bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
12 minute consultation: an evidence‐based approach to the management of a child with speech and language delay
Authors: Lawrence R. , Bateman N.
Published: January 2013

Background

Speech and language delay is a common developmental disorder. Persistent delay may lead to adverse effects on literacy, educational achievement and psychosocial development. Affected children are commonly referred to the otolaryngologist; hence, a structured management approach is required to facilitate diagnosis and allow for early intervention and improved outcomes.

Methods

A literature search was performed on 05 November 2012 using the MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases with the search terms paediatric, children, speech, language, delay, disorder, investigation and management. Relevant references from selected articles were reviewed after reading the abstract.

Results

Speech and language delay may be primary, meaning there is no associated comorbidity to account for the delay, or secondary, where it can be attributed to another condition or syndrome. Secondary causes include hearing loss and syndromes such as Down syndrome amongst many others. Speech and language therapy has been shown to be effective for primary disorders. If the delay is found to be secondary in nature, onward referral to an appropriate healthcare professional is required.

Conclusions

The outpatient consultation for a child with speech and language delay should consist of a structured history and examination with the aim of identifying whether the delay is primary or secondary in nature. Relevant targeted investigations should lead to a correct diagnosis of the delay and enable appropriate treatment. This often requires a multidisciplinary approach and always requires full cooperation from the child's parents.
Assessment of cardiometabolic risk and prevalence of meeting treatment guidelines among patients with type 2 diabetes stratified according to their use of insulin and/or other diabetic medications: results from INSPIRE ME IAA
Authors: Smith J. , Nazare J.‐A. , Borel A.‐L. , Aschner P. , Barter P. J. , Van Gaal L. , Matsuzawa Y. , Kadowaki T. , Ross R. , Brulle‐Wohlhueter C. , Alméras N. , Haffner S. M. , Balkau B. , Després J.‐P.
Published: January 2013

Aim

Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and liver fat (LF) are strongly associated with type 2 diabetes. It is not known, however, how diabetes treatment and/or risk factor management modulates the association between VAT, LF and diabetes. The aim was to determine the level of VAT and LF in patients with type 2 diabetes according to their treatment status and achievement of the American Diabetes Association's (ADA) diabetes management goals.

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional analysis of the baseline data of the International Study of the Prediction of Intra‐Abdominal Adiposity and its Relationship with Cardiometabolic risk/Intra‐Abdominal Adiposity (INSPIRE ME IAA), a 3‐year prospective cardiometabolic imaging study conducted in 29 countries. Patients (n = 3991) were divided into four groups: (i) those without type 2 diabetes (noT2D n = 1003 men, n = 1027 women); (ii) those with type 2 diabetes but not treated with diabetes medications (T2Dnomeds n = 248 men, n = 198 women); (iii) those with type 2 diabetes and treated with diabetes medications but not yet using insulin (T2Dmeds‐ins n = 591 men, n = 484 women) and (iv) those with type 2 diabetes and treated with insulin (T2Dmeds+ins n = 233 men, n = 207 women). Abdominal and liver adiposity were measured by computed tomography.

Results

Fewer patients with high VAT or LF achieved the ADA's goals for high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) or triglycerides compared to patients with low VAT or LF. Visceral adiposity (p = 0.02 men, p = 0.003 women) and LF (p = 0.0002 men, p = 0.0004 women) increased among patients who met fewer of the ADA treatment criteria, regardless of type 2 diabetes treatment.

Conclusion

Residual cardiometabolic risk exists among patients with type 2 diabetes characterized by elevated VAT and LF.
Effect of human skin explants on the neurite growth of the PC12 cell line
Authors: Lebonvallet Nicolas , Pennec Jean‐Pierre , Le Gall Christelle , Pereira Ulysse , Boulais Nicholas , Cheret Jeremy , Jeanmaire Christine , Danoux Louis , Pauly Gilles , Misery Laurent
Published: January 2013

The skin is a densely innervated organ. After a traumatic injury, such as an amputation, burn or skin graft, nerve growth and the recovery of sensitivity take a long time and are often incomplete. The roles played by growth factors and the process of neuronal growth are crucial. We developed an in vitro model of human skin explants co‐cultured with a rat pheochromocytoma cell line differentiated in neuron in presence of nerve growth factor (NGF). This model allowed the study of the influence of skin explants on nerve cells and nerve fibre growth, probably through mediators produced by the explant, in a simplified manner. The neurite length of differentiated PC12 cells co‐cultured with skin explants increased after 6 days. These observations demonstrated the influence of trophic factors produced by skin explants on PC12 cells.
Husbandry training, using positive reinforcement techniques, for Marabou stork Leptoptilos crumeniferus at Edinburgh Zoo
Authors: Miller R. , King C. E.
Published: January 2013

