bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ring opening of 2-aza-3-borabicyclo[2.2.0]hex-5-ene, the Dewar form of 1,2-dihydro-1,2-azaborine: stepwise versus concerted mechanisms
Authors: Bettinger Holger F , Hauler Otto
Published: April 2013

The ring opening of the Dewar form of 1,2-dihydro-1,2-azaborine, 2-aza-3-borabicyclo[2.2.0]hex-5-ene (3) is investigated by theoretical methods by using multiconfiguration SCF (CASSCF) and coupled cluster theory [CCSD(T)] with basis sets up to polarised quadruple-zeta quality. The title compound was previously reported to form photochemically in cryogenic noble gas matrices from 1,2-dihydro-1,2-azaborine (4). Four reaction paths for the thermal ring opening of 3 to 4 could be identified. These are the conventional disrotatory and conrotatory electrocyclic ring-opening pathways where the BN unit is only a bystander. Two more favourable paths are stepwise and involve 1,3-boron–carbon interactions. The lowest energy barrier for the isomerisation reaction, 22 kcal mol−1, should be high enough for an experimental observation in solution. However, in solution the dimerisation of 3 is computed to have a very low barrier (3 kcal mol−1), and thus 3 is expected to be a short-lived reactive intermediate.
A FRAMEWORK FOR SUBCONTRACTOR SELECTION IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
Authors: Abbasianjahromi Hamidreza , Rajaie Hossein , Shakeri Eqbal
Published: April 2013

The present condition of the construction industry imposes onerous responsibilities on contractors so they are very eager to subcontract some of their works. Subcontractors who directly handle a major portion of all construction activities have a highlighted role in the building industry, so suitable subcontractor selection has a direct effect on the productivity of construction operations. This paper aims to develop a comprehensive model for subcontractor selection based on the fuzzy preference selection index. The improvement of the proposed model lies in the fact that it has found a way to eliminate the weighting criteria phase in selecting the optimal subcontractor where weighting attributes is a challenging task. The consistency test is presented for investigating the accuracy of model results with the previous scientific work.
COMPLEX ASSESSMENT OF STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS USED FOR HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS
Authors: Tamošaitienė Jolanta , Gaudutis Ernestas
Published: April 2013

Today, increasingly more attention is given to reduction of the negative impacts of human activities on the surrounding environment during different stages of a building life cycle, which should be estimated during the design stage of the building. Selection of a structural system for a high-rise building remains a complex task that requires estimating a large amount of data such as structural system parameters, architectural solutions, engineering system requirements and construction process peculiarities. Decision-making problems in civil engineering often involve a complex decision-making process, in which multiple requirements and conditions have to be taken into consideration simultaneously. It means that such problems deal with sets of multiple criteria. The accuracy of performance measures in COPRAS (COmplex PRoportional ASsessment) method assumes direct and proportional dependence of the significance and utility degree of investigated alternatives on a system of criteria adequately describing the alternatives as well as on values and weights of the criteria. The research has concluded that the COPRAS-G method is appropriate for assessment of structural systems of high-rise buildings.
Leg-length Inequalities Following THA Based on Surgical Technique
Authors: Nam Denis , Sculco Peter K. , Abdel Matthew P. , Alexiades Michael M. , Figgie Mark P. , Mayman David J.
Published: April 2013

Leg-length inequality after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a source of patient morbidity and concern, potentially contributing to nerve palsies, low back pain, and abnormal gait mechanics. The purpose of this study was to compare the degrees of leg-length inequality in patients undergoing primary THA via 3 surgical approaches: anterior, conventional posterior, and posterior-navigated (ie, using computer navigation).

The authors reviewed the most recent 90 patients who underwent primary unilateral THA performed by a senior surgeon using an anterior, conventional posterior, or posterior-navigated approach. Measurements of leg-length inequality of the operative extremity were performed using interischial and interteardrop reference lines. One-way analysis of variance demonstrated no statistical difference in postoperative absolute leg-length inequality using interischial (
P
=.11) and interteardrop (
P
=.90) reference lines between the 3 approaches. In addition, no significant difference existed in the number of outliers in each cohort when measured relative to the interteardrop reference line. When a leg-length inequality more than 5 mm was considered an outlier, 31.1%, 20.0%, and 23.3% of patients in the anterior, conventional posterior, and posterior-navigated groups, respectively, were outliers (
P
values range, .12 to .71). Mean±SD absolute-leg-length inequality relative to the interteardrop reference line in the anterior, conventional posterior, and posterior-navigated groups were 3.8±3.9, 3.9±3.0, and 3.9±2.7 mm, respectively. The anterior and posterior-navigated approaches demonstrated no superiority over the conventional posterior approach; all methods provided reliable leg-length equalization.
Novel Articulating Medullary-sparing Spacer for the Treatment of Infectious Hip Arthritis
Authors: Shen Hao , Wang Qiao-Jie , Zhang Xian-long , Jiang Yao
Published: April 2013

Two-stage total hip arthroplasty (THA) is considered a safe choice for the treatment of primary infectious arthritis of the hip. In cases where the proximal portion of the femur is intact without infection, the use of a spacer with a femoral stem during the interim would disturb the normal femoral medullary cavity. The authors report the technical procedure and outcomes of cases using a novel medullary sparing, antibiotic-loaded hip spacer for the treatment of hip infections.

