bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adipose Deficiency of Nrf2 in ob/ob Mice Results in Severe Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Xue Peng , Hou Yongyong , Chen Yanyan , Yang Bei , Fu Jingqi , Zheng Hongzhi , Yarborough Kathy , Woods Courtney G. , Liu Dianxin , Yamamoto Masayuki , Zhang Qiang , Andersen Melvin E. , Pi Jingbo
Published: December 2012

Nuclear factor E2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that functions as a master regulator of the cellular adaptive response to oxidative stress. Our previous studies showed that Nrf2 plays a critical role in adipogenesis by regulating expression of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β and peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ. To determine the role of Nrf2 in the development of obesity and associated metabolic disorders, the incidence of metabolic syndrome was assessed in whole-body or adipocyte-specific Nrf2-knockout mice on a leptin-deficient ob/ob background, a model with an extremely positive energy balance. On the ob/ob background, ablation of Nrf2, globally or specifically in adipocytes, led to reduced white adipose tissue (WAT) mass, but resulted in an even more severe metabolic syndrome with aggravated insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, and hypertriglyceridemia. Compared with wild-type mice, WAT of ob/ob mice expressed substantially higher levels of many genes related to antioxidant response, inflammation, adipogenesis, lipogenesis, glucose uptake, and lipid transport. Absence of Nrf2 in WAT resulted in reduced expression of most of these factors at mRNA or protein levels. Our findings support a novel role for Nrf2 in regulating adipose development and function, by which Nrf2 controls the capacity of WAT expansion and insulin sensitivity and maintains glucose and lipid homeostasis.
Performance of HbA1c and Fasting Plasma Glucose in Screening for Diabetes in Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography
Authors: Wang Jun-Sing , Lee I-Te , Lee Wen-Jane , Lin Shih-Yi , Fu Chia-Po , Ting Chih-Tai , Lee Wen-Lieng , Liang Kae-Woei , Sheu Wayne Huey-Herng
Published: December 2012

OBJECTIVE

The performance of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) was compared in screening for diabetes by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in patients undergoing coronary angiography (CAG).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Patients without known diabetes admitted for CAG were eligible. OGTT and HbA1c were assessed 2–4 weeks after hospital discharge. The performance of HbA1c and FPG was evaluated by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

RESULTS

Diabetes was diagnosed in 83 of 400 patients (20.8%). The area under the ROC curve was higher for FPG than for HbA1c (0.81 vs. 0.73, P = 0.032). We proposed a screening algorithm and validated it in another 170 patients. Overall, this algorithm reduced the number of OGTTs by 71.4% (sensitivity 74.4%, specificity 100%).

CONCLUSIONS

FPG performed better than HbA1c in screening for diabetes in patients undergoing CAG. A screening algorithm might help to reduce the number of OGTTs.
Hydrology of South Asia from the Perspective of Global Environmental Changes
Authors: Sharma Keshav P.
Published: December 2012

On average, South Asian river basins drain about 2,672 km3 of water to the oceans every year, which is almost 6% of the global runoff. These rivers also contribute 15% to 20% of the global oceanward sediment flux. Retreating glaciers and decreasing flows during low flow seasons have already shown the signatures of global warming in the region. Temperature trends in the South Asian region range from -2.9°C per decade to +4.0°C per decade. Similarly, precipitation changes fall in the range of -8% to +18% during the period of available records. One of the major concerns regarding climatic change in the region is the tendency of decreasing low flows in several major river basins. Such alterations in river discharge may cause adverse impacts on available water supplies during critical periods. Besides, the region is subjected to high vulnerabilities of water resources because of population pressure, poverty and agriculture-based economy, strong temporal and spatial variation of precipitation, and significant spatial variations of geological parameters. The management of water resources needs to consider the integrated impacts of demographic, land-use, and climatic changes in an integrated manner.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hn.v11i1.7196 Hydro Nepal Special Issue: Conference Proceedings 2012 pp.7-11
Adaptation Mechanisms in Agriculture for Climate Change in Nepal
Authors: Paudel Mina Nath
Published: December 2012

In Nepal, impacts of climate change can be observed in varying levels of climate that are prevalent in diversified topography and vegetation. Broadly speaking, there are impacts of climate change in the Terai lowlands, the mid-hill valleys and mountains, and in the high Himalayas. Nepal is a unique climatic laboratory for studying the impacts of climate change.Sixty-five percent of the Nepalese people engage in agriculture and more than 32% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) comes from it. There are evidences of climate change in frequently changing monsoonal patterns resulting in droughts, floods, landslides, and other unexpected results that impair subsistence agriculture systems in the country. As a result, there is chronic food shortage in remote hills, and in the mountains, and the Terai, the grain bowl of Nepal, has been hit by food shortage. To date, around 3.9 million people have suffered from hunger and poverty. There are reports that major food crops of rice, maize, and wheat production have declined due to changes in monsoon patterns, insurgence of new pests, and decline in soil productivity. Efforts have been initiated to adopt drought and pest tolerant varieties, changes in planting time, and method of plantings as strategies for adaptation to climate change in agriculture. This paper attempts to highlight adaptation as a strategy to address issues of climate changes from the perspective of Nepalese agriculture.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hn.v11i1.7219 Hydro Nepal Special Issue: Conference Proceedings 2012 pp.81-85
“I’ve never murdered anyone in my life. The decisions are up to them.”: Ethical Guidance and Cultural Pessimism in the Saw Series
Authors: Walliss John , Aston James
Published: December 2012

