bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Network Meta-analysis of Treatments for Chronic Plaque Psoriasis in Canada
Authors: Gupta Aditya K. , Daigle Deanne , Lyons Danika C.A.
Published: March 2015

Background:

Psoriasis affects approximately 500,000 Canadians. Eight treatments are currently licensed for chronic plaque psoriasis in Canada.

Objective:

To compare the efficacy of systemic treatments for chronic plaque psoriasis for the outcome > 75% reduction in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) using network meta-analysis.

Methods:

PubMed and clinicaltrials.gov databases were searched up until October 15, 2013, for phase III clinical trials. A consistency model based on a random-effects bayesian statistical framework was used to compare the rates of > 75% PASI reduction across trials.

Results:

Twenty-one studies were included in the network analysis. Infliximab had significantly greater odds of producing > 75% reduction in the PASI compared to all treatments. All treatments conferred greater odds of > 75% PASI reduction compared to placebo.

Conclusion:

Although infliximab had the highest efficacy relative to other systemic treatments for psoriasis, adverse effects, cost, and patient preferences should also be considered when deciding on treatment.
Fatal Case of Vulvar Pyoderma Gangrenosum with Pulmonary Involvement: Case Presentation and Literature Review
Authors: Mercer Joshua M. , Kuzel Paul , Mahmood Muhammad N. , Brassard Alain
Published: March 2015

Introduction:

We report a case of a 61-year-old woman with locally destructive vulvar pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) with pulmonary involvement who was refractory to numerous systemic therapies and developed complications resulting in her demise.

Objective:

To report a rare case of treatment-resistant vulvar PG with pulmonary involvement that proved to be fatal.

Methods:

PubMed was used to search for other reports that discuss PG, or more specifically perigenital PG, with pulmonary involvement.

Results and Conclusion:

A thorough review of the literature revealed 33 cases of PG with pulmonary involvement, with only 4 involving the perigenital region. We report the second case of a female with vulvar PG and pulmonary involvement. In contrast to the first case described, our patient did not respond to systemic therapy, and, ultimately, her disease was fatal. It is hoped that with continued documentation of this rare and potentially lethal presentation of PG, physicians will determine more effective treatments.
Mucocutaneous Manifestations of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Turkey
Authors: Demir Filiz Topaloǧlu , Kocatürk Emek , Yorulmaz Elif , Adali Gupse , Kavala Mukaddes
Published: March 2015

Background:

Mucocutaneous manifestations of inflammatory bowel diseases are relatively common; the mean incidence is around 10% at the time of diagnosis. However, during follow-up, an increased variety of skin lesions, granulomatous cutaneous disease, reactive skin eruptions, nutritional defiencies, and other associated conditions may develop.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of the mucocutaneous manifestations and their association with gender, duration of disease, arthritis, location of the bowel disease, and disease activity.

Methods:

Fifty-six patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 36 patients with Crohn disease (CD) who were in follow-up in the Istanbul Medeniyet University Göztepe Training and Research Hospital Department of Gastroenterology were included in the study. Whole-body dermatologic examinations were performed for all patients, and patient files were evaluated for mucocutaneous manifestations.

Results:

Of the 92 patients, 49 (53.26%) presented with at least one mucocutaneous manifestation (58.9% of patients with UC and 44.4% of patients with CD). Of these, 38 (41.3%) had at least one reactive skin eruption. Aphthous stomatitis was noted in 33 patients (35.86%) and became the most common mucocutaneous manifestation. Granulomatous cutaneous diseases were detected in 18 patients (19.57%), and none of the patients had a nutritional deficiency–associated skin condition. Only 3 patients (3.26%) had erythema nodosum and 2 patients (2.17%) had pyoderma gangrenosum.

Conclusions:

We found that mucocutaneous manifestations of inflammatory bowel diseases are more common than thought and are more common in UC than in CD. No association was detected between mucocutaneous manifestions and gender, duration of disease, arthritis, location of the bowel disease, and activity of the disease.
Treatment of Vitiligo Patients by Excimer Laser Improves Patients’ Quality of Life
Authors: Al-Shobaili Hani A.
Published: March 2015

Background:

Vitiligo can negatively affect patients’ quality of life (QoL). Assessment of QoL provides relevant information about treatment benefits.

Objectives:

To examine the effects of excimer laser treatment on vitiligo patients’ QoL and to identify overall patient satisfaction. The literature review failed to show any study concerning the same field.

Methods:

A total of 134 vitiligo patients (with 386 lesions) were studied. The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was used to assess the effect of excimer laser treatment on patients’ QoL. A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to rate patients’ overall life satisfaction and disturbance.

Results:

Excimer laser treatment significantly improved QoL in vitiligo patients, with improvement observed in five of six DLQI domains. Treatment-induced changes in the VAS score showed a significant decline in life disturbance and improvement in life satisfaction. Multivariate analysis revealed that sex and treatment duration were independent factors influencing treatment outcomes.