Five consecutive patients (5 hips) with infectious arthritis of the hip were treated in a 2-stage approach using an intraoperatively made medullary-sparing hip spacer. During the first-stage THA, after thorough debridement of potentially infected and necrotic soft tissues, the spacer was inserted into the femoral neck and fixed without opening the femoral canal. Antibiotics were administered for at least 6 weeks and were continued until the infection was controlled clinically, after which the second-stage THA was completed.

Infection was eradicated in all 5 hips. Average follow-up was 39.6 months (range, 30–59 months). At most recent follow-up, no recurrence of infection was observed. No specific complications were associated with the use of this novel spacer. Average Harris Hip Score improved from 35.2 (range, 28–43) before the first-stage THA to 61.6 (range, 54–71) between the 2 stages and to 93.6 (range, 89–99) at final follow-up. All patients ambulated with the aid of crutches during the interim period.
Accuracy of Distal Radius Positioning Using an Anatomical Plate
Authors: Vroemen Joy C. , Dobbe Johannes G. G. , Sierevelt Inger N. , Strackee Simon D. , Streekstra Geert J.
Published: April 2013

Over the past decade, several anatomical plates have been introduced to improve the result of open reduction and internal fixation of the distal radius. Using 3-dimensional imaging techniques, the authors studied the accuracy and reproducibility of distal radius positioning using anatomical plates.

Distal radius fractures and the correction of these fractures were simulated with plastic bone models of radii. The authors simulated a defect by removing an arbitrary wedge shape from the artificial radii. Two surgeons corrected these fractures by placing 2 anatomical plate types according to the plate manufacturers’ instructions. The residual positioning errors of the distal segment in relation to the unaffected radii were determined using 3-dimensional imaging and were compared with naturally occurring bilateral radius differences in healthy individuals. In many cases, positioning does not agree with differences based on bilateral asymmetry in healthy patients.

This study indicated the accuracy of anatomical plates. Positioning an anatomical plate may lead to considerable residual errors in individual patients. Volar distal radius plate shapes differ among plate manufacturers. Therefore, one plate may perform better than another in an individual.
Influence of Spinous Process Spacers on Surgical Outcome of Laminoplasty for OPLL
Authors: Nagashima Hideki , Nanjo Yoshiro , Tanida Atsushi , Mihara Tokumitsu , Takeda Chikako , Teshima Ryota
Published: April 2013

Expansive laminoplasty for ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) has had favorable outcomes. Many modifications of expansive laminoplasty have been developed, including expansive laminoplasty with and without spinous process spacers (SPS). The purpose of this study was to determine whether surgical outcomes were similar between expansive laminoplasty surgeries with and without SPS.

Of 109 consecutive patients undergoing surgery for OPLL, 68 patients undergoing expansive laminoplasty were included in the study after excluding patients with other conditions affecting their functional status. The patients were divided into 2 groups based on their K-line, which connects the midpoints of the spinal canal at C2 and C7. Patients were further divided into 2 subgroups: those undergoing expansive laminoplasty without SPS (without SPS group) and those undergoing expansive laminoplasty with SPS (with SPS group). Surgical outcomes were evaluated between K-line (+) and K-line (−) groups. After dividing those groups further into the with SPS and without SPS groups, the differences in surgical outcomes were evaluated again.

No significant difference existed in the recovery rate between the with SPS and without SPS groups and between the K-line (+) and K-line (−) groups. When the surgical outcome was only evaluated in the K-line (+) group, the recovery rate 1 year postoperatively was higher in patients without SPS than in those with SPS. Therefore, for patients with K-line (+), the possibility exists that SPS can restrict the posterior shift of the spinal cord and affect the surgical outcome.
Posterior Chamber Toric Phakic IOL Implantation for the Management of Pediatric Anisometropic Amblyopia
Authors: Althomali Talal Abdulrahman
Published: April 2013

PURPOSE:

To report the outcomes of toric posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens (PIOL) implantation in children for the treatment of amblyopia due to anisometropia with astigmatism.

METHODS:

Six eyes of 6 amblyopic patients aged 5 to 15 years underwent toric PIOL (Visian Toric ICL; STAAR Surgical Company, Monrovia, CA) implantation for refractory anisometropic amblyopia. Preoperative and postoperative clinical evaluation included slit-lamp microscopy, visual acuity, anterior/posterior segment examination, and cycloplegic refraction.

RESULTS:

After a mean follow-up of 23 months (range: 15 to 34 months), mean spherical equivalent cycloplegic refraction improved from −10.21 ± 4.62 diopters (D) (range −7.5 to −19.5 D) preoperatively to −0.42 ± 0.39 D (range: −0.625 to +0.125 D) postoperatively. Corrected distance visual acuity ranged from 20/40 to 20/200 preoperatively and 20/20 to 20/60 postoperatively. Five of the 6 eyes gained more than 3 lines of corrected distance visual acuity with a maximum gain of 8 lines in one eye. One eye showed an improvement of more than 2 lines (change in preoperative visual acuity of 20/100 to 20/60 postoperatively). No patients lost any lines of visual acuity. All eyes remained quiet. All PIOLs remained well centered throughout the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION:

Toric PIOL implantation may be a viable therapeutic modality in children with clinically significant anisometropic ametropia and astigmatism with secondary amblyopia who have been refractory to medical treatment including spectacles or contact lenses. Longer follow-up visits with larger sample populations will evaluate more effectively the long-term efficacy and late-onset of complications.

