bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Matching of Silicon Thin-Film Tandem Solar Cells for Maximum Power Output
Authors: Ulbrich C. , Zahren C. , Gerber A. , Blank B. , Merdzhanova T. , Gordijn A. , Rau U.
Published: January 2013

We present a meaningful characterization method for tandem solar cells. The experimental method allows for optimizing the output power instead of the current. Furthermore, it enables the extraction of the approximate AM1.5g efficiency when working with noncalibrated spectra. Current matching of tandem solar cells under short-circuit condition maximizes the output current but is disadvantageous for the overall fill factor and as a consequence does not imply an optimization of the output power of the device. We apply the matching condition to the maximum power output; that is, a stack of solar cells is power matched if the power output of each subcell is maximal at equal subcell currents. The new measurement procedure uses additional light-emitting diodes as bias light in theJVcharacterization of tandem solar cells. Using a characterized reference tandem solar cell, such as a hydrogenated amorphous/microcrystalline silicon tandem, it is possible to extract the AM1.5g efficiency from tandems of the same technology also under noncalibrated spectra.
A Very Rare Cause of Pleuritic Chest Pain: Bilateral Pleuritis as a First Sign of Familial Mediterranean Fever
Authors: Ozkaya Sevket , Butun Saliha E. , Findik Serhat , Atici Atilla , Dirican Adem
Published: January 2013

The familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), also called recurrent polyserositis, is characterized by reccurrent episodes of serositis at pleura, peritoneum, and synovial membrane and fever. We present a patient with recurrent bilateral pleural effusion due to serositis attacks as a first sign of FMF. A 59-year-old Turkish man suffered from recurrent pleuritic chest pain due to pleural effusion and atelectasis. The etiology was not found, and his symptoms were spontaneously recovered during several weeks. The pleuritic chest pain was associated with abdominal pain in the last attack. The gene mutation analysis revealed the homozygosity of FMF (F479L) gene mutation in both our patient and his grandchild. After the colchicine treatment, the attack has not developed. In conclusion, recurrent pleural effusion and pleuritic chest pain may be the first signs of the FMF.
Preparation and Evaluation of Valsartan Liquid Filling Formulations for Soft Gels
Authors: Sanaboina Jyothi , Maheswari K. M. , Sunkara Seetha , Deekonda Sravanthi , Nalluri Buchi N.
Published: January 2013

The present investigation includes the preparation of liquid filling formulations for soft gels using an antihypertensive drug, valsartan (VAL), in order to improve its dissolution properties and thereby its bioavailability. Formulations were prepared using excipients like polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400), propylene glycol (PG), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K-30), antioxidants, ethanol, and purified water. Prepared formulations were evaluated for appearance, pH, drug content percentage, viscosity, stability, andin vitrodissolution studies. The compatibility between the drug and excipients in formulations was confirmed by FTIR spectra. The drug contents were in the range of 99.62-99.63 and the viscosity was in the range of 60.9–591.7 cps with all the formulations developed. Formulations containing 10 mg PVP K 30 gave better dissolution properties when compared to formulations without PVP K 30, and a complete drug dissolution was observed within 10 min and followed the first-order release kinetics. Stability studies were conducted for selected formulations (F4–F9) for a period of 6 months at room temperature (~30°C/65% RH). From the studies, it can be concluded that VAL liquid filling formulations for soft gels were successfully prepared within vitrodissolution properties superior when compared to VAL itself.
Phonological Fluency Strategy of Switching Differentiates Relapsing-Remitting and Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Authors: Messinis L. , Kosmidis M. H. , Vlahou C. , Malegiannaki A. C. , Gatzounis G. , Dimisianos N. , Karra A. , Kiosseoglou G. , Gourzis P. , Papathanasopoulos P.
Published: January 2013

The strategies used to perform a verbal fluency task appear to be reflective of cognitive abilities necessary for successful daily functioning. In the present study, we explored potential differences in verbal fluency strategies (switching and clustering) used to maximize word production by patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) versus patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS). We further assessed impairment rates and potential differences in the sensitivity and specificity of phonological versus semantic verbal fluency tasks in discriminating between those with a diagnosis of MS and healthy adults. We found that the overall rate of impaired verbal fluency in our MS sample was consistent with that in other studies. However, we found no differences between types of MS (SPMS, RRMS), on semantic or phonological fluency word production, or the strategies used to maximize semantic fluency. In contrast, we found that the number of switches differed significantly in the phonological fluency task between the SPMS and RRMS subtypes. The clinical utility of semantic versus phonological fluency in discriminating MS patients from healthy controls did not indicate any significant differences. Further, the strategies used to maximize performance did not differentiate MS subgroups or MS patients from healthy controls.
Neutrino Dispersion Relations from a Dark Energy Model
Authors: Ciuffoli Emilio , Evslin Jarah , Liu Jie , Zhang Xinmin
Published: January 2013

We consider a model in which the neutrino is kinetically coupled to a scalar field and study its implications for environmentally dependent neutrino velocities. Following the usual effective field theory logic, this coupling is expected to arise in neutrino dark energy models. It leads to a Lorentz violation in the neutrino sector. The coupling of the scalar field to the stress tensor of the Earth yields terrestrial neutrino dispersion relations distinct from those in interstellar space.
Complex Biological Reconstruction after Wide Excision of Osteogenic Sarcoma in Lower Extremities
Authors: Abbas Kashif , Umer Masood , ur Rashid Haroon
Published: January 2013

