bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of children's capacity to consent for research: a descriptive qualitative study of researchers' practices: Table 1
Authors: Gibson Barbara E , Stasiulis Elaine , Gutfreund Shawna , McDonald Maria , Dade Lauren
Published: June 2011

Background

In Canadian jurisdictions without specific legislation pertaining to research consent, the onus is placed on researchers to determine whether a child is capable of independently consenting to participate in a research study. Little, however, is known about how child health researchers are approaching consent and capacity assessment in practice. The aim of this study was to explore and describe researchers' current practices.

Methods

The study used a qualitative descriptive design consisting of 14 face-to-face interviews with child health researchers and research assistants in Southern Ontario. Transcribed interviews were analysed for common themes.

Results

Procedures for assessing capacity varied considerably from the use of age cutoffs to in-depth engagement with each child. Three key issues emerged from the accounts: (1) requirements that consent be provided by a single person thwarted researchers' abilities to support family decision-making; (2) little practical distinction was made between assessing if a child was capable, versus determining if study information had been adequately explained by the researcher; and (3) participants' perceived that review boards' requirements may conflict with what they considered ethical consent practices.

Conclusion

The results suggest that researchers' consent and capacity knowledge and skills vary considerably. Perceived discrepancies between ethical practice and ethics boards' requirements suggest the need for dialogue, education and possibly ethics board reforms. Furthermore we propose, where appropriate, a ‘family decision-making’ model that allows parents and their children to consent together, thereby shifting the focus from separate assent and consent procedures to approaches that appropriately engage the child and family.
Effects of a music intervention on patients undergoing cerebral angiography: a pilot study
Authors: Vanderboom Teresa L , Arcari Patricia M , Duffy Mary E , Somarouthu B , Rabinov James D , Yoo Albert J , Hirsch Joshua A
Published: June 2011

Purpose

To test the effect of a music intervention on procedural anxiety, stress response and medication requirements in participants with a cerebral aneurysm or arteriovenous malformation (AVM) undergoing cerebral angiography.

Method and materials

A prospective pilot study was conducted using an experimental two group pre-test, post-test design. 48 participants were randomly assigned to a control group (standard care) or experimental group (standard care plus self-selected music via overhead stereo system). The stress response was measured by heart rate (HR) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) at baseline, and during and following the procedure. Anxiety was measured by the State Trait Anxiety Inventory for Adults (STAI) before and after the procedure, and total medications administered periprocedurally were recorded.

Results

24 participants in each group were enrolled. R-ANCOVA revealed non-significant findings for HR (F=1.4; p=0.27; power=0.38) and SBP (F=2.1; p=0.10; power=0.57). The ANCOVA for anxiety revealed significantly lower STAI scores in the control group (F=3.8; p=0.003) compared with the experimental group. Independent t test analysis for the total doses of fentanyl and midazolam were found to be F=0.08, p=0.78 and F=0.38, p=0.54, respectively.

Conclusion

A music intervention on participants with a brain aneurysm or AVM undergoing cerebral angiography did not have a statistically significant impact on reducing the stress response, anxiety or medication requirements. Interestingly, participants in the control group had significantly less anxiety after their angiogram than did participants in the experimental group. This pilot study sets the stage for future research to further examine these findings.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitory activity in tobacco smoke varies with tobacco type
Authors: Lewis Amy J , Truman Penelope , Hosking Matthew R , Miller John H
Published: June 2011

Background

It has been suggested that inhibition of monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity by components of cigarette smoke may impact on smoking addiction, but it is unclear to what extent the known MAO inhibitors in tobacco smoke cause this inhibition.

Methods

MAO inhibitory activity was measured in a series of tobacco particulate matter preparations from different brands of cigarette and loose-leaf tobacco commonly available in New Zealand.

Results

When tobacco extracts were diluted to contain a physiologically relevant nicotine concentration of 0.2 μM, all samples tested inhibited MAO-A and MAO-B by between 4% and 12% in a standard assay. Per mg of nicotine, samples from factory-made cigarettes contained significantly less MAO inhibitory activity than did samples from loose-leaf tobacco. When inhibitory activity was calculated on a per mg of tar basis, there was no significant difference between loose-leaf tobaccos and factory-made cigarettes.

Conclusions

The present study shows that the ratio of nicotine to MAO inhibitory activity varies depending on the type of tobacco product used. The roll-your-own tobaccos tested delivered more tar and more MAO inhibitory activity per mg of nicotine than the factory-made cigarettes. These findings suggest that smokers of roll-your-own tobacco may experience greater difficulty in stopping smoking.
Through tobacco industry eyes: civil society and the FCTC process from Philip Morris and British American Tobacco's perspectives
Authors: Gonzalez Mariaelena , Green Lawrence W , Glantz Stanton A
Published: June 2011

Objective

To analyse the models Philip Morris (PM) and British American Tobacco (BAT) used internally to understand tobacco control non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and their relationship to the global tobacco control policy-making process that resulted in the Framework Convention for Tobacco Control (FCTC).

Methods

Analysis of internal tobacco industry documents in the Legacy Tobacco Document Library.

