bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review of Opioid Prescribing Practices and Associations with Repeat Opioid Prescriptions in a Contemporary Outpatient HIV Clinic
Authors: Önen Nur F. , Barrette Ernie‐Paul , Shacham Enbal , Taniguchi Toshibumi , Donovan Michael , Overton Edgar T.
Published: November 2011

Objectives:  Among persons in current HIV outpatient care, data on opioid prescribing are lacking. This study aims to evaluate predictors of repeat opioid prescribing and to characterize outpatient opioid prescribing practices.

Methods:  Retrospective cross‐sectional study of persons ≥ 18 years in HIV outpatient care who completed an annual behavioral assessment between June 2008 and June 2009. Persons were grouped by ≤ 1 and ≥ 2 opioid prescriptions (no‐repeat‐opioid and repeat‐opioids, respectively). Independent predictors for repeat‐opioids were evaluated. Opioid prescribing practices were characterized in a sub‐study of persons prescribed any opioid.

Results:  Overall, 659 persons were included, median age 43 years, 70% men, and 68% African American. Independent predictors of repeat‐opioids (88 [13%] persons) included opportunistic illnesses (both current and previous), depression, peripheral neuropathy, and hepatitis C coinfection (P < 0.05). In the subgroup, 140 persons received any opioid prescription (96% short‐acting, 33% tramadol). Indications for opioid prescribing were obtained in 101 (72%) persons, with 97% for noncancer‐related pain symptoms. Therapeutic response was documented on follow‐up in 67 (48%) persons, with no subjective relief of symptoms in 63%. Urine drug screens were requested in 6 (4%) persons, and all performed were positive for illicit drugs.

Conclusions:  Advanced HIV disease and greater medical and neuropsychiatric comorbidity predict repeat opioid prescribing, and these findings reflect the underlying complexities in managing pain symptoms in this population. We also highlight multiple deficiencies in opioid prescribing practices and nonadherence to guidelines, which are of concern as effective and safe pain management for our HIV‐infected population is an optimal goal.
Relationship between erythropoietin resistance index and left ventricular mass and function and cardiovascular events in patients on chronic hemodialysis
Authors: Chung Sungjin , Song Ho Cheol , Shin Seok Joon , Ihm Sang‐Hyun , Park Chan Seok , Kim Hee‐Yeol , Yang Chul Woo , Kim Yong‐Soo , Choi Euy Jin , Kim Yong Kyun
Published: November 2011

The response to erythropoietin (EPO) treatment varies considerably in individual patients on chronic hemodialysis. The EPO resistance index (ERI) has been considered useful to assess the EPO resistance and can be easily calculated in the clinic. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between ERI and left ventricular mass (LVM) and function and to determine whether ERI was associated with cardiovascular events in patients on hemodialysis. This study was designed prospectively. Clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic variables were assessed in 72 patients on hemodialysis. The ERI was determined as the weekly weight‐adjusted dose of EPO (U/kg/week) divided by hemoglobin concentration (g/dL). Patients were divided into three groups by tertiles of ERI. Patients with higher tertiles of ERI had a higher LVM index and lower LV ejection fraction compared with those with lower tertiles of ERI (P = 0.019 and P = 0.030, respectively). The median follow‐up period was 53 months. The Kaplan–Meier plot showed increased frequency of cardiovascular events in patients with higher tertiles of ERI, compared with those with lower tertiles of ERI (P = 0.011, log‐rank test). The multivariate Cox proportional hazard models showed that the ERI was the significant independent predictor of cardiovascular events (HR 3.00, 95% CI, 1.04–8.62, P = 0.042). Our data show that ERI was related with LVM index, LV systolic function and cardiovascular events in patients with hemodialysis. By monitoring of ERI, early identification of the EPO resistance may be helpful to predict the cardiovascular risk in hemodialysis patients.
The Empathic Paradox. Third‐Person Narration in John Banville’s First‐Person Narratives
Authors: O’Connell Mark
Published: November 2011

John Banville is a novelist strongly associated with the mode of first‐person narration. Where his novels do switch to a third‐person perspective – much of Ghosts, parts of Shroud, most of The Infinities– the narration itself becomes highly problematic, and is always revealed as an imaginative attempt by a first‐person narrator to move beyond his own narcissistic encounter with the world. The psychoanalyst Heinz Kohut’s theories about the relationship between narcissism and empathy are central to this essay’s examination of instances of third‐person narration, primarily in the novels Shroud and The Infinities. Ultimately, it argues for an understanding of these problematic attempts at third‐person narration as instrumental in the narrators’ efforts to transcend their narcissism and to advance towards a more empathic, less self‐centred position in relation to others.
Field melanin mapping of the hairless scalp
Authors: Piérard Gérald E. , Piérard‐Franchimont Claudine , Quatresooz Pascale
Published: November 2011

Background

Mottled subclinical melanoderma (MSM) is frequently seen on facial skin using the ultraviolet light enhanced visualization (ULEV) method. The corresponding aspect on the hairless scalp remains unknown.

Objective

To explore the field distribution of melanin on the scalp of fair‐skinned Caucasian subjects.

Method

The scalp was examined in 43 men with androgenic alopecia. The Visioscan® camera provided the ULEV pictures. Another optical (Visioface® Quick) device was used under white light illumination followed by colour contrast enhancement. This was reached after specific computer filtration of the cyan hue wavelengths.