Positive reinforcement training utilizes operant conditioning through intentionally pairing a reward with a desired behaviour. Despite frequent use in the husbandry of mammals in captivity, these techniques are rarely incorporated in avian husbandry protocols. Marabou stork Leptoptilos crumeniferus managers are encouraged to use husbandry training to combat frequently encountered management problems. Marabous can be aggressive in captivity, requiring careful management during introductions, flexibility when choosing individuals to house together and a sound understanding of Marabou stork behaviour. Susceptibility to foot problems means that Marabou storks need indoor housing during cold weather and their feet should be monitored. At the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland Edinburgh Zoo, a training programme was incorporated into the daily care of a pair of Marabou storks. This programme included clicker training and stationing, pair introduction, house training, health checks (including scale training) and crate training. Here, training experiences relating to this programme are presented, with additional reference to a similar programme run at Disney's Animal Kingdom, FL, USA. Through training, we were able to ease the process of moving birds, reduce aggression and regularly monitor health in a low‐stress manner. We demonstrate that husbandry training can be effective without excessive time or staff costs, and can be rewarding for both birds and trainers.
The Moral Argument for the Existence of God and Immortality
Authors: Fremstedal Roe
Published: January 2013

This essay tries to show that there exist several passages where Kierkegaard (and his pseudonyms) sketches an argument for the existence of God and immortality that is remarkably similar to Kant's so‐called moral argument for the existence of God and immortality. In particular, Kierkegaard appears to follow Kant's moral argument both when it comes to the form and content of the argument as well as some of its terminology. The essay concludes that several passages in Kierkegaard overlap significantly with Kant's moral argument, although Kierkegaard ultimately favors revealed faith over natural theology in general and Kant's moral faith in particular. Whereas Kant uses the moral argument to postulate the existence of God and immortality, Kierkegaard mainly uses it as a reductio ad absurdum of non‐religious thinking.
Wolterstorff on Love and Justice
Authors: Clair Joseph
Published: January 2013

In Justice in Love, Nicholas Wolterstorff argues for a unique ethical orientation called “care‐agapism.” He offers it as an alternative to theories of benevolence‐agapism found in Christian ethics on the one hand and to the philosophical orientations of egoism, utilitarianism, and eudaimonism on the other. The purported uniqueness and superiority of his theory lies in its ability to account for the conceptual compatibility of love and justice while also positively incorporating self‐love. Yet in attempting to articulate a “bestowed worth” account of human dignity—in which dignity is given by divine love and respected in acts of justice—Wolterstorff leans on an unstable characterization of how love and the good are conceptually interwoven. As a result, his reader cannot be sure about the theoretical superiority of care‐agapism. Moreover, Wolterstorff's attempt to value self‐love and at the same time reject eudaimonism depends on a dubious interpretation of Augustine carried over from Justice: Rights and Wrongs, which itself further depends on a mischaracterization of the possible varieties of eudaimonism. This mistake is unfortunate because, on a closer reading of Augustine, one finds an agapistic account of eudaimonism that could have significantly helped Wolterstorff's overall account of the complementary relation of love and justice.
Upper airway changes in Pierre Robin sequence from childhood to adulthood
Authors: Staudt C. B. , Gnoinski W. M. , Peltomäki T.
Published: January 2013

Structured Abstract

Objectives

To investigate pharyngeal airway changes in patients with Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) longitudinally from childhood to adulthood.

Setting and Sample Population

Cleft Lip and Palate Unit, Clinic of Orthodontics, University of Zurich. Twenty‐four patients born between 1970 and 1990 with non‐syndromic PRS.

Materials and Methods

Lateral cephalograms at age 5 (T1), 10 (T2), 15 (T3) and 20 (T4) years were available. Variables describing pharyngeal airway dimensions, soft palate morphology, tongue and hyoid position, skeletal morphology and head posture were assessed.

Results

A significant increase in nasopharyngeal depth was found over the entire observation period (T1 10.7 to T4 19.1 mm, p < 0.001), especially between T2 and T3 (change 3.8 mm, p < 0.001), and was mainly due to adenoid recession (r = −0.75, p < 0.001; variation explained by 56%). Increase in velopharyngeal depth mainly took place between T3 and T4 (change 2.3 mm, p < 0.01). It was due to more anterior tongue posture (r = 0.65, p < 0.001; 42.5% of variation explained), in turn allowing the soft palate to take a more vertical position (r = −0.52, p < 0.001). Increase in oropharyngeal depth was associated with head extension and anterior mandibular positioning (36% of variation explained). However, significance was not reached (T1 8.3 to T4 9.8 mm, p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Upper airway dimensions in children with PRS improve with time, except for the oropharyngeal airway. Despite large interindividual variation, the mean remained in the lower reaches of normality described in other studies. Thus, further research should investigate the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea in adults with PRS.
Can light‐field photography ease focusing on the scalp and oral cavity?
Authors: Taheri Arash , Feldman Steven R.
Published: January 2013

Background

Capturing a well‐focused image using an autofocus camera can be difficult in oral cavity and on a hairy scalp. Light‐field digital cameras capture data regarding the color, intensity, and direction of rays of light. Having information regarding direction of rays of light, computer software can be used to focus on different subjects in the field after the image data have been captured.

Methods

A light‐field camera was used to capture the images of the scalp and oral cavity. The related computer software was used to focus on scalp or different parts of oral cavity. The final pictures were compared with pictures taken with conventional, compact, digital cameras.

Results

The camera worked well for oral cavity. It also captured the pictures of scalp easily; however, we had to repeat clicking between the hairs on different points to choose the scalp for focusing. A major drawback of the system was the resolution of the resulting pictures that was lower than conventional digital cameras.