Results

PM contracted with Mongoven, Biscoe, and Duchin, Inc. (MBD, a consulting firm specialising in NGO surveillance) as advisors. MBD argued that because NGOs are increasingly linked to epistemic communities, NGOs could insert themselves into the global policy-making process and influence the discourse surrounding the treaty-making process. MBD advised PM to insert itself into the policy-making process, mimicking NGO behaviour. BAT's Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (CORA) department argued that global regulation emerged from the perception (by NGOs and governments) that the industry could not regulate itself, leading to BAT advocating social alignment and self-regulation to minimise the impact of the FCTC. Most efforts to block or redirect the FCTC failed.

Conclusions

PM and BAT articulated a global policy-making environment in which NGOs are key, non-state stakeholders, and as a result, internationalised some of their previous national-level strategies. After both companies failed to prevent the FCTC, their strategies began to align. Multinational corporations have continued to successfully employ some of the strategies outlined in this paper at the local and national level while being formally excluded from ongoing FCTC negotiations at the global level.
Class 1 and class 2 integrons in multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria isolated from the Salmon River, British Columbia
Authors: Xu Hai , Broersma Klaas , Miao Vivian , Davies Julian
Published: June 2011

Using an enrichment protocol, we isolated 16 gram-negative, multidrug-resistant strains of known or opportunistic bacterial pathogens from the Salmon River in south-central British Columbia from 2005 to 2009, and investigated the genetic basis of their resistance to a variety of antibiotics. Of the 16 strains, 13 carried class 1 integrons and three carried class 2 integrons. Genes found in cassettes associated with the integrons included those for dihydrofolate reductases (dfrA1, dfrA12, dfrA17, and dfrB7), aminoglycoside adenyltransferases (aadA1, aadA2, aadA5, and aadB), streptothricin acetyltransferase (sat), and hypothetical proteins (orfF and orfC). A new gene cassette of unknown function, orf1, was discovered between dfrA1 and aadA5 in Escherichia sp. Other genes for resistance to tetracycline, chloramphenicol, streptomycin, and kanamycin (tetA, tetB, tetD; catA; strA-strB; and aphA1-Iab, respectively) were outside the integrons. Several of these resistance determinants were transferable by conjugation. The detection of organisms and resistance determinants normally associated with clinical settings attest to their widespread dispersal and suggest that regular monitoring of their presence in aquatic habitats should become a part of the overall effort to understand the epidemiology of antibiotic resistance genes in bacteria.
Epidemiological and molecular characterization ofStaphylococcus haemolyticusstrains, from a hematology ward, with decreased susceptibility to glycopeptides
Authors: Ma Xiao Xue , Sun Dan Dan , Hu Jian , Wang En Hua , Luo En Jie
Published: June 2011

In the present study, we report on the reduced susceptibility to teicoplanin among clinical isolates of Staphylococcus haemolyticus in a hematology ward of a teaching hospital. The molecular characterization of 17 S. haemolyticus strains was performed using mec gene complex classification, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis, and minimum inhibitory concentration examination. Pulsotype A strains carrying a class C2 mec gene complex were the most prevalent strains, at 64.7%. In vivo selection of stepwise increase in resistance to vancomycin and teicoplanin was observed in three S. haemolyticus strains serially isolated from a case patient. The results of the present study suggest the regional spread of certain S. haemolyticus clones with diminished susceptibility to glycopeptides, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring of minimum inhibitory concentration levels of vancomycin and teicoplanin in S. haemolyticus strains, and the importance of infection control practices to prevent its transmission.
β-Cyclodextrin and permeability to water in the bladder of Bufo arenarum
Authors: Orce G. , Castillo G. , Chanampa Y.
Published: June 2011

We measured the effect of β-cyclodextrin (BCD, a cholesterol scavenger) on water flow across the isolated toad bladder exposed to an osmotic gradient (Jw) by a gravimetric technique. BCD, when present in the solution bathing the apical side of the bladder, inhibited the increase in Jw caused by nystatin, a polyene antibiotic that acts by directly binding apical membrane cholesterol. When present in the basolateral bath, BCD inhibited the increase in Jw caused by basolateral exposure to oxytocin (which binds membrane receptors and stimulates the synthesis of cAMP), but did not alter the response to theophylline (which inhibits hydrolysis of cAMP by cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase). The present data are consistent with the notion that agents that increase Jw by interacting with membrane receptors, which appear to be clustered in cholesterol-rich domains of the basolateral membrane, are altered by cholesterol depletion, whereas agents that do not interact with receptors or other basolateral membrane components are not affected by this treatment. In either case, cholesterol depletion of the apical membrane does not affect the increase in Jw brought about by an increase in intracellular cAMP concentration.
Echo response to chirping in the weakly electric brown ghost knifefish (Apteronotus leptorhynchus): role of frequency and amplitude modulations
Authors: Gama Salgado José Antonio , Zupanc Günther K.H.
Published: June 2011

