bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emergence of Sequence Type 779 Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Harboring a Novel Pseudo Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome
mec
(SCC
mec
)-SCC-SCC

CRISPR

Composite Element in Irish Hospitals
Authors: Kinnevey Peter M. , Shore Anna C. , Brennan Grainne I. , Sullivan Derek J. , Ehricht Ralf , Monecke Stefan , Slickers Peter , Coleman David C.
Published: November 2012

Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) has been a major cause of nosocomial infection in Irish hospitals for 4 decades, and replacement of predominant MRSA clones has occurred several times. An MRSA isolate recovered in 2006 as part of a larger study of sporadic MRSA exhibited a rare
spa
(t878) and multilocus sequence (ST779) type and was nontypeable by PCR- and DNA microarray-based staphylococcal cassette chromosome
mec
(SCC
mec
) element typing. Whole-genome sequencing revealed the presence of a novel 51-kb composite island (CI) element with three distinct domains, each flanked by direct repeat and inverted repeat sequences, including (i) a pseudo SCC
mec
element (16.3 kb) carrying
mecA
with a novel
mec
class region, a fusidic acid resistance gene (
fusC
), and two copper resistance genes (
copB
and
copC
) but lacking
ccr
genes; (ii) an SCC element (17.5 kb) carrying a novel
ccrAB4
allele; and (iii) an SCC element (17.4 kb) carrying a novel
ccrC
allele and a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) region. The novel CI was subsequently identified by PCR in an additional 13 t878/ST779 MRSA isolates, six from bloodstream infections, recovered between 2006 and 2011 in 11 hospitals. Analysis of open reading frames (ORFs) carried by the CI showed amino acid sequence similarity of 44 to 100% to ORFs from
S. aureus
and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS). These findings provide further evidence of genetic transfer between
S. aureus
and CoNS and show how this contributes to the emergence of novel SCC
mec
elements and MRSA strains. Ongoing surveillance of this MRSA strain is warranted and will require updating of currently used SCC
mec
typing methods.
Cholera Toxin Induces a Shift from Inactive to Active Cyclooxygenase 2 in Alveolar Macrophages Activated by Mycobacterium bovis BCG
Authors: Kogiso Mari , Shinohara Tsutomu , Dorey C. Kathleen , Shibata Yoshimi
Published: November 2012

Intranasal vaccination stimulates formation of cyclooxygenases (COX) and release of prostaglandin E2(PGE2) by lung cells, including alveolar macrophages. PGE2plays complex pro- or anti-inflammatory roles in facilitating mucosal immune responses, but the relative contributions of COX-1 and COX-2 remain unclear. Previously, we found thatMycobacterium bovisBCG, a human tuberculosis vaccine, stimulated increased release of PGE2by macrophages activatedin vitro; in contrast, intranasal BCG activated no PGE2release in the lungs, because COX-1 and COX-2 in alveolar macrophages were subcellularly dissociated from the nuclear envelope (NE) and catalytically inactive. This study tested the hypothesis that intranasal administration of BCG with cholera toxin (CT), a mucosal vaccine component, would shift the inactive, NE-dissociated COX-1/COX-2 to active, NE-associated forms. The results showed increased PGE2release in the lungs and NE-associated COX-2 in the majority of COX-2+macrophages. These COX-2+macrophages were the primary source of PGE2release in the lungs, since there was only slight enhancement of NE-associated COX-1 and there was no change in COX-1/COX-2 levels in alveolar epithelial cells following treatment with CT and/or BCG. To further understand the effect of CT, we investigated the timing of BCG versus CT administration forin vivoandin vitromacrophage activations. When CT followed BCG treatment, macrophagesin vitrohad elevated COX-2-mediated PGE2release, but macrophagesin vivoexhibited less activation of NE-associated COX-2. Our results indicate that inclusion of CT in the intranasal BCG vaccination enhances COX-2-mediated PGE2release by alveolar macrophages and further suggest that the effect of CTin vivois mediated by other lung cells.
Effect of airline travel on performance: a review of the literature
Authors: Leatherwood Whitney E , Dragoo Jason L
Published: November 2012

The need for athletes to travel long distances has spurred investigation into the effect of air travel across multiple time zones on athletic performance. Rapid eastward or westward travel may negatively affect the body in many ways; therefore, strategies should be employed to minimise these effects which may hamper athletic performance. In this review, the fundamentals of circadian rhythm disruption are examined along with additional effects of airline travel including jet lag, sleep deprivation, travel at altitude and nutritional considerations that negatively affect performance. Evidence-based recommendations are provided at the end of the manuscript to minimise the effects of airline travel on performance.
Health expectancy in the occupied Palestinian territory: estimates from the Gaza Strip and the West Bank: based on surveys from 2006 to 2010
Authors: Qlalweh Khaled , Duraidi Mohammed , Brønnum-Hansen Henrik
Published: November 2012

Objectives

The purpose of the study was to estimate health expectancy for the Palestinian population and to evaluate changes that have taken place over the past 5 years.

Design

Mortality data and population-based health surveys.

Setting

The Israeli-occupied Palestinian territory of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

Participants

17 034 and 38 071 adults aged 20 or over participating the Palestinian Family Health Surveys of 2006 and 2010. Death rates for 2007 and 2010 covered the entire population.