Abstract:

In this article, we examine the ethical vision presented in the Saw series of films, focusing in particular on how it represents a trend within popular culture post-9/11 toward increasing cultural pessimism. We will locate the Saw films within this cultural trajectory, primarily focusing on the “games” and the use of torture and how these rituals disturb a clear moral and ethical vision as the franchise moves unsteadily between conservative and liberal ideologies. Human beings, the films show, are riddled with vice and invariably cannot, even when put in a life or death situation, develop the self-awareness to overcome them. Indeed, humans have become so debased and disconnected from life that those liberal, progressive attempts to help them and legal attempts to sanction them are doomed to failure. In the end, the only way in which they can be “saved,” and social order be protected, is through vigilantism and a never-ending cycle of torture.
Framework for Carbon Emission Evaluation of Road Maintenance
Authors: Itoya Emioshor , Hazell Katrina , Ison Stephen , El-Hamalawi Ashraf , Frost Matthew W.
Published: December 2012

In the United Kingdom, carbon emissions associated with business activities have shifted from matters of policy to sources of legal responsibilities under the Climate Change Act of 2008. A flexible and easy-to-use technique is needed so that businesses can assess their carbon emissions in response to regulations on the environmental impact of construction activities. The aim of this study was to develop a methodology that could offer businesses a carbon life-cycle assessment tool to identify emissions hot spots across the value chain and inform a carbon-reduction hierarchy. The approach employed was based on methodology described in the publicly available specification (PAS2050) protocol. The objective was to identify locations where the largest production of emissions occurred and provide for the biggest potential reduction within routine highway maintenance processes. The methodology framework allows businesses to make informed decisions in carbon terms through the identification and prioritization of areas of potential reduction of emissions.
Best-Value Bid Selection Methods for Performance-Based Roadway Maintenance Contracts
Authors: Ahmed Jubair , Gharaibeh Nasir G. , Damnjanovic Ivan D.
Published: December 2012

Performance-based contracts for roadway maintenance extend over multiple years and shift the responsibility to the contractor to maintain roadway assets at specific performance levels. Thus contractors need to be selected with best-value methods rather than with the conventional low-bid method. Best-value bid selection considers both the bid price and technical aspects of the proposal (e.g., contractor qualifications, quality management plan, experience). This study evaluated the best-value bid selection methods used by four highway agencies in the United States (Florida, North Carolina), New Zealand, and the United Kingdom to procure roadway maintenance contracts on the basis of performance. A numerical analysis of these four methods indicated that those best-value bid selection methods that used the adjusted price concept balanced price and technical marks, those that used direct price and technical weights favored low bids, and those that considered the maximum technical quality offered by the bidders favored bids with high technical marks.
Impact of Climate Conditions on Effectiveness of Asphalt Pavement Preservation Techniques
Authors: Wang Yuhong , Wang George , Ahn Yong Han
Published: December 2012

Pavement preservation is practiced by many highway administration agencies throughout the world. Pavement preservation also attracts much attention from agencies that have few or no such programs. How to choose the most effective treatment at a given location, however, remains a question. On the basis of data from the Specific Pavement Study 3 of the Long-Term Pavement Performance program, the study reported in this paper examined the impact of climate conditions on the effectiveness of asphalt pavement preservation techniques. Six climate zones were defined on the bases of number of wet days, freeze–thaw cycles, and number of days below 0°C. Within each climate zone, performance differences on graphical representations and paired t-tests were assessed for four types of treatment sections and control sections in terms of the international roughness index (IRI). The magnitudes of the IRI changes caused by these treatments were in general quite noticeable, but the effectiveness varied greatly with climate condition and treatment type. Statistically significant treatments at each climate zone were reported in the study. All four types of treatments significantly reduced IRI growth under two climate conditions: (a) warm and dry and (b) wet and cold. In addition, chip sealing and thin overlay treatments seemed more likely to succeed in different climates.
Optimal Allocation of Resources to Maintain, Rehabilitate, and Reconstruct Heterogeneous Bridge Networks
Authors: Essahli Zineb , Madanat Samer
Published: December 2012

