bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical experience with BIAsp 30: Results from the Bangladesh cohort of the global A1chieve study
Authors: Latif ZA , Pathan MF , Mannan MA , Siddiqui MNT , Ashrafuzzaman SM , Rahman MM , Sobhan MJ
Published: September 2014

The aim of A1chieve was to remedy the deficit of data on the efficacy and safety of insulin analogues in routine clinical care in less well-resourced developed countries. To present results from the Bangladesh cohort of the A1chieve study receiving BIAsp 30 ± oral anti diabetic drugs. A1chieve was a 6-month, observational study of 66,726 people with type 2 diabetes, started on insulin detemir, insulin aspart or biphasic insulin aspart (BIAsp 30) in 28 countries across four continents. A total of 1,093 subjects were recruited from 49 sites in Bangladesh and 580 subjects initiated on BIAsp 30 were studied. In the entire cohort, treatment with BIAsp 30 for 24 weeks significantly reduced mean HbA1c (2.8%, p<0.001), fasting plasma glucose (4.0mmol/L, p<0.001) and post prandial plasma glucose (6.6mmol/L, p<0.001) levels from baseline. The rate of overall hypoglycaemic events in the entire cohort also reduced significantly at 24 weeks (1.86 to 0.02 events/person year, p<0.0001). BIAsp 30 can be considered as a safe and effective option for initiating as well as intensifying insulin therapy for type 2 diabetes.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmrcb.v39i3.20307 Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2013; 39: 93-98
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy-a versatile technique for both simple and complex renal stone
Authors: Hossain TMS , Asaduzzaman M , Uddin MN , Rahman MH , Jahan MU , Bhuiyan AKMZI
Published: September 2014

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy is currently the preferred first line treatment for simple & complex renal calculi. The technique also being used increasingly for smaller stones that have failed ESWL. Aim of the study is to share our experience in PCNL in course of time. This study was conducted from January 2009 to December 2012, 131 patients with 142 renal units of 5-75 yrs of age, PCNL were performed in NIKDU, BSMMU & JBFH. Stone were classified into simple (isolated renal pelvis or isolated calyceal stones) or complex (partial or complete staghorn stones, renal pelvic stone with accompanying calyceal stones). The stone size was 1.5-5cm approximately. We asses our initial puncture technique, need for multi-tract, supra 12th rib access, stone free rate, operative duration, postoperative complication, number of transfusion and hospital stay. Operative durations were 60 min -180 minutes. Puncture technique improved in course of time. 14 patients need multi-puncture and tract, all are supra 12th access. Out of 142 renal units 120 (83%) were stone free after first procedure, another 22 need and auxiliary procedure, (5 2nd look PCNL, 6 URS, 11 ESWL) to become stone free result in a 95% stone free rate. Complications occurred in 17 procedures which dealt accordingly. This study revealed PCNL is an effective, versatile safe and cosmetically acceptable procedure for all age groups in simple and complex renal stone. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmrcb.v39i3.20308 Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2013; 39: 99-103
Double balloon enteroscopy: Bangladesh experience
Authors: Nath NC , Dhar SC , Uddin AFMH , Shil BC , Banik RK , Saha SK , Ali N
Published: September 2014

Double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) is a newly developed endoscopic modality for diagnosis and treatment of small bowel disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic impact of DBE in patient with suspected small bowel disease. This was a prospective study. Sixty one double balloon enteroscopy procedures (30 antegrade 31 retrograde) were done in thirty six patients(20M/16F, mean age 40±12.5 range 16-65 years ) at gastroenterology department, Sir Salimullah Medical College, Dhaka between October 2011 and September 2012. Indications for DBE included chronic abdominal pain 14(38.9%), obscure GI bleeding 11(30.56%), Small bowel obstruction 05(13.89%), and chronic diarrhea 06(16.67%). The morphologic findings were ulcerations 13(36.11%), growth 03(8.33%), vascular ectasia 03(8.33%) and polyp 01(2.78%). Therapeutic interventions were performed in one patient only. No serious complications were observed. Diagnostic yields in case of chronic abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, obscure GI bleeding and small bowel obstruction were 50%, 66%, 63% and 40% respectively. The findings were adenocarcinoma 04(11%), lymphoma 03(8.4%), tuberculosis 03(8.4%), non specific findings 05(13.9%), IPSID 01(2.8%), crohns disease 01(2.8%), vascular ectasia 03(8.33%) and normal 16(44.44%). DBE is well tolerated, feasible and useful technique for the diagnosis as well as treatment of small intestinal disorders. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmrcb.v39i3.20311 Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2013; 39: 116-119
Role of sonohysterography in evaluation of abnormally thickened endometrium causing abnormal uterine bleeding with histopathological correlation
Authors: Parveen S , Azad SA , Mohammad J , Haque S , Shanta RS , Rahman SM
Published: September 2014