[
J Refract Surg.
2013;29(6):396–400.]
Internacionalidad, Higiene y Cuestión Social en Buenos Aires (1850-1910). Tres momentos históricos
Authors: González Leandri Ricardo
Published: April 2013

A través de tres momentos históricos este artículo analiza aspectos de la circulación internacional de expertos, conocimientos y modelos institucionales que vincularon a la Higiene con la Cuestión Social en Argentina en el siglo XIX y principios del XX. Resalta la gran movilidad a la vez que el eclecticismo temprano y permanente con los que se formaron redes y se incorporaron conocimientos.
A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR DELIVERING SUSTAINABLE BUILDING ENERGY EFFICENCY RETROFIT USING THE ENERGY PERFORMANCE CONTRACTING (EPC) IN CHINA
Authors: Xu Pengpeng , Chan Edwin H. W. , Lam Patrick T. I.
Published: April 2013

Sustainable building has become a future development trend in the building sector. Building Energy Efficiency Retrofit (BEER) provides excellent opportunities to reduce energy consumption in existing buildings, and to promote environmental protection, the rational use of resources, occupants' health, all of which helps to improve the sustainability of existing buildings. Energy Performance Contracting (EPC) provided by Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) is a market mechanism to provide financial and technological support for energy efficiency projects. This paper aims to develop a sustainability promotion framework for BEER projects under the EPC mechanism to link the sustainable performance of BEER with the success factors of this EPC mechanism. Different types of building have different energy consumption characteristics. This research focuses on hotel buildings in China. The paper develops a framework for sustainable BEER through an EPC mechanism in hotel buildings based on the EFQM Excellence Model for business quality management. Interviews were conducted with experts from the hotel industry, from energy service companies and with academics. Based on the developed framework, the study has identified 11 performance indicators for sustainable BEER and 28 success factors of an EPC mechanism. This provides significant groundwork for future study in developing an assessment model to evaluate the sustainability of BEER projects.
Impaired Autophagy, Defective T Cell Homeostasis, and a Wasting Syndrome in Mice with a T Cell–Specific Deletion of Vps34
Authors: Parekh Vrajesh V. , Wu Lan , Boyd Kelli L. , Williams Janice A. , Gaddy Jennifer A. , Olivares-Villagómez Danyvid , Cover Timothy L. , Zong Wei-Xing , Zhang Jianhua , Van Kaer Luc
Published: April 2013

Autophagy plays a critical role in multiple aspects of the immune system, including the development and function of T lymphocytes. In mammalian cells, the class III PI3K vacuolar protein sorting (Vps)34 is thought to play a critical role in autophagy. However, recent studies have cast doubt on the role of Vps34 in autophagy, at least in certain cell types. To study the effects of Vps34 on autophagy in T lymphocytes, we generated mice that selectively lack Vps34 in the T cell lineage. Vps34 ablation in T cells caused profound defects in autophagic flux, resulting in accumulation of cellular organelles and apoptosis. These animals exhibited normal intrathymic development of conventional T cells, but they were profoundly impaired in the intrathymic development of invariant NKT cells. In peripheral organs, T cell–specific ablation of Vps34 had a profound impact on T cell homeostasis and function. Furthermore, aged animals developed an inflammatory wasting syndrome characterized by weight loss, intestinal inflammation, and anemia. Consistent with this phenotype, Vps34 was required for the peripheral maintenance and function of CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells. Collectively, our study reveals a critical role for Vps34 in autophagy and for the peripheral homeostasis and function of T lymphocytes.
MicroRNA-146a Negatively Regulates the Immunoregulatory Activity of Bone Marrow Stem Cells by Targeting Prostaglandin E2 Synthase-2
Authors: Matysiak Mariola , Fortak-Michalska Maria , Szymanska Bożena , Orlowski Wojciech , Jurewicz Anna , Selmaj Krzysztof
Published: April 2013

The molecular mechanisms that regulate the immune function of bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are not known. We have shown previously that freshly isolated BMSCs when induced to express neuronal stem cell markers lose immunoregulatory function when transferred into mice sensitized to develop experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Recently, microRNAs (miRs) have been shown to be involved in the regulation of several immune responses in both innate and acquired immunity. We now show that among several differentially expressed miRs, miR-146a was strongly upregulated in neuronally differentiated when compared with miR-146a expression in freshly isolated BMSCs or control BMSCs cultured in parallel but in nondifferentiating medium. Inhibition of miR-146a with a selective antagomir restored the immunoregulatory activity of nBMSCs. We mapped miR-146a to its multiple predicted target mRNA transcripts and found that miR-146a was predicted to block PGE2 synthase (ptges-2). We then showed that Ptges-2 was directly targeted by miR-146a using a luciferase reporter assay. Furthermore, increased expression of miR-146a in BMSCs correlated with inhibition of PGE synthase-2 and inhibition of PGE2 release. Accordingly, inhibition of miR-146a restored synthesis of PGE2. These data support the conclusion that miR-146a plays a critical role in the control of the immunoregulatory potential of BMSCs.
Chemokine Receptor CXCR6-Dependent Hepatic NK T Cell Accumulation Promotes Inflammation and Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Wehr Alexander , Baeck Christer , Heymann Felix , Niemietz Patricia Maria , Hammerich Linda , Martin Christian , Zimmermann Henning W. , Pack Oliver , Gassler Nikolaus , Hittatiya Kanishka , Ludwig Andreas , Luedde Tom , Trautwein Christian , Tacke Frank
Published: April 2013