Conclusions:

Treatment of vitiligo with excimer laser can positively influence patients’ QoL. Patients with multiple focal lesions should be treated by excimer laser even if some lesions may not show significant clinical improvement.
Delay in Diagnosis of Congenital Linear Scleroderma until Adulthood
Authors: Lipson Jennifer , O'toole Ashley , Kapur Suneil
Published: March 2015

Background

Scleroderma encompasses a spectrum of disorders characterized by thickening of the skin and subcutaneous tissue with increased collagen deposition. Linear scleroderma is subdivided into progressive hemifacial atrophy and en coup de sabre subtype.

Objective

We report a case of congenital linear scleroderma identified in an adult, misdiagnosed since birth as birth trauma.

Methods

We completed a review of the literature for similar cases using PubMed and Medline.

Results

This is the first report of congenital linear scleroderma en coup de sabre diagnosed in an adult following an initial misdiagnosis of birth trauma. The sequelae of linear scleroderma can be significant as it can result in growth retardation, muscle atrophy, contractures, limb length discrepancy, and disfigurement.

Conclusions

This report emphasizes the importance of educating practitioners about linear scleroderma. Early recognition is key as a delay in diagnosis can result in potentially preventable, irreversible growth defects and disfigurements.
Interleukin-17 Antagonists in the Treatment of Psoriasis
Authors: Chandrakumar Shivani Felicia , Yeung Jensen
Published: March 2015

Background

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disorder of unknown etiology. Interleukin (IL)-17a, a key product of the recently identified Th17 cell subset, has been found to play a critical role in the immunopathogenesis of psoriasis. IL-17 antagonists are a new class of biological agent currently in development for psoriasis that selectively inhibit IL-17a activity.

Objective

This review aims to summarize the current efficacy data from phase II randomized controlled trials of the IL-17 antagonists brodalumab, ixekizumab, and secukinumab for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis.

Conclusion

Patients treated with IL-17 antagonists achieved marked reduction in psoriasis disease severity as demonstrated by the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 75 response rates. A sizable proportion of patients treated with brodalumab and ixekizumab achieved unprecedented clinical clearance of their psoriasis (PASI > 90). These encouraging results demonstrate the efficacy of these agents and validate the proinflammatory role of IL-17 in the pathophysiology of psoriasis.
The effect of changes in primary attending doctor coverage frequency on orthodontic treatment time and results
Authors: Peppers Emily Caskey , Leggitt V. Leroy , Caruso Joseph M. , Neufeld Roland , Green James
Published: March 2015

Objective: 

To determine whether changes in primary attending (PA) doctor coverage frequency caused an increase in orthodontic treatment time or a decrease in the quality of treatment results in a postgraduate orthodontic clinic. The effect of T1 Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) scores on PA doctor coverage frequency, treatment times, and results was also evaluated.

Materials and Methods: 

A sample of 191 postorthodontic subjects was divided into three groups based on PA doctor coverage (high, medium, or low). Treatment times, treatment results, and other variables were compared between the three PA coverage groups. Additionally, the sample was divided into three groups based on T1 PAR scores. Attending coverage frequency, treatment times, and results were compared between the T1 PAR groups.

Results: 

No statistically significant differences were found in treatment time (P  =  .128) or results (P  =  .052). There were no statistically significant differences in the mean scores for T1 PAR (P  =  .056), T2 PAR (P  =  .602), patient age at T1 (P  =  .747), total appointments (P  =  .128), missed appointments (P  =  .177), or cancelled appointments (P  =  .183). Statistically significant differences were found between the low T1 PAR group and the medium and high T1 PAR groups (attending coverage, P  =  .008; results, P < .001; treatment time, P  =  .001).

Conclusions: 

Under the conditions of this study, variations in PA doctor coverage frequency did not lengthen orthodontic treatment or reduce the quality of treatment results. Low T1 PAR scores were associated with less PA coverage, less change in PAR, and shorter treatment times.
Digieye Application In Cotton Colour Measurement
Authors: Matusiak Małgorzata
Published: March 2015

Colour is one of the most important properties of cotton raw materials. It helps in determining and classifying the quality of fibres according to the Universal Cotton Standards. Organoleptic and instrumental techniques are applied to assess the color of cotton. Worldwide, the colour parameters of cotton are measured by the High Volume Instrument (HVI), which provides information on reflectance (Rd) and yellowness (+b) that is specific for cotton, but are not the typical and globally recognized colour characteristics. Usually, worldwide, the colour of textile products and other goods is assessed utilizing the spectrophotometer, which provides the colour data that is widely recognized and accepted by the CIE L*a*b* colour space. This paper discusses utilizing the DigiEye system to measure the colour parameters of cotton samples and compares the results with the colour parameters from the HVI.
Smart Woven Fabrics With Portable And Wearable Vibrating Electronics
Authors: Özdemir Hakan , Kılınç Selçuk
Published: March 2015

The portable and wearable instrumented fabrics capable of measuring biothermal variable is essential for drivers, especially long-distance drivers. Here we report on portable and wearable devices that are able to read the temperature of human body within the woven fabric. The sensory function of the fabric is achieved by temperature sensors, soldered on conductive threads coated with cotton. The presence of stainless steel wires gives these materials conductive properties, enabling the detection of human body temperature and transmitting the signal form sensors to the motors on the fabric. When body temperature decreases, hardware/software platforms send a signal to the vibration motors in order to stimulate the driver. The ‘smart woven fabric’-sensing architecture can be divided into two parts: a textile platform, where portable and wearable devices acquire thermal signals, and hardware/software platforms, to which a sensor sends the acquired data, which send the signals to the vibration motors.
Distribution and abundance of the Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris in an urbanised environment
Authors: Kopij Grzegorz
Published: March 2015

