correlation among raters when the texts evaluated were predominantly narrative. These results allow us to assert that at least two holistic LSA-based methods are useful for assessing reading comprehension of narrative texts written in Spanish.
Efficacy and safety of Camosunate for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria
Authors: Uyagu Damien , Omoigberale Augustine , Dienye Paul
Published: October 2013

In Nigeria, nearly 110 million clinical cases of malaria are diagnosed per year, thus being a major public health problem. The problems of resistance resulted in the introduction of the artemisinin based combinations (ACT) by the WHO. Artesunate and amodiaquine (AS+AQ) is at present the world’s second most widely used ACT. This study is an assessment of the efficacy and safety of Camosunate (a brand of AS+AQ; Geneith Pharmaceutical Ltd., Oshodi, Lagos) in the treatment of uncomplicated malaria conducted at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). A cross-sectional assessment of the efficacy and safety of Camosunate was conducted over a period of one year using 120 patients selected after stratification, by random sampling technique. All recruited patients had slide-proven uncom- plicated malaria and were followed up for 28 days on commencement of Camosunate. Data was collected using a structured interviewer- administered questionnaire and was analysed using SPSS version 15. The overall efficacy of Camosunate was found to be 95.8%. Treatment was well tolerated as testified by the fact that there was no case withdrawal due to adverse drug reaction (ADR) or treatment emergent signs and symptoms (TESS). Also no evidence of toxicity was recorded. Camosunate is highly efficacious and well tolerated in this area of Nigeria and justifies its use as a first line treatment for uncomplicated malaria.
The Spirit and the meal as a model for Charismatic worship: A practical-theological exploration
Authors: Denny Lindie , Wepener Cas
Published: October 2013

The purpose of this article is to present one aspect of a larger research project. The Spirit tradition (Charismatic) and its liturgical rituals as well as the Meal tradition (Liturgical Movement) and its liturgical rituals through history were researched as well as the concomitant theology. The aim was to gain a better understanding of whether the future of Charismatic worship can benefit from a somewhat closer integration of aspects of the meal tradition, especially the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. This article will mostly be focused on the empirical research done in this project within three Charismatic churches in Gauteng, South Africa. This research seeks to contribute to Robert Webber’s model of bringing old and new together in synergy. In the end, this article poses a new model for Charismatic worship when liturgical-rituals of the Spirit are combined with the celebration of communion in a way that worshippers experience as being more meaningful.
Inhalant Use among Schoolchildren in Northeast India: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Akoijam Brogen Singh , Jamir M. Nukshisangla , Phesao Ebenezer , Senjam Gojendra Singh
Published: October 2013

Inhalant use by children leads to poor performance in school and has been observed to precede substance use later in life. There is paucity of data on inhalant use among school children in India, particularly in the Northeast region of the country. We determined the prevalence and documented inhalant use characteristics among schoolchildren in the Northeast region of India. This cross sectional study was conducted in six states in the Northeast region of India. Schoolchildren between eighth and eleventh standards from the capital areas of the states were included in the study. Data were collected using a questionnaire. Analysis was done using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test. Of the 4074 enrolled students, data from 3943 students who responded to the inhalant use question were analyzed. Mean age was 14.8 ± 1.2 years and 51.2% of participants were male. The proportion of students who had ever used inhalants (ever user) was 18.8% and adhesive/glue was the inhalant misused by most of the students. A higher proportion of males than females were ever users ( P ≤ 0.001) and the most common place of use was at home (33.1%). Being in the presence of an older person using an inhalant or tobacco was found to be associated with use of inhalants among students. Nearly one-fifth of the students had used inhalants and nearly half used inhalants in the past month. Sensitization of the parents and school authorities to the problem, as well as preventive and curative services, should be considered.
A statistical–numerical aerosol parameterization scheme
Authors: Chen J.-P. , Tsai I-C. , Lin Y.-C.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. A new modal aerosol parameterization scheme, the statistical–numerical aerosol parameterization (SNAP), was developed for studying aerosol processes and aerosol–cloud interactions in regional or global models. SNAP applies statistical fitting on numerical results to generate accurate parameterization formulas without sacrificing details of the growth kernel. Processes considered in SNAP include fundamental aerosol processes as well as processes related to aerosol–cloud interactions. Comparison of SNAP with numerical solutions, analytical solutions, and binned aerosol model simulations showed that the new method performs well, with accuracy higher than that of the high-order numerical quadrature technique, and with much less computation time. The SNAP scheme has been implemented in regional air quality models, producing results very close to those using binned-size schemes or numerical quadrature schemes.