Wide margin resection of extremity tumor sometimes leaves a huge soft tissue and bony defects in limb salvage surgery. Adequate management of these defects is an absolute requirement when aiming for functional limb. Multidisciplinary management in such cases is an answer when complex biologic reconstruction is desired. We aim to present cases of osteogenic sarcoma of lower extremity requiring combined surgical approach to achieve effective musculoskeletal reconstruction. Patients and Methods. From 2006 to 2010 ten patients were operated on for osteogenic sarcoma of lower extremity requiring complex musculoskeletal reconstruction. Results. Six patients had pathology around knee joint, whereas one each with mid tibia, mid femur, proximal femur, and heel bone. Locking compression plate was used in 7 patients including six with periarticular disease. Eight out of ten patients underwent biologic reconstruction using autograft; endoprosthetic reconstruction and hindquarter amputation were done in the remaining two patients. Vascularized fibula was done in five patients, sural artery flap which was primarily done in three patients, spare part fillet flap, free iliac crest flap, and Gastrocnemius flap was done in one patient each. Secondary hemorrhage, infection, nonunion, wound dehiscence, and flap failure were notable complications in four patients. The Average Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 89%. Conclusion. Combined surgical approach results in cosmetically acceptable and functional limb.
An Unusual Cause of Pediatric Stroke Secondary to Congenital Basilar Artery Fenestration
Authors: Gold J. J. , Crawford J. R.
Published: January 2013

Basilar artery fenestration is an uncommon congenital variant that has been associated with aneurysms and posterior circulation infarcts in the adult literature. Little is known about the functional consequences of basilar artery fenestration, if any, in childhood. We present a case of a previously healthy 12-year-old boy who presented with diplopia, tinnitus, and ataxia who had subtle findings on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging consistent with posterior circulation territory infarction. Computed tomography angiography and magnetic resonance angiography revealed an area of signal abnormality in the basilar artery, which was confirmed on conventional angiography to be a type 2 basilar artery fenestration, without thrombus or aneurysm. The patient recovered from his neurologic deficits over two days and was placed on prophylactic aspirin therapy without recurrence of symptoms. This rare anatomic variant of the posterior circulation is important for physicians to recognize and may have associated neurologic consequences during childhood worthy of further investigation.
IntercroppingCedrela odoratawith Shrubby Crop Species to Reduce Infestation withHypsipyla grandellaand Improve the Quality of Timber
Authors: Paul Carola , Weber Michael
Published: January 2013

Cultivation ofCedrela odorata, a valuable tropical hardwood species, is restricted by the mahogany shoot borer (Hypsipyla grandella), whose attacks reduce stem quality in forest plantations. This study investigated whether infestation rates would be reduced and growth performance improved by the intercropping ofC. odoratatree seedlings with different crop rotations. The height increment achieved byC. odorataduring the first two years was significantly stimulated by the intercropping of maize (Zea mays), pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan), and cassava (Manihot esculenta). Attacks ofH. grandellawere also considerably reduced in these treatments, compared to the control plots, while intercropping with beans and rice produced no improvement. The effect was particularly distinct when lateral competition between trees and crops was high. Accordingly stem quality was higher in the treatments featuring tall crops. Trees intercropped withC. cajanperformed best in terms of height (276 cm ±93), survival (100% ±0), and quality (81% ±13.5 of trees with satisfying stem quality) after two years. We concluded that intercropping of tree seedlings which are susceptible toH. grandellawith shrubby multipurpose species can improve both tree growth and timber quality and hence increase the attractiveness of such species for reforestation.
Semiconductor Characterization by Scanning Ion Beam Induced Charge (IBIC) Microscopy
Authors: Vittone Ettore
Published: January 2013

The ion beam induced charge (IBIC) technique is a scanning microscopy technique which uses finely focused MeV ion beams as probes to measure and image the transport properties of semiconductor materials and devices. Its success stems from the combination of three main factors: the first is strictly technical and lies in the availability of laboratories and expertise around the world to provide scanning MeV ion beams focused down to submicrometer spots. The second reason stems from the peculiarity of MeV ion interaction with matter, due to the ability to penetrate tens of micrometers with reduced scattering and to excite a high number of free carriers to produce a measurable charge pulse from each incident ion. Last, but not least, is the availability of a robust theoretical model able to extract from the measurements all the parameters for an exhaustive characterization of the semiconductor. This paper is focused on these two latter issues, which are examined by reviewing the current status of IBIC by a comprehensive survey of the theoretical model and remarkable examples of IBIC applications and of ancillary techniques to the study of advanced semiconductor materials and devices.
The Combined Optimization of Savitzky-Golay Smoothing and Multiplicative Scatter Correction for FT-NIR PLS Models
Authors: Chen Huazhou , Song Qiqing , Tang Guoqiang , Feng Quanxi , Lin Liang
Published: January 2013