Outcome measures

Life expectancy and expected lifetime with and without chronic disease were estimated using the Sullivan method on the basis of mortality data and data on the prevalence of chronic disease.

Results

Life expectancy at the age of 20 increased from 52.8 years in 2006 to 53.3 years in 2010 for men and from 55.1 years to 55.7 years for women. In 2006, expected lifetime without a chronic disease was 37.7 (95% CI 37.0 to 38.3) years and 32.5 (95% CI 31.9 to 33.2) years for 20-year-old men and women, respectively. By 2010, this had decreased by 1.6 years for men and increased by 1.3 years for women. The health status of men has worsened. In particular, lifetime with hypertension and diabetes has increased. For women, the gain in life expectancy consisted partly of years with and partly of years without the most prevalent diseases.

Conclusions

Health expectancy for men and women diverged, which could to some extent be due to gender-specific exposures related to lifestyle factors and the impact of military occupation.
Partial sick leave associated with disability pension: propensity score approach in a register-based cohort study
Authors: Kausto Johanna , Solovieva Svetlana , Virta Lauri J , Viikari-Juntura Eira
Published: November 2012

Objectives

To support sustainability of the welfare society enhanced work retention is needed among those with impaired work ability. Partial health-related benefits have been introduced for this target. The aim was to estimate the effects of partial sick leave on transition to disability pension applying propensity score methods.

Design

Register-based cohort study.

Setting

Sample from the national sickness insurance registers representative of the Finnish working population (full-time workers) with long-term sickness absence due to musculoskeletal disorders, mental disorders, traumas or tumours.

Participants

All recipients of partial or full sickness benefit whose sick leave period had ended between 1 May and 31 December 2007 were included. The sample was limited to four most prevalent diagnostic groups—mental and musculoskeletal disorders, traumas and tumours. The total sample consisted of 1047 subjects on partial sick leave (treatment group) and 28 380 subjects on full sick leave (control group). A subsample (1017 and 25 249 subjects, respectively) was formed to improve the comparability of the two groups.

Outcome measures

A three-category measure and a binary measure for the occurrence of disability pension on the last day of 2008 were computed.

Results

Partial sickness benefit reduced the risk (change in absolute risk) of full disability pension by 6% and increased the risk of partial disability pension by 8% compared with full sick leave. The effects did not differ markedly for the two main diagnostic groups of musculoskeletal and mental disorders. In men, the use of full disability pension was reduced by 10% with a 5% increase in the use of partial disability pension, while in women the effects were close to those of the total sample.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that combining work with partial sick leave may provide one means to increase work retention at population level. The use of partial sick leave could be encouraged among men.
Health effects following the Eyjafjallajökull volcanic eruption: a cohort study
Authors: Carlsen Hanne Krage , Hauksdottir Arna , Valdimarsdottir Unnur Anna , Gíslason Thorarinn , Einarsdottir Gunnlaug , Runolfsson Halldor , Briem Haraldur , Finnbjornsdottir Ragnhildur Gudrun , Gudmundsson Sigurdur , Kolbeinsson Thorir Björn , Thorsteinsson Throstur , Pétursdóttir Gudrun
Published: November 2012

Objectives

The study aimed to determine whether exposure to a volcanic eruption was associated with increased prevalence of physical and/or mental symptoms.

Design

Cohort, with non-exposed control group.

Setting

Natural disasters like volcanic eruptions constitute a major public-health threat. The Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull exposed residents in southern Iceland to continuous ash fall for more than 5 weeks in spring 2010. This study was conducted during November 2010–March 2011, 6–9 months after the Eyjafjallajökull eruption.

Participants

Adult (18–80 years of age) eruption-exposed South Icelanders (N=1148) and a control population of residents of Skagafjörður, North Iceland (N=510). The participation rate was 72%.

Main outcome measures

Physical symptoms in the previous year (chronic), in the previous month (recent), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) measured psychological morbidity.

Results

The likelihood of having symptoms during the last month was higher in the exposed population, such as; tightness in the chest (OR 2.5; 95% CI 1.1 to 5.8), cough (OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.7 to 3.9), phlegm (OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.3 to 3.2), eye irritation (OR 2.9; 95% CI 2.0 to 4.1) and psychological morbidity symptoms (OR 1.3; 95% CI 1.0 to 1.7). Respiratory symptoms during the last 12 months were also more common in the exposed population; cough (OR 2.2; 95% CI 1.6 to 2.9), dyspnoea (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.1 to 2.3), although the prevalence of underlying asthma and heart disease was similar. Twice as many in the exposed population had two or more symptoms from nose, eyes or upper-respiratory tract (24% vs 13%, p<0.001); these individuals were also more likely to experience psychological morbidity (OR 4.7; 95% CI 3.4 to 6.5) compared with individuals with no symptoms. Most symptoms exhibited a dose–response pattern within the exposed population, corresponding to low, medium and high exposure to the eruption.

Conclusions

6–9 months after the Eyjafjallajökull eruption, residents living in the exposed area, particularly those closest to the volcano, had markedly increased prevalence of various physical symptoms. A portion of the exposed population reported multiple symptoms and may be at risk for long-term physical and psychological morbidity. Studies of long-term consequences are therefore warranted.
Is thiazolidinediones use a factor in delaying the need for insulin therapy in type 2 patients with diabetes? A population-based cohort study
Authors: Carney Greg A , Bassett Ken , Wright James M , Dormuth Colin R
Published: November 2012

Objective

To understand the independent role of thiazolidinediones (TZDs) in delaying progression to parenteral insulin therapy.