Chronic liver injury characteristically results in hepatic inflammation, which represents a prerequisite for organ fibrosis. Although NKT cells are abundantly present in liver and involved in hepatic inflammation, molecular mechanisms of their recruitment in liver fibrosis remained elusive. We hypothesized that chemokine receptor CXCR6 and its ligand CXCL16 control NKT cell migration and functionality in liver fibrosis. In patients with chronic liver diseases (n = 58), CXCR6 and CXCL16 expression was intrahepatically upregulated compared with controls. In murine liver, Cxcl16 was strongly expressed by endothelium and macrophages, whereas lymphocyte populations (NKT, NK, CD4 T, CD8 T cells) expressed CXCR6. Intravital two-photon microscopy imaging of Cxcr6+/gfp and Cxcr6gfp/gfp mice and chemotaxis studies in vitro revealed that CXCR6 specifically controls hepatic NKT cell accumulation during the early response upon experimental liver damage. Hepatic invariant NKT cells expressed distinct proinflammatory cytokines including IFN-γ and IL-4 upon injury. CXCR6-deficient mice were protected from liver fibrosis progression in two independent experimental models. Macrophage infiltration and protein levels of inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-4 were also reduced in fibrotic livers of Cxcr6−/− mice, corroborating that hepatic NKT cells provide essential cytokine signals perpetuating hepatic inflammation and fibrogenesis. Adoptive transfer of NKT cells, but not CD4 T cells, isolated from wild type livers restored hepatic fibrosis in Cxcr6−/− mice upon experimental steatohepatitis. Our results demonstrate that hepatic NKT cells accumulate CXCR6-dependent early upon injury, thereby accentuating the inflammatory response in the liver and promoting hepatic fibrogenesis. Interfering with CXCR6/CXCL16 might therefore bear therapeutic potential in liver fibrosis.
IL-17 Stimulates Differentiation of Human Anti-Inflammatory Macrophages and Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Neutrophils in Response to IL-10 and Glucocorticoids
Authors: Zizzo Gaetano , Cohen Philip L.
Published: April 2013

Exposure of human monocytes/macrophages to anti-inflammatory agents, such as IL-10 or glucocorticoids, can lead to two separate fates: either Fas/CD95-mediated apoptosis or differentiation into regulatory and efferocytic M2c (CD14brightCD16+CD163+Mer tyrosine kinase+) macrophages. We found that the prevalent effect depends on the type of Th cytokine environment and on the stage of monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation. In particular, the presence of IFN-γ (Th1 inflammation) or the prolonged exposure to IL-4 (chronic Th2 inflammation) promotes apoptosis of monocytes/macrophages and causes resistance to M2c differentiation, thus provoking impaired clearance of apoptotic neutrophils, uncontrolled accumulation of apoptotic cells, and persistent inflammation. In contrast, the presence of IL-17 (Th17 environment) prevents monocyte/macrophage apoptosis and elicits intense M2c differentiation, thus ensuring efficient clearance of apoptotic neutrophils and restoration of anti-inflammatory conditions. Additionally, the Th environment affects the expression of two distinct Mer tyrosine kinase isoforms: IL-4 downregulates the membrane isoform but induces an intracellular and Gas6-dependent isoform, whereas IFN-γ downregulates both and IL-17 upregulates both. Our data support an unexpected role for IL-17 in orchestrating resolution of innate inflammation, whereas IFN-γ and IL-4 emerge as major determinants of IL-10 and glucocorticoid resistance.
Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase Is Required for Apoptotic Cell Uptake via Regulating the Phosphorylation and Localization of Calreticulin
Authors: Byrne Jennifer C. , Ní Gabhann Joan , Stacey Kevin B. , Coffey Barbara M. , McCarthy Eoghan , Thomas Warren , Jefferies Caroline A.
Published: April 2013

In addition to regulating B cell development and activation, Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (Btk) functions downstream of multiple TLRs, including TLR7, to regulate innate immune responses in myeloid cells. Although critical for defense against RNA viruses such as influenza and Sendai virus, recognition of self-RNA by TLR7 also has been shown to be an important contributor to the pathophysiology of systemic lupus erythematosus. To date, the role of Btk in regulating TLR7-mediated responses is poorly understood. In the current study, we have demonstrated a hitherto undiscovered role for Btk in apoptotic cell uptake, identifying the molecular chaperone calreticulin (CRT) as a novel substrate for Btk in regulating this response. CRT together with the transmembrane receptor CD91 function at the cell membrane and regulate uptake of C1q-opsonised apoptotic cells. Our results show that Btk directly phosphorylates CRT and that in the absence of Btk, CRT fails to localize with CD91 at the cell surface and at the phagocytic cup. Critically, a blocking Ab against CRT in wild-type macrophages mimics the inability of Btk-deficient macrophages to phagocytose apoptotic cells efficiently, indicating the critical importance of Btk in regulating CRT-driven apoptotic cell uptake. Our data have revealed a novel regulatory role for Btk in mediating apoptotic cell clearance, with CRT identified as the critical component of the CRT/CD91/C1q system targeted by Btk. Given the importance of clearing apoptotic cell debris to prevent inappropriate exposure of TLRs to endogenous ligands, our results have important implications regarding the role of Btk in myeloid cell function.
Lung Clear “Sugar” Cell Tumor and Jak V617f Positive Essential Thrombocythemia: A simple Coıncıdence?
Authors: Yazak Volkan , Sargin Gokhan , Yavasoglu Irfan , Kadikoylu Gurhan , Tataroglu Canten , Bozkurt Gokay , Bolaman Zahit
Published: April 2013