Highway bridges undergo rapid deterioration in both condition and safety under the influence of aggressive environmental factors and increasing traffic loads. Timely and adequate maintenance interventions therefore are crucial to ensure the functionality of bridges in a network. Under budget constraints, it is important to prioritize the maintenance of those bridges most significant to the functionality of the entire network. In this paper, the problem of network-level bridge maintenance planning is formulated as a combinatorial optimization problem. An algorithm is devised to select and allocate maintenance interventions of different types to networked bridges over a specified time under the assumption of annual inspections. The objective function considered was the network probability of failure, expressed by the time-dependent reliability of connectivity between the origin and the destination location, which was maximized while total maintenance costs were constrained under a budget. Various maintenance actions, which differed in unit cost and their effects on bridge performance, were used in the optimization. As an example, the optimization procedure was applied to a heterogeneous, five-bridge network. The proposed maintenance planning procedure can prioritize scarce maintenance needs for use on the deteriorating bridges most crucial to network performance.
Fused magnetic resonance angiography and 2D fluoroscopic visualization for endovascular intracranial neuronavigation
Authors: Kocer Naci , Kizilkilic Osman , Babic Drazenko , Ruijters Danny , Islak Civan
Published: December 2012

Advanced transluminal neurovascular navigation is an indispensable image-guided method that allows for real-time navigation of endovascular material in critical neurovascular settings. Thus far, it has been primarily based on 2D and 3D angiography, burdening the patient with a relatively high level of iodinated contrast. However, in the patients with renal insufficiency, this method is no longer tolerable due to the contrast load. The authors present a novel image guidance technique based on periprocedural fluoroscopic images fused with a preinterventionally acquired MRI data set. The technique is illustrated in a case in which the fused image combination was used for endovascular treatment of a giant cerebral aneurysm.
Nucleus caudalis dorsal root entry zone lesioning for the treatment of anesthesia dolorosa
Authors: Sandwell Stephen E. , El-Naggar Amr O.
Published: December 2012

Deafferentation facial pain (anesthesia dolorosa) can occur after injury of the first-order trigeminal nerve. It is often debilitating and difficult to treat. The authors report the treatment of anesthesia dolorosa in a 69-year-old man with a 7-year history of pain. The pain occurred after an open resection of a right trigeminal neuroma. After treatment with medications failed, the patient was treated with nucleus caudalis (dorsal root entry zone) lesioning. His facial pain was immediately and completely eliminated. The authors describe the technique of this central neuroablative procedure, and they review the available literature regarding this procedure as well as the current evidence base for neuromodulatory surgeries. After the 1-year follow-up, the authors conclude that the patient attained lasting relief.
Merging machines with microsurgery: clinical experience with neuroArm
Authors: Sutherland Garnette R. , Lama Sanju , Gan Liu Shi , Wolfsberger Stefan , Zareinia Kourosh
Published: December 2012

Object

It has been over a decade since the introduction of the da Vinci Surgical System into surgery. Since then, technology has been advancing at an exponential rate, and newer surgical robots are becoming increasingly sophisticated, which could greatly impact the performance of surgery. NeuroArm is one such robotic system.

Methods

Clinical integration of neuroArm, an MR-compatible image-guided robot, into surgical procedure has been developed over a prospective series of 35 cases with varying pathology.

Results

Only 1 adverse event was encountered in the first 35 neuroArm cases, with no patient injury. The adverse event was uncontrolled motion of the left neuroArm manipulator, which was corrected through a rigorous safety review procedure. Surgeons used a graded approach to introducing neuroArm into surgery, with routine dissection of the tumor-brain interface occurring over the last 15 cases. The use of neuroArm for routine dissection shows that robotic technology can be successfully integrated into microsurgery. Karnofsky performance status scores were significantly improved postoperatively and at 12-week follow-up.

Conclusions

Surgical robots have the potential to improve surgical precision and accuracy through motion scaling and tremor filters, although human surgeons currently possess superior speed and dexterity. Additionally, neuroArm's workstation has positive implications for technology management and surgical education. NeuroArm is a step toward a future in which a variety of machines are merged with medicine.
Malignant glioma with angiocentric features
Authors: Lu Jian-Qiang , Patel Samir , Wilson Beverly A. , Pugh Jeffrey , Mehta Vivek
Published: December 2012

Angiocentric glioma is a recently recognized benign brain tumor with unknown histogenesis. Most of these tumors are mitotically low in activity in accord with their benign clinical course. However, increased mitotic activity has been noted in several cases, one of which had an ultimately fatal outcome. Here, the authors present a tumor showing angiocentric glioma and glioblastoma-like features, with recurrence of the lower-grade component after radiotherapy. A 15-year-old boy presented with a 3-month history of progressive left-sided weakness and headache. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a large heterogeneous mass in the right frontal lobe, with mild post-Gd enhancement. A gross-total resection was obtained. Histopathological examination of the resected tissue revealed a tumor with 2 distinct appearances: 1) a mildly to moderately cellular infiltrating tumor with angiocentric glioma characteristics, and 2) a markedly cellular glioblastoma-like tissue with necrosis and microvascular proliferation. The patient received a course of postoperative radiotherapy to 59.4 Gy in 33 fractions administered over the course of 6.5 weeks, but his tumor recurred 4 months after resection. A second resection was then performed. The recurrent tumor exhibited radiation-induced changes and persistent characteristics of angiocentric glioma, but it had fewer malignant features; the mitotic activity was lower, and there was no necrosis or microvascular proliferation. The findings in this case, along with those in several previously reported cases, suggest that angiocentric gliomas may have a malignant variant or malignant transformation. Angiocentric gliomas with malignant features tend to recur, for which surgical intervention followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy should be offered as a therapeutic option.
Process Philosophy and the Text-Image Interface: A Study of Three Western Australian Botanical Illustrators
Authors: Ryan John
Published: December 2012