Design

Population-based retrospective cohort study.

Setting

British Columbia, Canada.

Participants

A total of 18 867 type 2 diabetes patients (mean age 58.9) treated with metformin as first-line therapy who then switched or added a TZD or sulphonylurea as a second-line treatment between 1 January 1998 and 31 March 2008.

Outcome measures

Multivariable Poisson regression models were used to estimate the effect of using TZD compared to sulphonylureas on time to the initiation of insulin treatment (third-line).

Results

The adjusted rate difference in women aged <60 showed 2.22 fewer insulin initiation events per 100 person-years (PYs) in the TZD group versus the sulphonylurea group (95% CI −3.46 to −0.99). Men in the same age group had 1.50 fewer insulin initiation events per 100 PYs in the TZD group versus the sulphonylurea group (95% CI −2.44 to −0.56). The average time in days to initiation on insulin in the sulphonylurea, rosiglitazone and pioglitazone group was 343, 252 and 339, respectively. The cumulative hazard for starting insulin for sulphonylurea patients at 12, 24, 36 and 48 months was approximately three times higher compared to TZD patients.

Conclusions

Second-line TZD therapy compared to second-line sulphonylurea therapy was associated with a lower incidence of insulin initiation as third-line treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes, with a mean delay of 90 days. This duration of delay must be weighed against the absence of a proven reduction in morbidity or mortality with TZDs and their known serious cardiovascular harm.
Long-term impact of pregnancy-related venous thrombosis on quality-of-life, general health and functioning: results of a cross-sectional, case–control study
Authors: Wik Hilde Skuterud , Jacobsen Anne Flem , Sandvik L , Sandset P M
Published: November 2012

Objectives

To evaluate the long-term consequences of pregnancy-related venous thrombosis (VT) by the assessment of generic quality-of-life (QOL), well-being, general health and daily-life functioning. We also wanted to evaluate the impact of the frequently occurring complication post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) after that of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Design

Population-based cross-sectional, case–control study.

Setting

18 Norwegian hospitals during 1990–2003.

Participants

The study population comprised 559 cases with a validated first-ever, pregnancy-related VT and 1229 controls naïve for VT at the time of index pregnancy. Cases were identified using the Norwegian Patient Register and the Medical Birth Registry of Norway and the latter was used to select as controls women who gave birth at the same time as a case. After exclusion of two cases with missing location of VT, the final study population comprised 311 cases and 353 controls.

Methods

Self-completion of a comprehensive questionnaire in 2006.

Main outcome measures

Generic QOL and well-being assessed by the Ferrans and Powers QOL Index (QLI) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-20).

Results

QOL assessed by QLI did not differ between cases and controls; mean score 23.1 (95% CI 22.7 to 23.5) vs 23.7 (23.3 to 24.0), neither did well being assessed by GHQ-20; 18.7 (18.0 to 19.4) vs 17.9 (17.3 to 18.4). However, cases reported pain other than in the lower limbs and muscle–skeletal problems more often and were more often physically worn out after work compared with controls. Cases which developed PTS reported poorer health, had pain more often, developed skin and psychiatric problems, used analgesic drugs more frequently and were more often on sick leave as compared to those without PTS.

Conclusions

Long-term generic QOL and subjective well-being 3–16 years after a pregnancy-related VT were not different from a reference population, but women with PTS after DVT seemed to have poorer QOL and an impaired general health.
Psychosocial care for persons affected by emergencies and major incidents: a Delphi study to determine the needs of professional first responders for education, training and support
Authors: Drury John , Kemp Verity , Newman Jonathan , Novelli David , Doyle Christopher , Walter Darren , Williams Richard
Published: November 2012

Background

The role of ambulance clinicians in providing psychosocial care in major incidents and emergencies is recognised in recent Department of Health guidance. The study described in this paper identified NHS professional first responders’ needs for education about survivors’ psychosocial responses, training in psychosocial skills, and continuing support.

Method

Ambulance staff participated in an online Delphi questionnaire, comprising 74 items (Round 1) on 7-point Likert scales. Second-round and third-round participants each received feedback based on the previous round, and responded to modified versions of the original items and to new items for clarification.

Results

One hundred and two participants took part in Round 1; 47 statements (64%) achieved consensus. In Round 2, 72 people from Round 1 participated; 15 out of 39 statements (38%) achieved consensus. In Round 3, 49 people from Round 2 participated; 15 out of 27 statements (59%) achieved consensus. Overall, there was consensus in the following areas: ‘psychosocial needs of patients’ (consensus in 34/37 items); ‘possible sources of stress in your work’ (8/9); ‘impacts of distress in your work’ (7/10); ‘meeting your own emotional needs’ (4/5); ‘support within your organisation’ (2/5); ‘needs for training in psychosocial skills for patients’ (15/15); ‘my needs for psychosocial training and support’ (5/6).