Conclusion

Light‐field digital cameras are fast and easy to use. They can capture more information on the full depth of field compared with conventional cameras. However, the resolution of the pictures is relatively low.
The new HLA‐B*58:21 allele is predicted to be functionally similar to the B*58:01P group of alleles
Authors: Tischer S. , Bunse C. , Figueiredo C. , Immenschuh S. , Blasczyk R. , Eiz‐Vesper B.
Published: January 2013

The new human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐B*58:21 allele differs from B*58:01:01 by an amino acid exchange at codon 90.
Step rate-determined walking intensity and walking recommendation in Chinese young adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Huan , Zhang Yan-feng , Xu Liang-liang , Jiang Chong-min
Published: January 2013

There is lack of data on the physiological characteristics of over ground walking and walking recommendations for Chinese young adult. The purpose of the study was to measure walking-related energy expenditure during field testing, to identify step-rate cut-point associated with moderate and vigorous intensity, and to translate physical activity (PA) guidelines into walking goals for Chinese young adults.

Design

Cross-sectional analytic study.

Setting

Two communities from Beijing and Shanghai in China.

Participants

A sample of 226 Chinese adults (117 men, 109 women) with a mean age of 21.7 (±0.2) years, volunteered to participate in the study. All Participants were recreationally active without orthopaedic limitations, free of chronic diseases, not taking any medications that affect metabolism and non-smokers.

Outcome measures

All the participants completed four 6 minincremental over ground walking at different speeds of 3.8, 4.8, 5.6 and 6.4 km/h, respectively. Indirect calorimeter was used to measure energy expenditure at each speed. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to determine the step-rate cut-points associated with moderate and vigorous intensity activity.

Results

At the same walking speed, step counts per minute were higher in women than in men. No significant differences were found in VO2per weight (ml/kg/min) between women and men. Step-rate cut-point associated with walking at 3 metabolic equivalents (METs) and 6METs were 105 and 130 step/min when analysing men and women together. There were slight differences on the cut-points between women and men if data were analysed separately.

Conclusions

In order to meet PA guidelines, Chinese young adult should walk 30 min with at least 105 step/min or 3150 steps or 2 km with the same step-rate per day. Walking at a higher speed of 130 step/min might provide additional health benefit.
Superconducting Radio-Frequency Systems for High-β Particle Accelerators
Authors: Belomestnykh Sergey
Published: January 2013

This article addresses the physics and engineering of the superconducting radio-frequency systems for high-β particle accelerators. I consider different geometries for cavities, discuss criteria for optimization, and options for higher-order mode damping. In reviewing recent progress in the field, SRF systems are classified according to the functions they perform. These systems are fundamental RF accelerating systems, deflecting/crab cavities, harmonic RF systems, and SRF photoemission electron guns.
THE DRIVERS OF LABOR INCOME INEQUALITY — A LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: KIERZENKOWSKI RAFAL , KOSKE ISABELL
Published: January 2013

Despite a general trend of increasing labor income inequality, there have been differences in the timing, intensity and even direction of these changes across OECD countries. These stylized facts have led to numerous studies about the main determinants of labor income inequality and, as a result, a significant revision of the previous consensus about the key drivers. The most researched channels include skill-biased technological change, international trade, immigration, education as well as the role of labor market policies and institutions.
Intercostobrachial Nerves as a Novel Anatomic Landmark for Dividing the Axillary Space in Lymph Node Dissection
Authors: Li Jianyi , Zhang Yang , Zhang Wenhai , Jia Shi , Gu Xi , Ma Yan , Li Dan
Published: January 2013

Purpose. Our aim was to assess the feasibility of using the intercostobrachial nerves (ICBNs) as a possible new anatomic landmark for axillaries lymph node dissection in breast cancer patients. Background Data Summary. The preservation of ICBN is now an accepted procedure in this type of dissection; however, it could be improved further to reduce the number of postoperative complications. The axillary space is divided into lower and upper parts by the ICBN—a thorough investigation of the metastasis patterns in lymph nodes found in this area could supply new information leading to such improvements. Methods. Seventy-two breast cancer patients, all about to undergo lymph node dissection and with sentinel lymph nodes identified, were included in this trial. The lymph nodes were collected in two groups, from lower and upper axillary spaces, relative to the intercostobrachial nerves. The first group was further subdivided into sentinel (SLN) and nonsentinel (non-SLN) nodes. All lymph nodes were tested to detect macro- and micrometastasis. Results. All the sentinel lymph nodes were found under the intercostobrachial nerves; more than 10 lymph nodes were located in that space. Moreover, when lymph nodes macrometastasize or micrometastasize above the intercostobrachial nerves, we also observe metastasis-positive nodes under the nerves; when the lower group nodes show no metastasis, the upper group is also metastasis free. Conclusions. Our results show that the intercostobrachial nerves are good candidates for a new anatomic landmark to be used in lymph node dissection procedure.
A Soft Computing Approach to Crack Detection and Impact Source Identification with Field-Programmable Gate Array Implementation
Authors: Dixit Arati M. , Singh Harpreet
Published: January 2013

