bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of RSV, adenovirus, influenza, and parainfluenza infection in pediatric patients receiving stem cell transplant, solid organ transplant, or cancer chemotherapy
Authors: Lo Mindy S. , Lee Grace M. , Gunawardane Nilanthi , Burchett Sandra K. , Lachenauer Catherine S. , Lehmann Leslie E.
Published: December 2012

RVIs are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised children. We analyzed the characteristics and outcomes of infection by four respiratory viruses (RSV, adenovirus, influenza, and parainfluenza) treated at a pediatric tertiary care hospital in a retrospective cohort of patients who had received cancer chemotherapy, hematopoietic stem cell, or SOT. A total of 208 infections were studied among 166 unique patients over a time period of 1993–2006 for transplant recipients, and 2000–2005 for patients with cancer. RSV was the most common respiratory virus identified. There were 17 (10% of all patients) deaths overall, of which 12 were at least partly attributed to the presence of a RVI. In multivariate models, LRT symptoms in the absence of upper respiratory symptoms on presentation (OR 10.2 [2.3, 45.7], p = 0.002) and adenoviral infection (OR 3.7 [1.1, 12.6], p = 0.034) were significantly associated with poor outcome, defined as death or disability related to RVI. All of the deaths occurred in patients who had received either solid organ or HSCT. There were no infections resulting in death or disability in the cancer chemotherapy group.
BK virus nephropathy in a pediatric heart transplant recipient with post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Lorica C. , Bueno T.G. , Garcia‐Buitrago M.T. , Rusconi P. , Gonzalez I.A.
Published: December 2012

BKV is known to cause allograft failure in kidney transplant recipients. It has been recently recognized to cause native kidney nephropathy in non‐kidney transplant recipients. This is a case report BKVN in a 15‐yr‐old HTx recipient who had PTLD and a review of pediatric cases in the literature. The patient was diagnosed with BKVN +189 months after transplantation and died thirty days after diagnosis of BKVN. We identified five other cases of BKVN in pediatric non‐kidney solid organ transplantation, of which all were HTx recipients. Overall, outcome was poor and BKV clearance was not achieved with reduction of immunosuppression and with current therapies. We strongly recommend that pediatric HTx recipients be tested for BKV infection if there is evidence of kidney dysfunction. We also recommend that they have an annual screening for BKV viruria and viremia with the assessment of kidney function.
Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells‐1 and 2 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in pulmonary sarcoidosis
Authors: Suchankova Magda , Bucova Maria , Tibenska Elena , Tedlova Eva , Demian Juraj , Majer Ivan , Novosadova Helena , Tedla Miroslav , Paulovicova Ema , Kantarova Daniela
Published: December 2012

Background and objective

Pulmonary sarcoidosis (PS) is characterized by the formation of granulomas in the lungs and has been associated with infection by microorganisms. Triggering receptor expressed on the surface of myeloid cells (TREM)‐1 is overexpressed in response to infection while TREM‐2 is involved in granuloma formation. We hypothesized that these receptors are overexpressed in PS and might be useful for diagnostic testing.

Methods

Cell surface TREM‐1 and TREM‐2 expression in cells obtained at bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was measured in individuals with sarcoidosis (n = 26) and compared with that seen in individuals with other interstitial lung diseases (ILD) (n = 27).

Results

TREM‐1 and TREM‐2 expression was significantly increased in sarcoidosis compared with other ILD: total number of TREM‐1, P = 0.0039 (23.81 vs 13.50 cells/μl), TREM‐2, P < 0.0001 (32.81 vs 7.76 cells/μl); percentage of TREM‐1: P = 0.0002 (41.30% vs 15.70%), TREM‐2: P < 0.0001 (34% vs 9.60%); and mean fluorescence of TREM‐1: P = 0.0005 (5.43 vs 1.96), TREM‐2: P = 0.0011 (6.85 vs 2.77). Increase in both of these receptors seems to be typical for PS. In discriminating sarcoidosis from other ILD, the specificity (96%) and sensitivity (72%) of the combination of TREM‐1 and TREM‐2 was high.

Conclusions

Increased TREM‐1 and TREM‐2 cell surface expression is observed in sarcoidosis. Evaluation of BAL cell expression of both of these receptors may serve as a diagnostic marker for sarcoidosis.
Simplified methods of topical fluoride administration: effects in individuals with hyposalivation
Authors: Gabre Pia , Moberg Sköld Ulla , Birkhed Dowen
Published: December 2012

The aim was to compare fluoride (F) levels in individuals with normal salivary secretion and hyposalivation in connection with their use of F solutions and toothpaste.