This prospective randomized study was carried out in the department of Radiology and Imaging in collaboration with the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Shahbag and Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) during the period of January 2003 to December 2004. The aim of this study was to establish sonohyterography as a sensitive tool and superior to Transvaginal Sonography (TVS) for detection of endometrial pathology in women with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) and its validity by determining sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value. For this purpose, a total number of 40 patients who had thickened endometrium (cut off level <15 mm for pre menopausal and <5 mm for post menopausal patients) detected on transabdominal or transvaginal sonography were selected. TVS and TV-SH were done in all these patients and findings were then compared with the final histopathological diagnosis. In our study, we found TV-SH has sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 80% and accuracy of 97.5 % compared to TVS (94 %, 66.66 % and 90 % respectively) in detection of endometrial pathology in women with AUB. TV-SH can thus be regarded as one of the most sensitive, specific and accurate modality in detecting and excluding endoluminal masses as the cause of AUB. It can be considered as the initial examination in the evaluation of all women with AUB. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmrcb.v40i1.20322 Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2014; 40: 10-14
Probing the electronic transport on the reconstructed Au/Ge(001) surface
Authors: Krok Franciszek , Kaspers Mark R , Bernhart Alexander M , Nikiel Marek , Jany Benedykt R , Indyka Paulina , Wojtaszek Mateusz , Möller Rolf , Bobisch Christian A
Published: September 2014

By using scanning tunnelling potentiometry we characterized the lateral variation of the electrochemical potential µec on the gold-induced Ge(001)-c(8 × 2)-Au surface reconstruction while a lateral current flows through the sample. On the reconstruction and across domain boundaries we find that µec shows a constant gradient as a function of the position between the contacts. In addition, nanoscale Au clusters on the surface do not show an electronic coupling to the gold-induced surface reconstruction. In combination with high resolution scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, we conclude that an additional transport channel buried about 2 nm underneath the surface represents a major transport channel for electrons.
Interacción de compuestos inorgánicos y orgánicos de fluidos fisiológicos con superficies de Ti tratadas térmicamente
Authors: Burgos-Asperilla Laura , Gamero Miriam , Escudero Mª. Lorenza , Alonso Concepción , García-Alonso Mª. Cristina
Published: September 2014

Se estudia la interacción del Ti oxidado a 277 °C durante 5 horas con compuestos orgánicos e inorgánicos presentes en los fluidos fisiológicos, desde la solución más simple a la más compleja. Se han utilizado técnicas electroquímicas como la evolución del potencial de corrosión, espectroscopía de impedancia electroquímica y curvas de polarización, y la espectroscopía de fotoelectrones de rayos X (XPS). El XPS revela que la intensidad de los picos asociados a los iones fosfato y calcio aumenta con el tiempo de inmersión. Sin embargo, la albúmina cubre desde el primer día la superficie, ya que la intensidad de los picos asociados a la presencia de C permanece prácticamente constante hasta el final del ensayo. Los iones calcio actúan como puente de unión entre los iones fosfato y la albúmina, y los grupos hidroxilo ácidos de la capa de óxido. Las medidas de impedancia muestran que la resistencia de la capa de óxido en albúmina y FBS disminuye probablemente debido a la formación de complejos órgano-metálicos. Las curvas de polarización revelan que cuando la solución contiene proteínas, la intensidad de la rama anódica disminuye indicando que las proteínas ejercen un efecto barrera sobre la superficie del Ti.
Exploration of Tensions in a Mobile-Technology Supported Fieldtrip
Authors: Lai Chih-Hung , Chen Fei-Ching , Yang Jie-Chi
Published: September 2014

The purpose of this study was to analyze how mobile technologies were incorporated and implemented in an outdoor learning activity. Two classes of primary school students participated in the experiment. Using activity theory as an analytical framework, it is found that underlying tensions provided rich insights into system dynamics and that technological affordances could be limited by mismatches between the Tools themselves, and between Tools and the ways that were used by learners or arranged by the instructor. The subtle human factors present in the use of technologies should be carefully considered. The influence of mobile devices on learner experiences in experiential learning is also thoroughly discussed.
Study of Vehicle Vibration for High-Performance Land Mobile Satellite Tracking System for Telemedicine
Authors: Kitano Toshihiko
Published: September 2014

The land mobile satellite service (LMSS) is a key component of telemedicine and an important technology for grasping the status of a patient in an ambulance. However, rough road surfaces can destabilize satellite tracking and disturb data communications with the ambulance carrying the patient. Nevertheless, accurate estimates of the location of the vehicle at any given time and rapid reconfiguration of the tracking antenna based on past data can allow stable and effective data communications. This study examined positions characterized by large vibration amplitudes from past data on vehicle vibrations due to rough road surfaces as feature points to provide the vehicle system in advance with reference pitch angle vibration data. Drawing on reference vibration data for convolution and a cost function, The authors synchronized past data with real-time vibration data and accurately estimated the point at which the ambulance or other vehicle passes on the road. They also discuss limits on the range of vibrations that can be used for data synchronization. This study demonstrates that the present method enables high-precision estimates of vehicle location.
Neural Network Based Modelling and GRA Coupled PCA Optimization of Hole Sinking Electro Discharge Micromachining
Authors: Porwal Rajesh Kumar , Yadava Vinod , Ramkumar J.
Published: September 2014