Teleost fish of the order Gymnotiformes are distinguished by their ability to produce electric discharges by means of specialized organs. These electric organ discharges serve various behavioral functions, including communication. During such electric interactions, male brown ghost knifefish ( Apteronotus leptorhynchus (Ellis in Eigenmann, 1912)) generate several types of transient frequency and amplitude modulations (“chirps”) of the otherwise nearly constant discharges. Previous studies have shown that the chirps generated by one individual follow those of the other with a preferred latency of approximately 500–1000 ms. As demonstrated in the present study, signals consisting of either frequency modulations or amplitude modulations are able to trigger this echo response. Signals composed of just amplitude modulations are effective in triggering an echo response only if the reduction in amplitude is large (approximately 40%, relative to baseline of the electric organ discharge of the emitting fish). By contrast, in frequency-modulated signals, a maximum frequency increase as small as 1.2% relative to baseline frequency is sufficient to trigger an echo response. This remarkable sensitivity might be an adaptation for the detection of so-called type-2 chirps, as chirps of this type are composed of rather small frequency increases and negligible amplitude modulations. In line with this hypothesis is the observation that during electric interactions of two fish, the generation of these chirps dominates the production of any of the other five chirp types known.
Mapping potential core areas for lynx (Lynx canadensis) using pellet counts from snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) and satellite imagery
Authors: McCann N.P. , Moen R.A.
Published: June 2011

We used location data from radio-collared Canada lynx ( Lynx canadensis Kerr, 1792), pellet-count data from snowshoe hares ( Lepus americanus Erxleben, 1777), and cover-type data from satellite imagery to evaluate the relationship between the scale of habitat measurement and the potential for persistence of lynx in northeastern Minnesota, USA, at the southern extent of their range. We counted hare pellets at transects throughout northeastern Minnesota to index hare abundance in cover types. Pellet counts were highest in coniferous forest, regenerating–young forest, and shrubby grassland, and these cover types were greater inside lynx use areas than outside of them. Proportions of regenerating–young forest were greater at scales ≥5 km2. We used these results and satellite imagery to map potential lynx core areas. We predicted that 7%–20% of the study area was suitable for lynx. Areas that we predicted to be suitable for lynx corresponded with known core areas, including those withheld from analyses. To maintain habitat for lynx persistence, forest management should retain current levels of 10- to 30-year-old coniferous forest and include ≥5 km2 areas containing 40% of 10- to 30-year-old coniferous forest. Mapping of potential core areas would be improved if cover-type data from satellite imagery identified conifer regeneration.
Avian nest success, mammalian nest predator abundance, and invertebrate prey availability in a fragmented landscape
Authors: Richmond S. , Nol E. , Burke D.
Published: June 2011

Avian nest success is largely determined by predation, but factors affecting the abundance of potential nest predators are rarely studied. We used an information–theoretic approach to assess relative support for models including invertebrate biomass, mammalian nest predator abundance, and percent cover at nests as explanatory variables for nest success of Ovenbirds ( Seiurus aurocapilla (L., 1766)) and Wood Thrush ( Hylocichla mustelina (J.F. Gmelin, 1789)). We ranked models including local vegetation characteristics and landscape composition at two spatial scales (100 and 2000 m) as explanatory variables for the abundance of mammalian nest predator groups and for prey biomass. The nest success of Ovenbirds was best explained by a positive association with percent cover by forbs and seedlings, whereas a positive relationship with prey biomass best explained the nest success of Wood Thrush. Most mammal genera were associated with landscape composition within 100 m of the study sites, and most were positively associated with housing density. Prey biomass was best explained by a positive association with less intensive agriculture within 2000 m. Implementing silvicultural techniques that preserve important habitat features within fragmented forests, limiting housing density within 100 m, and increasing the amount of less intensive agriculture within 2000 m of forest fragments may improve nest success for forest songbirds.
Implications of a high-energy and low-protein diet on the body composition, fitness, and competitive abilities of black (Ursus americanus) and grizzly (Ursus arctos) bears
Authors: McLellan B.N.
Published: June 2011

Plants are not ideal foods for bears yet many populations are largely vegetarian. Implications of this diet on the body composition, fitness, and competiveness of black ( Ursus americanus Pallas, 1780) and grizzly ( Ursus arctos L., 1758) bears have had limited field investigation. The analysis of scats of grizzly and black bears from the Flathead valley, British Columbia, suggest seasonal dietary differences between species, but >85% of the summer diet of both species were fruits that are low in protein. Body composition measurements showed bears loose fat during spring, gained fat during summer, and grizzly bears were leaner than black bears. Individual black bears gained mass up to 2.7 times faster than theory predicted. Bears rapidly gained fat but lost lean tissues while feeding on fruit, suggesting that lean tissues were used to buffer seasonal protein shortages. Comparisons among populations of grizzly bears without access to salmon revealed the amount of meat in the diet was positively related with adult female mass but negatively related with bear density. Bears have the behavioural and phenotypic plasticity which enables populations that focus their foraging on plants to have small but fat females and live at higher densities than populations that focus more on obtaining terrestrial meat.
Habitat-specific distribution and abundance of arctic ground squirrels (Urocitellus parryii plesius) in southwest Yukon
Authors: Donker S.A. , Krebs C.J.
Published: June 2011