The combined optimization of Savitzky-Golay (SG) smoothing and multiplicative scatter correction (MSC) were discussed based on the partial least squares (PLS) models in Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopy analysis. A total of 5 cases of separately (or combined) using SG smoothing and MSC were designed and compared for optimization. For every case, the SG smoothing parameters were optimized with the number of PLS latent variables (F), with an expanded number of smoothing points. Taking the FT-NIR analysis of soil organic matter (SOM) as an example, the joint optimization of SG smoothing and MSC was achieved based on PLS modeling. The results showed that the optimal pretreatment was successively using SG smoothing and MSC, in which the SG smoothing parameters were 4th degree of polynomial, 2nd-order derivative, and 67 smoothing points, the best corresponding F, RMSEP, and RP were 7, 0.3982 (%), and 0.8862, respectively. This result was far better than those without any pretreatment. The combined optimization of SG smoothing and MSC could obviously improve the modeling result for NIR analysis of SOM. In addition, a new method for the classification of calibration and prediction was proposed by normalization principle. The optimizations were done on this basis of this classification.
A Twin Spiral Planar Antenna for UWB Medical Radars
Authors: Zito Giuseppe A. , Staderini Enrico M. , Pisa Stefano
Published: January 2013

A planar-spiral antenna to be used in an ultrawideband (UWB) radar system for heart activity monitoring is presented. The antenna, named “twin,” is constituted by two spiral dipoles in a compact structure. The reflection coefficient at the feed point of the dipoles is lower than −8 dB over the 3–12 GHz band, while the two-dipoles coupling is about −20 dB. The radiated beam is perpendicular to the plane of the spiral, so the antenna is wearable and it may be an optimal radiator for a medical UWB radar for heart rate detection. The designed antenna has been also used to check some hypotheses about the UWB radar heart activity detection mechanism. The radiation impedance variation, caused by the thorax vibrations associated with heart activity, seems to be the most likely explanation of the UWB radar operation.
Placenta Previa Percreta: A Case Report of Successful Management via Conservative Surgery
Authors: Canonico Silvia , Arduini Maurizio , Epicoco Giorgio , Luzi Giuseppe , Arena Saverio , Clerici Graziano , Affronti Giuseppe
Published: January 2013

Placenta percreta is one of the most serious complications of placenta previa and is frequently associated with severe obstetric hemorrhage usually necessitating hysterectomy. We present a case of placenta previa percreta diagnosed by ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging techniques, in which we accomplished conservative management of postpartum hemorrhage. The management we propose includes the following steps: preventive catheterization of the descending aorta via transhumeral access; Stark cesarean delivery; uterotonics drugs; Affronti endouterine square hemostatic sutures; intrauterine application of Bakri balloon and partial filling with 100 mL of normal saline; B Lynch suture, hysterorrhaphy, and filling a Bakri balloon with up to 500 mL of normal saline; reversible radiological embolization; and/or surgical ligation of the uterine arteries. The bleeding stopped following placement of Affronti sutures combined with external (B-Lynch suture) and internal (Bakri balloon) uterine compression. Our experience indicates that this conservative method can be considered an option in the management of selected cases of pregnancy at high risk for intrapartum hemorrhage.
The Short ITS2 Sequence Serves as an Efficient Taxonomic Sequence Tag in Comparison with the Full-Length ITS
Authors: Han Jianping , Zhu Yingjie , Chen Xiaochen , Liao Baoshen , Yao Hui , Song Jingyuan , Chen Shilin , Meng Fanyun
Published: January 2013

An ideal DNA barcoding region should be short enough to be amplified from degraded DNA. In this paper, we discuss the possibility of using a short nuclear DNA sequence as a barcode to identify a wide range of medicinal plant species. First, the PCR and sequencing success rates of ITS and ITS2 were evaluated based entirely on materials from dry medicinal product and herbarium voucher specimens, including some samples collected back to 90 years ago. The results showed that ITS2 could recover 91% while ITS could recover only 23% efficiency of PCR and sequencing by using one pair of primer. Second, 12861 ITS and ITS2 plant sequences were used to compare the identification efficiency of the two regions. Four identification criteria (BLAST, inter- and intradivergence Wilcoxon signed rank tests, and TaxonDNA) were evaluated. Our results supported the hypothesis that ITS2 can be used as a minibarcode to effectively identify species in a wide variety of specimens and medicinal materials.
An Imported Case of Echinococcosis in a Pregnant Lady with Unusual Presentation
Authors: Al-Ani Ahmed , Elzouki Abdul-Naser , Mazhar Rashid
Published: January 2013

A 31-year-old Syrian pregnant (25-week duration) patient who was managed as a case of bronchial asthma for one year because of chronic cough and progressive breathlessness presented to the Accident and Emergency Department at Hamad General Hospital, Doha, with cough and shortness of breath. On the day of admission, she coughed large amount of yellowish watery material which was salty and sour in taste. She was found by radiological investigations to have multiple giant hydatid cysts (three in the lungs and one in the liver), with ruptured cyst in the left lung. We report here an unusual case of giant multiple pulmonary hydatidosis localized in the lungs and masquerading as bronchial asthma in a pregnant lady. The case represents an uncommon situation of a common disease of rupture of hydatid cyst of the lung in a pregnant lady in her 3rd trimester.
Brucellosis Presenting with Pericarditis: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Pedro Fábio Lopes , Franchini Fernanda Paula , Wildner Leonardo Muraro
Published: January 2013