Botanical illustration combines scientific knowledge and artistic technique. However, whereas illustrated botanical images record static visual qualities, such as form and color, written botanical narratives supply crucial sensory, ecological, historical, and cultural contexts that complement visual representation. Understanding the text-image interface—where images and words intersect—contributes to humanities-based analyses of botanical illustration and illustrators. More specifically, a process philosophy perspective reveals the extent to which botanical representations engage the temporality, cyclicality, and contextuality of the living plants being illustrated. This article takes up these themes through a comparative theoretical study of three female Western Australian botanical illustrators, Georgiana Leake (1812–1869), Emily Pelloe (1877–1941), and Philippa Nikulinsky (born 1942), whose lives together span the 183 year history of the Swan River Colony and the state of Western Australia. I apply a processist framework to examine the text-image interface of their works. All three illustrators use some form of textuality: marginalia, annotations, written accompaniments, introductory statements, and other narrative materials. In examining their written commentaries and traces, I identify the emergence of a process mode of botanical illustration that represents plants as ecological, historical, cultural, and temporal organisms.
Reliability Analysis of Free Jet Scour Below Dams
Authors: Li Chuanqi , Wang Shuai , Wang Wei
Published: December 2012

Current formulas for calculating scour depth below of a free over fall are mostly deterministic in nature and do not adequately consider the uncertainties of various scouring parameters. A reliability-based assessment of scour, taking into account uncertainties of parameters and coefficients involved, should be performed. This paper studies the reliability of a dam foundation under the threat of scour. A model for calculating the reliability of scour and estimating the probability of failure of the dam foundation subjected to scour is presented. The Maximum Entropy Method is applied to construct the probability density function (PDF) of the performance function subject to the moment constraints. Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) is applied for uncertainty analysis. An example is considered, and there liability of its scour is computed, the influence of various random variables on the probability failure is analyzed.
A Simple Sizing Algorithm for Stand-Alone PV/Wind/Battery Hybrid Microgrids
Authors: Li Jing , Wei Wei , Xiang Ji
Published: December 2012

In this paper, we develop a simple algorithm to determine the required number of generating units of wind-turbine generator and photovoltaic array, and the associated storage capacity for stand-alone hybrid microgrid. The algorithm is based on the observation that the state of charge of battery should be periodically invariant. The optimal sizing of hybrid microgrid is given in the sense that the life cycle cost of system is minimized while the given load power demand can be satisfied without load rejection. We also report a case study to show the efficacy of the developed algorithm.
A Web-Based Geovisual Analytical System for Climate Studies
Authors: Sun Min , Li Jing , Yang Chaowei , Schmidt Gavin , Bambacus Myra , Cahalan Robert , Huang Qunying , Xu Chen , Noble Erik , Li Zhenlong
Published: December 2012

Climate studies involve petabytes of spatiotemporal datasets that are produced and archived at distributed computing resources. Scientists need an intuitive and convenient tool to explore the distributed spatiotemporal data. Geovisual analytical tools have the potential to provide such an intuitive and convenient method for scientists to access climate data, discover the relationships between various climate parameters, and communicate the results across different research communities. However, implementing a geovisual analytical tool for complex climate data in a distributed environment poses several challenges. This paper reports our research and development of a web-based geovisual analytical system to support the analysis of climate data generated by climate model. Using the ModelE developed by the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) as an example, we demonstrate that the system is able to (1) manage large volume datasets over the Internet; (2) visualize 2D/3D/4D spatiotemporal data; (3) broker various spatiotemporal statistical analyses for climate research; and (4) support interactive data analysis and knowledge discovery. This research also provides an example for managing, disseminating, and analyzing Big Data in the 21st century.
5-(tert-Butyldimethylsilyloxy)-1-(2-chloro-5,8-dimethoxyquinolin-3-yl)-3-methylenepentan-1-ol
Authors: Bouarata Linda , Tebbani Dahmane , Mosset Paul
Published: December 2012

Novel 5-(tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)-1-(2-chloro-5,8-dimethoxyquinolin-3-yl)-3-methylenepentan-1-ol (7) was prepared via allylation of 2-chloro-5,8-dimethoxyquinoline-3-carbaldehyde (6) with functionalized allylic iodide as tert-butyl-(3-(iodomethyl)but-3-enyloxy)dimethylsilane (5), in the presence of metallic indium in anhydrous DMF as solvent at ambient temperature. The structure of the synthesized compound was assigned on the basis of elemental analysis and spectral data.
A Hyperspectral Thermal Infrared Imaging Instrument for Natural Resources Applications
Authors: Schlerf Martin , Rock Gilles , Lagueux Philippe , Ronellenfitsch Franz , Gerhards Max , Hoffmann Lucien , Udelhoven Thomas
Published: December 2012