The real-time nondestructive testing (NDT) for crack detection and impact source identification (CDISI) has attracted the researchers from diverse areas. This is apparent from the current work in the literature. CDISI has usually been performed by visual assessment of waveforms generated by a standard data acquisition system. In this paper we suggest an automation of CDISI for metal armor plates using a soft computing approach by developing a fuzzy inference system to effectively deal with this problem. It is also advantageous to develop a chip that can contribute towards real time CDISI. The objective of this paper is to report on efforts to develop an automated CDISI procedure and to formulate a technique such that the proposed method can be easily implemented on a chip. The CDISI fuzzy inference system is developed using MATLAB’s fuzzy logic toolbox. A VLSI circuit for CDISI is developed on basis of fuzzy logic model using Verilog, a hardware description language (HDL). The Xilinx ISE WebPACK9.1i is used for design, synthesis, implementation, and verification. The CDISI field-programmable gate array (FPGA) implementation is done using Xilinx’s Spartan 3 FPGA. SynaptiCAD’s Verilog Simulators—VeriLogger PRO and ModelSim—are used as the software simulation and debug environment.
A Retrospective Review of the Use of Regional Citrate Anticoagulation in Continuous Venovenous Hemofiltration for Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Leung Anne Kit-Hung , Shum Hoi-Ping , Chan King-Chung , Chan Stanley Choi-Hung , Lai Kang Yiu , Yan Wing-Wa
Published: January 2013

Background. The emergence of a commercially prepared citrate solution has revolutionized the use of RCA in the intensive care unit (ICU). The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety profile of a commercially prepared citrate solution.Method. Predilution continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) was performed using Prismocitrate 10/2 at 2500 mL/h and a blood flow rate of 150 mL/min. Calcium chloride solution was infused to maintain ionized calcium within 1.0–1.2 mmol/L. An 8.4% sodium bicarbonate solution was infused separately. Treatment was stopped when the predefined clinical target was reached or the filter clotted.Result. 58 sessions of citrate RCA were analyzed. The median circuit lifetime was 26.0 h (interquartile range IQR 21.2–44.3). The percentage of circuits lasting more than 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h was 94.6%, 58.9%, and 16.1%, respectively. There was no incidence of hypernatremia and median pH was <7.5. Hypomagnesemia and hypophosphatemia were detected in 41.6% and 17.6% of blood samples taken, respectively. Although 16 episodes had a total calcium/ionized calcium (total Ca/iCa) >2.5, only four patients had evidence of citrate accumulation.Conclusion. The commercially prepared citrate solution could be used safely in critically ill patients who required CVVH with no major adverse events.
Open Access to General Practice Was Associated with Burnout among General Practitioners
Authors: Vedsted Peter , Sokolowski Ineta , Olesen Frede
Published: January 2013

Walk-in open access in general practice may influence the general practitioner’s (GP’s) work, but very little research has been done on the consequences. In this study from Danish general practice, we compare the prevalence of burnout between GPs with a walk-in open access and those without. In a questionnaire study (2004), we approached all 458 active GPs in the county of Aarhus, Denmark, and 376 (82.8%) GPs returned the questionnaire. Walk-in open access was defined as at least 30 minutes every weekday where patients could attend practice without an appointment. Burnout was measured by the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Analyses using logistic regression were adjusted for gender, age, marital status, job satisfaction, minutes per consultation, practice organisation, working hours, number of listed patients per GP, number of contacts per GP, continuing medical education- (CME-) activities, and clusters of GPs. In all, 8% of GPs had open access and the prevalence of burnout was 24%. GPs with walk-in open access were more likely to suffer from burnout. Having open access was associated with a 3-fold increased likelihood of burnout (OR = 3.1 (95% CI: 1.1–8.8, P=0.035)). Although the design cannot establish causality, it is recommended to closely monitor possible negative consequences of open access in general practice.
Timing of Initiating Glycopeptide Therapy for Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia: The Impact on Clinical Outcome
Authors: Lee Chen-Hsiang , Chien Chun-Chih , Liu Jien-Wei
Published: January 2013

When a Staphylococcus‐like organism (SLO) is microscopically found in Gram staining of blood culture (BC) specimen, it seems reasonable to administrate a glycopeptide (GP) for empirical therapy. The paper investigates the risk factors for 14‐day mortality in patients with methicillin‐resistance Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (MRSAB) and clarifies the impact of the timing for initiating GP therapy. A retrospective study identifies patients with MRSAB (endocarditis was excluded) between 2006 and 2009. Patients were categorized as receiving GP at the interval before a preliminary BC report indicating the growth of SLO and the onward 24 hours or receiving GP 24 h after a preliminary BC report indicating the growth of SLO. Total 339 patients were enrolled. There was no difference on the 14‐day overall or infection‐related mortality rates at the time to administer GP. Multivariate analysis disclosed pneumonia (OR = 4.47; of 95% CI; of 2.09–9.58; P < 0.01) and high APACHE II score (OR, 2.81, with 95% CI, 1.19–6.65; P = 0.02) were independent risk factors for infection‐related mortality. The mortality rate did not decrease following administrating GP immediately after a preliminary BC indicating SLO growth. An additional research for the optimal timing for initiating GP treatment is warranted.
Relationship between Biomechanical Characteristics of Spinal Manipulation and Neural Responses in an Animal Model: Effect of Linear Control of Thrust Displacement versus Force, Thrust Amplitude, Thrust Duration, and Thrust Rate
Authors: Reed William R. , Cao Dong-Yuan , Long Cynthia R. , Kawchuk Gregory N. , Pickar Joel G.
Published: January 2013