Pericarditis is a rare manifestation during the course of brucellosis. This paper describes a case of pericarditis associated with brucellosis in a 31-year-old veterinary physician with a past medical history of testicular tumor and reviews the cases of pericarditis associated with brucellosis in medical English literature.
UV-C Exposure Induces an Apoptosis-Like Process in Euglena gracilis
Authors: Bumbulis Michael J. , Balog Brian M.
Published: January 2013

Euglena gracilis is a unicellular, free-living flagellate that inhabits various freshwater environments. Our research shows that exposure to UV-C light can trigger some form of programmed cell death. Cells exposed to UV-C light underwent delayed changes that were strongly reminiscent of apoptosis in mammalian cells, including cell shrinkage and DNA fragmentation that produced the characteristic ladder pattern commonly seen with apoptosis. DNA fragmentation could be inhibited by pretreatment with Z-VAD-FMK and also independently induced by exposure to staurosporine. In addition, Euglena possess proteins that cross-reacted with antibodies raised against human caspases 3 and 9. Given that Euglena are extremely easy to culture and represent a lineage positioned near the base of the eukaryotic tree, they will be an excellent model system for comparative analyses with apoptotic-like death processes in other eukaryotic microbes.
Nebulized Pentamidine-Induced Acute Renal Allograft Dysfunction
Authors: Prabhavalkar Siddhesh , Masengu Agnes , O'Rourke Declan , Shields Joanne , Courtney Aisling
Published: January 2013

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a recognised complication of intravenous pentamidine therapy. A direct nephrotoxic effect leading to acute tubular necrosis has been postulated. We report a case of severe renal allograft dysfunction due to nebulised pentamidine. The patient presented with repeated episodes of AKI without obvious cause and acute tubular necrosis only on renal histology. Nebulised pentamidine was used monthly as prophylaxis forPneumocystis jiroveciipneumonia, and administration preceded the creatinine rise on each occasion. Graft function stabilised following discontinuation of the drug. This is the first report of nebulized pentamidine-induced reversible nephrotoxicity in a kidney allograft. This diagnosis should be considered in a case of unexplained acute renal allograft dysfunction.
Artemisia iwayomogiExtract Attenuates High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity by Decreasing the Expression of Genes Associated with Adipogenesis in Mice
Authors: Choi Yeji , Yanagawa Yasuko , Kim Sungun , Whang Wan Kyunn , Park Taesun
Published: January 2013

The objective of the present study was to determine whetherArtemisia iwayomogi(AI) extract reduces visceral fat accumulation and obesity-related biomarkers in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD), and if so, whether these effects are exerted by modulation of the expression of genes associated with adipogenesis and inflammation. AI extract supplementation for 11 weeks significantly prevented HFD-induced increments in body weight, visceral adiposity, adipocyte hypertrophy, and plasma levels of lipids and leptin. Additionally, AI extract supplementation resulted in downregulation of adipogenic transcription factors (PPARγ2 and C/EBPα) and their target genes (CD36, aP2, and FAS) in epididymal adipose tissue compared to the HFD alone. The AI extract effectively reversed the HFD-induced elevations in plasma glucose and insulin levels and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index. Furthermore, the extract significantly decreased gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines (TNFα, MCP1, IL-6, IFNα, and INFβ) in epididymal adipose tissue and reduced plasma levels of TNFαand MCP1 as compared to HFD alone. In conclusion, these results suggest that AI extract may prevent HFD-induced obesity and metabolic disorders, probably by downregulating the expression of genes related to adipogenesis and inflammation in visceral adipose tissue.
An MPS‐BNS Mixed Strategy Based on Game Theory for Wireless Mesh Networks
Authors: Huang S. Q. , Wang G. C. , Zhen H. H. , Zhang Z.
Published: January 2013

To achieve a valid effect of wireless mesh networks against selfish nodes and selfish behaviors in the packets forwarding, an approach named mixed MPS‐BNS strategy is proposed in this paper. The proposed strategy is based on the Maximum Payoff Strategy (MPS) and the Best Neighbor Strategy (BNS). In this strategy, every node plays a packet forwarding game with its neighbors and records the total payoff of the game. After one round of play, each player chooses the MPS or BNS strategy for certain probabilities and updates the strategy accordingly. In MPS strategy, each node chooses a strategy that will get the maximum payoff according to its neighbor’s strategy. In BNS strategy, each node follows the strategy of its neighbor with the maximum total payoff and then enters the next round of play. The simulation analysis has shown that MPS‐BNS strategy is able to evolve to the maximum expected level of average payoff with faster speed than the pure BNS strategy, especially in the packets forwarding beginning with a low cooperation level. It is concluded that MPS‐BNS strategy is effective in fighting against selfishness in different levels and can achieve a preferable performance.
Explaining Protectionism Support: The Role of Economic Factors
Authors: Melgar Natalia , Milgram-Baleix Juliette , Rossi Máximo
Published: January 2013

We find that individuals’ opinions concerning protectionist policies match with how their revenue could be affected in the medium or long term by trade liberalisation in line with predictions of the comparative advantage models. An adverse macroeconomic context (large increase in the unemployment rate or inflation rate) increases protectionist attitudes, thus reflecting that people do not trust that free trade will lead to lower prices or create jobs despite trade theory optimism. People share a mercantilist view of trade since more imports increase protectionism support, while people positively value exports, especially in small countries. Regarding policy measures, while protectionist measures do not influence protectionism support in general, easy access to exports reduces people’s support for protectionism.
Massively Parallel Tumor Multigene Sequencing to Evaluate Response to Panitumumab in a Randomized Phase III Study of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Peeters Marc , Oliner Kelly S. , Parker Alex , Siena Salvatore , Van Cutsem Eric , Huang Jing , Humblet Yves , Van Laethem Jean-Luc , André Thierry , Wiezorek Jeffrey , Reese David , Patterson Scott D.
Published: January 2013

Purpose: To investigate whether EGF receptor (EGFR) pathway mutations predicted response to monotherapy with panitumumab, an anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody, in a randomized phase III study of metastatic colorectal cancer.