Results

Under white light illumination, the scalp looked normal. MSM patterns were disclosed by both optical procedures as evenly scattered discrete patchy fields of hypermelanosis. The smaller rounded spots were restricted to the lips of the hair infundibula. Larger irregularly shaped spots predominated in the interfollicular areas. A few hypomelanotic spots were scattered over the scalp.

Conclusion

The present observations based on dual optical methods possibly provide information about a patterned pathobiology of melanocytes on the scalp. The spotty MSM pattern looked similar to the reported aspects on the face. It somewhat resembled the widespread PUVA‐induced lentiginosis.
Probable Cause, Probability, and Hindsight
Authors: Rachlinski Jeffrey J. , Guthrie Chris , Wistrich Andrew J.
Published: November 2011

When judges assess probable cause, they must do so either in foresight (when determining whether to issue a warrant) or in hindsight (when determining whether to allow the admission of evidence obtained without a search warrant). Although the legal standard for probable cause is the same, and the facts that might support cause are the same, judges who assess probable cause in hindsight invariably know whether a search produced incriminating evidence or not. Research on the hindsight bias suggests that judges will be unable to set aside this knowledge and judge probable cause as if they were working in foresight. In this article, we present three experiments in which we asked 900 state and federal judges to make judgments of probable cause either in foresight or in hindsight, in hypothetical cases. Surprisingly, we found that that judges make similar rulings on probable cause in foresight and in hindsight. We also found that hindsight appears to cloud judges' abilities to assess the likely outcome of the search, but hindsight does not influence their legal judgments.
The first resolved imaging of milliarcsecond-scale jets in Circinus X-1
Authors: Miller-Jones J. C. A. , Moin A. , Tingay S. J. , Reynolds C. , Phillips C. J. , Tzioumis A. K. , Fender R. P. , McCallum J. N. , Nicolson G. D. , Tudose V.
Published: November 2011

We present the first resolved imaging of the milliarcsecond-scale jets in the neutron star X-ray binary Circinus X-1, made using the Australian Long Baseline Array. The angular extent of the resolved jets is ∼20 mas, corresponding to a physical scale of ∼150 au at the assumed distance of 7.8 kpc. The jet position angle is relatively consistent with previous arcsecond-scale imaging with the Australia Telescope Compact Array. The radio emission is symmetric about the peak, and is unresolved along the minor axis, constraining the opening angle to be <20°. We observe evidence for outward motion of the components between the two halves of the observation. Constraints on the proper motion of the radio-emitting components suggest that they are only mildly relativistic, although we cannot definitively rule out the presence of the unseen, ultrarelativistic (Γ > 15) flow previously inferred to exist in this system.
Underuse of Antithrombotic Therapy Caused High Incidence of Ischemic Stroke in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Yu Hsiu-Chin , Tsai Yun-Fang , Chen Min-Chi , Yeh Chi-Hsiao
Published: November 2011

Background

Atrial fibrillation is one of the most important causes of ischemic stroke. The purposes of this study were to recognize the incidence of ischemic stroke, the use of antithrombotic agents, the predictors of ischemic stroke, and prescription of warfarin during the three-years after atrial fibrillation was diagnosed.

Methods

This was a descriptive design and chart review study, comprised of 1211 subjects at two hospitals in Northern Taiwan who were aged ≥60 at their first diagnosis of atrial fibrillation. Chi-square and logistic regression were used for data analysis.

Results

The incidence of ischemic stroke was 46·2% during the three-years after atrial fibrillation was diagnosed, with 86·3% of those occurring in the first year. The prescription rate was 53·3% in antithrombotic therapy, which included 42·5% antiplatelet agents and 10·8% warfarin. The positive predictors of ischemic stroke were age ≥75 (odds ratio = 1·48) and a history of ischemic stroke (odds ratio = 3·19); the negative predictors were continued use of warfarin (odds ratio = 0·01), transient use of warfarin (odds ratio = 0·25), alternating use of warfarin and antiplatelet agents (odds ratio = 0·04), and use of antiplatelet agents alone (odds ratio = 0·13). The positive predictors of prescribing warfarin were a history of ischemic stroke (odds ratio = 2·32), thromboembolism (odds ratio = 31·06), mitral stenosis (odds ratio = 10·02), and mechanical valve replacement (odds ratio = 136·02). The negative predictor of prescribing warfarin was age ≥75 (odds ratio = 0·62).

Conclusions

It is important in prevention of ischemic stroke to give antithrombotic therapy to newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation patients. Underuse of antithrombotic therapy and warfarin were more severe in our study than in Western countries.
Clinical Utility of the AlphaFIM® Instrument in Stroke Rehabilitation
Authors: Lo Alexander , Tahair Nicola , Sharp Shelley , Bayley Mark T.
Published: November 2011

Background

The AlphaFIM instrument is an assessment tool designed to facilitate discharge planning of stroke patients from acute care, by extrapolating overall functional status from performance in six key Functional Independence Measure (FIM) instrument items.

Aim

To determine whether acute care AlphaFIM rating is correlated to stroke rehabilitation outcomes.

Methods

In this prospective observational study, data were analyzed from 891 patients referred for inpatient stroke rehabilitation through an Internet-based referral system. Simple linear and stepwise regression models determined correlations between rehabilitation-ready AlphaFIM rating and rehabilitation outcomes (admission and discharge FIM ratings, FIM gain, FIM efficiency, and length of stay). Covariates including demographic data, stroke characteristics, medical history, cognitive deficits, and activity tolerance were included in the stepwise regressions.