Conclusions

Ambulance clinicians recognise their own education needs and the importance of their being offered psychosocial training and support. The authors recommend that, in order to meet patients’ psychosocial needs effectively, ambulance clinicians are provided with education and training in a number of skills and their own psychosocial support should be enhanced.
A hard act to swallow: modern management of eosinophilic oesophagitis
Authors: Louis-Auguste John Richard , Hoare Jonathan
Published: November 2012

Eosinophilic oesophagitis (EO) is now established as an important cause of oesophageal symptoms. It is presumed to result from eosinophilic activation to dietary antigens, which is limited to the oesophagus. Inflammatory strictures and secondary dysmotility are common and contribute to symptomatology. Current management involves food exclusion diets and swallowed topical steroid. Strictures may require endoscopic dilatation. Relapse is common but strategies for maintaining remission are not well described. Here we describe a patient with severe stricturing EO, whose symptoms were significantly exacerbated by secondary oesophageal spasm. His symptoms were refractory to dietary, endoscopic and medical therapy including parenteral corticosteroid but responded dramatically to diltiazem. Remission was eventually achieved and maintained with azathioprine, and he was able to discontinue the other therapies and relax his dietary restrictions. We discuss the evidence for dietetic, endoscopic and pharmacological interventions for this disease.
The use of non-standard motorcycle helmets in low- and middle-income countries: a multicentre study
Authors:   Road Traffic Injuries Research Network Multicenter Study Collaborators, Ackaah Williams , Afukaar Francis , Agyemang Williams , Thuy Anh Trinh , Hejar A R , Abdul Ghaffar , Gururaj Gopalkrishna , Elisa Hidalgo-Solórzano , Martha Híjar , Hyder Adnan A , Inclán-Valadez Cristina , Kulanthayan Subramaniam , Norton Robyn , Odero Wilson , Owoaje Eme T , Peden Margie , Rajam Krishnan , Abdul Razzak Junaid , Oluwafunmilola Sangowawa Adesola , Shah Jawaid , Le Tuan Pham , Umar RS Radin , Thi Van Anh Nguyen , Van der Putten Marc , Vajanapoom Nitaya , Vichit-Vadakan Nuntavarn , Yellappan Kaviyarasu , Yu James
Published: November 2012

Background

The use of non-standard motorcycle helmets has the potential to undermine multinational efforts aimed at reducing the burden of road traffic injuries associated with motorcycle crashes. However, little is known about the prevalence or factors associated with their use.

Methods

Collaborating institutions in nine low- and middle-income countries undertook cross-sectional surveys, markets surveys, and reviewed legislation and enforcement practices around non-standard helmets.

Findings

5563 helmet-wearing motorcyclists were observed; 54% of the helmets did not appear to have a marker/sticker indicating that the helmet met required standards and interviewers judged that 49% of the helmets were likely to be non-standard helmets. 5088 (91%) of the motorcyclists agreed to be interviewed; those who had spent less than US$10 on their helmet were found to be at the greatest risk of wearing a non-standard helmet. Data were collected across 126 different retail outlets; across all countries, regardless of outlet type, standard helmets were generally 2–3 times more expensive than non-standard helmets. While seven of the nine countries had legislation prohibiting the use of non-standard helmets, only four had legislation prohibiting their manufacture or sale and only three had legislation prohibiting their import. Enforcement of any legislation appeared to be minimal.

Interpretation

Our findings suggest that the widespread use of non-standard helmets in low- and middle-income countries may limit the potential gains of helmet use programmes. Strategies aimed at reducing the costs of standard helmets, combined with both legislation and enforcement, will be required to maximise the effects of existing campaigns.
On the trade-off between network connectivity, round complexity, and communication complexity of reliable message transmission
Authors: Badanidiyuru Ashwinkumar , Patra Arpita , Choudhury Ashish , Srinathan Kannan , Rangan C. Pandu
Published: November 2012

Perfectly reliable message transmission (PRMT) is one of the fundamental problems in distributed computing. It allows a sender to reliably transmit a message to a receiver in an unreliable network, even in the presence of a computationally unbounded adversary. In this article, we study the inherent trade-off between the three important parameters of the PRMT protocols, namely, the network connectivity (
n
), the round complexity (
r
), and the communication complexity by considering the following generic question (which can be considered as the holy grail problem) in the context of the PRMT protocols.

Given an
n
-connected network, a message of size ℓ (to be reliably communicated) and a limit
c
for the total communication allowed between the sender and the receiver, what is the minimum number of communication rounds required by a PRMT protocol to send the message, such that the communication complexity of the protocol is O(
c
)?

We answer this interesting question by deriving a nontrivial lower bound on the round complexity. Moreover, we show that the lower bound is tight in the amortized sense, by designing a PRMT protocol whose round complexity matches the lower bound. The lower bound is the first of its kind, that simultaneously captures the inherent tradeoff between the three important parameters of a PRMT protocol.
Trajectories in TEI
Authors: Shaer Orit , Millner Amon , Hummels Caroline
Published: November 2012

The boundaries between 'the digital' and our everyday physical world are dissolving as we develop more physical ways of interacting with computing. This forum presents some of the topics discussed in the colorful multidisciplinary field of tangible and embodied interaction.