Arctic ground squirrels ( Urocitellus parryii plesius (Osgood, 1900); formerly Spermophilus parryii plesius Osgood, 1900) were studied in three distinct habitat types (boreal forest, low-elevation meadows, and alpine meadows) in the Kluane region of the southwest Yukon Territory, Canada, from 2008 to 2010 to determine if populations in these different habitats provide evidence for habitat-specific distribution and abundance. Abundance in the boreal forest has been shown to be synchronous with the cycle of snowshoe hares ( Lepus americanus Erxleben, 1777) in the region owing to shared predators. We predicted that populations in the boreal forest would be low because of the current low phase in the cycle of snowshoe hares, and that in low-altitude meadows and alpine meadows, ground squirrels would be relatively abundant. Late-summer densities differed significantly between habitat types with 0.38 ± 0.13 squirrel/ha (mean ± 1 SE) in boreal-forest habitat, 1.25 ± 0.22 squirrel/ha in low-altitude-meadow habitat, and 5.7 ± 0.22 squirrels/ha in alpine-meadow habitat. In 2009, populations were extirpated from boreal-forest habitat, while densities in low-elevation meadows and alpine meadows were 1.6 ± 0.34 squirrel/ha and 6.1 ± 0.7 squirrels/ha, respectively. The current absence of squirrels from the boreal forest and the persistence of populations in low-elevation-meadow and alpine-meadow habitat suggest that source–sink dynamics may exist between boreal-forest and meadow habitat types.
HIERARCHICAL DISTANCE METRIC LEARNING FOR LARGE MARGIN NEAREST NEIGHBOR CLASSIFICATION
Authors: SUN SHILIANG , CHEN QIAONA
Published: June 2011

Distance metric learning is a powerful tool to improve performance in classification, clustering and regression tasks. Many techniques have been proposed for distance metric learning based on convex programming, kernel learning, dimension reduction and large margin. The recently proposed large margin nearest neighbor classification (LMNN) improves the performance of k-nearest neighbors classification (k-nn) by a learned global distance metric. However, it does not consider the locality of data distributions. We demonstrate a novel local distance metric learning method called hierarchical distance metric learning (HDM) which first builds a hierarchical structure by grouping data points according to the overlapping ratios defined by us and then learns distance metrics sequentially. In this paper, we combine HDM with LMNN and further propose a new method named hierarchical distance metric learning for large margin nearest neighbor classification (HLMNN). Experiments are performed on many artificial and real-world data sets. Comparisons with the traditional k-nn and the state-of-the-art LMNN show the effectiveness of the proposed HLMNN.
ROBUST CO-TRAINING
Authors: SUN SHILIANG , JIN FENG
Published: June 2011

Co-training is a multiview semi-supervised learning algorithm to learn from both labeled and unlabeled data, which iteratively adopts a classifier trained on one view to teach the other view using some confident predictions given on unlabeled examples. However, as it does not examine the reliability of the labels provided by classifiers on either view, co-training might be problematic. Even very few inaccurately labeled examples can deteriorate the performance of learned classifiers to a large extent. In this paper, a new method named robust co-training is proposed, which integrates canonical correlation analysis (CCA) to inspect the predictions of co-training on those unlabeled training examples. CCA is applied to obtain a low-dimensional and closely correlated representation of the original multiview data. Based on this representation the similarities between an unlabeled example and the original labeled examples are determined. Only those examples whose predicted labels are consistent with the outcome of CCA examination are eligible to augment the original labeled data. The performance of robust co-training is evaluated on several different classification problems where encouraging experimental results are observed.
CONVERGENCE OF A GREEDY ALGORITHM FOR HIGH-DIMENSIONAL CONVEX NONLINEAR PROBLEMS
Authors: CANCÈS ERIC , EHRLACHER VIRGINIE , LELIÈVRE TONY
Published: June 2011

In this paper, we present a greedy algorithm based on a tensor product decomposition, whose aim is to compute the global minimum of a strongly convex energy functional. We prove the convergence of our method provided that the gradient of the energy is Lipschitz on bounded sets. The main interest of this method is that it can be used for high-dimensional nonlinear convex problems. We illustrate this method on a prototypical example for uncertainty propagation on the obstacle problem.
SPREAD RATES UNDER TEMPORAL VARIABILITY: CALCULATION AND APPLICATION TO BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
Authors: SEO GUNOG , LUTSCHER FRITHJOF
Published: June 2011

In this paper, we introduce a technique to study the minimal wave speed in reaction-diffusion equations with temporal variability and apply it to two particular models for biological invasions. We use the exponential transform to avoid solving partial differential equations explicitly or finding inverse transforms. In a single reaction-diffusion equation with time-periodic coefficients, the minimal wave speed depends only on time-averages of each coefficient function. In a two-compartment system with mobile and stationary individuals, the invasion speed depends on the precise form of the coefficient functions and their temporal correlations; in some cases, a lower bound can be obtained. Our technique can be extended to more complex life histories of invading organisms.
A NUMERICAL STUDY ON CAVITATION IN NONLINEAR ELASTICITY — DEFECTS AND CONFIGURATIONAL FORCES
Authors: LIAN YIJIANG , LI ZHIPING
Published: June 2011

An iso-parametric finite element method is introduced in this paper to study cavitations and configurational forces in nonlinear elasticity. The method is shown to be highly efficient in capturing the cavitation phenomenon, especially in dealing with multiple cavities of various sizes and shapes. Our numerical experiments verified and extended, for a class of nonlinear elasticity materials, the theory of Sivaloganathan and Spector on the configurational forces of cavities, as well as justified a crucial hypothesis of the theory on the cavities. Numerical experiments on configurational forces indicate that, in the case of a round reference configuration with radially symmetric stretch on the boundary, the cavitation centered at the origin is the unique energy minimizer. Numerical experiments also reveal an interesting size effect phenomenon: for macro-scale pre-existing-defects, the cavitation process is dominated by the relatively larger pre-existing-defects, and the cavitation tendency of much smaller pre-existing-defects is significantly suppressed.
REGULAR AND WELL-BEHAVED RELATIVISTIC CHARGED SUPERDENSE STAR MODELS
Authors: MAURYA S. K. , GUPTA Y. K. , PRATIBHA
Published: June 2011