Seven individuals with normal salivation and nine with hyposalivation rinsed with 0.2% NaF solution for 1 minute. In addition, individuals with hyposalivation performed the following: (i) 0.2% NaF rinsing for 20 seconds, (ii) rubbing oral mucosa with a swab soaked with 0.2% NaF solution, and (iii) brushing with 5,000 ppm F (1.1% NaF) toothpaste.

Subjects characterized by hyposalivation reached approximately five times higher peak values of F concentrations in saliva after 1 minute rinsing with the F solution and higher area under the curve (AUC) values. The simplified methods exhibited the same AUC values as did 1 minute of rinsing. Brushing with 5,000 ppm F toothpaste resulted in higher AUC values than did the simplified methods.

The F concentrations reached higher levels in individuals with hyposalivation compared to those with normal salivation. The simplified methods tested showed similar effects as conventional methods.
The assimilative capacity of Qiantang River watershed, China
Authors: Fang Xiao Bo , Zhang Jian Ying , Mei Cheng Xiao , Wong Ming H.
Published: December 2012

The Qiantang River, located in Zhejiang Province, China, is a major water supplier to a highly populated region for multiple uses. With economic development, the received pollutants exceeded its assimilative capacity, leading to algal blooms or fish kills. This study was an up‐to‐date evaluation of the assimilative capacity of the Qiantang River, investigating the influence of stream flow. A confidence of 75 and 90% of instream flows were selected as the design flows, while the traditional one‐dimensional point discharge model and QUAL2K model were used to analyse biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) assimilative capacity. The results showed that the assimilative capacity of 75% confidence instream flow was larger than that of 90% confidence. The assimilative capacity based on QUAL2K model considered almost all rates of BOD gain and loss, which were larger than that of one‐dimensional point discharge model. The total amount of BOD discharged into Qiantang River was 17 1283 t·a−1 in 2004. Under 75 and 90% confidence river flow conditions, the calculated total BOD reduction percentage of the whole river was 38.2 and 55.9%, respectively. Furthermore, the results were used as criteria for developing a BOD total maximum daily load (TMDL) in order to achieve the sustainable use of water resources derived from Qiantang River watershed.
Spatial and temporal distribution of areas with drainage problems as estimated by different interpolation techniques
Authors: Arslan Hakan
Published: December 2012

This study used spatial interpolation methods and a geographic information system that examines spatial and temporal variations in areas with drainage problems. Monthly groundwater depths were measured from 2005 to 2009, and the lowest depths were used to create groundwater maps for each year using five different interpolation. Cross‐validation using root mean squared error (RMSE) and the correlation coefficient (r) as indices were used to compare the accuracy of each method. A comparison of interpolated and observed values indicated radial basis function (RBF) to be the optimal method for interpolating lowest groundwater depth in 2005, whereas simple kriging (SK) was found to be the optimal method for 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. With the exception of 2007, from 2005 to 2009, approximately 8% of the study area was determined to have a groundwater depth ranging from 0 to 1 m. Between 2005 and 2009, the percentage of the area found to have drainage problems that negatively affected plant growth varied from 60.83% to 86.53%.
Effect of diammonium phosphate application on strigolactone production and Striga hermonthica infection in three sorghum cultivars
Authors: JAMIL M , VAN MOURIK T A , CHARNIKHOVA T , BOUWMEESTER H J
Published: December 2012

Jamil M, Van Mourik TA, Charnikhova T & Bouwmeester HJ (2012). Effect of diammonium phosphate application on strigolactone production and Striga hermonthica infection in three sorghum cultivars. Weed Research.