High velocity low amplitude spinal manipulation (HVLA-SM) is used frequently to treat musculoskeletal complaints. Little is known about the intervention’s biomechanical characteristics that determine its clinical benefit. Using an animal preparation, we determined how neural activity from lumbar muscle spindles during a lumbar HVLA-SM is affected by the type of thrust control and by the thrust's amplitude, duration, and rate. A mechanical device was used to apply a linear increase in thrust displacement or force and to control thrust duration. Under displacement control, neural responses during the HVLA-SM increased in a fashion graded with thrust amplitude. Under force control neural responses were similar regardless of the thrust amplitude. Decreasing thrust durations at all thrust amplitudes except the smallest thrust displacement had an overall significant effect on increasing muscle spindle activity during the HVLA-SMs. Under force control, spindle responses specifically and significantly increased between thrust durations of 75 and 150 ms suggesting the presence of a threshold value. Thrust velocities greater than 20–30 mm/s and thrust rates greater than 300 N/s tended to maximize the spindle responses. This study provides a basis for considering biomechanical characteristics of an HVLA-SM that should be measured and reported in clinical efficacy studies to help define effective clinical dosages.
Effects of Three Types of Japanese Honey on Full-Thickness Wound in Mice
Authors: Nakajima Yukari , Nakano Yuki , Fuwano Sono , Hayashi Natsumi , Hiratoko Yukiho , Kinoshita Ayaka , Miyahara Megumi , Mochizuki Tsuyoshi , Nishino Kasumi , Tsuruhara Yusuke , Yokokawa Yoshika , Iuchi Terumi , Kon Yuka , Mukai Kanae , Kitayama Yukie , Murakado Naoko , Okuwa Mayumi , Nakatani Toshio
Published: January 2013

Although many previous studies reported that honey promotes wound healing, no study has examined the effects of Japanese honey. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of three types of Japanese honey, Acacia, Buckwheat flour, and Chinese milk vetch honey, on wound healing in comparison with hydrocolloid dressing. Circular full-thickness skin wounds were produced on male mice. Japanese honey or hydrocolloid dressing was applied daily to the mice for 14 days. The ratio of wound area for the hydrocolloid dressing group increased initially in the inflammatory and early proliferative phases and then decreased rapidly to heal with scarring. However, the ratios of wound area for the Japanese honey groups decreased in the inflammatory phase, increased in the proliferative phase, and decreased in the proliferative phase, and some wounds were not completely covered with new epithelium. These findings indicate that using Japanese honey alone has limited benefit, but since it reduces wound size in the inflammatory phase, it is possible to apply a combined treatment in which Japanese honey is applied only in the inflammatory phase, followed by hydrocolloid dressing from the proliferative phase, which would effectively contract the wound.
Establishment of a Lentiviral Vector Encoding Human HGF and the Infection of Human ADSCs
Authors: Zhu Xiaoyu , Xu Lei , Liu Xin , Wu Jingsheng , Zhu Weibo , Cai Xiaoyan , Sun Zimin
Published: January 2013

The delivery of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) for promoting tissue repair has become a potential new therapy, while hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is an important growth factor with angiogenic, anti-fibrotic, and anti-inflammatory benefits. In this paper, hADSCs were separated, cultured and identified based on the expression of cell surface antigens and multiple differentiation potential. We successfully generated a lentiviral vector encoding human HGF, infected hADSCs with this vector and examined the protein expression pattern. Finally we found that the hHGF lentiviral vector was successfully generated, and the lentiviral vector was able to safely infect hADSCs with high infection efficiency, thereby producing cells that overexpressed hHGF, which may provide a new strategy for the treatment of ischemic heart disease (IHD) and other ischemic diseases.
Energy Harvesting Using an Analog Circuit under Multimodal Vibration
Authors: Shimose Shigeru , Makihara Kanjuro , Onoda Junjiro
Published: January 2013

The efficiency of harvesting energy from a vibrating structure using a piezoelectric transducer and a simple analog circuit is investigated experimentally. This analog circuit was originally invented for a synchronized switch damping on inductor (SSDI) technique, which enhances the damping of mechanical vibration. In this study, the circuit is used to implement a synchronized switch harvesting on inductor (SSHI) technique. A multiple degree of freedom (MDOF) structure is excited by single sinusoidal forces at its resonant frequencies and by random forces. The piezoelectric transducer converts this mechanical energy into electrical energy which is harvested using a standard rectifier bridge circuit with and without our analog circuit. Experimental results show that our analog circuit makes it possible to harvest twice as much energy under both single sinusoidal and random vibration excitations.
A Metabolomics-Based Strategy for the Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Shengmai Injection as a Case Study
Authors: Li Xiaodong , Chen Huiyuan , Jia Wei , Xie Guoxiang
Published: January 2013