A new class of charged superdense star models is obtained by using an electric intensity, which involves two parameters, K and n. The metric describing the model shares its metric potential g44 with that of Durgapal's fourth solution.1 The pressure-free surface is kept at the density 2 × 1014 g/cm 3and joins smoothly the Reissner–Nordstrom solution. The neutral solution is well-behaved for 0 < Ca2 ≤ 0.2645, while its charge analogs are well-behaved for a wide range, 0 < K < 32, i.e. the pressure, density, pressure–density ratio and velocity of sound are monotonically decreasing and the electric intensity is monotonically increasing in nature for the given range of the parameter K. The maximum mass and the corresponding radius occupied by the neutral solution are 4.1826 MΘ and 19.7120 km, respectively for Ca2 = 0.2645, while the redshift at the center and at the surface are given by Z0 = 1.6444 and Za = 0.6538, respectively. For the charged solution, the maximum mass and radius are 6.3811MΘ and 19.1609 km, respectively for K = 1.4, n = 1 and Ca2 = 0.5016, with the redshift at the center Z0 = 3.7437 and at the surface Za = 1.1038.
RELATIVISTIC GRAVITATIONAL COLLAPSE IN COMOVING COORDINATES: THE POST-QUASISTATIC APPROXIMATION
Authors: HERRERA L. , BARRETO W.
Published: June 2011

A general iterative method proposed some years ago for the description of relativistic collapse is presented here in comoving coordinates. For doing that we redefine the basic concepts required for the implementation of the method for comoving coordinates. In particular, the definition of the post-quasistatic approximation in comoving coordinates is given. We write the field equations, the boundary conditions and a set of ordinary differential equations (the surface equations) which play a fundamental role in the algorithm. As an illustration of the method, we show how to build up a model inspired by the well-known Schwarzschild interior solution. Both the adiabatic and the nonadiabatic case are considered.
GENERALIZED PARTICLE DYNAMICS IN ANTI-DE SITTER SPACES: A SOURCE FOR DARK ENERGY
Authors: DAS SUDIPTA , GHOSH SUBIR , VAN HOLTEN JAN-WILLEM , PAL SUPRATIK
Published: June 2011

We consider the generalized particle dynamics, that we proposed [S. Das et al., J. High. Energy Phys.0904 (2009) 115] in braneworld formalisms for an asymptotically anti-de Sitter background. The present framework results in a new model that accounts for the late acceleration of the universe. An effective dark energy equation of state, exhibiting a phantom-like behavior, is generated. The model is derived by embedding the physical FLRW universe in a (4 + 1)-dimensional effective spacetime, induced by the generalized particle dynamics. We corroborate our results with present-day observed cosmological parameters.
AN IMPROVED METHOD FOR CONSTRUCTING MODELS OF SELF-GRAVITATING TORI AROUND BLACK HOLES
Authors: STERGIOULAS NIKOLAOS
Published: June 2011

General-relativistic models of self-gravitating tori around black holes are constructed with a self-consistent-field method in compactified coordinates. The numerical code is highly accurate and robust, allowing for the construction of models that exactly fill their Roche lobe, when a cusp exists. As a first application, we focus on self-consistent models with cusp, having different values of constant specific angular momentum. Scaling all results with the mass of the black hole, we find evidence that models with constant specific angular momentum that can fill their Roche lobe are still limited by l < 4M BH (as is the case for models constructed in a fixed background metric) even for heavy tori.
A MOBILE COMPUTING TOOL FOR COLLECTING CLINICAL OUTCOMES DATA FROM SHOULDER PATIENTS
Authors: Chan Chester , Sihler Edward , Kijek Theresa , Miller Bruce S. , Hughes Richard E.
Published: June 2011

The collection of outcomes data is critical for conducting clinical studies in orthopaedic surgery. Both subjective outcome data [e.g. Short Form-12 (SF-12) and Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) index] and objective data (e.g. range of motion) are necessary. Numerous studies have been conducted on the collection of patient survey data through electronic means (e.g. personal digital assistant and tablet PC), but none of these studies have made use of a device with an intuitive touch-screen interface. Studies have also been conducted on the collection of physical examination data through research-grade accelerometers but few have focused on the use of commercially available electronic devices. The goal of our project was to develop a mobile computing touch-screen system for capturing subjective and objective outcome data for the assessment of patients with rotator cuff tears. We were able to accomplish this goal through the development of a novel iPad/iPod Touch tool. Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of shoulder flexion and external rotation measurements were good.
KNEE DISLOCATION WITH MULTI-LIGAMENT INJURY: EVALUATION, TREATMENT AND RESULTS
Authors: Acharya K. K. V. , Pandey V. , Rao P. S.
Published: June 2011