In late autumn 2004, 160 dreys were found in all parks in Wroclaw (N=21 parks), i.e. 2.8 dreys per 10 ha. In the same period, 145 squirrels, grouped in 69 families, were counted in all these parks (1.23 families per 10 ha). The mean group size (including records of single squirrels) was 1.93 (SD = 1.04; N = 157). The density estimate based on this (number of dreys/mean number of dreys per group) shall be 1.40 families per 10 ha, therefore close to the value based on the number of squirrels counted. Squirrels were most common (64% of all squirrels recorded in parks) in largest parks located c. 2-7 km from the city centre. In forests (N = 12), squirrels density was much lower than in parks (0.1-0.3 families per 10 ha).
Linaria pelisseriana (L.) Mill. – a new alien species in the Czech Republic
Authors: Kocián Petr
Published: March 2015

The paper reports on a find of the Mediterranean species Linaria pelisseriana at the cargo terminal of Kopřivnice freight station (NE Moravia, Czech Republic), which is the first record of this species in the Czech Republic.
On the Equation x2
1 + x2
2 + x2
3 + x2
4 = N with Variables such that x1x2x3x4 + 1 is an Almost-Prime
Authors: Todorova T. L. , Tolev D. I.
Published: March 2015

We consider Lagrange’s equation x2
1 +x2
2 +x2
3 +x2
4 = N, where N is a sufficiently large and odd integer, and prove that it has a solution in natural numbers x1, . . . , x4 such that x1x2x3x4 + 1 has no more than 48 prime factors.
The Convergence Part of a Knintchine-Type Theorem in the Ring of Adeles
Authors: Kovalevskaya Ella
Published: March 2015

We prove the convergence part of a Khintchine-type theorem for simultaneous Diophantine approximation of zero by values of integral polynomials at the points

(x, z, ω1, ω2) ∈ R × C × Qp1 × Qp2 ,

where p1 ≠ p2 are primes. It is a generalization of Sprindžuk’s problem (1980) in the ring of adeles. We continue our investigation (2013), where the problem was proved at the points in R2 × C × Qp1 . We use the most precise form of the essential and inessential domains method in metric theory of Diophantine approximation.
Problems in Strong Uniform Distribution
Authors: Chan Kwo , Nair Radhakrishnan
Published: March 2015

In 1923 A. Khinchin asked if given any B ⊆ [0, 1) of positive Lebesgue measure, we have

#{n : 1 ≤ n ≤ N : {nx} ∈ B} → |B| for almost all x with respect to Lebesgue measure. Here {y} denotes the fractional part of the real number y and |A| denotes the Lebesgue measure of the set A in [0, 1). In 1970 J. Marstrand showed the answer is no. In this paper the authors survey contributions to this subject since then.
Advances in Antihydrogen Physics
Authors: Charlton Mike , Van Der Werf Dirk Peter
Published: March 2015

The creation of cold antihydrogen atoms by the controlled combination of positrons and antiprotons has opened up a new window on fundamental physics. More recently, techniques have been developed that allow some antihydrogen atoms to be created at low enough kinetic energies that they can be held inside magnetic minimum neutral atom traps. With confinement times of many minutes possible, it has become feasible to perform experiments to probe the properties of the antiatom for the first time. We review the experimental progress in this area, outline some of the motivation for studying basic aspects of antimatter physics and provide an outlook of where we might expect this field to go in the coming years.
Comparison of marginal adaptation of fiber reinforced composite and metal ceramic full veneer crown
Authors: Hassan Tareq , Ferdous Sohana , Aurangjeb Aslam Md
Published: March 2015

Fiber reinforcement was introduced to clinical dentistry for the first time in the 1960s when investigators attempted to reinforce polymethyl-methacrylate dentures with glass or carbon fibers. It has recently been shown that crowns, bridges and posts made of FRC can be used successfully in dental practice and on the basis of marginal adaptation they are more acceptable than conventional metal ceramic crown. A prospective comparative cross-sectional study was performed involving 60 patients who attended in the out patients department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, BSMMU during the period of January 2007 to December 2008. Clinical data were recorded for the selected 60 patients who were divided into two groups experimental and control. Marginal adaptation was indexed after California Dental Associations quality evaluation system. The age of the patients ranged from 18 to 42 years in group A and 17 to 38 years in group B. The highest number of patients was in the age group 21-30 years in both the groups. The mean age was 24.9±5.8 years and 25.0±4.8 years in group A and group B respectively. There were 26 male and 34 female patients in the study and male female ratio was 1:1.3. In group A patients, 12(40.0%) were male and 18(60.0%) female. In group B patients 14(46.7%) were male and 16(53.3%) were female. After 4 months all the patients were in grade I in both the groups. After 8 months all the patients were in grade I in group A and 27(90.0%) patients in grade I in group B.  After 12 months all the patients were in grade I in group A and 25(83.3%) patients were in grade I in group B. The difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05) after 8 months, however after 12 months the difference was significant (p<0.05). The Fiber Reinforced Composite crown represents a valuable development in the field of Prosthetic Dentistry. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjdre.v5i1.22450 Bangladesh Journal of Dental Research and Education Vol.5(1) 2015: 01-05
Antimicrobial Efficacy of Few Commercially Available Herbal and Non Herbal Tooth Pastes Against Clinically Isolated Human Cariogenic Pathogens
Authors: Bora Amitava , Sen Sharmista , Goswami Abhirup , Kundu Gautam Kumar , Ghosh Biswajit
Published: March 2015