The primary clear cell tumor of the lung is an extremely rare benign tumor, which is called “sugar tumor”, because of the large content of glycogen. Here we are presenting essential thrombocythemia and lung clear cell tumor which was not reported before to the best of our knowledge.A 44 years old woman admitted to the clinic with complaint of lassitude lasting for 2 months. In her physical examination the spleen was 3 cm palpable from the costa arch In laboratory findings number of platelet was 1014000 mm³. A 3.5 cm in diameter pulmonary nodule is detected in right upper lobe in the graphy of the lungs. Subsequently  computed tomography  (CT ) of thorax was carried out. Due to the benign features in the display of  the detected nodule, a total excision with curative and diagnostic intentions was performed. Microscopically the tumor were composed of nests of rounded or oval cells with distinct cell borders and optically clear cytoplasm. The nuclei were small. Immunohistochemically the tumor cells expressed HMB-45, NSE and focal S100 antigen. It was diagnosed as clear  “sugar” cell tumor. In conclusion, in lung clear cell tumor, it is important to make evaluation in terms of myeloproliferative disease in adults whose thrombocytosis continue after the treatment.
IMPACT OF PRETRANSPLANT DONOR AND RECIPIENT CYTOMEGALOVIRUS SEROSTATUS ON OUTCOME FOR MULTIPLE MYELOMA PATIENTS UNDERGOING REDUCED INTENSITY CONDITIONING ALLOGENEIC STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION.
Authors: Elcheikh Jean
Published: April 2013

To investigate the impact of pre-transplant CMV serostatus of donor or recipient on outcome of patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Allo-SCT) for Multiple Myeloma (MM). To our knowledge no data are available in the literature about this issue.We retrospectively followed 99 consecutive patients who underwent reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) Allo-SCT for MM in our cancer centre at Marseille between January 2000 and January 2012. Based upon CMV serostatus, patients were classified as low risk (donor [D]-/recipient [R]-) 17 patients (17.1%), intermediate risk (D+/R) 14 patients (14.1%), or high risk – either (D-/R+) 31 patients (31.3%) or (D+/R+), 37 patients (37.3%).Cumulative incidence of CMV reactivation was 39% with a median time of 61 days (26–318). Three patients (3%) developed CMV disease. Two factors were associated with CMV reactivation: CMV serostatus group (low: 0% vs intermediate: 29% vs high: 50%; p=0.001) and the presence of grade II–IV acute GvHD (Hazard Ratio: HR=2.1 [1.1–3.9]). Thirty-six of the 39 patients (92%) with CMV reactivation did not present positive detection of CMV after a 21-day median duration preemptive treatment with ganciclovir. Cumulative incidence of day 100 grade II–IV acute GvHD, 1-year chronic GvHD and day 100 transplantation related mortality (TRM) were 37%, 36% and 9%, respectively. CMV reactivation and serostatus were not associated with increased GvHD and TRM or short survival. Only the presence of acute GvHD as a time dependent variable was significantly associated with increased TRM (p=0.005). Two-year overall and progression free survival were 56% and 34%, respectively.Donor and recipient CMV serostatus and acute GvHD are independent factors for increased CMV reactivation in high-risk MM patients undergoing RIC Allo-SCT. However, we did not find any influence of CMV reactivation on post transplantation outcome. CMV monitoring and pre-emptive treatment strategy could in part explain these results. Novel prophylactic measures such as immunotherapy and drug prophylaxis need to be considered in this specific group of patients, warranting further prospective studies.
Serological investigation of bovine brucellosis in three cattle production systems in Yewa Division, south-western Nigeria
Authors: Cadmus Simeon I.B. , Alabi Peter I. , Adesokan Hezekiah K. , Dale Emma J. , Stack Judy A.
Published: April 2013

Limited data are available on the risk factors responsible for the occurrence of brucellosis amongst different cattle production systems in Nigeria despite its significant impact on livestock production. Consequently, a cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of bovine brucellosis in three cattle production systems in Yewa Division of Ogun State, south-western Nigeria. A total of 279 blood samples (sedentary = 88; transhumance = 64; trade = 127) were examined for antibodies to Brucella sp. using the Rose Bengal test (RBT) and competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA). Overall, 24 (8.6%) and 16 (5.7%) of the animals tested seropositive for Brucella using RBT and cELISA, respectively. The herd seroprevalences based on RBT and cELISA were 31.6% and 15.8%, respectively. The results using cELISA reveal higher seroprevalence in the trade cattle (7.9%; confidence intervals [CI] = 3.2% – 12.6%) and those in a sedentary system (5.7%; CI = 0.9% – 10.5%) than in cattle kept under a transhumant management system (1.6%; CI = 1.5% – 4.7%). Age ( 3 years; p = 0.043) and breed (Djali; p = 0.038) were statistically significant for seropositivity to brucellosis based on cELISA, but sex (female, p = 0.234), production system (trade and sedentary; p = 0.208) or herd size ( 120; p = 0.359) was not. Since breeding stock is mostly sourced from trade and sedentary cattle, it is important that routine serological screening should be conducted before introducing any animal into an existing herd.
Necrotizing fasciitis caused by Aeromonas caviae
Authors: Kumar Simit , Mukhopadhyay Prabir , Chatterjee Mitali , Bandyopadhyay Manas K , Bandyopadhyay Maitreyi , Ghosh Tapashi , Samaddar Debopriyo
Published: April 2013