Eva Hornecker, Editor
Overinfection byParacoccidioides brasiliensisin Gouty Crystal Arthritis
Authors: Bonilla-Abadía F. , Vélez J. D. , Zárate-Correa L. C. , Carrascal E. , Guarín N. , Castañeda-Ramírez C. R. , Cañas C. A.
Published: November 2012

Paracoccidioidomycosis is an endemic South American systemic mycosis caused by the dimorphic fungusParacoccidioides brasiliensis(P. brasiliensis). The main clinical form of disease is pulmonary, but all organs may be involved. We report a case of overinfection byP. brasiliensisin chronic gouty arthritis affecting the proximal phalanx of the right hallux. The patient required proximal amputation and long-term antifungal therapy.
Histogram Modification and Wavelet Transform for High Performance Watermarking
Authors: Juang Ying-Shen , Ko Lu-Ting , Chen Jwu-E , Shieh Yaw-Shih , Sung Tze-Yun , Hsin Hsi Chin
Published: November 2012

This paper proposes a reversible watermarking technique for natural images. According to the similarity of neighbor coefficients’ values in wavelet domain, most differences between two adjacent pixels are close to zero. The histogram is built based on these difference statistics. As more peak points can be used for secret data hiding, the hiding capacity is improved compared with those conventional methods. Moreover, as the differences concentricity around zero is improved, the transparency of the host image can be increased. Experimental results and comparison show that the proposed method has both advantages in hiding capacity and transparency.
L-Tyrosine as an Eco-Friendly and Efficient Catalyst for Knoevenagel Condensation of Arylaldehydes with Meldrum’s Acid in Solvent-Free Condition under Grindstone Method
Authors: Thirupathi G. , Venkatanarayana M. , Dubey P. K. , Kumari Y. Bharathi
Published: November 2012

We investigate L-Tyrosine as an efficient catalyst for the Knoevenagel condensation of arylaldehydes with meldrum’s acid containing cyclic active methylene group in solvent-free condition under grindstone method at room temperature to produce substituted-5-benzylidene-2,2-dimethyl-[1,3]dioxane-4,6-diones 3(a–j).
An Application of Monte‐Carlo‐Based Sensitivity Analysis on the Overlap in Discriminant Analysis
Authors: Razmyan S. , Hosseinzadeh Lotfi F.
Published: November 2012

Discriminant analysis (DA) is used for the measurement of estimates of a discriminant function by minimizing their group misclassifications to predict group membership of newly sampled data. A major source of misclassification in DA is due to the overlapping of groups. The uncertainty in the input variables and model parameters needs to be properly characterized in decision making. This study combines DEA‐DA with a sensitivity analysis approach to an assessment of the influence of banks’ variables on the overall variance in overlap in a DA in order to determine which variables are most significant. A Monte‐Carlo‐based sensitivity analysis is considered for computing the set of first‐order sensitivity indices of the variables to estimate the contribution of each uncertain variable. The results show that the uncertainties in the loans granted and different deposit variables are more significant than uncertainties in other banks’ variables in decision making.
Renal Cell Cancer Diagnosed at Endoscopy
Authors: Thoufeeq Muhammed Hameed , Maleki Nima , Jagirdar Naeem , Rembacken Bjorn , Jennings Jason
Published: November 2012

A 59-year-old lady was referred for an open-access endoscopy with a history of dyspepsia. The endoscopy showed a 5 mm sessile nodule in the fundus of the stomach. The histology report suggested that this represented a metastatic deposit from renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Following this, a computerised tomography (CT) of the abdomen showed an 18 × 15 cm RCC. Here we provide a short review on gastric metastases.
Equivalent Conditions of Complete Convergence for Weighted Sums of Sequences of Negatively Dependent Random Variables
Authors: Guo Mingle
Published: November 2012

The complete convergence for weighted sums of sequences of negatively dependent random variables is investigated. By applying moment inequality and truncation methods, the equivalent conditions of complete convergence for weighted sums of sequences of negatively dependent random variables are established. These results not only extend the corresponding results obtained by Li et al. (1995), Gut (1993), and Liang (2000) to sequences of negatively dependent random variables, but also improve them.
Changes in T-Cell and Monocyte PhenotypesIn VitrobySchistosoma mansoniAntigens in Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Patients
Authors: Bafica Aline Michelle Barbosa , Cardoso Luciana Santos , Oliveira Sérgio Costa , Loukas Alex , Góes Alfredo , Oliveira Ricardo Riccio , Carvalho Edgar M. , Araujo Maria Ilma
Published: November 2012

High levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γand TNF are associated with tissue lesions in cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). We previously demonstrated thatSchistosoma mansoniantigens downmodulate thein vitrocytokine response in CL. In the current study we evaluated whetherS. mansoniantigens alter monocyte and T-lymphocyte phenotypes in leishmaniasis. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells of CL patients were cultured withL. braziliensisantigen in the presence or absence of theS. mansoniantigens rSm29, rSmTSP-2- and PIII. Cells were stained with fluorochrome conjugated antibodies and analyzed by flow cytometry. The addition of rSm29 to the cultures decreased the expression of HLA-DR in nonclassical (CD14+CD16++) monocytes, while the addition of PIII diminished the expression of this molecule in classical (CD14++CD16-) and intermediate (CD14++CD16+) monocytes. The addition of PIII and rSmTSP-2 resulted in downmodulation of CD80 expression in nonclassical and CD86 expression in intermediate monocytes, respectively. These two antigens increased the expression of CTLA-4 in CD4+T cells and they also expanded the frequency of CD4+CD25highFoxp3+T cells. Taken together, we show thatS. mansoniantigens, mainly rSmTSP-2 and PIII, are able to decrease the activation status of monocytes and also to upregulate the expression of modulatory molecules in T lymphocytes.
Approximate Super‐ and Sub‐harmonic Response of a Multi‐DOFs System with Local Cubic Nonlinearities under Resonance
Authors: CaiJin Yang
Published: November 2012