Determination of material removal rate (MRR), tool wear rate (TWR) and hole taper (Ta) is a challenging task for manufacturing engineers from the productivity and accuracy point of view of the symmetrical and nonsymmetrical holes due to hole sinking electro discharge micro machining (HS-EDMM) process. Thus, mathematical models for quick prediction of these aspects are needed because experimental determinations of process performances are always tedious and time consuming. Not only prediction but determination of optimum parameter for optimization of process performance is also required. This paper attempts to apply a hybrid mathematical approach comprising of Back Propagation Neural Network (BPNN) for prediction and Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) coupled with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for optimization with multiple responses of HS-EDMM of Invar-36. Experiments were conducted to generate dataset for training and testing of the network where input parameters consist of gap voltage, capacitance of capacitor and the resulting performance parameters MRR, TWR and Ta. The results indicate that the hybrid approach is capable to predict process output and optimize process performance with reasonable accuracy under varied operating conditions of HS-EDMM. The proposed approach would be extendable to other configurations of EDMM processes for different material.
Unsteady Numerical and Experimental Study of Cavitation in Axial Pump
Authors: Adel Mohamed , Mostafa Nabil H.
Published: September 2014

This paper presents an experimental and three-dimensional numerical study of unsteady, turbulent, void growth and cavitation simulation inside the passage of the axial flow pump. In this study a 3D Navier-Stokes code was used (CFDRC, 2008) to model the two-phase flow field around a four blades axial pump. The governing equations are discretized on a structured grid using an upwind difference scheme. The numerical simulation used the standard K-e turbulence model to account for the turbulence effect. The numerical simulation of void growth and cavitation in an axial pump was studied under unsteady calculating. Pressure distribution and vapor volume fraction were completed versus time at different condition. The computational code has been validated by comparing the predicated numerical results with the experiment. The predicted of cavitation growth and distribution on the impeller blade also agreed with that visualized of high speed camera.
Cutting Edge: The UNC93B1 Tyrosine-Based Motif Regulates Trafficking and TLR Responses via Separate Mechanisms
Authors: Pelka Karin , Phulphagar Kshiti , Zimmermann Jana , Stahl Rainer , Schmid-Burgk Jonathan L. , Schmidt Tobias , Spille Jan-Hendrik , Labzin Larisa I. , Agrawal Sudhir , Kandimalla Ekambar R. , Casanova Jean-Laurent , Hornung Veit , Marshak-Rothstein Ann , Höning Stefan , Latz Eicke
Published: September 2014

Sensing of nucleic acids by TLRs is crucial in the host defense against viruses and bacteria. Unc-93 homolog B1 (UNC93B1) regulates the trafficking of nucleic acid–sensing TLRs from the endoplasmic reticulum to endolysosomes, where the TLRs encounter their respective ligands and become activated. In this article, we show that a carboxyl-terminal tyrosine-based sorting motif (YxxΦ) in UNC93B1 differentially regulates human nucleic acid–sensing TLRs in a receptor- and ligand-specific manner. Destruction of YxxΦ abolished TLR7, TLR8, and TLR9 activity toward nucleic acids in human B cells and monocytes, whereas TLR8 responses toward small molecules remained intact. YxxΦ in UNC93B1 influenced the subcellular localization of human UNC93B1 via both adapter protein complex (AP)1- and AP2-dependent trafficking pathways. However, loss of AP function was not causal for altered TLR responses, suggesting AP-independent functions of YxxΦ in UNC93B1.
Latent Infection with Cytomegalovirus Is Associated with Poor Memory CD4 Responses to Influenza A Core Proteins in the Elderly
Authors: Derhovanessian Evelyna , Maier Andrea B. , Hähnel Karin , McElhaney Janet E. , Slagboom Eline P. , Pawelec Graham
Published: September 2014

Influenza remains a major pathogen in older people. Infection with CMV and the accumulation of late-differentiated T cells associated with it have been implicated in poor Ab responsiveness to influenza vaccination in the elderly, most of whom are CMV positive. However, whether CMV infection also affects memory T cell responses to influenza remains unknown. To investigate this, we assessed T cell responses to influenza A matrix protein and nucleoprotein ex vivo in 166 Dutch individuals (mean age 62.2 y, range 42–82) and validated the results in a second cohort from North America (mean age 73.1 y, range 65–81, n = 28). We found that less than half of the CMV-infected older subjects mounted a CD4 T cell response to influenza Ags, whereas ∼80% of uninfected elderly did so. A similar proportion of younger subjects possessed influenza A virus–responsive CD4 T cells, and, interestingly, this was the case whether they were CMV-infected. Thus, the effect of CMV was only seen in the older donors, who may have been exposed to the virus for decades. The percentage of donors with CD8 responses to influenza A virus was lower than those with CD4; this was not influenced by whether the subjects were CMV seropositive or seronegative. CMV-seropositive responders had significantly higher frequencies of late-differentiated CD4 T-cells (CD45RA+/−CCR7−CD27−CD28−) compared with CMV-infected nonresponders. These data add to the accumulating evidence that infection with CMV has profound but heterogeneous effects on responses to the products of other viruses and have implications for the design of influenza vaccines, especially in the elderly.
Endothelial Microparticles Interact with and Support the Proliferation of T Cells
Authors: Wheway Julie , Latham Sharissa L. , Combes Valery , Grau Georges E. R.
Published: September 2014