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the antimicrobial efficacy of ten commercially available herbal and non herbal toothpastes. Methods: Ten toothpaste brands (A-J) were collected. A, C, D, E contained Herbal components only, toothpastes B, F, G contained herbal components and fluoride as main anticariogenic agent, toothpastes H and I contained fluoride and triclosan combination and toothpaste J contained fluoride only as main anticariogenic component. Dental caries samples were collected from 6-14 years old children having occlusal caries in permanent fully erupted molar teeth involving enamel and dentin but caries not involving dental pulp and Streptococcus mutans bacteria isolated by laboratory method. The antimicrobial activity was assessed by measuring the inhibition zones by agar well diffusion method. Results: Fluoridated toothpaste with triclosan had maximum antimicrobial activity at all concentrations when compared to Herbal toothpaste. Conclusion: Toothpastes containing fluoride and triclosan are most effective but herbal tooth pastes have the prospect of becoming safer and effective altenative and provide an ideal home care anticariogenic regimen. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjdre.v5i1.22454 Bangladesh Journal of Dental Research and Education Vol.5(1) 2015: 14-18
Periodontal Cosmetic Surgery - Concept of Gingival Depigmentation
Authors: Babu Shankar , Adhikari Khushbu
Published: March 2015

A smile is more than a method of communication and is a means of socialization and attraction. The harmony of the smile is determined not only by the shape, the position and the color of the teeth but also by the gingival tissues. Gingival pigmentation is well documented in the literature and is considered to be multifactorial. This problem aggravates in patients with gummy smile. There are various treatment modalities for managing this quality of life hampering, esthetic problem including chemical, surgical, cryotherapy, radiotherapy, not the least LASER. The most important factor for determining the treatment for gingival melanin pigmentation is the type of pigmentation, patient acceptance of treatment procedure, its prevalence and its esthetic importance depending on the skin complexion of the patient. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjdre.v5i1.22455 Bangladesh Journal of Dental Research and Education Vol.5(1) 2015: 19-21
Bilateral Absence of Frontal Sinus and Unilateral Mandibular Hypoplasia  A Case report
Authors: Handa Roopika , Sheikh Soheyl , Shambulingappa P , Aggarwal Amit , Singh Ravinder , Gupta Deepak , Mago Jyoti , Salaria Sipra
Published: March 2015

Absence of frontal sinus is usually associated with various syndromes such as craniosynostosis, osteodysplasia, down syndrome etc. Geographically, absence of frontal sinus is seen usually in areas with cold climate. This paper reports a case of 18-year old Indian woman suffering from bilateral absence of frontal sinuses which was non-syndromic in conjunction with unilateral mandibular hypoplasia. The paper also highlights the clinical significance of frontal sinus which was non-syndromic absence and its rarity in warm climate such as in South East Asian regions and the treatment options of unilateral mandibular hypoplasia. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjdre.v5i1.22459 Bangladesh Journal of Dental Research and Education Vol.5(1) 2015: 29-32
Changes in contents of some chemical compositions and activities of Hydrolytic and Oxidative Enzymes of Coccinia cordifolia l. fruits
Authors: Siddika Ayesha , Ashraduzzaman Md , Khatun Shahanaz , Khan MMH , Pervin Farzana
Published: March 2015

Context: Coccinia Cordifolia Lin. is an important tropical vegetable and it belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. The fruits of C. cordifolia as a rich source of different nutrients were analyzed. Objective: Studies were conducted to investigate the changes of nutritional compositions and hydrolytic and oxidative enzymes of C. cordifolia fruits at different maturity levels. Materials and Methods: The pH was measured by pH meter. The moisture and ash contents were determined by the method of AOAC. Total and water-soluble proteins were determined by the micro- Kjeldhal method and spectrophotometrically respectively. Lipid contents were determined by Bligh and Dyer. Total sugar and starch content were estimated by Anthrone method. Thiamin and riboflavin were estimated by Anonymous and ?-carotene was estimated by Jensen. Vitamin-C content was determined by the titrimetric method. Calcium, iron, sodium, potassium, cupper and magnesium content were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopic method. Phosphorus was determined by colorimetric means. The protease and amylase activity were measured by Kunitz and Jayaraman respectively. Invertase activity was assayed by Mahadevan and Sridhar. Results: The pH was acidic. The moisture content decreased and ash content increased with age. Protein, total sugar, reducing sugar, lipid and vitamin contents increased rapidly while starch content decreased with maturation. Mineral contents increased up to the mature stage and decreased in ripen stage. The activity of amylase and invertase increased up to mature and thereafter decreased. Polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase activity were high in immature stage but decreased in matured stage and thereafter increased in ripen stage while the activity of protease and lipase increased all the maturity stage. Conclusion: In this study, ripen C. cordifolia fruits contained the highest amount of protein, total sugar, reducing sugar, ?-Carotene, vitamin B1, vitamin B2 and vitamin C whereas matured and immatured C. cordifolia fruits are rich sources of minerals and starch respectively. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbs.v21i0.22517 J. bio-sci. 21: 35-41, 2013
Growth performance and blood profile of female rabbits fed dietary Cerium Oxide
Authors: Adua OA , Akinmuyisitana IW , Gbore FA
Published: March 2015