Results

The AlphaFIM instrument was significant in predicting admission and discharge FIM ratings at rehabilitation (adjusted R2 0·40 and 0·28, respectively; P < 0·0001) and was weakly correlated with FIM gain and length of stay (adjusted R2 0·04 and 0·09, respectively; P < 0·0001), but not FIM efficiency. AlphaFIM rating was inversely related to FIM gain. Age, bowel incontinence, left hemiparesis, and previous infarcts were negative predictors of discharge FIM rating on stepwise regression. Intact executive function and physical activity tolerance of 30 to 60 mins were predictors of FIM gain.

Conclusions

The AlphaFIM instrument is a valuable tool for triaging stroke patients from acute care to rehabilitation and predicts functional status at discharge from rehabilitation. Patients with low AlphaFIM ratings have the potential to make significant functional gains and should not be denied admission to inpatient rehabilitation programs.
Too Good to Treat? Outcomes in Patients Not Receiving Thrombolysis Due to Mild Deficits or Rapidly Improving Symptoms
Authors: Willey Joshua Z. , Stillman Joshua , Rivolta Juan A. , Vieira Julio , Doyle Margaret M. , Linares Guillermo , Marchidann Adrian , Elkind Mitchell S. V. , Boden-Albala Bernadette , Marshall Randolph S.
Published: November 2011

Introduction

Among ischemic stroke patients arriving within the treatment window, rapidly improving symptoms or having a mild deficit (i.e. too good to treat) is a common reason for exclusion. Several studies have reported poor outcomes in this group. We addressed the question of early neurological deterioration in too good to treat patients in a larger prospective cohort study.

Methods

Admission and discharge information were collected prospectively in acute stroke patients who presented to the emergency room within three-hours from onset. The primary outcome measure was change in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale from baseline to discharge. Secondary outcomes were discharge National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale #>4, not being discharged home, and discharge modified Rankin scale.

Results

Of 355 patients who presented within three-hours, 127 (35.8%) had too good to treat listed as the only reason for not receiving thrombolysis, with median admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale = 1 (range = 0 to 19). At discharge, seven (5.5%) showed a worsening of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale ≥1, and nine (7.1%) had a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale #>4. When excluding prior stroke (remaining n = 97), discharge status was even more benign: only five (5.2%) had a discharge National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale #>4, and two (2.1%) patients were not discharged home.

Conclusion

We found that a small proportion of patients deemed too good to treat will have early neurological deterioration, in contrast to other studies. Decisions about whether to treat mild stroke patients depend on the outcome measure chosen, particularly when considering discharge disposition among patients who have had prior stroke. The decision to thrombolyze may ultimately rest on the nature of the presentation and deficit.
Stroke Patients Do Not Need to be Inactive in the First Two-Weeks after Stroke: Results from a Stroke Unit Focused on Early Rehabilitation
Authors: Askim Torunn , Bernhardt Julie , Løge Anne Dahle , Indredavik Bent
Published: November 2011

Background

Although stroke unit care with early rehabilitation is recommended for most stroke patients, the content of the treatment given to acute stroke patients differs a lot.

Aim

The primary aim of this study was to describe the activity patterns of acute stroke patients managed in a stroke unit focused on early rehabilitation.

Methods

Patients admitted to the stroke unit at St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim, with the diagnosis of stroke were asked to participate. Patients were eligible if they were less than 14 days post stroke and did not receive palliative care. Patients were observed every 10 mins from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and activity, location, and who helped them were recorded.

Results

A total of 117 patients (mean age 78·7 years; 56% male) were included. In total, patients spent 30·3% of time in bed, 46·4% of time in sitting out of bed, and 19·9% of time in higher motor activities such as transferring, standing, walking, or climbing stairs. Patients with mild, moderate, and severe stroke spent 79·5%, 59·2%, and 31·0% of observed time sitting out of bed or engaged in higher motor activities, respectively.

Conclusion

This study shows that it is possible for acute stroke patients to spend most of the active day out of bed and to engage in higher motor activities up to 20% of the time. It also shows that it is feasible for severely affected stroke patients to stay out of bed in the early phase after stroke.
Osteosarcoma in a woma python (Aspidites ramsayi)
Authors: Cowan ML , Monks DJ , Raidal SR
Published: November 2011

Osteosarcoma of the axial skeleton in an 18‐month‐old woma python (Aspidites ramsayi) is described. A subcutaneous mass overlying the costal arches enlarged progressively over a period of 5 months and, in that time, became ulcerated and more invasive of surrounding tissues. A punch biopsy of the lesion under general anaesthesia provided tissue for histopathology and diagnosis of low‐grade osteosarcoma.
Elevated Red Cell Distribution Width Is Associated With Impaired Reverse Ventricular Remodeling and Increased Mortality in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: Rickard John , Kumbhani Dharam J. , Gorodeski Eiran Z. , Martin David O. , Grimm Richard A. , Tchou Patrick , Lindsay Bruce D. , Tang W. H. , Wilkoff Bruce L.
Published: November 2011