Endothelial cells closely interact with circulating lymphocytes. Aggression or activation of the endothelium leads to an increased shedding of endothelial cell microparticles (MP). Endothelial MP (EMP) are found in high plasma levels in numerous immunoinflammatory diseases, such as atherosclerosis, sepsis, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral malaria, supporting their role as effectors and markers of vascular dysfunction. Given our recently described role for human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBEC) in modulating immune responses, we investigated how HBEC-derived MP could interact with and support the proliferation of T cells. Like their mother cells, EMP expressed molecules important for Ag presentation and T cell costimulation, that is, β2-microglobulin, MHC II, CD40, and ICOSL. HBEC were able to take up fluorescently labeled Ags with EMP also containing fluorescent Ags, suggestive of Ag carryover from HBEC to EMP. In cocultures, fluorescently labeled EMP from resting or cytokine-stimulated HBEC formed conjugates with both CD4+ and CD8+ subsets, with higher proportions of T cells binding EMP from cytokine-stimulated cells. The increased binding of EMP from cytokinestimulated HBEC to T cells was VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 dependent. Finally, in CFSE T cell proliferation assays using anti-CD3 mAb or T cell mitogens, EMP promoted the proliferation of CD4+ T cells and that of CD8+ T cells in the absence of exogenous stimuli and in the T cell mitogenic stimulation. Our findings provide novel evidence that EMP can enhance T cell activation and potentially ensuing Ag presentation, thereby pointing toward a novel role for MP in neuroimmunological complications of infectious diseases.
Monocyte-Induced Development of Th17 Cells and the Release of S100 Proteins Are Involved in the Pathogenesis of Graft-versus-Host Disease
Authors: Reinhardt Katharina , Foell Dirk , Vogl Thomas , Mezger Markus , Wittkowski Helmut , Fend Falko , Federmann Birgit , Gille Christian , Feuchtinger Tobias , Lang Peter , Handgretinger Rupert , Andreas Bethge Wolfgang , Holzer Ursula
Published: September 2014

Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. However, the pathophysiology of GvHD remains poorly understood. In this study, we analyzed the induction of Th17 cells by monocytes of patients with GvHD in vitro, demonstrating that monocytes isolated from patients with acute skin and intestinal GvHD stage I–IV and chronic GvHD induce significantly increased levels of Th17 cells compared with patients without GvHD. S100 proteins are known to act as innate amplifier of inflammation. We therefore investigated the presence of S100 proteins in the stool, serum, and bowel tissue of patients with GvHD and the influence of S100 proteins on the induction of Th17 cells. Elevated levels of S100 proteins could be detected in patients with acute GvHD, demonstrating the release of these phagocyte-specific proteins during GvHD. Furthermore, stimulation of monocytes with S100 proteins was found to promote Th17 development, emphasizing the role of S100 proteins in Th17-triggered inflammation. Altogether, our results indicate that induction of Th17 cells by activated monocytes and the stimulatory effects of proinflammatory S100 proteins might play a relevant role in the pathogenesis of acute GvHD. Regarding our data, S100 proteins might be novel markers for the diagnosis and follow-up of GvHD.
Commentary on: Self-care self-efficacy, religious participation and depression as predictors of post-stroke self-care among underserved ethnic minorities
Authors: Bragazzi Nicola Luigi
Published: September 2014

Not required
National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Athletic Trainers' Concussion-Management Practice Patterns
Authors: Kelly Kassandra C. , Jordan Erin M. , Joyner A. Barry , Burdette G. Trey , Buckley Thomas A.
Published: September 2014

Context:

A cornerstone of the recent consensus statements on concussion is a multifaceted concussion-assessment program at baseline and postinjury and when tracking recovery. Earlier studies of athletic trainers' (ATs') practice patterns found limited use of multifaceted protocols; however, these authors typically grouped diverse athletic training settings together.

Objective:

To (1) describe the concussion-management practice patterns of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I ATs, (2) compare these practice patterns to earlier studies, and (3) objectively characterize the clinical examination.

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Online survey.

Patients or Other Participants:

A total of 610 ATs from NCAA Division I institutions, for a response rate of 34.4%.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

The survey had 3 subsections: demographic questions related to the participant's experiences, concussion-assessment practice patterns, and concussion-recovery and return-to-participation practice patterns. Specific practice-pattern questions addressed balance, cognitive and mental status, neuropsychological testing, and self-reported symptoms. Finally, specific components of the clinical examination were examined.

Results:

We identified high rates of multifaceted assessments (ie, assessments using at least 3 techniques) during testing at baseline (71.2%), acute concussion assessment (79.2%), and return to participation (66.9%). The specific techniques used are provided along with their adherence with evidence-based practice findings. Respondents endorsed a diverse array of clinical examination techniques that often overlapped objective concussion-assessment protocols or were likely used to rule out associated potential conditions. Respondents were cognizant of the Third International Consensus Statement, the National Athletic Trainers' Association position statement, and the revised NCAA Sports Medicine Handbook recommendations.