Quality control of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) used clinically is becoming a challenge and has limited the development of TCM due to the high variability in concentration levels of active ingredients and markers as well as the lack of well-established criteria. Using Shengmai injection, which is a well-established TCM, as an example, we developed an integrated profiling approach that simultaneously captures the entire spectrum of ingredients and quantitatively determines the levels of seven key ingredients in the TCM product. A multivariate statistical model was constructed to establish a “seven-marker-” based quality standard that qualified the majority of samples in this study. This newly developed strategy showed that a panel of key ingredients or markers in the TCM product were relatively consistent within a statistically acceptable range. Therefore, this metabolomics-based approach will complement the current quality control standard using the concentration of several key ingredients or their total content and help improve the consistency and clinic efficacy of TCM products.
Roles of Integrins and Intracellular Molecules in the Migration and Neuritogenesis of Fetal Cortical Neurons: MEK Regulates Only the Neuritogenesis
Authors: Rout Ujjwal K.
Published: January 2013

The roles of integrin subunits and intracellular molecules in regulating the migration and neuritogenesis of neurons isolated from 16.5 gestation days rat fetal cortices were examined usingin vitroassays. Results showed that laminin supported the migration of fetal cortical neurons better than fibronectin and that the fetal cortical neurons migrated on laminin usingβ1 andα3 integrin subunits which make up theα3β1 integrin receptor. On fibronectin, the migration was mediated byβ1 integrin subunit. Perturbation of src kinase, phospholipase C, or protein kinase C activity, inhibition of IP3 receptor mediated calcium release, or chelation of intracellular calcium inhibited both migration and neuritogenesis, whereas inhibition of growth factor signaling via MEK inhibited only the neuritogenesis. The detection ofα1 andα9 transcripts suggested that the migration of fetal cortical neurons may also be mediated byα1β1 andα9β1 integrin receptors. Results showed that calcium may regulate migration and neuritogenesis by maintaining optimum levels of microtubules in the fetal cortical neurons. It is concluded that the fetal cortical neurons are fully equipped with the integrin signaling cascade required for their migration and neuritogenesis, whereas crosstalk between the integrin and growth-factor signaling regulate only the neuritogenesis.
Potential Use of Remote Telesonography as a Transformational Technology in Underresourced and/or Remote Settings
Authors: Pian Linping , Gillman Lawrence M. , McBeth Paul B. , Xiao Zhengwen , Ball Chad G. , Blaivas Michael , Hamilton Douglas R. , Kirkpatrick Andrew W.
Published: January 2013

Mortality and morbidity from traumatic injury are twofold higher in rural compared to urban areas. Furthermore, the greater the distance a patient resides from an organized trauma system, the greater the likelihood of an adverse outcome. Delay in timely diagnosis and treatment contributes to this penalty, regardless of whether the inherent barriers are geographic, cultural, or socioeconomic. Since ultrasound is noninvasive, cost-effective, and portable, it is becoming increasingly useful for remote/underresourced (R/UR) settings to avoid lengthy patient travel to relatively inaccessible medical centers. Ultrasonography is a user-dependent, technical skill, and many, if not most, front-line care providers will not have this advanced training. This is particularly true if care is being provided by out-of-hospital, “nontraditional” providers. The human exploration of space has forced the utilization of information technology (IT) to allow remote experts to guide distant untrained care providers in point-of-care ultrasound to diagnose and manage both acute and chronic illness or injuries. This paradigm potentially brings advanced diagnostic imaging to any medical interaction in a setting with internet connectivity. This paper summarizes the current literature surrounding the development of teleultrasound as a transformational technology and its application to underresourced settings.
Australian spore-feeding thrips of the genus Phaulothrips (Thysanoptera, Idolothripinae)
Authors: MOUND LAURENCE A. , TREE DESLEY J.
Published: January 2013

Breeding by several of the spore-feeding species in the genus Phaulothrips is shown to be associated with abandoned tunnels of bees and scolytid beetles, as well as with the dead seed capsules of Eucalyptus species. The breeding sites for other species in the genus remain unknown, but 16 species are here recognised from Australia, of which the following six are newly described: P. daguilaris, P. flindersi, P. kingae, P. kranzae, P. oakeyi, P. whyallae.
Notodonta dedmazai sp. nov., a new notodontid moth from Bhutan
Authors: SCHINTLMEISTER ALEXANDER
Published: January 2013

Recently, a small series of an unidentified notodontid moth from Bhutan was presented to me by Pavel Morozov (Moscow). The moth is described below, and represents a hitherto unknown species of the holarctic genus Notodonta Ochsenheimer, 1810 and the first record for the genus in the Himalayas.
Cognitive Mediation of Crime Continuity
Authors: Walters Glenn D.
Published: January 2013