Experimental Design: Using massively parallel multigene sequencing, we analyzed 320 samples for 9 genes, with multigene sequence data from 288 (90%) samples.

Results: Mutation rates were: KRAS (45%), NRAS (5%), BRAF (7%), PIK3CA (9%), PTEN (6%), TP53 (60%), EGFR (1%), AKT1 (<1%), and CTNNB1 (2%). In the randomized study and open-label extension, 22 of 138 (16%) wild-type KRAS (codons 12/13/61) patients versus 0 of 103 mutant KRAS (codons 12/13) patients had objective responses. Of 6 mutant KRAS (codon 61) patients, 1 with a Q61H mutation achieved partial response during the extension. Among wild-type KRAS (codons 12/13/61) patients, 0 of 9 patients with NRAS mutations, 0 of 13 with BRAF mutations, 2 of 10 with PIK3CA mutations, 1 of 9 with PTEN mutations, and 1 of 2 with CTNNB1 mutations responded to panitumumab. No patients responded to best supportive care alone. Panitumumab treatment was associated with longer progression-free survival (PFS) among wild-type KRAS (codons 12/13/61) patients [HR, 0.39; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.28–0.56]. Among wild-type KRAS patients, a treatment effect for PFS favoring panitumumab occurred in patients with wild-type NRAS (HR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.27–0.56) and wild-type BRAF (HR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.24–0.55) but not mutant NRAS (HR, 1.94; 95% CI, 0.44–8.44).

Conclusions: These results show the feasibility and potential clinical use of next-generation sequencing for evaluating predictive biomarkers. Clin Cancer Res; 19(7); 1902–12. ©2012 AACR.
Prognostic Factors Including Ki-67 and p53 in Bacillus Calmette-Guérin-Treated Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: A Prospective Study
Authors: Oderda Marco , Ricceri Fulvio , Pisano Francesca , Fiorito Chiara , Gurioli Alberto , Casetta Giovanni , Zitella Andrea , Pacchioni Donatella , Gontero Paolo
Published: January 2013

Objectives: To prospectively evaluate the prognostic utility of the traditional prognostic factors and molecular markers p53 and Ki-67 in a homogeneous series of patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) treated with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG). Patients and Methods: 192 intermediate- and high-risk NMIBC cases were enrolled. The variables in study were age, stage, grade, focality, tumour size, presence of associated carcinoma in situ, recurrence rate before BCG, maintenance for BCG, Ki-67 and p53. The endpoints considered were recurrence-free survival, progression-free survival, cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS). Results: T stage resulted in being associated with CSS, whereas age with OS. BCG maintenance was a significantly favourable independent predictor of OS, CSS, recurrence and progression. In univariate analysis, the labelling index of Ki-67 was significantly associated with OS, CSS and progression. Multivariate analysis, however, confirmed this association only for OS. On the contrary, the labelling index of p53 was a significant predictor of recurrence, both in uni- and multivariate analyses, but with a HR inferior to 1. Conclusions: Ki-67 was an independent predictor of survival. p53 overexpression showed a significant yet inverse correlation with recurrence, thus showing little clinical utility. Age, stage and maintenance were confirmed as independent predictors of BCG response.
Context Machines: A Series of Situated and Self-Organizing Artworks
Authors: Bogart Benjamin David Robert , Pasquier Philippe
Published: January 2013

The authors discuss the development of self-organizing artworks. Context Machines are a family of site-specific, conceptual and generative artworks that capture photographic images from their environment in the construction of creative compositions. Resurfacing produces interactive temporal landscapes from images captured over time. Memory Association Machine's free-associative process, modeled after Gabora's theory of creativity, traverses a self-organized map of images collected from the environment. In the Dreaming Machine installations, these free associations are framed as dreams. The self-organizing map is applied to thousands of images in Self-Organized Landscapes—high-resolution collages intended for print reproduction. Context Machines invite us to reconsider what is essentially human and to look at ourselves, and our world, anew.
Desiccation and storage of Panagrolaimus sp. (strain NFS-24-5)
Authors: Honnens Hilke , Assheuer Thomas , Ehlers Ralf-Udo
Published: January 2013