Conclusions:

Athletic trainers in NCAA Division I demonstrated widespread use of multifaceted concussion-assessment techniques and appeared compliant with recent consensus statements and the NCAA Sports Medicine Handbook.
Optimising the laboratory supply chain: The key to effective laboratory services
Authors: Edgil Dianna , Williams Jason , Smith Peter , Kuritsky Joel
Published: September 2014

Background: The Supply Chain Management System (SCMS) is a contract managed under the Partnership for Supply Chain Management (PFSCM) consortium by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). SCMS procures commodities for programmes supported by the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). From 2005 to mid-2012, PEPFAR, through SCMS, spent approximately $384 million on non-pharmaceutical commodities. Of this, an estimated $90m was used to purchase flow cytometry technology, largely for flow cytometry platforms and reagents.Objectives: The purpose of this paper is to highlight the cost differences between low, medium and high utilisation rates of common CD4 testing instruments that have been procured though PEPFAR funding.Method: A scale of costs per test as a function of test volume through the machine was calculated for the two most common CD4 testing machines used in HIV programmes: Becton Dickinson (BD) FACSCount™ and BD FACSCalibur™. Instrument utilisation data collected at the facility level in three selected countries were then used to calculate the onsite cost-per-test experienced in each country.Results: Cost analyses indicated that a target of at least 40% utilisation for FACSCount™ and 15% utilisation for FACSCalibur™, respectively, closely approach maximal per-test cost efficiency. The average utilisation rate for CD4 testing instruments varies widely by country, level of laboratory and partner (0% − 68%).Conclusion: Our analysis indicates that, because cost-per-test is related inversely to sample throughput, the underutilisation of flow cytometry machines is resulting in an increase in average cost-per-test for many instruments.
Habitat, emosie en ’n eko-teologiese verstaan van menswees: In gesprek met Johan Buitendag
Authors: Veldsman Daniël P.
Published: September 2014

Habitat, emotion and an eco-theological understanding of humanity: In conversation with Johan Buitendag. The question on what his viewpoint of an eco-theological understanding of life entails is firstly posed in conversation with the South African systematic theologian Johan Buitendag. His standpoint, in which he argues for the constitutive significance of habitat against the background of the philosophical, biological and theological contours of descriptions of what life is, is set forth. He suggests that human life should be described with regard to habitat in its constitutive significance and subsequently in regard to a value system, and concludes that human life as homo religiosus must be understood from an eco-theological viewpoint as ontologically extended (‘ontologies uitgebreid’). His eco-theological viewpoint is secondly taken up in an explication of the sense making of human life by humans, determined and shaped by their biological roots in their habitat. Lastly the affective-cognitive dimension of being human with specific emphasis on affectivity is expounded as representing the embodiment of the logic of survival of personhood in their habitat.
Beliefs of yoga practitioners about yoga as a science
Authors: Tiwari Subodh , Telles Shirley , Goel Abhishek , Verma Anita
Published: September 2014

Context:

The ancient Indian science of yoga is both an experiential science as well as a set of practices which are very suitable to be evaluated using conventional research methods. Despite the rapidly growing scientific literature on the effects of yoga and its applications, there has been no survey carried out to determine whether yoga practitioners are themselves aware of this research.

Aims:

The current study aimed at conducting a survey to document the beliefs about yoga as a science among its practitioners.

Methods:

The current survey was conducted chiefly on graduate students of Mumbai University as well as some of the staff. The study surveyed 972 respondents (with an average age of 26 years and a male-female ratio of 54.8:45.2), out of which 54.7 percent practiced yoga.

Results:

Among the yoga practitioners, 66.1 percent were aware of scientific research on yoga and 57.6 percent associated yoga with scientific research. Interestingly, 60.4 percent of yoga users were keen to have online yoga courses. Among those who did not practice yoga (45.3 percent), 45.0 percent had no intention of starting to practice yoga.

Conclusion:

The current survey, which is the first documentation of its type in India, showed interesting trends in beliefs about yoga as a scientific discipline among a predominantly young, educated, and urban Indian sample.
Integrated Analysis of Dysregulated miRNA-Gene Expression inHMGA2-Silenced Retinoblastoma Cells
Authors: Venkatesan Nalini , Deepa P. R. , Vasudevan Madavan , Khetan Vikas , Reddy Ashwin M. , Krishnakumar Subramanian
Published: September 2014

Retinoblastoma (RB) is a primary childhood eye cancer. HMGA2 shows promise as a molecule for targeted therapy. The involvement of miRNAs in genome-level molecular dys-regulation in HMGA2-silenced RB cells is poorly understood. Through miRNA expression microarray profiling, and an integrated array analysis of the HMGA2-silenced RB cells, the dysregulated miRNAs and the miRNA-target relationships were modelled. Loop network analysis revealed a regulatory association between the transcription factor ( SOX5) and the deregulated miRNAs imiR-29a, miR-9*, miR-9-3). Silencing of HMGA2 deregulated the vital oncomirs ( miR-7, miR-331, miR-26a, miR-221, miR-17∼92 and miR-106b∼25) in RB cells. From this list, the role of the miR-106b∼25 cluster was examined further for its expression in primary RB tumor tissues (n = 20). The regulatory targets of miR-106b∼25 cluster namely p21 (cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor) and BIM (pro-apoptotic gene) were elevated, and apoptotic cell death was observed, in RB tumor cells treated with the specific antagomirs of the miR-106b∼25 cluster. Thus, suppression of miR-106b∼25 cluster controls RB tumor growth. Taken together, HMGA2 mediated anti-tumor effect present in RB is, in part, mediated through the miR-106b∼25 cluster.
Uniform Distribution Theory and Applications
Authors: Gnewuch Michael , Kuo Frances Y. , Niederreiter Harald , Woźniakowski Henryk
Published: September 2014