Awareness of the possibility of multiple ligament injuries in the traumatized knee is essential for the successful management of an injured knee. Relative infrequency of occurrence, heterogeneous presentation, inconsistent treatment protocols, ambiguity in the timing of surgery, post-surgical rehabilitation protocol, and paucity of literature on the subject make the situation perplexing. This study aims at the evaluation of a multi-staged protocol and determination of various factors having influence on outcome. This study included 39 patients with injury to two or more ligaments of the knee, without associated complications. Staged protocol of ligament surgery included repair or reconstruction of collaterals and corners in the initial stage, followed by reconstruction of posterior cruciate ligament (using Hamstring graft) and anterior cruciate ligament (using Bone Patellar Tendon Bone graft). Rehabilitation included two weeks of immobilization following repair/reconstruction of collaterals/corners followed by protected range of motion exercises. In final IKDC qualification, 10 knees (25.64%) were normal (A), 26 knees (66.6%) were near normal (B), 2 knees (5.1%) were abnormal (C), and 1 knee (2.56%) was severely abnormal (D). Our staged management protocol had good subjective, and objective outcomes, and nearly all patients, but two, returned to their routine activities.
SEMI-ORTHOGONAL SPLINE SCALING FUNCTIONS FOR SOLVING HAMMERSTEIN INTEGRAL EQUATIONS
Authors: RASHIDINIA J. , PARSA ALI
Published: June 2011

We developed a new numerical procedure based on the quadratic semi-orthogonal B-spline scaling functions for solving a class of nonlinear integral equations of the Hammerstein-type. Properties of the B-spline wavelet method are utilized to reduce the Hammerstein equations to some algebraic equations. The advantage of our method is that the dimension of the arising algebraic equation is 10 × 10. The operational matrix of semi-orthogonal B-spline scaling functions is sparse which is easily applicable. Error estimation of the presented method is analyzed and proved. To demonstrate the validity and applicability of the technique the method applied to some illustrative examples and the maximum absolute error in the solutions are compared with the results in existing methods.20,25,27,29
MODELING AND PARAMETER IDENTIFICATION FOR MULTISTAGE SIMULATION OF MICROBIAL BIOCONVERSION IN BATCH CULTURE
Authors: WANG LEI , XIU ZHILONG , GONG ZHAOHUA , FENG ENMIN
Published: June 2011

The bioconversion of glycerol to 1,3-propanediol is a complex bioprocess. The item of product inhibition in the equation of Specific rate of cell growth is overlapped in [L. Wang, J. X. Ye, E. M. Feng and Z. L. Xiu, An improved model for multistage simulation of glycerol fermentation in batch culture and its parameter identification, Nonlinear Anal. Hybrid Syst.3(4) (2009) 455–462]. Therefore, in this work, the specific rate of cell growth is modified by the mechanism of multistage simulation of microbial bioconversion and the previous time-dependent model is converted to the autonomous standard form. The properties of the solutions for the nonlinear dynamic system are discussed and the identifiability of the parameters is proved. Finally the feasible optimization algorithm is constructed to find the optimal parameters for the system. Numerical result shows that the improved model with identified parameters can describe the batch culture better, compared with the previous results.
Deoxycholic acid causes DNA damage while inducing apoptotic resistance through NF-κB activation in benign Barrett's epithelial cells
Authors: Huo Xiaofang , Juergens Stefanie , Zhang Xi , Rezaei Davood , Yu Chunhua , Strauch Eric D. , Wang Jian-Ying , Cheng Edaire , Meyer Frank , Wang David H. , Zhang Qiuyang , Spechler Stuart J. , Souza Rhonda F.
Published: June 2011

Gastroesophageal reflux is associated with adenocarcinoma in Barrett's esophagus, but the incidence of this tumor is rising, despite widespread use of acid-suppressing medications. This suggests that refluxed material other than acid might contribute to carcinogenesis. We looked for potentially carcinogenetic effects of two bile acids, deoxycholic acid (DCA) and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), on Barrett's epithelial cells in vitro and in vivo. We exposed Barrett's (BAR-T) cells to DCA or UDCA and studied the generation of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS); expression of phosphorylated H2AX (a marker of DNA damage), phosphorylated IkBα, and phosphorylated p65 (activated NF-κB pathway proteins); and apoptosis. During endoscopy in patients, we took biopsy specimens of Barrett's mucosa before and after esophageal perfusion with DCA or UDCA and assessed DNA damage and NF-κB activation. Exposure to DCA, but not UDCA, resulted in ROS/RNS production, DNA damage, and NF-κB activation but did not increase the rate of apoptosis in BAR-T cells. Pretreatment with N-acetyl-l-cysteine (a ROS scavenger) prevented DNA damage after DCA exposure, and DCA did induce apoptosis in cells treated with NF-κB inhibitors (BAY 11-7085 or AdIκB superrepressor). DNA damage and NF-κB activation were detected in biopsy specimens of Barrett's mucosa taken after esophageal perfusion with DCA, but not UDCA. These data show that, in Barrett's epithelial cells, DCA induces ROS/RNS production, which causes genotoxic injury, and simultaneously induces activation of the NF-κB pathway, which enables cells with DNA damage to resist apoptosis. We have demonstrated molecular mechanisms whereby bile reflux might contribute to carcinogenesis in Barrett's esophagus.
Captopril treatment induces hyperplasia but inhibits myonuclear accretion following severe myotrauma in murine skeletal muscle
Authors: Johnston Adam P. W. , Bellamy Leeann M. , Lisio Michael De , Parise Gianni
Published: June 2011