Aeromonads are rarely associated with human intestinal and extra-intestinal diseases and syndromes, ranging from relatively mild illnesses such as acute gastroenteritis to life-threatening conditions, including septicemia, necrotizing fasciitis, and myonecrosis. Among the aeromonas species known to cause human infection, Aeromonas caviae has been associated with septicemia and only one reported case of human soft tissue infection. Most of the infections due to aeromonas occur in immunocompromised patients. Herein we describe a successfully treated case of post-traumatic skin and soft-tissue infections due to A. caviae in an otherwise immunocompetent individual.
Selection of Antimalarial Drug Resistance after Intermittent Preventive Treatment of Infants and Children (IPTi/c) in Senegal
Authors: Ndiaye Magatte , Tine Roger , Faye Babacar , Ndiaye Jean Louis , Lo Ami Colle , Sylla Khadime , Abiola Annie , Dieng Yémou , Ndiaye Daouda , Hallett Rachel , Gaye Oumar , Alifrangis Michael
Published: April 2013

Our study investigated the possible impact of SP-IPT given to infants and children on the prevalence of SP-resistant haplotypes in the Plasmodium falciparum genes Pfdhfr and Pfdhps, comparing sites with and without IPTi/c. P. falciparum positive samples (N = 352) collected from children < 5 years were analyzed to determine the prevalence of SP resistance-related haplotypes by nested PCR followed by sequence-specific oligonucleotide probe-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The prevalence of the Pfdhfr triple mutant haplotype (CIRN) increased in both groups, but only significantly in the IPTi/c group from 41% to 65% in 2011 (P = 0.005). Conversely, the Pfdhps 437G mutation decreased in both groups from 44.6% to 28.6% (P = 0.07) and from 66.7% to 47.5% (P = 0.02) between 2010 and 2011 in the control and the IPTi/c groups, respectively. A weak trend for decreasing prevalence of quadruple mutants (triple Pfdhfr + Pfdhps 437G) was noted in both groups (P = 0.15 and P = 0.34). During the two cross-sectional surveys some significant changes were observed in the SP resistance-related genes.
The Re-Election of Mayors in the Slovenian Local Self-Government
Authors: Kukovič Simona , Haček Miro
Published: April 2013

This paper analyses the political career of a key executive body in the Slovenian local self-government system – the mayor. The paper first introduces incumbency advantage theories. These theories argue that the probability of electoral victory or defeat is not homogeneously distributed among the candidates, as several factors influence the possibilities of success of some candidates and the failure of others (seniority, membership of political parties, electoral performance, etc). Based on an analysis of objective data and data from an empirical survey conducted among mayors of Slovenian municipalities, we look at the re-election of mayors in Slovenian local self-government with the emphasis on their seniority. We find that the re-election of mayors is a frequent occurrence in Slovenia and is a trend that has also increased with every local election thus far.
Enhancement of Corrosion Performance of Titanium by Micro-Nano Texturing
Authors: Vanithakumari S.C. , George R.P. , Mudali U. Kamachi
Published: April 2013

The present study reveals the influence of different anodizing electrolytes on the superhydrophobic surface modification of titanium and the resultant corrosion and biofouling resistance. Inspired by the Lotus effect, anodization and low surface energy material coating were used to produce super-hydrophobic titanium in the present work. The water contact angle measured on surface-modified titanium was found to be 150°, indicating their superhydrophobic nature. Surface roughness, morphology, phase, and composition of the oxide film were correlated with the superhydrophobic nature of the coated surfaces. Electrochemical studies showed that the superhydrophobic titanium in a nitric acid medium had appreciable increase in the corrosion resistance compared to the as-polished titanium. The antibacterial activity studies showed a one to two order decrease in bacterial attachment on super-hydrophobic titanium samples compared to polished titanium samples.
Corrosion Behavior of Aluminum Alloy for Heat Exchanger in an Exhaust Gas Recirculation System of Diesel Engine
Authors: Lee D.Y. , Nam T.H. , Park I.J. , Kim J.G. , Ahn J.
Published: April 2013

This study examines the corrosion behavior of aluminum alloys in condensed water containing different concentrations of anions for a heat exchanger in an automotive exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system of a diesel engine. Electrochemical measurements and bulk analyses revealed that the aluminum alloy is protected by the adsorption of increased nitrite and nitrate ions contained in condensed water, despite increased detrimental sulfate ions at high EGR rates. The mechanism of the beneficial anions, which are nitrite and nitrate on aluminum alloy in condensed water, was spontaneous physical adsorption (physisorption).
O espaço da escola na formação continuada de professores: lócus de conquistas ou mera formalidade?
Authors: Sagrillo Daniele Rorato , Pereira Sueli Menezes , Zientarski Clarice
Published: April 2013