The topics of the workshop were recent progress in the theory of uniform distribution theory (also known as discrepancy theory) and new developments in its applications in analysis, approximation theory, computer science, numerics, pseudo-randomness and stochastic simulation.
Mini-Workshop: Quaternion Kähler Structures in Riemannian and Algebraic Geometry
Authors: Fino Anna , Semmelmann Uwe , Wisniewski Jaroslaw A. , Witt Frederik
Published: September 2014

Metrics of special holonomy are of central interest in both Riemannian and complex algebraic geometry. We focus on an important classification problem of a particular type of special holonomy manifolds, namely compact quaternion-Kähler with positive scalar curvature (Salamon-LeBrun conjecture). In the language of algebraic geometry this corresponds to the classification of Fano contact manifolds. By bringing together leading experts in both fields this workshop pursued a two-fold goal: First, to revise old and to develop new strategies for proving the most central conjecture in the field of quaternionic Kähler geometry. Second, to introduce young researchers at PhD/PostDoc level to this interdisciplinary circle of ideas.
Numerical Solution of PDE Eigenvalue Problems
Authors: Knyazev Andrew , Mehrmann Volker , Xu Jinchao
Published: September 2014

This workshop brought together researchers from many different areas of numerical analysis, scientific computing and application areas, ranging from quantum mechanics, acoustic field computation to material science, working on eigenvalue problems for partial differential equations. Major challenges and new research directions were identified and the interdisciplinary cooperation was strengthened through a very lively workshop with many discussions.
Classical and Quantum Mechanical Models of Many-Particle Systems
Authors: Arnold Anton , Carlen Eric A. , Desvillettes Laurent
Published: September 2014

This meeting was focused on recent results on the mathematical analysis of many-particle systems, both classical and quantum-mechanical in scaling regimes such that the methods of kinetic theory can be expected to apply. Thus, the Boltzmann equation is in many ways the central equation investigated in much of the research presented and discussed at this meeting, but the range of topics naturally extended from this center to include other non-linear partial differential and integro-differential equations, especially macroscopic/fluid-dynamical limits of kinetic equations modeling the dynamics of many-particle systems. A significant subset of the talks focused on propagation of chaos, and the validation and derivation of kinetic equations from underlying stochastic particle models in which there has been much progress and activity. Models were discussed with applications not only in physics, but also engineering, and mathematical biology. While there were a number of new participants, especially younger researchers, an interesting aspect of the conference was the number of talks presenting progress that had its origins in the previous meeting in this series held in 2010.
Cluster Algebras and Related Topics
Authors: Keller Bernhard , Leclerc Bernard , Schröer Jan
Published: September 2014

Cluster algebras are a class of commutative algebras intoduced by Fomin and Zelevinsky in 2000. Their original purpose was to obtain a combinatorial approach to Lusztig’s dual canonical bases of quantum groups and to total positivity. Since then numerous connections between other areas of mathematics have been discovered. The aim of this workshop was to further strengthen these connections and to develop interactions.
Material Theories
Authors: DeSimone Antonio , Luckhaus Stephan , Truskinovsky Lev
Published: September 2014

The subject of this meeting was mathematical modeling of strongly interacting multi-particle systems that can be interpreted as advanced materials. The main emphasis was placed on contributions attempting to bridge the gap between discrete and continuum approaches, focusing on the multi-scale nature of physical phenomena and bringing new and nontrivial mathematics. The mathematical debates concentrated on nonlinear PDE, stochastic dynamical systems, optimal transportation, calculus of variations and large deviations theory.
La Escuela y la Frontera: procesos de identificación nacional de los niños en la frontera entre Argentina y Bolivia
Authors: Zlachevsky Natalia
Published: September 2014

Las zonas de frontera interestatal pueden ser pensadas como territorios separados con continuidades geográfi cas y culturales donde la presencia del Estado es un complejo particular. A su vez, la escuela ha sido el bastión del Estado para la construcción simbólica de nosotros y de los otros. Este trabajo busca registrar cómo el nacionalismo se pone en juego en una escuela en la frontera entre Argentina y Bolivia y de qué manera se articula con diferentes procesos de identifi cación y producción cultural que los chicos atraviesan en sus experiencias formativas. La investigación fue realizada desde un abordaje etnográfico. El trabajo con niños también implica nuevos retos metodológicos que en este caso tomaron la forma de talleres participativos. El trabajo incluye a su vez, el análisis de fuentes censales, normativa, archivos escolares, registros fotográficos, cuestionarios y entrevistas. Partimos de que la construcción de marcos de referencia identitarios hegemónicos en clave nacional separa recorridos históricos conjuntos de los territorios y marcan una distancia simbólica entre unos y otros. Es en este sentido que decimos que los organismos de Estado encargados de educar y por lo tanto de intervenir en los procesos de formación de la subjetividad de los niños y niñas, construyen fronteras o fronterizan.
A infância e o brincar na cultura digital
Authors: Couto Edvaldo Souza
Published: September 2014