Elevated red cell distribution width (RDW) has been associated with poor long‐term outcomes in patients with systolic dysfunction. The relationship between baseline RDW and reverse ventricular remodeling in advanced heart failure patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has not been established. The authors reviewed the pre‐implant and follow‐up echocardiograms of 233 patients undergoing the new implantation of a CRT device at the Cleveland Clinic between December 2001 and November 2006. Patients were included in the final cohort if they had an RDW level within 7 days of CRT implantation, a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤40%, and New York Heart Association class II to IV symptoms. Patients with a reduction in left ventricular end‐systolic volume ≥15% following CRT were considered “responders.” Multivariate models were created to assess the relationship between baseline RDW elevation with progressive remodeling and all‐cause mortality. Of 233 patients, 217 patients met inclusion criteria. Patients in the highest RDW quartile (>16.1) derived significantly less improvement in LVEF (3.5%±9.3% vs 10.1%±10.9%, P=.001) than patients in the lowest quartile (<13.6). In multivariate analysis, elevated RDW was inversely associated with response (odds ratio, 0.83; 95% confidence interval, 0.69–0.99; P=.047). The presence of elevated RDW is associated with less reverse left ventricular remodeling in patients with advanced heart failure undergoing CRT. ©2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Monitoring Changes in Fluid Status With a Wireless Multisensor Monitor: Results From the Fluid Removal During Adherent Renal Monitoring (FARM) Study
Authors: Anand Inder S. , Doan Alexander D. , Ma King W. , Toth Julie A. , Geyen Karolyn J. , Otterness Sara , Chakravarthy Niranjan , Katra Rodolphe P. , Libbus Imad
Published: November 2011

Body fluid assessment is important for managing chronic kidney disease (CKD) and heart failure (HF). However, accurate detection of fluid retention remains elusive. The Fluid Removal During Adherent Renal Monitoring (FARM) study is a prospective, nonrandomized trial examining the performance of a wireless, noninvasive, multisensor fluid monitoring system, applied to the chest, to determine its performance and reliability during hemodialysis. Patients undergoing regular hemodialysis (n=25) were monitored continuously for 2 consecutive dialysis sessions and the interdialysis period. Physiologic variables, including tissue impedance, were recorded. The volume of fluid removed and weight change during dialysis were measured. An average of 3.4±1.2 L of fluid was removed during dialysis, which was associated with an increase in bioimpedance of 11.3±7.2 Ω. Change in bioimpedance was highly correlated with the amount of fluid removed but less so with weight loss. Normalized bioimpedance change (21.0%±12.1% increase from baseline, P<001) was larger than the normalized weight change (3.6%±1.1%, P<.01), suggesting a higher sensitivity and dynamic range than weight change for detecting fluid removal. The fluid monitoring system accurately tracked fluid and weight loss in patients during hemodialysis, supporting its use as a tool for the management of patient fluid status in disease states. Congest Heart Fail. 2012;18:32–36. ©2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prevalence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility ofCampylobacterin Broiler Flocks in Japan
Authors: Haruna M. , Sasaki Y. , Murakami M. , Ikeda A. , Kusukawa M. , Tsujiyama Y. , Ito K. , Asai T. , Yamada Y.
Published: November 2011

Campylobacter was isolated from 67 (47.2%) of 142 broiler flocks between September 2009 and February 2010. The prevalence ofCampylobacterin broiler flocks was significantly lower during January and February than it was from September to December.Campylobactercolonization was more common in flocks that were not provided with a disinfected water supply, which was consistent with the findings of a previous study. The prevalence of antimicrobial drug‐resistantCampylobacterspp. was investigated, and the minimum inhibitory concentrations of eight antimicrobial agents were determined for 122Campylobacter jejuniisolates and 46Campylobacter coliisolates from broiler flocks between 2007 and 2010. In this study, 29.5% (36/122) ofC. jejuniisolates and 41.3% (19/46) ofC. coliisolates were resistant to enrofloxacin (ERFX), whereas all isolates were susceptible to erythromycin. Furthermore, the ERFX‐resistant isolates were tested for susceptibility to other classes of antimicrobial agents, and 55.6% (20/36) of ERFX‐resistantC. jejuniisolates and 47.4% (9/19) of ERFX‐resistantC. coliisolates were resistant to at least one of aminobenzyl penicillin, dihydrostreptomycin and oxytetracycline. To avoid an impact of antimicrobial drug‐resistantCampylobacterspp. on the efficacy of antimicrobial treatment for human campylobacteriosis, prudent use of antimicrobial agents is a requisite. The use of antimicrobial agents should be accompanied by various approaches such as prevention ofCampylobactercolonization in broiler flocks with the aim of lowering the occurrence ofCampylobacterinfection in humans.
Rapamycin combined with donor immature dendritic cells promotes liver allograft survival in association with CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cell expansion
Authors: Wang Guo‐Ying , Yang Yang , Li Hua , Zhang Jian , Li Min‐Ru , Zhang Qi , Chen Gui‐Hua
Published: November 2011

Aim:  To determine whether donor immature dendritic cells (imDCs) combined with a short postoperative course of rapamycin (Rapa) has the ability to expand the CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells and prolong liver allograft survival.

Methods:  Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) was performed from Lewis rats to Brown Norway recipients. Three days before transplantation, animals were injected intravenously with 2 × 106 donor bone marrow‐derived imDCs. Recipient rats (the combined treated group) also received Rapa for 7 d after liver transplantation. Additional groups received either imDCs alone, Rapa alone, or saline alone. Every six recipients from each group were killed at 14 days, 28 days after OLT. The changes of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells in peripheral blood and spleen, histological changes of liver grafts, and serum cytokine levels were investigated. The other six recipients were left in each group to observe the animal survival.