Context: Rare earth elements, the 15 lanthanide elements with atomic numbers 57 (lanthanum) through 71 (lutetium), have been reported to be capable of producing reasonable growth-promoting effects in all classes of livestock and at the same time increase milk yield and egg production. However, concentration and type of rare earth element as well as the compositions of individual elements are important factors influencing the performance enhancing effects of REE on animals. Objective: The effects of inclusion of different dietary concentrations of Cerium oxide (CeO), a Rare Earth Element on growth performance and blood parameters of female rabbits. Materials and Methods: In an 8-week feeding experiment, 32 growing female rabbits were used. The rabbits were assigned to different dietary concentrations of Cerium oxide (CeO) at 0, 100, 200 and 300 ppm. The initial weight, feed intake and final weight were determined. Blood samples were collected on the last day of the experiment for hematological and serum biochemical analyses. Results: The daily weight gain, daily dry matter intake and feed conversion ratio significantly increased (P<0.05) with increase in dietary CeO concentrations. The CeO supplemented diets generally had significantly (P<0.05) higher daily weight gain of 7.52 - 10.29 g compared with 6.65 g for those on the control diet. The mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, leukocyte and the mean differential leukocyte counts were significantly (P<0.05) influenced while the serum biochemical parameters examined, except urea, were not significantly (P>0.05) influenced by the dietary CeO. Conclusion: This study revealed that diets supplemented with CeO, particularly at 200 ppm concentration, is capable of improving body weight gain, daily dry matter intake and feed conversion ratio in rabbits without any detrimental effect on the blood parameters indicating good health status of the animals. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbs.v21i0.22521 J. bio-sci. 21: 69-75, 2013
The Possible Role of Penning Ionization Processes in Planetary Atmospheres
Authors: Falcinelli Stefano , Pirani Fernando , Vecchiocattivi Franco
Published: March 2015

In this paper we suggest Penning ionization as an important route of formation for ionic species in upper planetary atmospheres. Our goal is to provide relevant tools to researchers working on kinetic models of atmospheric interest, in order to include Penning ionizations in their calculations as fast processes promoting reactions that cannot be neglected. Ions are extremely important for the transmission of radio and satellite signals, and they govern the chemistry of planetary ionospheres. Molecular ions have also been detected in comet tails. In this paper recent experimental results concerning production of simple ionic species of atmospheric interest are presented and discussed. Such results concern the formation of free ions in collisional ionization of H2O, H2S, and NH3 induced by highly excited species (Penning ionization) as metastable noble gas atoms. The effect of Penning ionization still has not been considered in the modeling of terrestrial and extraterrestrial objects so far, even, though metastable helium is formed by radiative recombination of He+ ions with electrons. Because helium is the second most abundant element of the universe, Penning ionization of atomic or molecular species by He*(23S1) is plausibly an active route of ionization in relatively dense environments exposed to cosmic rays.
Implementation of an Analytical Model for Leakage Neutron Equivalent Dose in a Proton Radiotherapy Planning System
Authors: Eley John , Newhauser Wayne , Homann Kenneth , Howell Rebecca , Schneider Christopher , Durante Marco , Bert Christoph
Published: March 2015

Equivalent dose from neutrons produced during proton radiotherapy increases the predicted risk of radiogenic late effects. However, out-of-field neutron dose is not taken into account by commercial proton radiotherapy treatment planning systems. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of implementing an analytical model to calculate leakage neutron equivalent dose in a treatment planning system. Passive scattering proton treatment plans were created for a water phantom and for a patient. For both the phantom and patient, the neutron equivalent doses were small but non-negligible and extended far beyond the therapeutic field. The time required for neutron equivalent dose calculation was 1.6 times longer than that required for proton dose calculation, with a total calculation time of less than 1 h on one processor for both treatment plans. Our results demonstrate that it is feasible to predict neutron equivalent dose distributions using an analytical dose algorithm for individual patients with irregular surfaces and internal tissue heterogeneities. Eventually, personalized estimates of neutron equivalent dose to organs far from the treatment field may guide clinicians to create treatment plans that reduce the risk of late effects.
Effects of Climate Change on Urban Rainwater Harvesting in Colombo City, Sri Lanka
Authors: Lo Kwong , Koralegedara Suranjith
Published: March 2015