A partir de estudos que discutem a cibercultura, a infância e o brincar na cultura digital o artigo reflete sobre a cultura lúdica infantil na era das conexões. O caminho percorrido foi buscar pistas das características mais marcantes da cibercultura para em seguida observá-las na cultura lúdica infantil. O argumento principal é o de que as crianças que fazem parte da chamada Geração Net, que nasceram inserida no contexto das tecnologias de informação e comunicação, participam ativamente do mundo digital, vivem, sobretudo por meio das tecnologias móveis, a conectividade. Nesse contexto, tocar em telas e brincar são modos especiais de construir subjetividades e existências, de viver e produzir a cultura infantil. O artigo conclui que o toque nas mais diversas telas, muitas delas na palma da mão, traduzem muito do que é brincar e do lúdico na atualidade. Tocar em telas digitais é o mais expressivo modo lúdico que as crianças encontram para elaborar a vida por meio de alegrias e prazeres privados e coletivos nos domínios da rede.
Ergonomic Design of a Computer Mouse for Clients With Wrist Splints
Authors: Liu Chien-Hsiou , Fan Shih-Chen
Published: September 2014

OBJECTIVE. We explored effects of cutaneous feedback and hump position on efficiency and comfort in mouse use with a splint. We also analyzed the relationship between anthropometric measurements (width of hand and length of hand, palm, and index) and the task performance.

METHOD. Thirty participants performed a computer task with two forms of mice (front hump and rear hump) and two kinds of wrist splints (dorsal and volar). Movement time and satisfaction scores were recorded.

RESULTS. No interaction effect (Hump Position × Splint Type) was found on movement time. Movement time was shorter for rear-hump mouse users than for front-hump mouse users. Movement time was also shorter for wearers of dorsal wrist splints than for wearers of volar wrist splints. Limited differences existed in the satisfaction scores. Participants with a longer index finger had shorter movement time.

CONCLUSION. Both dorsal wrist splints and rear-hump mice are recommended. Length of index finger positively correlated with task performance.
Effects of a Safe Patient Handling and Mobility Program on Patient Self-Care Outcomes
Authors: Darragh Amy R. , Shiyko Mariya , Margulis Heather , Campo Marc
Published: September 2014

OBJECTIVE. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a safe patient handling and mobility (SPHM) program on patient self-care outcomes.

METHOD. We used a retrospective cohort design. Data were obtained from the electronic medical records of 1,292 patients receiving inpatient rehabilitation services. Self-care scores from the FIM™ for patients who participated in rehabilitation before implementation of an SPHM program were compared with the scores of patients who participated after implementation of the program.

RESULTS. Patients who received inpatient rehabilitation services with an SPHM program were as likely to achieve at least modified independence in self-care as those who received inpatient rehabilitation services without an SPHM program.

CONCLUSION. SPHM programs may not affect self-care performance in adults receiving inpatient rehabilitation services. However, more work must be done to define specific and effective methods for integrating patient handling technologies into occupational therapy practice.
Postdeployment Driving Stress and Related Occupational Limitations Among Veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom
Authors: Hwang Eric J. , Peyton Claudia G. , Kim David K. , Nakama-Sato Kristine K. , Noble Amy E.
Published: September 2014

Difficulty in driving after deployment has emerged as an impediment for servicemembers returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF–OEF). This study explored postdeployment driving stress and related occupational limitations using two self-report instruments: the Driver’s Stress Profile and the Driving and Occupational Limitations questionnaire. Data gathered from 103 OIF–OEF returnees confirmed that driving and related occupational issues occur postdeployment. Significant low to moderate correlations were found between postdeployment driving stress and limitations in community mobility, leisure, and social participation. The returnees who drove off base more frequently during deployment showed significantly higher levels of postdeployment driving stress than the returnees who drove off base less frequently. Moreover, the returnees who demonstrated higher levels of driving stress and occupational limitations required more time to resume normal driving postdeployment. Findings raise awareness about the need to design effective driver rehabilitation and community reintegration programs for this population.
Occupational Therapy Use by Older Adults With Cancer
Authors: Pergolotti Mackenzi , Cutchin Malcolm P. , Weinberger Morris , Meyer Anne-Marie
Published: September 2014