Utilizing data from two large samples, cognitive variables were evaluated as potential mediators of the past crime–future crime relationship. In the first study, the reconstructed General Criminal Thinking (GCTrc) score of the Psychological Inventory of Criminal Thinking Styles (PICTS) was found to mediate the relationship between past adult convictions/juvenile adjudications and future recidivism in 1,101 male federal prisoners. In the second study, a cognitive appraisal of one’s future chances of arrest was found to mediate the relationship between self-reported delinquency between the ages of 13 and 15 and self-reported delinquency between the ages of 17 and 19 in 1,414 male and female members of the 1997 National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY) cohort. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the mediating effects in both studies were reasonably robust to violations of the sequential ignorability assumption. These findings suggest that cognitive factors may play a role in encouraging continuity from the early to the later stages of criminal involvement.
Pheromonal bile acid 3-ketopetromyzonol sulfate primes the neuroendocrine system in sea lamprey
Authors: Chung-Davidson Yu-Wen , Wang Huiyong , Siefkes Michael J , Bryan Mara B , Wu Hong , Johnson Nicholas S , Li Weiming
Published: January 2013

Background

Vertebrate pheromones are known to prime the endocrine system, especially the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. However, no known pheromone molecule has been shown to modulate directly the synthesis or release of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), the main regulator of the HPG axis. We selected sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) as a model system to determine whether a single pheromone component alters the output of GnRH.

Sea lamprey male sex pheromones contain a main component, 7α, 12α, 24-trihydroxy-5α-cholan-3-one 24-sulfate (3 keto-petromyzonol sulfate or 3kPZS), which has been shown to modulate behaviors of mature females. Through a series of experiments, we tested the hypothesis that 3kPZS modulates both synthesis and release of GnRH, and subsequently, HPG output in immature sea lamprey.

Results

The results showed that natural male pheromone mixtures induced differential steroid responses but facilitated sexual maturation in both sexes of immature animals (χ2 = 5.042, dF = 1, p < 0.05). Exposure to 3kPZS increased plasma 15α-hydroxyprogesterone (15α-P) concentrations (one-way ANOVA, p < 0.05) and brain gene expressions (genes examined: three lamprey (l) GnRH-I transcripts, lGnRH-III, Jun and Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK); one-way ANOVA, p < 0.05), but did not alter the number of GnRH neurons in the hypothalamus in immature animals. In addition, 3kPZS treatments increased lGnRH peptide concentrations in the forebrain and modulated their levels in plasma. Overall, 3kPZS modulation of HPG axis is more pronounced in immature males than in females.

Conclusions

We conclude that a single male pheromone component primes the HPG axis in immature sea lamprey in a sexually dimorphic manner.
The Impact of Medical Liability Standards on Regional Variations in Physician Behavior: Evidence from the Adoption of National-Standard Rules
Authors: Frakes Michael
Published: January 2013

I explore the association between regional variations in physician behavior and the geographical scope of malpractice standards of care. I estimate a 30–50 percent reduction in the gap between state and national utilization rates of various treatments and diagnostic procedures following the adoption of a rule requiring physicians to follow national, as opposed to local, standards. These findings suggest that standardization in malpractice law may lead to greater standardization in practices and, more generally, that physicians may indeed adhere to specific liability standards. In connection with the estimated convergence in practices, I observe no associated changes in patient health. (JEL I11, I18, J44, K13)
Impatience and Uncertainty: Experimental Decisions Predict Adolescents' Field Behavior
Authors: Sutter Matthias , Kocher Martin G , Glätzle-Rützler Daniela , Trautmann Stefan T
Published: January 2013

We study risk attitudes, ambiguity attitudes, and time preferences of 661 children and adolescents, aged ten to eighteen years, in an incentivized experiment and relate experimental choices to field behavior. Experimental measures of impatience are found to be significant predictors of health-related field behavior, saving decisions, and conduct at school. In particular, more impatient children and adolescents are more likely to spend money on alcohol and cigarettes, have a higher body mass index, are less likely to save money, and show worse conduct at school. Experimental measures for risk and ambiguity attitudes are only weak predictors of field behavior.
Comedias ‘desdobladas’: Técnicas comerciales en El príncipe prodigioso de Juan de Matos y Agustín Moreto
Authors: Sambrian Oana Andreia
Published: January 2013

El príncipe prodigioso de Juan de Matos y Agustín Moreto, refundición de El capitán prodigioso de Luis Vélez de Guevara, constituye un interesante tema de investigación por las cuestiones que plantea. Al ser una variante de la comedia de Vélez, que debió de haber gozado de un éxito significativo, hay, indudablemente, un número significativo de cambios con respecto al original: el número de personajes varía, aparecen nuevos personajes y a la música se le reserva un importante papel. No obstante, ¿a qué se debieron esos cambios? ¿Cómo se puede explicar la presencia del gracioso Yepes en una comedia histórica? ¿Y la mezcla de la intriga amorosa con la exposición de la guerra cristiana contra los turcos? He aquí algunas preguntas cuyas respuestas están fuertemente vinculadas a las técnicas comerciales que los dos autores emplearon para conseguir la aceptación del público y ganarse su simpatía.
La ambigüedad interpretativa de El alcalde de Zalamea
Authors: Hidalgo José Manuel
Published: January 2013