The role of ANG II in skeletal muscle and satellite cell regulation is largely unknown. Cardiotoxin (CTX) was used to investigate whether muscle injury activates a local ANG II signaling system. Following injury, immunohistochelmistry (IHC) analysis revealed a robust increase in the intensity of angiotensinogen and angiotensin type 1 (AT1) receptor expression. As regeneration proceeded, however, AT1and angiotensinogen were downregulated. Nuclear accretion and fiber formation were also assessed during muscle regeneration in mice treated with captopril (an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor). When ANG II formation was blocked through the use of captopril, we observed a significantly reduced accretion of nuclei into myofibers (−25%), while tibialis anterior total fiber number was significantly increased +37%. This phenotype appeared to be due to alterations in satellite cell differentiation kinetics; captopril treatment led to sustained mRNA expression of markers associated with quiescence and proliferation (Myf5, Pax7) and simultaneously delayed or inhibited the expression of myogenin. IHC staining supported these findings, revealing that captopril treatment resulted in a strong trend ( P = 0.06) for a decrease in the proportion of myogenin-positive myoblasts. Furthermore, these observations were associated with a delay in muscle fiber maturation; captopril treatment resulted in sustained expression of embryonic myosin heavy chain. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that localized skeletal muscle angiotensin signaling is important to muscle fiber formation, myonuclear accretion, and satellite cell function.
Microwave-Assisted Preparation of Biodegradable Water Absorbent Polyacrylonitrile/Montmorillonite Clay Nanocomposite
Authors: Sahoo Prafulla K. , Biswal Trinath , Samal Ramakanta
Published: June 2011

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/Montmorillonite (MMT) clay nanocomposite was prepared in a microwave oven using a transition metal Co(III) complex taking ammonium persulfate (APS) as initiator with a motive of converting hydrophobic PAN into hydrophilic nanocomposite material via nanotechnology by the inclusion of MMT to the virgin polymer. UV-visible spectral analysis revealed various interactions between the developed complex with other reaction components. The formation of the PAN/MMT nanocomposites was characterized by FTIR. Furthermore, as evidenced by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the composite so obtained was found to have nano-order. XRD and TEM were suggesting that montmorillonite layers were exfoliated during the polymerization process. An increasing in the thermal stability for the developed nanocomposite was recorded by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The water absorption and biodegradation properties were carried out for its ecofriendly nature and better commercialization.
Numerical Simulation of Solid Tumor Blood Perfusion and Drug Delivery during the “Vascular Normalization Window” with Antiangiogenic Therapy
Authors: Lv Jie , Cao Jin-feng , Cai Yan , Zhou Yu , Long Quan , Yao Wei , Xu Shi-xiong
Published: June 2011

To investigate the influence of vascular normalization on solid tumor blood perfusion and drug delivery, we used the generated blood vessel network for simulations. Considering the hemodynamic parameters changing after antiangiogenic therapies, the results show that the interstitial fluid pressure (IFP) in tumor tissue domain decreases while the pressure gradient increases during the normalization window. The decreased IFP results in more efficient delivery of conventional drugs to the targeted cancer cells. The outcome of therapies will improve if the antiangiogenic therapies and conventional therapies are carefully scheduled.
Polarization-Basis Tracking Scheme in Satellite Quantum Key Distribution
Authors: Toyoshima Morio , Takenaka Hideki , Shoji Yozo , Takayama Yoshihisa , Takeoka Masahiro , Fujiwara Mikio , Sasaki Masahide
Published: June 2011

Satellite quantum key distribution is a promising technique that overcomes the limited transmission distance in optical-fiber-based systems. The polarization tracking technique is one of the key techniques in the satellite quantum key distribution. With free-space quantum key distribution between an optical ground station and a satellite, the photon polarization state will be changed according to the satellite movement. To enable polarization based quantum key distribution between mobile terminals, we developed a polarization-basis tracking scheme allowing a common frame of reference to be shared. It is possible to orient two platforms along a common axis by detecting the reference optical signal only on the receiver side with no prior information about the transmitter's orientation. We developed a prototype system for free-space quantum key distribution with the polarization-basis tracking scheme. Polarization tracking performance was 0.092° by conducting quantum key distribution experiments over a 1 km free space between two buildings in a Tokyo suburb.
Outcomes of Sphincter of Oddi Manometry When Performed in Low Volumes
Authors: Rice John P. , Spier Bret J. , Gopal Deepak V. , Soni Anurag , Reichelderfer Mark , Pfau Patrick R.
Published: June 2011

Background. Sphincter of Oddi manometry is a highly specialized procedure associated with an increased risk of procedural complications. Published studies have typically been performed in large volume manometry centers. Objective. To examine the outcomes and complication rate of SOM when performed in small volumes. Design. Retrospective analysis at a tertiary care referral hospital that infrequently performs Sphincter of Oddi manometry. Patient records were reviewed for procedural details, patient outcomes, and complications after sphincter of Oddi manometry. Results. 36 patients, 23 (23 type II sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD), 13 type III SOD) underwent sphincter of Oddi manometry and were followed up for mean of 16 months. Nine Type II patients (90%) with elevated basal sphincter pressures noted symptom improvement after sphincterotomy compared with only 3 patients (43%) of the patients with normal basal pressures. In type III SOD, 7 patients had elevated basal SO pressure and underwent sphincterotomy. Three patients (43%) improved. There were six
(16%) procedure-related complications. There were four cases
of post ERCP pancreatitis (11%), all of which were mild.
Conclusion. In low numbers, sphincter of Oddi
manometry can be performed successfully and safely by experienced
biliary endoscopists with results that are comparable to large
volume centers.
Laparoendoscopic Single-Site (LESS) Retroperitoneal Radical Nephrectomy in a Patient with Renal Cell Carcinoma Receiving Hemodialysis
Authors: Nomura Takeo , Sato Fuminori , Takahashi Mika , Sumino Yasuhiro , Mimata Hiromitsu
Published: June 2011