A multi‐degree‐of‐freedom dynamical system with local cubic nonlinearities subjected to super/subharmonic excitation is considered in this paper. The purpose of this paper is to approximate the
nonlinear response of system at super/sub harmonic resonance. For many situations, single resonance mode is often observed to be leading as system enters into super/sub harmonic resonance. In this case, the single modal natural resonance theory can be applied to reduce the system model and a simplified model with only a single DOF is always obtained. Thus, an approximate solution and the analytical expression of frequency response relation are then derived using classical perturbation analysis. While the system is controlled by multiple modes, modal analysis for linearized system is used to decide dominant modes. The reduced model governed by these relevant modes is found and results in an approximate numerical solutions. An illustrative example of the discrete mass‐spring‐damper nonlinear vibration system with ten DOFs is examined. The approximation results are validated by comparing them with the calculations from direct numerical integration of the equation of motion of the original nonlinear system. Comparably good agreements are obtained.
Joint Gain/Phase and Mutual Coupling Array Calibration Technique with Single Calibrating Source
Authors: Chen Wei , Lie Joni Polili , Ng Boon Poh , Wang Tao , Er Meng Hwa
Published: November 2012

An iterative-based method for joint gain/phase and mutual coupling array calibration is proposed in this paper. It estimates the array gain/phase and mutual coupling coefficients with a set of simultaneous equations formed by using the beam pattern property of the array. Only one calibrating source with known direction is requiblue to obtain the unique estimate. The effectiveness of this approach is illustrated by simulation results and by experimental data collected with an antenna array operating in high-frequency radio band.
Unrelated Hematopoietic Stem Cell Donor Matching Probability and Search Algorithm
Authors: Tiercy J.-M.
Published: November 2012

In transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from unrelated donors a high HLA compatibility level decreases the risk of acute graft-versus-host disease and mortality. The diversity of the HLA system at the allelic and haplotypic level and the heterogeneity of HLA typing data of the registered donors render the search process a complex task. This paper summarizes our experience with a search algorithm that includes at the start of the search a probability estimate (high/intermediate/low) to identify a HLA-A, B, C, DRB1, DQB1-compatible donor (a 10/10 match). Based on 2002–2011 searches about 30% of patients have a high, 30% an intermediate, and 40% a low probability search. Search success rate and duration are presented and discussed in light of the experience of other centers. Overall a 9-10/10 matched HSC donor can now be identified for 60–80% of patients of European descent. For high probability searches donors can be selected on the basis of DPB1-matching with an estimated success rate of >40%. For low probability searches there is no consensus on which HLA incompatibilities are more permissive, although HLA-DQB1 mismatches are generally considered as acceptable. Models for the discrimination of more detrimental mismatches based on specific amino acid residues rather than specific HLA alleles are presented.
Expected Residual Minimization Method for a Class of Stochastic Quasivariational Inequality Problems
Authors: Ma Hui-Qiang , Huang Nan-Jing
Published: November 2012

We consider the expected residual minimization method for a class of stochastic quasivariational inequality problems (SQVIP). The regularized gap function for quasivariational inequality problem (QVIP) is in general not differentiable. We first show that the regularized gap function is differentiable and convex for a class of QVIPs under some suitable conditions. Then, we reformulate SQVIP as a deterministic minimization problem that minimizes the expected residual of the regularized gap function and solve it by sample average approximation (SAA) method. Finally, we investigate the limiting behavior of the optimal solutions and stationary points.
Efficient Noninteractive Secure Protocol Enforcing Privacy in Vehicle-to-Roadside Communication Networks
Authors: Salem Fatty M. , Ibrahim Maged Hamada , Ibrahim I. I.
Published: November 2012

Vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) have attracted extensive attentions in recent years for their promises in improving safety and enabling other value-added services. In this paper, we propose an efficient noninteractive secure protocol preserving the privacy of drivers in vehicle-to-roadside (V2R) communication networks with the ability of tracing malicious drivers only by a third trusted party (TTP), who is assumed to be fully trusted. Our proposed protocol can provide these complex requirements depending on symmetric cryptographic algorithms. The drivers can change the symmetric key used for message encryption with each message transmission and find noninteractively new values to be correctly used for verification and tracing in case of malicious behavior. The advantages of symmetric cryptographic algorithms over asymmetric algorithms are the faster processing speed and the shorter message length which makes it suitable for real-time applications such as V2R communications. An efficient key revocation scheme will be also described.
The Influence of Titania Electrode Modification with Lanthanide Ions Containing Thin Layer on the Performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Zalas Maciej , Klein Maciej
Published: November 2012