A new instrument has been setup at the Centre de Recherche Public-Gabriel Lippmann to measure spectral emissivity values of typical earth surface samples in the 8 to 12 μm range at a spectral resolution of up to 0.25 cm−1. The instrument is based on a Hyper-Cam-LW built by Telops with a modified fore-optic for vertical measurements at ground level and a platform for airborne acquisitions. A processing chain has been developed to convert calibrated radiances into emissivity spectra. Repeat measurements taken on samples of sandstone show a high repeatability of the system with a wavelength dependent standard deviation of less than 0.01 (1.25% of the mean emissivity). Evaluation of retrieved emissivity spectra indicates good agreement with reference measurements. The new instrument facilitates the assessment of the spatial variability of emissivity spectra of material surfaces—at present still largely unknown—at various scales from ground and airborne platforms and thus will provide new opportunities in environmental remote sensing.
Electrochemical Genotoxicity Assay Based on a SOS/umu Test Using Hydrodynamic Voltammetry in a Droplet
Authors: Kuramitz Hideki , Sazawa Kazuto , Nanayama Yasuaki , Hata Noriko , Taguchi Shigeru , Sugawara Kazuharu , Fukushima Masami
Published: December 2012

The SOS/umu genotoxicity assay evaluates the primary DNA damage caused by chemicals from the β-galactosidase activity of S. typhimurium. One of the weaknesses of the common umu test system based on spectrophotometric detection is that it is unable to measure samples containing a high concentration of colored dissolved organic matters, sediment, and suspended solids. However, umu tests with electrochemical detection techniques prove to be a better strategy because it causes less interference, enables the analysis of turbid samples and allows detection even in small volumes without loss of sensitivity. Based on this understanding, we aim to develop a new umu test system with hydrodynamic chronoamperometry using a rotating disk electrode (RDE) in a microliter droplet. PAPG when used as a substrate is not electroactive at the potential at which PAP is oxidized to p-quinone imine (PQI), so the current response of chronoamperometry resulting from the oxidation of PAP to PQI is directly proportional to the enzymatic activity of S. typhimurium. This was achieved by performing genotoxicity tests for 2-(2-furyl)-3-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-acrylamide (AF-2) and 2-aminoanthracene (2-AA) as model genotoxic compounds. The results obtained in this study indicated that the signal detection in the genotoxicity assay based on hydrodynamic voltammetry was less influenced by the presence of colored components and sediment particles in the samples when compared to the usual colorimetric signal detection. The influence caused by the presence of humic acids (HAs) and artificial sediment on the genotoxic property of selected model compounds such as 4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide (4-NQO), 3-chloro-4-(dichloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-2(5H)-furanone (MX), 1,8-dinitropyrene (1,8-DNP) and 1-nitropyrene (1-NP) were also investigated. The results showed that the genotoxicity of 1-NP and MX changed in the presence of 10 mg∙L–1 HAs. The genotoxicity of tested chemicals with a high hydrophobicity such as 1,8-DNP and 1-NP were decreased substantially with the presence of 1 g∙L–1 sediment. This was not observed in the case of genotoxins with a low log Kow value.
Plasma Charge Current for Controlling and Monitoring Electron Beam Welding with Beam Oscillation
Authors: Trushnikov Dmitriy , Belenkiy Vladimir , Shchavlev Valeriy , Piskunov Anatoliy , Abdullin Aleksandr , Mladenov Georgy
Published: December 2012

Electron beam welding (EBW) shows certain problems with the control of focus regime. The electron beam focus can be controlled in electron-beam welding based on the parameters of a secondary signal. In this case, the parameters like secondary emissions and focus coil current have extreme relationships. There are two values of focus coil current which provide equal value signal parameters. Therefore, adaptive systems of electron beam focus control use low-frequency scanning of focus, which substantially limits the operation speed of these systems and has a negative effect on weld joint quality. The purpose of this study is to develop a method for operational control of the electron beam focus during welding in the deep penetration mode. The method uses the plasma charge current signal as an additional informational parameter. This parameter allows identification of the electron beam focus regime in electron-beam welding without application of additional low-frequency scanning of focus. It can be used for working out operational electron beam control methods focusing exactly on the welding. In addition, use of this parameter allows one to observe the shape of the keyhole during the welding process.
Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) Removal in the Western United States: Multi-Site Findings and Considerations for Future Research
Authors: Gaddis Margaret , Sher Anna
Published: December 2012

Elaeagnus angustifolia (Russian olive) is an introduced tree that has become one of the dominant species in many watersheds in the American West. Although it is a target of restoration efforts, very little is known about vegetation response after removal of this exotic species. To address this gap we surveyed 25 sites in Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana where E. angustifolia was removed. We collected information regarding plant cover and richness, climate, soil characteristics, management history, and geography. We analyzed these data using regression tree modeling. Our results indicate that moisture and temperature are key environmental factors relating to restoration success as measured by abundance of native cover; lower temperatures and greater availability of water were generally associated with more native cover. These results have important implications for selection of restoration sites, and for understanding the consequences of removing this species.
Use of the Syrian Hamster as a New Model of Ebola Virus Disease and Other Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers
Authors: Wahl-Jensen Victoria , Bollinger Laura , Safronetz David , De Kok-Mercado Fabian , Scott Dana , Ebihara Hideki
Published: December 2012