El alcalde de Zalamea presenta el abuso de poder que don Álvaro y sus soldados infligen al pueblo de Zalamea, y, por consiguiente, se observa la opresión de las clases sociales superiores sobre los estamentos inferiores. Este esquema de dominio clasista invita, junto con la rica polisemia del texto, la dilogía de la germanía y los juegos de palabras, a definir una jerarquía encubierta. A su vez, la interpretación erótica de algunos pasajes en conexión con el habla germanesca apoya esta nueva categorización. Así pues, este trabajo argumenta que Álvaro de Ataide, quien representa el escalafón superior, toma el rol masculino en escenas que se prestan a una valoración homoerótica, mientras que los personajes de los niveles inferiores asumen el papel femenino. La rica anfibología del léxico unida al exceso de poder ofrece la visión de una pirámide social que concede un rol masculino y femenino a sus personajes independientemente de su condición natural de género. De esta manera, el análisis presenta la versatilidad semántica que encierra el texto y el habla de la germanía, y, con ello, aporta una clasificación de género que complementa a la tradicional estratificación social.
Family Ties: Los trabajos de David y finezas de Michol and Las niñezes y primer triunfo de David
Authors: Blue William R.
Published: January 2013

King David was a popular character in the Spanish comedia , in part because of his many stories. He was giant slayer, musician, anointed king, survivor of assassination attempts, adulterer, and tragic father. In addition, his perceived connection to the Spanish Habsburgs, as well as to earlier Spanish kings, made him a religious and political analogue. To the list of well-known plays about David, I want to add and discuss briefly two lesser-known works, Las niñezes y primer triunfo de David by Manuel Antonio Vargas and Los trabajos de David y finezas de Michol by Cristóbal Lozano Montesinos. Each of these plays develops aspects of David’s personal, spiritual, and political representation that contribute to the elaboration of this complex and intriguing theatrical figure.
Elisha Coles in Context
Authors: Considine John
Published: January 2013

This article proposes a re-assessment of Elisha Coles, the least studied of the six hard-word lexicographers of seventeenth-century England. After presenting an overview of his life and his English Dictionary , it shows the respects in which Coles's lexicographical work was innovative; it asks why his dictionary was so small, suggesting that this was a competitive publishing strategy, designed in particular to ensure that the English Dictionary took over the section of the market which had previously been shared by revised editions of the dictionary of Cockeram; it argues for Coles's liveliness as a reader and thinker; and it gives an account of the pedagogical context of his dictionary.
Issues and Challenges for a Modern English-Arabic Dictionary
Authors: Benzehra Radia
Published: January 2013

Lexicography in the Arab world has had important effects on the development of the Arabic language. The origin and subsequent development and refinement of traditional Arabic grammatical theory—as early as the eighth century- had intimate links with the practice of writing dictionaries. The Kitab al-ʿayn , by al-Khalil ibn Ahmad (d.c.786), which is the first full-scale dictionary in the Arab world, marked a significant milestone in the history of grammatical thought and set the tone for more works on Arabic grammar. For many centuries, the general mode of the theory has acknowledged a "closed" corpus of Qur'anic diction and pre-Islamic poetry and prose as the major source of Arabic lexicographic works. The main credo is that Arabic dictionaries should contain the "unattained" forms of the language and remain impervious to external persuasions; namely colloquialisms, borrowings, neologisms, and coinages. Arabic dictionaries continued to resist the slightest reform as to the codification of lexical innovations and the treatment of lexical gaps exhausting themselves to the point of stagnation. Today, English-Arabic dictionary editors have to deal with a huge number of lexical gaps that have cumulated over time. The lexical gap-filling process is carried out in a very unsystematic way that is far from creating an atmosphere of cooperation that ultimately contributes to creating unified English-Arabic lexical databases for lexicographic purposes. The paper explains how a modern English-Arabic dictionary can fall short in its modernizing role, and gives a snapshot of the most salient microstructural issues that characterize the Al-Mawrid Al-Hadeeth: A Modern English-Arabic Dictionary (2010).
"Academic Hooliganism" or "False Gold"?: The Reception of Baudouin de Courtenay's Russian Dictionary
Authors: Farina Donna M.T.Cr. , Durman George
Published: January 2013

Jan Baudouin de Courtenay (1845-1929) is best known as a phonologist, morphologist, and the founder of the Kazan' School of Linguistics; there is less awareness of his work in lexicography. This article addresses the dictionary that made him infamous in Russia: his revised edition of Vladimir Dal's Explanatory Dictionary of the Living Russian Language . This dictionary was first published from 1863 to 1866; Baudouin's third edition appeared from 1903 to 1909. Baudouin's new edition did not delete any material contained in the revered Dal', but brought in contemporary words and copious illustrative examples. The resulting work improved upon many aspects of Dal's Dictionary , and is lexicographically superior. Baudouin selected material that allowed him to express political views, sometimes through additions to or commentary on the definitions of Dal'. Baudouin also expressed himself through examples from newspapers and other ephemeral publications. Initially (1903), Baudouin's dictionary was accepted and even recommended for use in educational institutions. Three years later, even before all four volumes of the third edition had appeared in print, the dictionary suffered scathing criticisms in the Russian press. The Ministry of Education rescinded its recommendation. In 1906 and 1907, Baudouin responded in the press to his critics; his arguments were later repeated in the Afterword to the fourth volume of his third edition. This article discusses lexicographic and social aspects of Baudouin's dictionary as well as the letters to the Editor opposing it. It chronicles the dictionary's fate from the early 1900s to the present.