Results:  Donor imDCs followed by a short postoperative course of Rapa induced long‐term allograft survival. The percentage of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells in CD4+ T cells in the combination treatment group were significantly higher compared with the acute rejection group. Moreover, within the CD4+CD25+ T cell population the combination treatment recipients maintained a higher incidence of Foxp3+ T cells compared with the other groups. Despite the lower serum levels of interleukin (IL)‐2, IL‐12, and interferon‐γ in the combined treated group, the cytokine levels in the combined treated group at 7 days after OLT was nearly twice that at 3 days after OLT but decreased significantly compared with the other groups at 28 days after OLT. Serum IL‐10 level in the combined treated group was higher than the other groups.

Conclusions:  A single imDC infusion followed by a short postoperative course of Rapa prolongs liver allograft survival and enhances the expansion of Treg cells. This optimal protocol may be a promising administration protocol for the peritransplant tolerance induction.
Fictive locomotion in the adult decerebrate and spinal mouse in vivo
Authors: Meehan C.F. , Grondahl L. , Nielsen J.B. , Hultborn H.
Published: November 2011

Non‐technical summary  The isolated spinal cord contains networks capable of producing a locomotor rhythm. This can be evoked in vivo in decerebrate (unanaesthetised) rats, rabbits, cats and monkeys. The development of transgenic mice with mutations affecting these circuits have made it desirable to be able to now study this in the adult mouse in vivo. We demonstrate that a spinal network producing a rhythmic locomotor‐like pattern can be pharmacologically activated in adult decerebrate and spinalised mice and that the output of this is roughly similar to that observed in other species.
Partial Stabilization Approach to 3-Dimensional Guidance Law Design
Authors: Binazadeh T. , Yazdanpanah M. J.
Published: November 2011

In this paper, a new approach to design the 3-dimensional missile guidance law, based on partial stabilization, is presented. The approach is based on the classification of the state variables within the guidance system dynamics with respect to their required stabilization properties. The resulting guidance law enables the missile to intercept highly maneuvering targets within a finite interception time. Effectiveness of the proposed guidance law is demonstrated through analysis and simulations.
Adaptive Position Control of an Electrohydraulic Servo System With Load Disturbance Rejection and Friction Compensation
Authors: Angue-Mintsa Honorine , Venugopal Ravinder , Kenné Jean-Pierre , Belleau Christian
Published: November 2011

Electrohydraulic servo systems (EHSS) are used for several engineering applications, and in particular, for efficient handling of heavy loads. These systems are characterized by pronounced nonlinearities and are also subject to parameter variations during operation, friction effects, and variable loads. Several studies have addressed the nonlinear nature of EHSS; however, only a few control schemes explicitly address friction and load disturbance effects along with parameter variations. Fuzzy and/or sliding mode versions of feedback linearizing controllers have been used to compensate for the external loads disturbances in the control of EHSS. However, real-time implementations issues limit the use of these techniques. While adaptive control using a feedback-linearization based controller structure has been shown to be effective in the presence of parameter variations, load and friction effects are typically not considered. In this paper, we present a nonlinear adaptive feedback linearizing position controller for an EHSS, which is robust to parameter uncertainty while achieving load disturbances rejection/attenuation and friction compensation. The adaptation law is derived using a Lyapunov approach. Simulation results using the proposed controller are compared to those using a nonadaptive feedback linearizing controller as well as a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller, in the presence of torque load disturbance, friction, and uncertainty in the hydraulic parameters. These results show improved tracking performance with the proposed controller. To address implementation concerns, simulation results with noise effects and valve saturation are also presented.
Multitip atomic force microscope lithography system for high throughput nanopatterning
Authors: Oh Young , Choi Chulmin , Noh Kunbae , Villwock Diana , Jin Sungho , Kwon Gwangmin , Lee Haiwon
Published: November 2011

An atomic force microscope (AFM) system with multiple parallel lithography probes of equal heights on a single cantilever was created in order to improve the throughput of AFM lithography. The multitip probe was fabricated by electron-beam (e-beam) lithography and a dry silicon etching process. Several carbon islands were made on a single cantilever in a straight line by e-beam lithography and were used as an etch mask, whereas the silicon pedestal structure of the multitip probe was fabricated by reactive ion etching (RIE). Finally the carbon islands were sharpened by a RIE process using oxygen gas. The multitip probe was successfully applied to form multidot pattern arrays on a negative resist film coated on silicon by low electric field induced AFM lithography. A pedestal nanopillar structure was utilized as a convenient support feature that enabled better control of multiple nanotip arrays for AFM writing. The authors fabricated such a nanopedestal array with extremely sharp nanoneedle tips.
Dynamic characteristics control of DLC nano-resonator fabricated by focused-ion-beam chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Kometani Reo , Nishi Shunjiro , Warisawa Shin’ichi , Ishihara Sunao
Published: November 2011

The authors fabricated a resonant frequency-tunable diamondlike carbon (DLC) resonator by focused-ion-beam chemical vapor deposition and a wet-etching process for fabrication of a functional resonant device. The resonant frequency of the DLC resonator with a cantilever shape was controlled electrically via the electrostatic attractive force generated by the opposite electrode. As a result, we achieved an extremely large resonant frequency tuning ratio of approximately 730%. This indicates that the electrostatic attractive force, when added to the restorative force of the DLC resonator, works effectively to change the resonant frequency.
Non-Mathematical Explanation of Precession
Authors: Cordell John
Published: November 2011