Historically, mice and guinea pigs have been the rodent models of choice for therapeutic and prophylactic countermeasure testing against Ebola virus disease (EVD). Recently, hamsters have emerged as a novel animal model for the in vivo study of EVD. In this review, we discuss the history of the hamster as a research laboratory animal, as well as current benefits and challenges of this model. Availability of immunological reagents is addressed. Salient features of EVD in hamsters, including relevant pathology and coagulation parameters, are compared directly with the mouse, guinea pig and nonhuman primate models.
Le populisme chaviste : autoritarisme électoral pour amis et ennemis
Authors: Cal Año Luis Gómez , Arenas Nelly
Published: December 2012

Résumé Devant les résistances opposées au principe d’unicité du social et du politique du populisme chaviste, celui-ci a évolué vers un autoritarisme électoral qui reflète la contradiction entre l’aspiration à l’hégémonie et la diversité du pluralisme. Cet autoritarisme s’exerce sur les opposants, perçus comme des « ennemis », mais aussi sur les organisations « amies », c’est-à-dire fidèles au gouvernement. Ces pratiques visent à réduire la diversité sans y parvenir complètement, laissant ainsi persister les tensions dans un contexte d’échéance électorale et d’incertitude quant à la capacité du président à continuer d’exercer ses fonctions.
Les programmes sociaux dans la campagne présidentielle vénézuélienne de 2012. Analyse comparative des cas de la santé et de l'éducation
Authors: Vaisset Natacha , Lapierre Vincent
Published: December 2012

Résumé Dans la perspective des élections présidentielles vénézuéliennes de 2012, cet article propose une analyse comparative des systèmes de santé et d’éducation du pays, qui sont au cœur de la stratégie politique chaviste depuis 1998. Après avoir resitué ces politiques publiques dans leur contexte historique, les auteurs en dressent le bilan à l’issue de 14 années de chavisme et mettent en évidence la façon dont les deux principaux candidats les abordent et les enjeux qu’elles comportent dans le cadre de la campagne présidentielle.
La démographie du Canada et des États-Unis des années 1980 aux années 2000
Authors: Barbieri Magali , Ouellette Nadine
Published: December 2012

Résumé La démographie du Canada et des États-Unis se caractérise par son dynamisme depuis le début des années 1980. Une mortalité un peu plus élevée aux États-Unis qu’au Canada est largement compensée par une fécondité beaucoup plus forte, dont l’indicateur conjoncturel atteint actuellement le seuil de remplacement des générations, contre seulement 1,5 enfant par femme au Canada. Par ailleurs, les États-Unis accueillent le plus grand nombre d’immigrants du monde, mais leur taux d’immigration est deux fois moindre que celui observé au Canada, où une personne sur cinq est aujourd’hui née à l’étranger, contre une sur huit aux États-Unis. L’évolution récente de la fécondité, de la mortalité et des migrations internationales dans les deux pays d’Amérique du Nord leur garantit une croissance démographique qui restera positive au cours des cinq décennies à venir, bien que de moins en moins vigoureuse. Le problème démographique le plus aigu actuellement n’y est donc pas, comme en Europe, un déclin annoncé de la population, mais des inégalités géographiques et sociales qui n’ont cessé de croître depuis le début des années 1980 et se traduisent par des différences considérables en matière de fécondité et de santé entre grandes régions et entre groupes sociaux.
A Remote Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum Communications Lab Utilising the Emona DATEx
Authors: Mwikirize Cosmas
Published: December 2012

Remote labs have become popular learning aids due to their versatility and considerable ease of utilisation as compared to their physical counterparts. At Makerere University, the remote labs are based on the standard Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) iLabs Shared Architecture (ISA) - a scalable and generic platform. Presented in this paper is such a lab, addressing the key practical aspects of Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) communication. The lab is built on the National Instruments Educational Laboratory Virtual Instrumentation Suite (NI ELVIS) with the Emona Digital and Analog Telecommunications Experimenter (DATEx) add-on board. It also incorporates switching hardware. The lab facilitates real-time control of the equipment, with users able to set, manipulate and observe signal parameters in both the frequency and the time domains. Simulation and data Acquisition modes of the experiment are supported to provide a richer learning experience.
A Componentizable Server-Side Framework for Building Remote and Virtual Laboratories
Authors: Muros-Cobos Jesús Luis , Holgado-Terriza Juan A.
Published: December 2012