Panagrolaimus sp. strain NFS-24-5 has potential to be used as live food for early stages of fish and crustacean species in marine aquaculture. One constraint to its commercialisation is the lack of a method that enables storage of nematodes over a longer time span. The objective of this study was to develop a procedure to transfer nematodes into a dormant state by desiccation. The nematodes were concentrated at densities of 25, 50, 100 and 200 × 103 individials cm−2 on nylon net or cellulose paper, preconditioned for 72 h at 97.3% relative humidity (RH) and then stored at 52.9 or 32.8% RH for 1 week. Cellulose was a better carrier for the nematodes. Survival of the nematodes was reduced only at the highest nematode density on both materials. The water activity of desiccated nematodes was 0.44 and 0.33 at 52.9% and 32.8% RH, respectively, well beyond a point to prevent microbial growth. After storage over a period of 10 weeks at 25 × 103 nematodes cm−2 at 52.9 and 32.8% RH, 92% of the nematodes were still alive. Monitoring the size distribution revealed no changes at 52.9% RH, but there were more of the larger nematodes dying at 32.8% RH in two out of three experiments. The method can be used to store quiescent Panagrolaimus sp. (strain NFS-24-5) for transportation and use in small scale feeding experiments for marine fish and crustacean larvae.
The Praefatio (Prologus) Sancti Cyrilli de Paschate and the 437-year (not 418!) Paschal list attributed to Theophilus
Authors: Mosshammer Alden A.
Published: January 2013

Abstract

The Editio Princeps of the Prologus Sancti Cyrilli de Paschate was published by Denis Petau in 1627 from a manuscript in which the author attributed a 418-year list of dates for Passover and Easter to Theophilus of Alexandria, which the author claimed to have abbreviated to 95 years. Bruno Krusch used two additional manuscripts for his 1880 edition, in which the number attributed to Theophilus is 428. Scholars have argued that 418 must be the correct original number, because 428 is not a multiple of 19. Three previously neglected manuscripts show that the number was originally 437. The author of this text deduced that the 95-year list began approximately 438 years after the birth of Christ and therefore surmised that it was a continuation of a 437-year list that began with Passover in the first year after the Nativity. The 418 years may have been substituted by a redactor who was misled by a postscript that appears in two of the manuscripts.
Five new species of Notosacantha Chevrolat (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae) from Borneo, with a key to the Bornean species and new faunistic data
Authors: BOROWIEC LECH , TAKIZAWA HARUO , ŚWIĘTOJAŃSKA JOLANTA
Published: January 2013

Five new species of Notosacantha are described from Borneo (Sabah): N. flaviventris Borowiec and Takizawa sp. nov. (also described from Sumatra), N. flavosuturata Świętojańska and Takizawa sp. nov., N. minuta Świętojańska and Takizawa sp. nov., N. obscuricornis Borowiec and Takizawa sp. nov. and N. ovoidea Borowiec and Świętojańska sp. nov. New records for nine other species, a check list and key to Bornean Notosacantha are given. Myrsinaceae and Myristicaceae are new host plant families for tortoise beetles and Ardisia elliptica Thunb., Ardisia sp., Embelia sp., Gironiema sp. (all Myrsinaceae) and Knema sp. (Myristicaceae) are new host plants for Notosacantha.
Effects of Topography on Baroclinic Instability
Authors: Chen Changheng , Kamenkovich Igor
Published: January 2013

The importance of bottom topography in the linear baroclinic instability of zonal flows on the β plane is examined by using analytical calculations and a quasigeostrophic eddy-resolving numerical model. The particular focus is on the effects of a zonal topographic slope, compared with the effects of a meridional slope. A zonal slope always destabilizes background zonal flows that are otherwise stable in the absence of topography regardless of the slope magnitude, whereas the meridional slopes stabilize/destabilize zonal flows only through changing the lower-level background potential vorticity gradient beyond a known critical value. Growth rates, phase speeds, and vertical structure of the growing solutions strongly depend on the slope magnitude. In the numerical simulations configured with an isolated meridional ridge, unstable modes develop on both sides of the ridge and propagate eastward of the ridge, in agreement with analytical results.
Offshore Transport of Shelf Waters through Interaction of Vortices with a Shelfbreak Current
Authors: Cenedese Claudia , Todd Robert E. , Gawarkiewicz Glen G. , Owens W. Brechner , Shcherbina Andrey Y.
Published: January 2013

Interactions between vortices and a shelfbreak current are investigated, with particular attention to the exchange of waters between the continental shelf and slope. The nonlinear, three-dimensional interaction between an anticyclonic vortex and the shelfbreak current is studied in the laboratory while varying the ratio ε of the maximum azimuthal velocity in the vortex to the maximum alongshelf velocity in the shelfbreak current. Strong interactions between the shelfbreak current and the vortex are observed when ε > 1; weak interactions are found when ε < 1. When the anticyclonic vortex comes in contact with the shelfbreak front during a strong interaction, a streamer of shelf water is drawn offshore and wraps anticyclonically around the vortex. Measurements of the offshore transport and identification of the particle trajectories in the shelfbreak current drawn offshore from the vortex allow quantification of the fraction of the shelfbreak current that is deflected onto the slope; this fraction increases for increasing values of ε. Experimental results in the laboratory are strikingly similar to results obtained from observations in the Middle Atlantic Bight (MAB); after proper scaling, measurements of offshore transport and offshore displacement of shelf water for vortices in the MAB that span a range of values of ε agree well with laboratory predictions.
African American Men’s Attitudes Toward Marriage
Authors: Perry Armon Rashard
Published: January 2013