The lanthanide and scandium groups ions (except Pm and Ac) have been used as dopants of TiO2film in dye-sensitized solar cells. The X-ray diffraction spectra show that the modification has no influence on the structure of the electrode; however, the diffuse reflectance UV-Vis measurements exhibit significant changes in the electronic properties of modified electrodes. The appearance of energy barrier preventing photoexcited electron back-transfer was confirmed for Sc, Ce, Sm, Tb, Ho, Tm, and Lu modified cells. The best photoconversion performance of 8.88 and 8.80% was found for samples modified with Ce and Yb, respectively, and it was greater by 31.4 and 30.2% than that of a unmodified cell.
Urgent Splenectomy after Partial Splenic Embolization in Liver-Transplanted Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Herrador Benito Jorge , Zunzarren M. G. , Pozancos de Simón T. , Tortolero L. , Latorre Fragua R. , Nuño J. , Lobo E.
Published: November 2012

We describe a 51-year-old-male. Three months after liver transplantation due to hepatitis C virus (HCV) hepatopathy, an HCV relapse was detected, and partial splenic embolization (PSE) was performed prior to antiviral treatment. Eleven days after PSE emergency splenectomy was performed due to the development of a splenic abscess, which is a rare but severe complication of PSE. Between May 2002 and March 2012, 18 PSEs have been performed in transplant patients in our centre. The patient presented here is the only case of splenic abscess and the only one who has needed surgery after complications of PSE.
Cardioprotective Effects of Qishenyiqi Mediated by Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockade and Enhancing Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2
Authors: Wang Yong , Li Chun , Ouyang Yulin , Yu Junda , Guo Shuzhen , Liu Zhongyang , Li Dong , Han Jing , Wang Wei
Published: November 2012

The aim of this paper was to investigate whether the effects of QSYQ on CHD are associated with the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). The formula groups were lavaged with QSYQ, using fosinopril sodium as a control. The level of RAAS components in the myocardial tissue was measured, respectively. The results showed that both QSYQ and fosinopril sodium can improve the ejection fraction in CHD and that QSYQ decreases the left ventricular end-systolic diameter and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, while fosinopril sodium has no effects on these parameters. Fosinopril sodium, as an ACE inhibitor, downregulated ACE expression and eventually reduced the tissue AngII concentration but had no effect on ACE2. Moreover, it had no effect on renin or AT2, while QSYQ significantly decreased the level of renin and expression of AngII in myocardial tissue. The results also revealed that QSYQ can act on both AT1 and AT2, thus, blocking the effect of AngII and increasing the level of ACE2. It also downregulated the levels of TGF-βand MMP-9, but it had no effect on ACE. This study showed that the ameliorative effects of QSYQ on CHD in rats had multiple targets associated with the inhibition of RAAS, thus, producing cardioprotective therapy effects.
Distal Placement of an End-to-Side Bypass Graft Anastomosis: A 3D Computational Study
Authors: Di Cicco John , Demuren Ayodeji
Published: November 2012

A three-dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics study of shear rates around distal end-to-side anastomoses has been conducted. Three 51% and three 75% cross-sectional area-reduced 6 mm cylinders were modeled each with a bypass cylinder attached at a 30-degree angle at different placements distal to the constriction. Steady, incompressible, Newtonian blood flow was assumed, and the full Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations, turbulent kinetic energy, and specific dissipation rate equations were solved on a locally structured multiblock mesh with hexahedral elements. Consequently, distal placement of an end-to-side bypass graft anastomosis was found to have an influence on the shear rate magnitudes. For the 75% constriction, closer placements produced lower shear rates near the anastomosis. Hence, there is potential for new plaque formation and graft failure.
Synthesis, Spectroscopy, Theoretical, and Electrochemical Studies of Zn(II), Cd(II), and Hg(II) Azide and Thiocyanate Complexes of a New Symmetric Schiff-Base Ligand
Authors: Montazerozohori Morteza , Nozarian Kimia , Ebrahimi Hamid Reza
Published: November 2012

Synthesis of zinc(II)/cadmium(II)/mercury(II) thiocyanate and azide complexes of a new bidentate Schiff-base ligand (L) with general formula of MLX2(M = Zn(II), Cd(II), and Hg(II)) in ethanol solution at room temperature is reported. The ligand and metal complexes were characterized by using ultraviolet-visible (UV-visible), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR),1H- and13C-NMR spectroscopy and physical characterization, CHN analysis, and molar conductivity.1H- and13C-NMR spectra have been studied in DMSO-d6. The reasonable shifts of FT-IR and NMR spectral signals of the complexes with respect to the free ligand confirm well coordination of Schiff-base ligand and anions in an inner sphere coordination space. The conductivity measurements as well as spectral data indicated that the complexes are nonelectrolyte. Theoretical optimization on the structure of ligand and its complexes was performed at the Becke’s three-parameter hybrid functional (B3) with the nonlocal correlation of Lee-Yang-Parr (LYP) level of theory with double-zeta valence (LANL2DZ) basis set using GAUSSIAN 03 suite of program, and then some theoretical structural parameters such as bond lengths, bond angles, and torsion angles were obtained. Finally, electrochemical behavior of ligand and its complexes was investigated. Cyclic voltammograms of metal complexes showed considerable changes with respect to free ligand.
Data-Driven Parsing using Probabilistic Linear Context-Free Rewriting Systems
Authors: Kallmeyer Laura , Maier Wolfgang
Published: November 2012