Cities are becoming increasingly vulnerable to water-related issues due to rapid urbanization, installation of complex infrastructure and changes in rainfall patterns. This study aims at assessing the impacts of climate change on rainwater harvesting systems (RWH) in the tropical urban city, Colombo, Sri Lanka. The future climate change projections are downscaled from global circulation models to the urban catchment scale using the Long Ashton Research Station Weather Generator (LARS-WG), described in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fourth Assessment Report (AR4), coupled with Inter Comparison Project (CMIP3) model results. Historical rainfall data from 1981–2010 is used to simulate long-term future rainfall data from 2011–2099. The percentage change of the rainfall is calculated. The rainfall patterns are analyzed based on the daily, monthly, seasonal and annual time scales. Water requirements are calculated based on the selected scenario types. Rainfall and water demand data are incorporated into a water balance model. Climate change impacts for the selected RWH scenarios are calculated based on the water security analysis for each scenario. Analysis of the future rainfall data of Colombo reveals that several extreme weather events with very heavy rainfall may occur in the future. However, the frequency of these big events may not occur too often. Most of the selected global circulation models (GCMs) in this study predict that there will be more rainfall towards the end of this century (2080-2099). Residential RWH systems will be more affected than non-residential systems. RWH systems in Colombo should include potential future climate changes in their future design and planning and be prepared for excess runoff and additional measures against potential overflow and urban floods.
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Contamination in Bedside Surfaces of a Hospital Ward and the Potential Effectiveness of Enhanced Disinfection with an Antimicrobial Polymer Surfactant
Authors: Yuen John , Chung Terence , Loke Alice
Published: March 2015

The aim in this study was to assess the effectiveness of a quaternary ammonium chloride (QAC) surfactant in reducing surface staphylococcal contamination in a routinely operating medical ward occupied by patients who had tested positive for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The QAC being tested is an antibacterial film that is sprayed onto a surface and can remain active for up to 8 h. A field experimental study was designed with the QAC plus daily hypochlorite cleaning as the experimental group and hypochlorite cleaning alone as the control group. The method of swabbing on moistened surfaces was used for sampling. It was found that 83% and 77% of the bedside surfaces of MRSA-positive and MRSA-negative patients respectively were contaminated with staphylococci at 08:00 hours, and that the staphylococcal concentrations increased by 80% at 1200 h over a 4-hour period with routine ward and clinical activities. Irrespective of the MRSA status of the patients, high-touch surfaces around the bed-units within the studied medical ward were heavily contaminated (ranged 1 to 276 cfu/cm2 amongst the sites with positive culture) with staphylococcal bacteria including MRSA, despite the implementation of daily hypochlorite wiping. However, the contamination rate dropped significantly from 78% to 11% after the application of the QAC polymer. In the experimental group, the mean staphylococcal concentration of bedside surfaces was significantly (p < 0.0001) reduced from 4.4 ± 8.7 cfu/cm2 at 08:00 hours to 0.07 ± 0.26 cfu/cm2 at 12:00 hours by the QAC polymer. The results of this study support the view that, in addition to hypochlorite wiping, the tested QAC surfactant is a potential environmental decontamination strategy for preventing the transmission of clinically important pathogens in medical wards.
Three-Dimensional Cell Culture: A Breakthrough in Vivo
Authors: Antoni Delphine , Burckel Hélène , Josset Elodie , Noel Georges
Published: March 2015

Cell culture is an important tool for biological research. Two-dimensional cell culture has been used for some time now, but growing cells in flat layers on plastic surfaces does not accurately model the in vivo state. As compared to the two-dimensional case, the three-dimensional (3D) cell culture allows biological cells to grow or interact with their surroundings in all three dimensions thanks to an artificial environment. Cells grown in a 3D model have proven to be more physiologically relevant and showed improvements in several studies of biological mechanisms like: cell number monitoring, viability, morphology, proliferation, differentiation, response to stimuli, migration and invasion of tumor cells into surrounding tissues, angiogenesis stimulation and immune system evasion, drug metabolism, gene expression and protein synthesis, general cell function and in vivo relevance. 3D culture models succeed thanks to technological advances, including materials science, cell biology and bioreactor design.
Effects of Ration Levels on Growth and Reproduction from Larvae to First-Time Spawning in the Female Gambusia affinis
Authors: Zhu Zhiming , Zeng Xiangling , Lin Xiaotao , Xu Zhongneng , Sun Jun
Published: March 2015

Somatic growth and reproduction were examined in individual laboratory-grown female Gambusia affinis fed with high (H), medium (M) and low (L) ration levels from birth to the first-time spawning. Results showed that the body length and weight, condition factor (CF), wet weight gain (WGw), specific growth rate in wet weight (SGRw) and ration levels in terms of energy (RLe) decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with decreasing ration levels from birth to first-time spawning. On the contrary, the food conversion efficiency in terms of energy (FCEe) increased significantly (p < 0.05) with the decreasing ration levels from birth to first-time sexual maturity. Furthermore, higher percentages of energy intake from food were allocated to somatic and gonad growth in M and L groups compared to the H group before sexual maturity; In addition, the time for first-time spawning in groups M and L was longer than that of the H group. As a result, the gonad-somatic index (GSI) and oocytes/embryos weight in M and L groups were similar to that of the H group, although the ovary weight and oocytes/embryos numbers were all lower than that of the H group. Also, similar growth performances were observed in second-generation offspring, which were produced by female parents fed with different ration levels. These findings suggest that the female G. affinis could produce a number of healthy offspring under conditions of food restriction, and that this could be achieved by increasing the energy allocated to gonad development, reducing fecundity and delaying spawning time. These life strategies ensured that G. affinis could survive and thrive in adverse environmental conditions and exhibit characteristics of invasive fish species.
Molecular Mechanisms Underlying β-Adrenergic Receptor-Mediated Cross-Talk between Sympathetic Neurons and Immune Cells
Authors: Lorton Dianne , Bellinger Denise
Published: March 2015