We present here the patient undergoing laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) retroperitoneal radical nephrectomy while receiving hemodialysis. An 81-year-old man under hemodialysis for 6 years was incidentally discovered to have two left renal masses with acquired cystic disease of the kidney (ACDK). A 4-cm flank incision for GelPort was made. Three trocars were inserted into the retroperitoneum through GelPort. After division of the renal vessels and ureter, the kidney was placed into the extraction bag and was retrieved through flank incision without any extra skin incision. There were no intraoperative and postoperative complications. This procedure offers an effective, minimally invasive therapeutic alternative to the standard laparoscopic technique in high-risk end-stage renal disease patients.
Zeons, Permanents, the Johnson Scheme, and Generalized Derangements
Authors: Feinsilver Philip , McSorley John
Published: June 2011

Starting with the zero-square “zeon algebra,” the connection with permanents is shown. Permanents of submatrices of a linear combination of the identity matrix and all-ones matrix lead to moment polynomials with respect to the exponential distribution. A permanent trace formula analogous to MacMahon's master theorem is presented and applied. Connections with permutation groups acting on sets and the Johnson association scheme arise. The families of numbers appearing as matrix entries turn out to be related to interesting variations on derangements. These generalized derangements are considered in detail as an illustration of the theory.
Isolation and Characterization of a Phosphate‐Solubilizing Halophilic Bacterium Kushneria sp. YCWA18 from Daqiao Saltern on the Coast of Yellow Sea of China
Authors: Zhu Fengling , Qu Lingyun , Hong Xuguang , Sun Xiuqin
Published: June 2011

Phosphate‐solubilizing bacteria (PSB) function in soil phosphorus cycle, increasing the bioavailability of soil phosphorus for plants. Isolation and application of salt‐tolerant or halophilic PSB will facilitate the development of saline‐alkali soil‐based agriculture. A moderately halophilic bacterium was isolated from the sediment of Daqiao saltern on the eastern coast of China, which also performs phosphate‐solubilizing ability. The bacterium was assigned to genus Kushneria according to its 16S rRNA gene sequence, and accordingly named as Kushneria sp. YCWA18. The fastest growth was observed when the culturing temperature was 28∘C and the concentration of NaCl was 6% (w/v). It was founds that the bacterium can survive at a concentration of NaCl up to 20%. At the optimum condition, the bacterium solubilized 283.16 μg/mL phosphorus in 11 days after being inoculated in 200 mL Ca3(PO4)2 containing liquid medium, and 47.52 μg/mL phosphorus in 8 days after being inoculated in 200 mL lecithin‐containing liquid medium. The growth of the bacterium was concomitant with a significant decrease of acidity of the medium.
Sensitivity and Effect of Ignition Timing on the Performance of a Spark Ignition Engine: An Experimental and Modeling Study
Authors: Kakaee A. H. , Shojaeefard M. H. , Zareei J.
Published: June 2011

The performance of a spark ignition engine is investigated under different values of ignition advance. A two‐zone burnt/unburned model with the fuel burning rate described by a Wiebe function is used for modeling in‐cylinder combustion, and then experiments are carried out to validate the calculated data. By varying the ignition timing, the results of some characteristics such as power, torque, thermal efficiency, pressure, and heat release are obtained and compared. The results show that optimal power and torque are achieved at 31°CA before top dead center, and performance is decreased if this ignition timing is changed. It is also shown that the maximum thermal efficiency is accomplished when peak pressure occurs between 5 and 15°CA after top dead center.
Needle‐Free Electroacupuncture for Postoperative Pain Management
Authors: Lee Daniel , Xu Hong , Lin Jaung-Geng , Watson Kerry , Wu Rick Sai Chuen , Chen Kuen-Bao
Published: June 2011

This study examined the effects of needle‐free electroacupuncture, at ST36 on postoperative pain following hysterectomy. Based on a double‐blind, sham, and different intervention controlled clinical experimental design, 47 women were randomly allocated to four different groups. Except for those in the control group (Group 1, n = 13), a course of treatment was given of either sham (Group 2, n = 12), high‐frequency stimulation (Group 3, n = 12), or low‐frequency stimulation (Group 4, n = 10). All groups were assessed during the postoperative period for 24 hours. The Visual Analogue Scale was used to determine the amount of perceived pain felt by each subject. Differences were found between the means postoperatively at three, four, eight, 16, and 24 hours. Post hoc comparison tests indicated that Group 4 was significantly different from Groups 1, 2, and 3 at 24 hours. A one‐way ANOVA analysis for total patient‐controlled analgesia demand and doses indicated significant differences between the groups F(3, 42) = 3.59, P < .05. Post hoc analysis confirmed the differences between Groups 1 (M = 84.54) and 4 (M = 41.60). Treatment outcomes of this therapy showed a positive effect for the management of postoperative pain.