This paper presents the first efficient implementation of a weighted deductive CYK parser for Probabilistic Linear Context-Free Rewriting Systems (PLCFRSs). LCFRS, an extension of CFG, can describe discontinuities in a straightforward way and is therefore a natural candidate to be used for data-driven parsing. To speed up parsing, we use different context-summary estimates of parse items, some of them allowing for A* parsing. We evaluate our parser with grammars extracted from the German NeGra treebank. Our experiments show that data-driven LCFRS parsing is feasible and yields output of competitive quality.
Interannual Climate Variability over the Tropical Pacific Ocean Induced by the Indian Ocean Dipole through the Indonesian Throughflow
Authors: Yuan Dongliang , Zhou Hui , Zhao Xia
Published: November 2012

The authors’ previous dynamical study has suggested a link between the Indian and Pacific Ocean interannual climate variations through the transport variations of the Indonesian Throughflow. In this study, the consistency of this oceanic channel link with observations is investigated using correlation analyses of observed ocean temperature, sea surface height, and surface wind data. The analyses show significant lag correlations between the sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTA) in the southeastern tropical Indian Ocean in fall and those in the eastern Pacific cold tongue in the following summer through fall seasons, suggesting potential predictability of ENSO events beyond the period of 1 yr. The dynamics of this teleconnection seem not through the atmospheric bridge, because the wind anomalies in the far western equatorial Pacific in fall have insignificant correlations with the cold tongue anomalies at time lags beyond one season. Correlation analyses between the sea surface height anomalies (SSHA) in the southeastern tropical Indian Ocean and those over the Indo-Pacific basin suggest eastward propagation of the upwelling anomalies from the Indian Ocean into the equatorial Pacific Ocean through the Indonesian Seas. Correlations in the subsurface temperature in the equatorial vertical section of the Pacific Ocean confirm the propagation. In spite of the limitation of the short time series of observations available, the study seems to suggest that the ocean channel connection between the two basins is important for the evolution and predictability of ENSO.
The Hadley Circulation in Reanalyses: Climatology, Variability, and Change
Authors: Nguyen H. , Evans A. , Lucas C. , Smith I. , Timbal B.
Published: November 2012

Analysis of the annual cycle of intensity, extent, and width of the Hadley circulation across a 31-yr period (1979–2009) from all existent reanalyses reveals a good agreement among the datasets. All datasets show that intensity is at a maximum in the winter hemisphere and at a minimum in the summer hemisphere. Maximum and minimum values of meridional extent are reached in the respective autumn and spring hemispheres. While considering the horizontal momentum balance, where a weakening of the Hadley cell (HC) is expected in association with a widening, it is shown here that there is no direct relationship between intensity and extent on a monthly time scale.

All reanalyses show an expansion in both hemispheres, most pronounced and statistically significant during summer and autumn at an average rate of expansion of 0.55° decade−1 in each hemisphere. In contrast, intensity trends are inconsistent among the datasets, although there is a tendency toward intensification, particularly in winter and spring.

Correlations between the HC and tropical and extratropical large-scale modes of variability suggest interactions where the extent of the HC is influenced by El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the annular modes. The cells tend to shrink (expand) during the warm (cold) phase of ENSO and during the low (high) phase of the annular modes. Intensity appears to be influenced only by ENSO and only during spring for the southern cell and during winter for the northern cell.
Response of the HadGEM2 Earth System Model to Future Greenhouse Gas Emissions Pathways to the Year 2300*
Authors: Caesar John , Palin Erika , Liddicoat Spencer , Lowe Jason , Burke Eleanor , Pardaens Anne , Sanderson Michael , Kahana Ron
Published: November 2012

A new ensemble of simulations from the Earth System configuration of the Hadley Centre Global Environmental Model, version 2 (HadGEM2-ES), is used to evaluate the response to historical and projected future greenhouse gas forcings that follow Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs). In addition to the projected changes during the twenty-first century, extended simulations to the year 2300 allow an investigation into inertia in the climate system post-2100 that may occur even if atmospheric CO2 concentrations have stabilized. Projections of temperature, precipitation, sea level, permafrost, heat waves, and compatible carbon emissions are analyzed. The low emissions scenario RCP2.6 is the only scenario considered here that is approximately consistent with a 2°C global warming limit, though there are regions where local changes in temperature are projected to considerably exceed 2°C, particularly over northern high-latitude areas. An aggressive mitigation approach, represented here by RCP2.6, could contribute to avoiding the larger-magnitude future climate changes projected under higher emissions scenarios. Despite these benefits, changes should still be expected under an aggressive mitigation pathway and may require adaptation.
Toward an African Cosmology
Authors: Exkano Jessica
Published: November 2012

This article seeks to point out a discourse history of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in higher education, to explore the question, “Who is framing the narrative of HBCUs?” The article argues that a Western lens has framed the discussion surrounding HBCUs and points out the discursive history that propagates a “deficit” rhetoric. The article concludes with a discussion of how using an African cosmological lens can aid in excavating what communal meanings may be associated with HBCUs. It is the author’s hope that an exploration of “experience” aids others in finding ways to reframe how we think and subsequently talk about HBCUs.