The phenomenon of precession is necessary to explain the motion of footballs, gyroscopes, tops, the Earth, and many other interesting physical systems, but it was very hard for me to understand as a student and is very difficult to teach to students now. Many explanations of precession in physics textbooks are highly mathematical and hard to understand conceptually. This puts the topic of precession out of reach for many introductory physics students. I hope that this explanation of precession will help teachers and students to understand the phenomenon on a more conceptual level.
Figuring the Acceleration of the Simple Pendulum
Authors: Lieberherr Martin
Published: November 2011

The centripetal acceleration has been known since Huygens' (1659) and Newton's (1684) time.1,2 The physics to calculate the acceleration of a simple pendulum has been around for more than 300 years, and a fairly complete treatise has been given by C. Schwarz in this journal.3 But sentences like “the acceleration is always directed towards the equilibrium position” beside the picture of a swing on a circular arc can still be found in textbooks, as e.g. in Ref. 4. Vectors have been invented by Grassmann (1844)5 and are conveniently used to describe the acceleration in curved orbits, but acceleration is more often treated as a scalar with or without sign, as the words acceleration/deceleration suggest. The component tangential to the orbit is enough to deduce the period of the simple pendulum, but it is not enough to discuss the forces on the pendulum, as has been pointed out by Santos-Benito and A. Gras-Marti.6 A suitable way to address this problem is a nice figure with a catch for classroom discussions or homework. When I plotted the acceleration vectors of the simple pendulum in their proper positions, pictures as in Fig. 1 appeared on the screen. The endpoints of the acceleration vectors, if properly scaled, seemed to lie on a curve with a familiar shape: a cardioid. Is this true or just an illusion?
A Simple Tool for Integration and Differentiation of Tabular Values in Microsoft Excel
Authors: Haugland Ole Anton
Published: November 2011

There are many software alternatives for analyzing experimental data in our physics teaching. I prefer to use Excel® because of its flexibility and widespread use elsewhere in our society. Whatever our students will work with in their future career, they almost certainly will have access to a spreadsheet. For a long time I have missed a tool for integrating and differentiating tabular values in Excel. For every new version I thought it would appear, but it did not. Such a tool could also be useful if you analyze data from other sources than your own experiment, for example, data from the Internet. Therefore, I have written a simple tool that can be integrated seamlessly into Excel as an add-in. It is written in Excels powerful macro language Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications. The tool can be downloaded online1 and there are two versions of it: one for Excel 2003 and one for Excel 2007/2010.
Influence of Body Weight, Ethnicity, Oral Contraceptives, and Pregnancy on the Pharmacokinetics of Azithromycin in Women of Childbearing Age
Authors: Fischer James H. , Sarto Gloria E. , Habibi Mitra , Kilpatrick Sarah J. , Tuomala Ruth E. , Shier Janice M. , Wollett Lori , Fischer Patricia A. , Khorana Kinnari S. , Rodvold Keith A.
Published: November 2011

Women of childbearing age commonly receive azithromycin for the treatment of community-acquired infections, including during pregnancy. This study determined azithromycin pharmacokinetics in pregnant and nonpregnant women and identified covariates contributing to pharmacokinetic variability. Plasma samples were collected by using a sparse-sampling strategy from pregnant women at a gestational age of 12 to 40 weeks and from nonpregnant women of childbearing age receiving oral azithromycin for the treatment of an infection. Pharmacokinetic data from extensive sampling conducted on 12 healthy women were also included. Plasma samples were assayed for azithromycin by high-performance liquid chromatography. Population data were analyzed by nonlinear mixed-effects modeling. The population analysis included 53 pregnant and 25 nonpregnant women. A three-compartment model with first-order absorption and a lag time provided the best fit of the data. Lean body weight, pregnancy, ethnicity, and the coadministration of oral contraceptives were covariates identified as significantly influencing the oral clearance of azithromycin and, except for oral contraceptive use, intercompartmental clearance between the central and second peripheral compartments. No other covariate relationships were identified. Compared to nonpregnant women not receiving oral contraceptives, a 21% to 42% higher dose-adjusted azithromycin area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) occurred in non-African American women who were pregnant or receiving oral contraceptives. Conversely, azithromycin AUCs were similar between pregnant African American women and nonpregnant women not receiving oral contraceptives. Although higher levels of maternal and fetal azithromycin exposure suggest that lower doses be administered to non-African American women during pregnancy, the consideration of azithromycin pharmacodynamics during pregnancy should guide any dose adjustments.
Changes in Ciprofloxacin Resistance Levels in Enterobacter aerogenes Isolates Associated with Variable Expression of the
aac
(
6
′)
-Ib-cr
Gene
Authors: Ruiz Elena , Ocampo-Sosa Alain A. , Alcoba-Flórez Julia , Román Elena , Arlet Guillaume , Torres Carmen , Martínez-Martínez Luis
Published: November 2011