Este trabalho objetiva desenvolver uma reflexão acerca da formação continuada deprofessores em serviço, tendo como campo de análise uma Escola Municipal de SantaMaria/ RS. Trata-se de um estudo de caso, realizado através de pesquisa documental,e de entrevistas com professores e equipe diretiva. As considerações indicamque o momento de formação continuada de professores da escola investigada ficasecundarizado diante de questões de caráter burocrático, o que limita a autonomia daescola e o seu avanço com vistas à valorização das necessidades emanadas do coletivo.Considera-se que as contradições evidenciadas na formação continuada, como choquede diferentes elementos com interesses antagônicos, podem representar, ao mesmotempo, aspectos limitadores que subordinam a Educação ao Sistema Capitalista deProdução, mas também impulsionadores de transformações, através da formação, dodiálogo, da autonomia, da participação e da leitura crítica.
História da cidade nas narrativas de jovens escolarizados: A relação entre consciência histórica e identidade
Authors: Germinari Geyso Dongley
Published: April 2013

O artigo aborda a relação entre a consciência histórica de jovens escolarizados que vivem em Curitiba-PR e a História da Cidade, tendo como fonte de análise, narrativas históricas produzidas pelos jovens estudantes. A pesquisa segue a perspectiva da Educação Histórica, cujo foco direciona-se ao conhecimento sistemático das ideias históricas de alunos e professores, mobilizadas em situações de aprendizagem. O fundamento principal dessa investigação é a teoria da história de Jörn Rüsen, particularmente o conceito de consciência histórica, que segundo o teórico, articula o passado como experiência e o presente e o futuro como campos de ação orientados pelo passado, e cujas funções essenciais são a orientação temporal e o estabelecimento de identidades individuais e coletivas. As inferências nas narrativas históricas indicaram uma forte influência de determinada idéia de identidade curitibana (identificada com a imagem da cidade-modelo de urbanização) na formação da consciência histórica de jovens escolarizados que vivem na cidade.
Blogs para la enseñanza de literatura infantil y juvenil en español: espacio central de la LIJ 2.0
Authors: Rovira Collado José , Llorens García Ramón F.
Published: April 2013

Para analizar la recepción de las obras de literatura infantil y juvenil en internet, los blogs continúan siendo un espacio fundamental para la opinión crítica, la reflexión académica y la práctica docente configurándose como eje central del concept oLIJ 2.0. Después de analizar dicho concepto, se presentarán en primer lugar los principales blogs de la LIJ en castellano, donde encontramos espacios de escritores e ilustradores, propuestas de animación a la lectura, repositorios de obras y críticaliteraria, centrándonos más en la parte de difusión y animación a la lectura que en lade creación literaria. Posteriormente se presentarán el recorrido didáctico realizado alo largo de cinco años en la Universidad de Alicante para explotar dichas herramientas en distintos niveles educativos.
O humor na literatura infantil: um estudo sobre leitura e apropriação de recursos humorísticos por crianças dos anos iniciais
Authors: Bonin Iara Tatiana , Silveira Rosa Maria Hessel
Published: April 2013

O trabalho baseia-se na articulação entre o campo da literatura infantil e os estudos sobre humor e  investiga as formas como alunos  dos anos iniciais se apropriam de alguns recursos humorísticos em sua própria produção textual e imagética, após a realização de atividade com uma obra de literatura infantil (“Os chifres de Filomena”, de David Small) que  incorpora elementos de humor.  No estudo, aborda-se a questão do humor na literatura infantil, caracteriza-se a obra escolhida,  descreve-se o trabalho realizado e interpreta-se a produção dos alunos, identificando-se, nela, a recriação de algumas estratégias de humor. Especula-se que tanto o caráter desafiador das atividades propostas quanto as características da obra, com seu final aberto, podem ter proporcionado a  grande variedade de cenários, tramas e desfechos constatada nas produções das crianças.
Listening to Classical Music Ameliorates Unilateral Neglect After Stroke
Authors: Tsai Pei-Luen , Chen Mei-Ching , Huang Yu-Ting , Lin Keh-Chung , Chen Kuan-Lin , Hsu Yung-Wen
Published: April 2013

OBJECTIVE. We determined whether listening to excerpts of classical music ameliorates unilateral neglect (UN) in stroke patients.

METHOD. In this within-subject study, we recruited and separately tested 16 UN patients with a right-hemisphere stroke under three conditions within 1 wk. In each condition, participants were asked to complete three subtests of the Behavioral Inattention Test while listening to classical music, white noise, or nothing. All conditions and the presentation of the tests were counterbalanced across participants. Visual analog scales were used to provide self-reported ratings of arousal and mood.

RESULTS. Participants generally had the highest scores under the classical music condition and the lowest scores under the silence condition. In addition, most participants rated their arousal as highest after listening to classical music.

CONCLUSION. Listening to classical music may improve visual attention in stroke patients with UN. Future research with larger study populations is necessary to validate these findings.
Assessing the Driving Performance of a Person With Epilepsy Presurgery and Postsurgery
Authors: Crizzle Alexander M. , Classen Sherrilene , LaFranca Christina , Winter Sandra M. , Roper Steven N. , Eisenschenk Stephan
Published: April 2013