Cross-talk between the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and immune system is vital for health and well-being. Infection, tissue injury and inflammation raise firing rates of sympathetic nerves, increasing their release of norepinephrine (NE) in lymphoid organs and tissues. NE stimulation of β2-adrenergic receptors (ARs) in immune cells activates the cAMP-protein kinase A (PKA) intracellular signaling pathway, a pathway that interfaces with other signaling pathways that regulate proliferation, differentiation, maturation and effector functions in immune cells. Immune–SNS cross-talk is required to maintain homeostasis under normal conditions, to develop an immune response of appropriate magnitude after injury or immune challenge, and subsequently restore homeostasis. Typically, β2-AR-induced cAMP is immunosuppressive. However, many studies report actions of β2-AR stimulation in immune cells that are inconsistent with typical cAMP–PKA signal transduction. Research during the last decade in non-immune organs, has unveiled novel alternative signaling mechanisms induced by β2-AR activation, such as a signaling switch from cAMP–PKA to mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. If alternative signaling occurs in immune cells, it may explain inconsistent findings of sympathetic regulation of immune function. Here, we review β2-AR signaling, assess the available evidence for alternative signaling in immune cells, and provide insight into the circumstances necessary for “signal switching” in immune cells.
Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Adolescent and Young Adult Patients
Authors: Seval Guldane , Ozcan Muhit
Published: March 2015

The objectives of this review were to discuss standard and investigational treatment strategies for adolescent and young adult with acute myeloid leukemia, excluding acute promyelocytic leukemia. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in adolescent and young adult patients (AYAs) may need a different type of therapy than those currently used in children and older patients. As soon as AML is diagnosed, AYA patient should be offered to participate in well-designed clinical trials. The standard treatment approach for AYAs with AML is remission induction chemotherapy with an anthracycline/cytarabine combination, followed by either consolidation chemotherapy or stem cell transplantation, depending on the ability of the patient to tolerate intensive treatment and cytogenetic features. Presently, continuing progress of novel drugs targeting specific pathways in acute leukemia may bring AML treatment into a new era.
Effects of Rare Earth on the Microstructure and Impact Toughness of H13 Steel
Authors: Gao Jinzhu , Fu Paixian , Liu Hongwei , Li Dianzhong
Published: March 2015

Studies of H13 steel suggest that under appropriate conditions, additions of rare-earth metals (REM) can significantly enhance mechanical properties, such as impact toughness. This improvement is apparently due to the formation of finer and more dispersive RE inclusions and grain refinement after REM additions. In this present work, the microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of H13 steel with rare earth additions (0, 0.015, 0.025 and 0.1 wt.%) were investigated. The grain size, inclusions and fracture morphology were systematically studied by means of optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results indicate that REM addition of 0.015 wt.% can result in good improvement of performance compared to the REM additions of 0.025 wt.% and 0.1 wt.%. It is found that the impact toughness is significantly enhanced with the addition of 0.015% REM, which can be improved 90% from 10 J to 19 J. Such an addition of REM can result in a huge volume fraction of finer and more dispersive inclusions which are extremely good to toughness.
A New Gaze Estimation Method Considering External Light
Authors: Lee Jong , Lee Hyeon , Gwon Su , Jung Dongwook , Pan Weiyuan , Cho Chul , Park Kang , Kim Hyun-Cheol , Cha Jihun
Published: March 2015

Gaze tracking systems usually utilize near-infrared (NIR) lights and NIR cameras, and the performance of such systems is mainly affected by external light sources that include NIR components. This is ascribed to the production of additional (imposter) corneal specular reflection (SR) caused by the external light, which makes it difficult to discriminate between the correct SR as caused by the NIR illuminator of the gaze tracking system and the imposter SR. To overcome this problem, a new method is proposed for determining the correct SR in the presence of external light based on the relationship between the corneal SR and the pupil movable area with the relative position of the pupil and the corneal SR. The experimental results showed that the proposed method makes the gaze tracking system robust to the existence of external light.
Risk Evaluation of a UHV Power Transmission Construction Project Based on a Cloud Model and FCE Method for Sustainability
Authors: Zhao Huiru , Li Nana
Published: March 2015