Two closely related
Enterobacter aerogenes
isolates presented a new identical
aac
(
6
′)
-Ib-cr
genetic environment, including IS
26
. One isolate showed lower MICs of ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, tobramycin, and amikacin and decreased expression of
aac
(
6
′)
-Ib-cr
, which might be related to a 12-bp deletion causing a displacement of the −10 box upstream of the
aac
(
6
′)
-Ib-cr
gene.
Improved Oral Bioavailability of Lopinavir in Melt-Extruded Tablet Formulation Reduces Impact of Third Trimester on Lopinavir Plasma Concentrations
Authors: Else L. J. , Douglas M. , Dickinson L. , Back D. J. , Khoo S. H. , Taylor G. P.
Published: November 2011

Lopinavir exposure was reduced during the third trimester in pregnant women receiving standard dosing of the soft-gel capsule (SGC; 400/100 mg twice daily [b.i.d.]). Pharmacokinetic data on the lopinavir tablet in pregnancy are limited. On the basis of the tablet's improved bioavailability, standard dosing (400/100 mg b.i.d.) may provide adequate lopinavir exposure in pregnancy without a need for dose adjustment. Here we compared the total and unbound lopinavir pharmacokinetics throughout pregnancy in the second and third trimesters in HIV-infected women receiving standard dosing of the lopinavir SGC or tablet. Postpartum sampling was also performed in patients continuing therapy postdelivery. Blood samples were collected at 0 to 12 h postdosing, and lopinavir concentrations were determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Nineteen patients were included: 8 received the SGC (cohort 1) and 11 received the tablet (cohort 2). Total lopinavir exposures in the third trimester were lower than those in the second trimester (35 and 28% for cohorts 1 and 2, respectively) and postpartum (35% for cohort 2). In the third trimester, the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) from 0 to 12 h (AUC0–12) and maximum concentration were ∼15% and 25% higher, respectively, for the lopinavir tablet than the SGC. One SGC patient had lopinavir concentrations of <1,000 ng/ml; all patients on the tablet had concentrations of >1,000 ng/ml. In cohort 2, the percentage of the AUC that was unbound was higher (nonsignificantly) in the second (1.28%) and third (1.18%) trimesters than postpartum (1.01%). Seventeen of 19 patients had an undetectable viral load at delivery. There were no HIV transmissions. Although lopinavir (tablet) exposures were reduced during the third trimester, the higher total and unbound concentrations achieved in women receiving the tablet than in women receiving the SGC suggest that the tablet's improved oral bioavailability may partly compensate for the reduction in lopinavir exposure during the later stages of pregnancy.
Potent Antiviral Activity of Topoisomerase I and II Inhibitors against Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus
Authors: González-Molleda Lorenzo , Wang Yan , Yuan Yan
Published: November 2011

The lytic DNA replication of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) initiates at an origin (
ori-Lyt
) and requires
trans
-acting elements, both viral and cellular. We recently demonstrated that several host cellular proteins, including topoisomerases I and II (Topo I and II), are involved in KSHV lytic DNA replication (Y. Wang, H. Li, Q. Tang, G. G. Maul, and Y. Yuan. J. Virol. 82: 2867–2882, 2008). To assess the importance of these topoisomerases in viral lytic replication, shRNA-mediated gene silencing was used. Depletion of Topo I and II severely inhibited viral lytic DNA replication as well as virion production, suggesting essential roles of these cellular proteins in viral DNA replication. The discovery of Topo I and II as enzymes indispensable for KSHV DNA replication raises a possibility that these cellular proteins could be new targets of therapeutic approaches to halt KSHV replication and treat KSHV-associated diseases. In this report, we examined one Topo I inhibitor and several Topo II inhibitors (inclusive of Topo II poison and catalytic inhibitors) as potential therapeutic agents for blocking KSHV replication. The Topo II catalytic inhibitors in general exhibited marked inhibition on KSHV replication and minimal cytotoxicity. In particular, novobiocin, with the best selectivity index (SI = 31.62) among the inhibitors tested in this study, is effective in inhibiting KSHV DNA replication and virion production but shows little adverse effect on cell proliferation and cycle progression in its therapeutic concentration, suggesting its potential to become an effective and safe drug for the treatment of human diseases associated with KSHV infection.
Antibiotic Sensitivity of 40 Mycoplasma pneumoniae Isolates and Molecular Analysis of Macrolide-Resistant Isolates from Beijing, China
Authors: Zhao Fei , Lv Min , Tao Xiaoxia , Huang Hui , Zhang Binghua , Zhang Zhen , Zhang Jianzhong
Published: November 2011

MICs of eight antibiotics were detected with 40 Chinese
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
isolates. Thirty-eight isolates (95%) were macrolide resistant. Each macrolide-resistant isolate harbored an A2063G or A2064G point mutation in the 23S rRNA gene. All 40 isolates (100%) were type I strains, but they might have originated from different clones.
Amino Acid Substitutions at Position 95 in GyrA Can Add Fluoroquinolone Resistance to Mycobacterium leprae
Authors: Yokoyama Kazumasa , Kim Hyun , Mukai Tetsu , Matsuoka Masanori , Nakajima Chie , Suzuki Yasuhiko
Published: November 2011