Abstractâ??Currently, virtual/remotes laboratories are often being built to improve learning and researching capabilities in some areas of knowledge. Generally these virtual/remotes laboratories are built from scratch again and again, instead of reusing software and hardware infrastructures. This paper presents a new framework, RVLab, to help developers building flexible and robust server-side virtual and remotes laboratories quickly. RVLab affords support for the basic requirements of these systems such as the user management or the resources (instruments and devices) reservation. Unlike other lab systems, RVLab is adapted to devices and instruments of any real laboratory due to a secure and robust mechanism that allows the remote execution of lab programs. Moreover, it improves the user interaction with real labs, providing a real-time visualization of experiments and lab instruments by means of the control of video camera placed into lab, and the transmission of video streaming with different quality to users.
Dual Control System for Virtual Protection of a Remote UAV Experiment
Authors: Samuelsen Dag A. H. , Graven Olaf H.
Published: December 2012

The topic of this paper is the utilisation of a strategy with a dual control system for the prevention of damage on laboratory equipment used in a remote laboratory. One control system is implemented before the laboratory is deployed and is responsible for damage control and can override the second control system that is programmed by the user of the remote laboratory and is fully configurable. The laboratory is used for verification of control algorithms for quad rotor helicopters through practical experiments. The damage control strategy should not limit or impede the natural movement of the equipment as long as the behaviour is kept within predefined limits. The nature of the system to be controlled, exclude the use of physical constraints that are normally used for damage control, as these in some way or another will impede or limit the movement of the helicopter.
Performing Active Noise Control and Acoustic Experiments Remotely
Authors: Khan Imran , Muthusamy Dinesh , Ahmad Waqas , Sällberg Benny , Nilsson Kristian , Zackrisson Johan , Gustavsson Ingvar , Håkansson Lars
Published: December 2012

This paper presents a novel and advanced remotely controlled laboratory for conducting Active Noise Control (ANC), acoustic and Digital Signal Processing (DSP) experiments. The laboratory facility, recently developed by Blekinge Institute of Technology (BTH) Sweden, supports remote learning through internet covering beginners level such as simple experimental measurements to advanced users and even researchers such as algorithm development and their performance evaluation on DSP. The required software development for ANC algorithms and equipment control are carried out anywhere in the world remotely from an internet-connected client PC using a standard web browser. The paper describes in detail how ANC, acoustic and DSP experiments can be performed remotely The necessary steps involved in an ANC experiment such as validity of ANC, forward path estimation and active control applied to a broad band random noise [0-200Hz] in a ventilation duct will be described in detail. The limitations and challenges such as the forward path and nonlinearities pertinent to the remote laboratory setup will be described for the guidance of the user. Based on the acoustic properties of the ventilation duct some of the possible acoustic experiments such as mode shapes analysis and standing waves analysis etc. will also be discussed in the paper.
CLASSIFICATION OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE PATIENTS USING NONLINEAR PHONETIC FEATURES AND MEL-FREQUENCY CEPSTRAL ANALYSIS
Authors: Jafari Ayyoob
Published: December 2012

This paper presents a combinational feature extraction approach using voice utterances for discriminating Parkinson's disease (PD) patients from healthy people. The proposed feature set consists of seven nonlinear phonetic features and 13 usual Mel-frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCCs). In this research, two new features — EDC-PIS (energy distribution coefficient of peak index series) and EDC-PMS (energy distribution coefficient of peak magnitude series) — were introduced, which are robust to many uncontrollable confounding effects such as noisy environments. The nonlinear phonetic features comprise recurrent period density entropy (RPDE), detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA), noise-to-harmonic ratio (NHR), fractal dimension (FD), pitch period entropy (PPE), EDC-PIS, and EDC-PMS. MFCC features have been widely used in voice processing tasks and therefore are good candidates to be used for the voice processing of PD subjects. The dataset used was composed of a range of 200 voice utterances from 25 PD subjects with different severity levels, and 10 normal persons. Using voice utterances from healthy and PD subjects, a 20-dimensional final feature set using MFCCs and nonlinear features is composed. Finally, a multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural network classifier with one hidden layer was used to discriminate PD subjects. Also, the proposed system was used for classification of mild and severe PD subjects. We obtained 97.5% overall correct classification performance for the discrimination of PD. In addition, we obtained 95.5% overall accuracy for the discrimination of mild and severe PD subjects.
A reformed perspective on taking mission and missiology to the heart of theological training
Authors: Mashau Thinandavha D.
Published: December 2012