Occupational therapy may significantly improve cancer survivors’ ability to participate in activities, thereby improving quality of life. Little is known, however, about the use of occupational therapy services by adults with cancer. The objective of this study was to understand what shapes patterns of occupational therapy use to help improve service delivery. We examined older (age >65 yr) adults diagnosed with breast, prostate, lung, or melanoma (skin) cancer between 2004 and 2007 (N = 27,131) using North Carolina Central Cancer Registry data linked to Medicare billing claims. Survivors who used occupational therapy within 1 yr before their cancer diagnosis were more likely to use occupational therapy after diagnosis but also experienced the highest levels of comorbidities. Survivors with Stage 4 cancers or lung cancer were less likely to use occupational therapy. These findings suggest possible disparities in utilization of occupational therapy by older adults with cancer.
Development of an Adult Sensory Processing Scale (ASPS)
Authors: Blanche Erna Imperatore , Parham Diane , Chang Megan , Mallinson Trudy
Published: September 2014

This article describes the development of the Adult Sensory Processing Scale (ASPS), a sensory processing questionnaire for adults. The ASPS measures self-reported responses to input from distinct sensory systems and is intended to be sensitive to individual differences in the adult population. ASPS construction involved two phases: item development and instrument construction. During item development, content validity of 71 items was assessed by means of expert ratings. During instrument construction, items were evaluated using data from an online survey of 491 adults. Exploratory factor analysis and Rasch analysis yielded an optimal solution of eight factors representing vestibular overresponsiveness, auditory overresponsiveness, visual overresponsiveness, social tactile overresponsiveness, proprioceptive seeking, general underresponsiveness, vestibular–proprioceptive underresponsiveness affecting postural control, and vestibular overresponsiveness–intolerance to movement. The final ASPS contains 39 items and demonstrates acceptable internal consistency, strong content validity, and adequate construct validity.
Occupational Therapy for Servicemember and Veteran Recovery, Resilience, and Reintegration: Opportunities for Societal Contribution and Professional Transformation
Authors: Radomski Mary Vining , Brininger Teresa L.
Published: September 2014

The topics presented in this special issue underscore the critical needs of servicemembers and veterans and the potential benefits from occupational therapy assessment, intervention, and research.
Ozone vegetation damage effects on gross primary productivity in the United States
Authors: Yue X. , Unger N.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. We apply an off-line process-based vegetation model (the Yale Interactive Terrestrial Biosphere model) to assess the impacts of ozone (O3) vegetation damage on gross primary productivity (GPP) in the United States during the past decade (1998–2007). The model's GPP simulation is evaluated at 40 sites of the North American Carbon Program (NACP) synthesis. The ecosystem-scale model version reproduces interannual variability and seasonality of GPP at most sites, especially in croplands. Inclusion of the O3 damage impact decreases biases of simulated GPP at most of the NACP sites. The simulation with the O3 damage effect reproduces 64% of the observed variance in summer GPP and 42% on the annual average. Based on a regional gridded simulation over the US, summertime average O3-free GPP is 6.1 g C m−2 day−1 (9.5 g C m−2 day−1 in the east of 95° W and 3.9 g C m−2 day−1 in the west). O3 damage decreases GPP by 4–8% on average in the eastern US and leads to significant decreases of 11–17% in east coast hot spots. Sensitivity simulations show that a 25% decrease in surface O3 concentration halves the average GPP damage to only 2–4%, suggesting the substantial co-benefits to ecosystem health that may be achieved via O3 air pollution control.
Documentary evidence of historical floods and extreme rainfall events in Sweden 1400–1800
Authors: Retsö D.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. This article explores documentary evidence of floods and extreme rainfall events in Sweden in the pre-instrumental period (1400–1800). The survey shows that two subperiods can be considered as flood-rich, 1590–1670 and the early 18th century. The result is related to a low degree of human impact on hydrology during the period, and suggest that climatic factors, such as lower temperatures and increased precipitation connected to the so called Little Ice Age, should be considered as the main driver behind flood frequency and magnitude.
Resolving vorticity-driven lateral fire spread using the WRF-Fire coupled atmosphere–fire numerical model
Authors: Simpson C. C. , Sharples J. J. , Evans J. P.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. Vorticity-driven lateral fire spread (VLS) is a form of dynamic fire behaviour, during which a wildland fire spreads rapidly across a steep leeward slope in a direction approximately transverse to the background winds. VLS is often accompanied by a downwind extension of the active flaming region and intense pyro-convection. In this study, the WRF-Fire (WRF stands for Weather Research and Forecasting) coupled atmosphere–fire model is used to examine the sensitivity of resolving VLS to both the horizontal and vertical grid spacing, and the fire-to-atmosphere coupling from within the model framework. The atmospheric horizontal and vertical grid spacing are varied between 25 and 90 m, and the fire-to-atmosphere coupling is either enabled or disabled. At high spatial resolutions, the inclusion of fire-to-atmosphere coupling increases the upslope and lateral rate of spread by factors of up to 2.7 and 9.5, respectively. This increase in the upslope and lateral rate of spread diminishes at coarser spatial resolutions, and VLS is not modelled for a horizontal and vertical grid spacing of 90 m. The lateral fire spread is driven by fire whirls formed due to an interaction between the background winds and the vertical circulation generated at the flank of the fire front as part of the pyro-convective updraft. The laterally advancing fire fronts become the dominant contributors to the extreme pyro-convection. The results presented in this study demonstrate that both high spatial resolution and two-way atmosphere–fire coupling are required to model VLS with WRF-Fire.