Amino acid substitutions at position 89 or 91 in GyrA of fluoroquinolone-resistantMycobacterium lepraeclinical isolates have been reported. In contrast, those at position 94 inM. tuberculosis, equivalent to position 95 inM. leprae, have been identified most frequently. To verify the possible contribution of amino acid substitutions at position 95 inM. lepraeto fluoroquinolone resistance, we conducted anin vitroassay using wild-type and mutant recombinant DNA gyrases. Fluoroquinolone-mediated supercoiling activity inhibition assay and DNA cleavage assay revealed the potent contribution of an amino acid substitution of Asp to Gly or Asn at position 95 to fluoroquinolone resistance. These results suggested the possible future emergence of quinolone-resistantM. lepraeisolates with these amino acid substitutions and the usefulness of detecting these mutations for the rapid identification of fluoroquinolone resistance in leprosy.
An Inside Job: Hacking into Janus Kinase/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription Signaling Cascades by the Intracellular Protozoan Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Denkers Eric Y. , Bzik David J. , Fox Barbara A. , Butcher Barbara A.
Published: November 2011

The intracellular protozoanToxoplasma gondiiis well known for its skill at invading and living within host cells. New discoveries are now also revealing the astounding ability of the parasite to inject effector proteins into the cytoplasm to seize control of the host cell. This review summarizes recent advances in our understanding of one such secretory protein called ROP16. This molecule is released from rhoptries into the host cell during invasion. The ROP16 molecule acts as a kinase, directly activating both signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and STAT6 signaling pathways. In macrophages, an important and preferential target cell of parasite infection, the injection of ROP16 has multiple consequences, including downregulation of proinflammatory cytokine signaling and macrophage deviation to an alternatively activated phenotype.
EVOLUTION OF CONFORMAL COLOR DIPOLES AND HIGH-ENERGY AMPLITUDES IN $\mathcal{N} = 4$ SYM
Authors: BALITSKY IAN
Published: November 2011

The high-energy behavior of the [Formula: see text] SYM amplitudes in the Regge limit can be calculated order by order in perturbation theory using the high-energy operator expansion in Wilson lines. At large Nc, a typical four-point amplitude is determined by a single BFKL pomeron. The conformal structure of the four-point amplitude is fixed in terms of two functions: pomeron intercept and the coefficient function in front of the pomeron (the product of two residues). The pomeron intercept is universal while the coefficient function depends on the correlator in question. The intercept is known in the first two orders in coupling constant: BFKL intercept and NLO BFKL intercept calculated in Ref. [1]. As an example of using the Wilson-line OPE, we calculate the coefficient function in front of the pomeron for the correlator of four Z2 currents in the first two orders in perturbation theory.
Smallx EVOLUTION OF MULTI-POINT CORRELATORS OF WILSON LINES
Authors: JALILIAN-MARIAN JAMAL
Published: November 2011

At high energy (small x) n-point coorelators of Wilson lines appear in calculation of physical observables. The energy dependence of these observables is determined by the solution of the evolution equations these correlators satisfy. The most common correlator is the two-point function, the imaginary part of the forward scattering amplitude of a quark anti-quark dipole scattering on a target. This appears in structure functions in DIS as well as single inclusive hadron production in proton-nucleus collisions. Higher point correlators of Wilson lines appear in less inclusive processes, such as two-hadron angular and rapidity correlations and satisfy the Balitski-JIMWLK evolution equation. Here we derive the evolution equation satisfied by the six point correlator of Wilson lines which appears in di-hadron angular correlations in proton-nucleus collisions at high energy.
NONLINEAR EVOLUTION AT SMALL x WITH IMPACT PARAMETER DEPENDENCE
Authors: BERGER JEFFREY J.
Published: November 2011

Nonlinear evolution at small x was evaluated numerically with full dependence on impact parameter using the BK equation. several distinct behaviors were found and are presented for the leading logarithmic kernel in the BK evolution equation with both fixed and running coupling. The value of the saturation scale at various dipole sizes was found to agree with analytic expectations. Calculation of the F2structure function from the numerical solution of the evolution with running coupling were then compared to the HERA data and qualitative agreement found. The agreement is improved with inclusion of soft contributions and these are discussed.
NEW DEFINITION OF TMD PARTON DENSITIES
Authors: COLLINS JOHN
Published: November 2011

I give an account of a new definition of transverse-momentum-dependent parton densities. The new definition solves a number of difficulties and inconsistencies in earlier definitions.
PQCD ANALYSIS OF PARTON-HADRON DUALITY
Authors: LIUTI SIMONETTA
Published: November 2011

We propose an extraction of the running coupling constant of QCD in the infrared region from experimental data on deep inelastic inclusive scattering at Bjorken x → 1. We first attempt a perturbative fit of the data that extends NLO PQCD evolution to large x values and final state invariant mass, W, in the resonance region. We include both target mass corrections and large x resummation effects. These effects are of order [Formula: see text], and they improve the agreement with the Q2dependence of the data. Standard analyses require the presence of additional power corrections, or dynamical higher twists, to achieve a fully quantitative fit. Our analysis, however, is regulated by the value of the strong coupling in the infrared region that enters through large x resummation effects, and that can suppress, or absorb, higher twist effects. Large x data therefore indirectly provide a measurement of this quantity that can be compared to extractions from other observables.
ON THE ROLE OF THE RUNNING COUPLING CONSTANT IN A QUARK MODEL ANALYSIS OF T-ODD TMDs
Authors: COURTOY A.
Published: November 2011

We revisit the standard procedure to match non-perturbative models to perturbative QCD, using experimental data. The strong coupling constant plays a central role in the QCD evolution of parton densities. We will extend this procedure with a non-perturbative generalization of the QCD running coupling and use this new development to understand why perturbative treatments are working reasonably well in the context of hadronic models. Vice versa, this new procedure broadens the ways of analyzing the freezing of the running coupling constant.