Mission and missiology have been driven to the periphery of the life of both the church and theological institutions. Missiology has, in many theological institutions in the world, struggled to find a home. It has in some instances been regarded as an intruder, in some as an interloper and in others as irrelevant. Missiology is without a doubt a voice from the margins. This article seeks to go beyond the exercise to identify reasons for such a marginalisation by looking at ways in which mission and missiology can be restored to the heart of theological education. This article reminds us that the definition and practice of missiology should be firmly grounded in the missio Dei; hence all theological disciplines should intentionally have a missionary dimension. This will in essence allow missiology to exist as an independent subject but at the same time exercise its multidimensionality. It is, therefore, critical to maintain a dynamic and creative tension between intention and dimension to understand the place of missiology in the theological encyclopaedia.'n Gereformeerde perspektief op die neem van sending en sendingwetenskap na die hart van teologiese opleiding. Sending en sendingwetenskap is na die periferie van die lewe van sowel die kerk as teologiese instellings verdryf. Sendingwetenskap het by baie teologiese instellings gesukkel om 'n tuiste te vind. In sommige gevalle is dit as ‘n indringer beskou, in ander as 'n tussenganger, en in sommige gevalle as irrelevant. Sendingwetenskap is sonder twyfel 'n stem vanuit die buiterante. Hierdie navorsing poog om die redes vir so 'n marginalisasie te ontdek deur te kyk na maniere waarop sending en sendingwetenskap herstel kan word tot die hart van teologiese opleiding. Die artikel herinner ons dat die definisie en praktyk van sendingwetenskap stewig gegrond behoort te wees in die missio Dei, en daarom behoort alle teologiese dissiplines doelbewus 'n sendingdimensie te hê. Dit sal sendingwetenskap toelaat om  as 'n onafhanklike vak te bestaan en  om terselfdertyd multidimensionaliteit uit te oefen. Dit is gevolglik krities om 'n dinamiese en kreatiewe spanning tussen intensie en dimensie te behou om sodoende te verstaan wat die plek van sendingwetenskap in die teologiese ensiklopedie is.
The utopian challenge to global capitalism by Walter van den Broeck in Terug naar Walden
Authors: Visagie Andries
Published: December 2012

The socialist sympathies that inform the writing of Flemish author Walter van den Broeck align him with a well-established tradition of socially engaged writing in Flanders. In his novel Terug naar Walden (Back to Walden), published in 2009, he revisits the Walden project of the Dutch reformer and writer Frederik van Eeden (1860−1932). Van den Broeck suggests that a reconsideration of the socialist ideals that inspired Van Eeden to establish settlements in the Netherlands and the United States is warranted in the light of the economic crisis triggered by unchecked capitalist practices in 2008. In Terug naar Walden Ruler Marsh, the richest man in the world, unleashes a global financial crisis as a form of retaliation against the capitalist system that ruined his parents. Marsh returns to the Kempen in Flanders where his family originated. In a Heideggerean affirmation of the local as exemplified by the country road, Van den Broeck articulates his vision of the common, that theorists Michael Hardt and Antonio Negri in their Empire trilogy have attempted to salvage from communist thinking, with a utopian notion that a stronger connection with the land and the people within one’s immediate environment may provide a useful premise for the development of viable alternatives to capitalism.
Transient Success Using Prolonged Treatment with Miltefosine for a Patient with Diffuse Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Infected with Leishmania mexicana mexicana
Authors: Ordaz-Farias Alejandro , Muñoz-Garza Fania Z. , Sevilla-Gonzalez Farah K. , Arana-Guajardo Ana , Ocampo-Candiani Jorge , Treviño-Garza Nancy , Becker Ingeborg , Camacho-Ortiz Adrian
Published: December 2012

Leishmania sp. is an intracellular parasite that causes a variable degree of clinical manifestations, especially in the skin. We present the case of a 38-year-old male with a chronic history of mucocutaneous disease present since childhood that generated deformity, loss of cartilage in the ears and nose, and scarring that limited his range of motion. The parasite was identified as L. mexicana mexicana. The patient was treated with a 3-month course of oral miltefosine with overwhelming results.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever among Healthcare Providers, Tennessee, 2009
Authors: Mosites Emily , Carpenter L. Rand , McElroy Kristina , Lancaster Mary J. , Ngo Tue H. , McQuiston Jennifer , Wiedeman Caleb , Dunn John R.
Published: December 2012

Tennessee has a high incidence of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), the most severe tick-borne rickettsial illness in the United States. Some regions in Tennessee have reported increased illness severity and death. Healthcare providers in all regions of Tennessee were surveyed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding RMSF. Providers were sent a questionnaire regarding knowledge of treatment, diagnosis, and public health reporting awareness. Responses were compared by region of practice within the state, specialty, and degree. A high proportion of respondents were unaware that doxycycline is the treatment of choice in children ≤ 8 years of age. Physicians practicing in emergency medicine, internal medicine, and family medicine; and nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and providers practicing for < 20 years demonstrated less knowledge regarding RMSF. The gaps in knowledge identified between specialties, designations, and years of experience can help target education regarding RMSF.
Concepções e práticas do trabalho e gestão de equipes multidisciplinares em saúde
Authors: Silva Lucimara Alves , Santos Jair Nascimento
Published: December 2012

Este trabalho trata do seguinte objetivo: conhecer as concepções e a prática de trabalho em equipe multidisciplinar sob a ótica dos gestores e dos membros das equipes. Para o desenvolvimento da pesquisa, foi criado o seguinte problema: como se desenvolve o trabalho e a gestão da equipe multidisciplinar de saúde em organizações hospitalares? O estudo foi desenvolvido com profissionais de nível superior de dois hospitais. Verificou-se que na prática de gestão existem dissonâncias em relação ao discurso quando não há o reconhecimento da relação de poder ou na ausência de uma política estruturada que reflita um tratamento multidisciplinar do trabalho em equipe.