This study examines the factors associated with African American men’s attitudes toward marriage as well as the circumstances and experiences that helped shape their attitudes. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, survey and in-depth interview data were collected from a diverse sample of African American men. Quantitative results revealed that men’s report of religiosity, their parents’ family structure, and not having a fear of intimacy predicted more favorable attitudes toward marriage. Qualitative analyses corroborated the quantitative analyses, revealing that the participants’ attitudes were influenced by their family of origin and that they viewed the church and the government as central figures in both the retreat from marriage and any viable initiatives aimed at increasing marriage rates among African Americans.
Control strategies for the index finger of a tendon-driven hand
Authors: Deshpande Ashish D , Ko Jonathan , Fox Dieter , Matsuoka Yoky
Published: January 2013

To understand how versatile dexterity is achieved in the human hand and to achieve it in a robotic form, we have constructed an anatomically correct testbed (ACT) hand. This paper focuses on the development of control strategies for the index finger motion and implementation of joint passive behavior in the ACT hand. A direct muscle position control and a force-optimized joint control are implemented for position tracking through muscle force control. The relationships between the muscle and joint motions play a critical role in both of the controllers and we implemented a Gaussian process regression technique to determine these relationships. Our experiments demonstrate that the direct muscle position controller allows for fast position tracking, while the force-optimized joint controller allows for the exploitation of actuation redundancy in the finger critical for this redundant system. We demonstrate that by implementing a passive force–length relationship at each muscle we are able to precisely match joint stiffness of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint of the ACT to that of a human MCP joint. We also show the results from improved position tracking when implemented in the presence of passive muscle control schemes. The control schemes for position tracking and passive behavior are inspired by human neuromuscular control, and form the building blocks for developing future human-like control approaches.
Using strategic litigation for women’s rights: Political restrictions in Poland and achievements of the women’s movement
Authors: Fuchs Gesine
Published: January 2013

Legal mobilization in the courts and in political discourse has emerged as an increasingly important strategy of social movements that complements other political approaches. This is true also for women’s movements in post-socialist countries, but most research on strategic litigation has focused so far on common law countries and on supranational litigation in Europe. Using the case of Poland as an example, this article asks why references to the law are so attractive in post-socialist contexts and what can be gained by this with respect to actual rights, justice and social change. It focuses thereby on strategic litigation as the most sophisticated strategy that results from other sustained movement activities connected with the law. It draws on field research, interviews with activists and analyses of primary as well as secondary sources. The article explores the reasons for using the law as the ‘master frame’ by analysing the traditions of gender and law in state socialism and during democratic consolidation. Two examples of strategic litigation, the Tysiąc case for reproductive rights and the ‘Biedronka’ cases for employment rights, are analysed and situated in the context of other legal mobilization activities. These cases set the agenda for crucial social problems and resulted in binding decisions by the courts. A broad and predominantly supportive media discourse was conducive to cultivating public opinion. These analyses support the conclusion that legal mobilization tends to directly influence law and legal practices. It has a socializing effect on the population and their legal consciousness. In aiming at both state and society, these legal strategies of the women’s movement are a modest but crucial success for democratic consolidation.
Epidemiology of Polypharmacy Among Family Medicine Patients at Hospital Discharge
Authors: Rohrer James E. , Garrison Gregory , Oberhelman Sara A. , Meunier Matthew R.
Published: January 2013

Background: Polypharmacy has been identified as a quality indicator, but no studies have been reported about the epidemiology of polypharmacy among hospital patients at discharge. Methods: Records of 142 family medicine patients aged ≥65 years who were discharged from the hospital during the period November 2008 to October 2009 were extracted. Forty-six of these patients were readmitted within 30 days and the remaining 96 not readmitted within 30 days. Polypharmacy was measured as >16 medications at dismissal. Independent variables related to person (use of medical care in the 12 months prior to hospitalization, number of high-risk diagnoses, and demographic characteristics), place (living situation at admission and disposition location), and time (month of admission). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer, diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, and coronary artery disease were diagnoses determined to be high-risk. Results: Mean number of medications at dismissal was 13.5 and 23.2% of patients were prescribed more than 16 medications. No interactions were found between readmission status and any of the independent variables. Use of medical services in the previous year was not related to polypharmacy and no seasonal pattern was detected. Two or more high-risk diagnoses were independently related to polypharmacy (odds ratio [OR] = 4.75, confidence interval [CI] = 1.0-11.2, P = .00). Being discharged to a location with personal health services such as home care or a skilled nursing facility was also related to polypharmacy (OR = 3.07, CI = 1.3-7.2, P = .01). Conclusion: Drug reviews intended to reduce the rate of polypharmacy among discharged persons aged ≥65 years can be targeted at patients who have 2 or more high-risk diagnoses and at those discharged to receive personal health services either at home or in a convalescence facility.
Delivery of viral-vectored vaccines by B cells represents a novel strategy to accelerate CD8+ T-cell recall responses
Authors: Zhang Liang , Bridle Byram W. , Chen Lan , Pol Jonathan , Spaner David , Boudreau Jeanette E. , Rosen Allison , Bassett Jennifer D. , Lichty Brian D. , Bramson Jonathan L. , Wan Yonghong
Published: January 2013