Occupational therapists and certified driving rehabilitation specialists are uniquely skilled to assess functional abilities underlying driving performance. However, little information exists on the utility of clinical assessments to determine driving performance in people with epilepsy. This case study demonstrates how an occupational therapy evaluation battery was used to examine differences in visual and cognitive abilities and simulated driving performance before and after epilepsy surgery. Specifically, a 43-yr-old White man with right anterior lobe epilepsy underwent temporal lobectomy and had his driving-related abilities and simulated driving performance assessed pre- and postsurgery. The occupational therapy evaluation indicated improvements in executive skills, attention, and information processing speed postsurgery. Visuospatial abilities worsened after surgery, likely contributing to the modest increase in vehicle position errors on the driving simulator. Nevertheless, simulated driving performance improved after temporal lobectomy. Reductions in the number of visual scanning, lane maintenance, and speed regulation errors were recorded.
Effectiveness of Occupational Therapy Interventions for Older Adults Living With Low Vision
Authors: Berger Sue
Published: April 2013

This issue of AJOT adds to the growing and evolving understanding of the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions to meet the needs of older adults living with low vision; additional high-quality research is needed.
Occupational Therapy for Patients With Acute Lung Injury: Factors Associated With Time to First Intervention in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Dinglas Victor D. , Colantuoni Elizabeth , Ciesla Nancy , Mendez-Tellez Pedro A. , Shanholtz Carl , Needham Dale M.
Published: April 2013

OBJECTIVE. Very early occupational therapy intervention in the intensive care unit (ICU) improves patients’ physical recovery. We evaluated the association of patient, ICU, and hospital factors with time to first occupational therapy intervention in ICU patients with acute lung injury (ALI).

METHOD. We conducted a prospective cohort study of 514 consecutive patients with ALI from 11 ICUs in three hospitals in Baltimore, MD.

RESULTS. Only 30% of patients ever received occupational therapy during their ICU stay. Worse organ failure, continuous hemodialysis, and uninterrupted continuous infusion of sedation were independently associated with delayed occupational therapy initiation, and hospital study site and admission to a trauma ICU were independently associated with earlier occupational therapy.

CONCLUSION. Severity of illness and ICU practices for sedation administration were associated with delayed occupational therapy. Both hospital study site and type of ICU were independently associated with timing of occupational therapy, indicating modifiable environmental factors for promoting early occupational therapy in the ICU.
An empirical model of global climate – Part 1: A critical evaluation of volcanic cooling
Authors: Canty T. , Mascioli N. R. , Smarte M. D. , Salawitch R. J.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Observed reductions in Earth's surface temperature following explosive volcanic eruptions have been used as a proxy for geoengineering of climate by the artificial enhancement of stratospheric sulfate. Earth cools following major eruptions due to an increase in the reflection of sunlight caused by a dramatic enhancement of the stratospheric sulfate aerosol burden. Significant global cooling has been observed following the four major eruptions since 1900: Santa María, Mount Agung, El Chichón and Mt. Pinatubo, leading IPCC (2007) to state "major volcanic eruptions can, thus, cause a drop in global mean surface temperature of about half a degree Celsius that can last for months and even years". We use a multiple linear regression model applied to the global surface temperature anomaly to suggest that exchange of heat between the atmosphere and ocean, driven by variations in the strength of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), has been a factor in the decline of global temperature following these eruptions. The veracity of this suggestion depends on whether sea surface temperature (SST) in the North Atlantic, sometimes called the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, but here referred to as Atlantic Multidecadal Variability (AMV), truly represents a proxy for the strength of the AMOC. Also, precise quantification of global cooling due to volcanoes depends on how the AMV index is detrended. If the AMV index is detrended using anthropogenic radiative forcing of climate, we find that surface cooling attributed to Mt. Pinatubo, using the Hadley Centre/University of East Anglia surface temperature record, maximises at 0.14 °C globally and 0.32 °C over land. These values are about a factor of 2 less than found when the AMV index is neglected in the model and quite a bit lower than the canonical 0.5 °C cooling usually attributed to Pinatubo. This result is driven by the high amplitude, low frequency component of the AMV index, demonstrating that reduced impact of volcanic cooling upon consideration of the AMV index is driven by variations in North Atlantic SST that occur over time periods much longer than those commonly associated with major volcanic eruptions. The satellite record of atmospheric temperature from 1978 to present and other century-long surface temperature records are also consistent with the suggestion that volcanic cooling may have been over estimated by about a factor of 2 due to prior neglect of ocean circulation. Our study suggests a recalibration may be needed for the proper use of Mt. Pinatubo as a proxy for geoengineering of climate. Finally, we highlight possible shortcomings in simulations of volcanic cooling by general circulation models, which are also being used to assess the impact of geoengineering of climate via stratospheric sulfate injection.
The Effect of Training in Primary Health Care Centers on Medical Students’ Clinical Skills
Authors: Abdullatif Alnasir Faisal , Jaradat Ahmed Abdel-Karim
Published: April 2013

Medical students’ effective clinical skills training are an important goal of any medical school. When adequate, graduate doctors will have sufficient skills to consult a patient by taking proper history and conducting appropriate physical examination. The question under scrutiny is the optimal place for providing such training. Since the aim is to graduate general physicians, many literatures highlighted the importance of implementing such training in the primary health care centers. A special clinical skills training program was developed for the Year 4 pre-clerkship medical students of the Arabian Gulf University during the academic year 2011-2012. It was important for these students to acquire certain skills before transferring to the clerkship phase where they deal directly with patients. For the 130 students involved in this study, a self-assessment and clinical exam were conducted at the beginning and end of the program. The study showed that students benefited greatly from this training program with significant differences between their preexisting known skills and clinical skills acquired by the end of the program. Primary care centers are ideal places for optimal training because of small group training setting that is one tutor to two students and of the advantage that students face real patient environment.