In order to achieve the sustainable development of energy, Ultra High Voltage (UHV) power transmission construction projects are being established in China currently. Their high-tech nature, the massive amount of money involved, and the need for multi-agent collaboration as well as complex construction environments bring many challenges and risks. Risk management, therefore, is critical to reduce the risks and realize sustainable development of projects. Unfortunately, many traditional risk assessment methods may not perform well due to the great uncertainty and randomness inherent in UHV power construction projects. This paper, therefore, proposes a risk evaluation index system and a hybrid risk evaluation model to evaluate the risk of UHV projects and find out the key risk factors. This model based on a cloud model and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE) method combines the superiority of the cloud model for reflecting randomness and discreteness with the advantages of the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method in handling uncertain and vague issues. For the sake of proving our framework, an empirical study of “Zhejiang-Fuzhou” UHV power transmission construction project is presented. As key contributions, we find the risk of this project lies at a “middle” to “high” level and closer to a “middle” level; the “management risk” and “social risk” are identified as the most important risk factors requiring more attention; and some risk control recommendations are proposed. This article demonstrates the value of our approach in risk identification, which seeks to improve the risk control level and the sustainable development of UHV power transmission construction projects.
Functionalized branched EDOT-terthiophene copolymer films by electropolymerization and post-polymerization “click”-reactions
Authors: Goll Miriam , Ruff Adrian , Muks Erna , Goerigk Felix , Omiecienski Beatrice , Ruff Ines , González-Cano Rafael C , Lopez Navarrete Juan T , Ruiz Delgado M Carmen , Ludwigs Sabine
Published: March 2015

The electrocopolymerization of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) with the branched thiophene building block 2,2′:3′,2″-terthiophene (3T) is presented as a versatile route to functional polymer films. Comparisons to blend systems of the respective homopolymers PEDOT and P3T by in situ spectroelectrochemistry and Raman spectroscopy prove the successful copolymer formation and the access to tailored redox properties and energy levels. The use of EDOT-N3 as co-monomer furthermore allows modifications of the films by polymer analogous reactions. Here, we exemplarily describe the post-functionalization with ionic moieties by 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition (“click”-chemistry) which allows to tune the surface polarity of the copolymer films from water contact angles of 140° down to 40°.
Des miettes d'emploi : temps partiel et pauvreté
Authors: Angeloff Tania
Published: March 2015

Le chômage, en devenant, à bon escient, une idée fixe des politiques et des économistes, semble masquer une autre réalité : le sous-emploi et la flexibilité, qui vont de pair avec le développement du travail à temps partiel et sont synonymes de précarité et de pauvreté au travail. Cet article part de l’étude de travailleurs en situation de précarité (contrats précaires, ou pénurie du nombre d’heures de travail avec absence ou insuffisance de régulation institutionnelle), dans les secteurs de l’aide à domicile, du nettoyage et de la grande distribution. Il vise à dégager l’ambiguïté que revêt l’emploi dans certaines conditions d’exercice qui se déclinent au féminin, à temps partiel, sans qualification ou dans des emplois sous-qualifiés, sans garantie d’emploi à long terme, sans possibilité d’évolution de carrière. Sans dresser une typologie proprement dite de la pauvreté, il conviendra de montrer dans quelle mesure l’emploi tel qu’il est conçu ces dernières années (dans une politique de lutte contre l’indice à deux chiffres du chômage) conduit à aggraver la pauvreté au travail, en particulier par un développement du travail à temps partiel, qui touche en priorité les femmes.
La pauvreté laborieuse au XIXème siècle vue par Julie-Victoire Daubié
Authors: Thiercé Agnès
Published: March 2015

La femme pauvre au XIXème siècle , paru en 1866, fruit d’une vaste enquête sur la condition et les moyens de subsistance des femmes, est un exposé inédit de la misère des travailleuses. L’auteur, Julie-Victoire Daubié, grande figure du féminisme du Second Empire, n’est autre que la première bachelière de France. Elle dénonce une misère plurielle, qui touche plus cruellement la femme seule, veuve ou célibataire. Cette misère est économique - avec l’inégalité salariale justifiée par la sous-qualification des femmes largement exclues des structures d’enseignement général et professionnel - mais aussi politique et morale, pointant la responsabilité de l’État et des hommes.
Quand les institutions se chargent de la question du travail des femmes 1970-1995
Authors: Lurol Martine
Published: March 2015

La féminisation du salariat et l’augmentation constante des femmes sur le marché du travail sont à l’origine de la création d’institutions destinées à examiner les problèmes spécifiques posées par l’exercice du travail salarié des femmes et faciliter cette activité. Trois périodes peuvent être repérées dans la mise en place progressive des institutions qui marquent des temps forts dans l’évolution des structures et dans la prise en charge de la question du travail des femmes, selon les contextes des périodes étudiées. La période 1970-1980 correspond à une évolution lente mais progressive des institutions où l’on passe d’un Comité d’Étude et de Liaison à un secrétariat d’État ; la période 1981-1986 est marquée par une forte institutionnalisation et la création d’un ministère des Droits de la Femme qui entend donner des droits à la femme en tant qu’individu à part entière et notamment en terme d’égalité professionnelle avec les hommes ; la période 1988-1995 voit l’abandon d’une volonté politique envers les femmes qui se traduit dans les institutions par le passage d’un ministère à part entière, à un secrétariat d’État puis à un service à l’intérieur du ministère du Travail, structure administrative sans capacité de décision et d’impulsion.