Key Points

Using B cells to target antigens into the follicular regions represents a novel approach to accelerate CD8+ T-cell recall responses.
Heparin rescues factor V Leiden–associated placental failure independent of anticoagulation in a murine high-risk pregnancy model
Authors: An Jianzhong , Waitara Magarya S. , Bordas Michelle , Arumugam Vidhyalakshmi , Hoffmann Raymond G. , Petrich Brian G. , Sinha Uma , North Paula E. , Sood Rashmi
Published: January 2013

Key Points

Heparin may have beneficial effects on placental health beyond anticoagulation. Thrombin receptor activation on maternal platelets is implicated in placental developmental failure independent of thrombosis.
International Working Group-Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Research and Treatment (IWG-MRT) & European Competence Network on Mastocytosis (ECNM) consensus response criteria in advanced systemic mastocytosis
Authors: Gotlib Jason , Pardanani Animesh , Akin Cem , Reiter Andreas , George Tracy , Hermine Olivier , Kluin-Nelemans Hanneke , Hartmann Karin , Sperr Wolfgang R. , Brockow Knut , Schwartz Lawrence B. , Orfao Alberto , DeAngelo Daniel J. , Arock Michel , Sotlar Karl , Horny Hans-Peter , Metcalfe Dean D. , Escribano Luis , Verstovsek Srdan , Tefferi Ayalew , Valent Peter
Published: January 2013

Systemic mastocytosis (SM) is characterized by accumulation of neoplastic mast cells and is classified into indolent and aggressive forms. The latter include aggressive SM (ASM), mast cell leukemia (MCL), and SM associated with a myeloid neoplasm wherein 1 or both disease compartments exhibit advanced features. These variants, henceforth collectively referred to as advanced SM for the purposes of this report, are typically characterized by organ damage and shortened survival duration. In contrast to indolent SM, in which symptoms are usually managed by noncytotoxic antimediator therapy, cytoreduction is usually necessary for disease control in advanced SM. Unfortunately, current drug treatment of these patients rarely results in complete clinical and histopathologic remissions or improved survival time. Previously defined response criteria were adapted to the heterogeneous presentations of advanced SM and the limited effects of available drugs. However, recent advances in understanding the molecular pathogenesis of SM and the corresponding prospect in targeted therapy make it a priority to modify these criteria. Our current study is the product of an international group of experts and summarizes the challenges in accomplishing this task and forwards a new proposal for response criteria, which builds on prior proposals and should facilitate response evaluation in clinical trials.
Engineered AAV vector minimizes in vivo targeting of transduced hepatocytes by capsid-specific CD8+ T cells
Authors: Martino Ashley T. , Basner-Tschakarjan Etiena , Markusic David M. , Finn Jonathan D. , Hinderer Christian , Zhou Shangzhen , Ostrov David A. , Srivastava Arun , Ertl Hildegund C. J. , Terhorst Cox , High Katherine A. , Mingozzi Federico , Herzog Roland W.
Published: January 2013

Key Points

A murine model was developed for capsid-specific CD8 cell responses in AAV gene therapy for hemophilia. Y-F mutant capsid minimizes the effect of anticapsid CD8+ T cells on hepatocyte-derived factor IX expression in mice and in human cells.
Distinct genomic organization, mRNA expression and cellular localization of members of two amastin sub-families present in Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Kangussu-Marcolino Monica Mendes , de Paiva Rita Márcia Cardoso , Araújo Patrícia Rosa , de Mendonça-Neto Rondon Pessoa , Lemos Laiane , Bartholomeu Daniella Castanheira , Mortara Renato A , daRocha Wanderson Duarte , Teixeira Santuza Maria Ribeiro
Published: January 2013

Background

Amastins are surface glycoproteins (approximately 180 residues long) initially described in Trypanosoma cruzi as particularly abundant during the amastigote stage of this protozoan parasite. Subsequently, they have been found to be encoded by large gene families also present in the genomes of several species of Leishmania and in other Trypanosomatids. Although most amastin genes are organized in clusters associated with tuzin genes and are up-regulated in the intracellular stage of T. cruzi and Leishmania spp, distinct genomic organizations and mRNA expression patterns have also been reported.

Results

Based on the analysis of the complete genome sequences of two T. cruzi strains, we identified a total of 14 copies of amastin genes in T. cruzi and showed that they belong to two of the four previously described amastin subfamilies. Whereas δ-amastin genes are organized in two or more clusters with alternating copies of tuzin genes, the two copies of β-amastins are linked together in a distinct chromosome. Most T. cruzi amastins have similar surface localization as determined by confocal microscopy and western blot analyses. Transcript levels for δ-amastins were found to be up-regulated in amastigotes from several T. cruzi strains, except in the G strain, which is known to have low infection capacity. In contrast, in all strains analysed, β-amastin transcripts are more abundant in epimastigotes, the stage found in the insect vector.

Conclusions

Here we showed that not only the number and diversity of T. cruzi amastin genes is larger than what has been predicted, but also their mode of expression during the parasite life cycle is more complex. Although most T. cruzi amastins have a similar surface localization, only δ-amastin genes have their expression up-regulated in amastigotes. The results showing that a sub-group of this family is up-regulated in epimastigotes, suggest that, in addition of their role in intracellular amastigotes, T. cruzi amastins may also serve important functions during the insect stage of the parasite life cycle. Most importantly, evidence for their role as virulence factors was also unveiled from the data showing that δ-amastin expression is down regulated in a strain presenting low infection capacity.