Striga hermonthica infection poses a major constraint to sorghum production in sub‐Saharan Africa, and low soil fertility aggravates the S. hermonthica problem. Under mineral nutrient deficiency, the sorghum host secretes large quantities of strigolactones, signalling molecules, into the rhizosphere. These induce S. hermonthica seed germination and subsequent infection of the host roots. In a combination of field and glasshouse experiments, we analysed the effect of microdose applied diammonium hydrogen phosphate (DAP) fertiliser on production of strigolactones, S. hermonthica infection and yield of three different African sorghum genotypes (CGM‐19/1‐1, Lina‐3, DouaG). The sorghum cultivars all produced the strigolactones sorgomol and 5‐deoxystrigol, albeit in different quantity and ratio. Without fertiliser, high S. hermonthica infection and emergence occurred under both glasshouse and field conditions. DAP application reduced secretion of sorgomol and 5‐deoxystrigol and reduced S. hermonthica germination (66–70%), emergence (49–73%) and dry biomass (90–96%) under glasshouse conditions. Under field conditions, DAP microdosing reduced S. hermonthica emergence by 40–84% and increased sorghum grain yield by 47–142%. Thus DAP application reduced secretion of strigolactones into the rhizosphere and S. hermonthica parasitism both under controlled and field conditions. Microdosing of DAP may prove to be an efficient and cost effective option to reduce S. hermonthica damage in sorghum in sub‐Saharan Africa, particularly in combination with other control options, such as intercropping, use of organic fertiliser and hand pulling of S. hermonthica at flowering to achieve integrated S. hermonthica management.
Auto Generative Capacitive Mixing for Power Conversion of Sea and River Water by the Use of Membranes
Authors: Burheim O. , Sales B. B. , Schaetzle O. , Liu F. , Hamelers H. V. M.
Published: December 2012

The chemical potential (free energy) of mixing two aqueous solutions can be extracted via an auto generative capacitive mixing (AGCM) cell using anionic and cationic exchange membranes together with porous carbon electrodes. Alternately, feeding sea and river water through the unit allows for the system to spontaneously deliver charge and discharge the capacitive electrodes so that dc electric work is supplied. Having a stack of eight cells coupled in parallel demonstrated the viability of this technology. An average power density of 0.055 W m−2 was obtained during the peak of the different cycles, though reasonable optimization suggests an expectation of 0.26 W m−2 at 6.2 A m−2. It was found that 83 ± 8% of the theoretical driving potential was obtained during the operating process. By studying the polarization curves during charging and discharging cycles, it was found that optimizing the feed fluid flow is currently among the most beneficial paths to make AGCM a viable salinity difference power source. Another parallel route for increasing the efficiency is lowering the internal ohmic resistances of the cell by design modifications.
Large-area fabrication of high aspect ratio tantalum photonic crystals for high-temperature selective emitters
Authors: Rinnerbauer Veronika , Ndao Sidy , Xiang Yeng Yi , Senkevich Jay J. , Jensen Klavs F. , Joannopoulos John D. , Soljačić Marin , Celanovic Ivan , Geil Robert D.
Published: December 2012

The authors present highly selective emitters based on two-dimensional tantalum (Ta) photonic crystals, fabricated on 2 in. polycrystalline Ta substrates, for high-temperature applications, e.g., thermophotovoltaic energy conversion. In this study, a fabrication route facilitating large-area photonic crystal fabrication with high fabrication uniformity and accuracy, based on interference lithography and reactive ion etching is discussed. A deep reactive ion etch process for Ta was developed using an SF6/C4F8 based Bosch process, which enabled us to achieve ∼8.5 μm deep cavities with an aspect ratio of ∼8, with very steep and smooth sidewalls. The thermal emitters fabricated by this method show excellent spectral selectivity, enhancement of the emissivity below cut-off approaching unity, and a sharp cut-off between the high emissivity region and the low emissivity region, while maintaining the low intrinsic emissivity of bare Ta above the cut-off wavelength. The experimental results show excellent agreement with numerical simulations.
T
reg
Cells in Cancer: A Case of Multiple Personality Disorder
Authors: Bos Paula D. , Rudensky Alexander Y.
Published: December 2012

Foxp3+ RORγt–expressing T cells expand in colorectal cancer and contribute to pathogenesis in a mouse model of polyposis.
Closing the Door on Malaria
Authors: Barnabas Ruanne V.
Published: December 2012

Treatment of human immunodeficiency virus infection enhances the effect of malaria treatment and may prevent recurrence.
Your Cells or Mine?
Authors: Calfee Carolyn S.
Published: December 2012

A new phase I/II study compares autologous and allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells for treating ischemic cardiomyopathy.
Human Coronavirus EMC Does Not Require the SARS-Coronavirus Receptor and Maintains Broad Replicative Capability in Mammalian Cell Lines
Authors: Müller Marcel A. , Raj V. Stalin , Muth Doreen , Meyer Benjamin , Kallies Stephan , Smits Saskia L. , Wollny Robert , Bestebroer Theo M. , Specht Sabine , Suliman Tasnim , Zimmermann Katrin , Binger Tabea , Eckerle Isabella , Tschapka Marco , Zaki Ali M. , Osterhaus Albert D. M. E. , Fouchier Ron A. M. , Haagmans Bart L. , Drosten Christian
Published: December 2012

A new human coronavirus (hCoV-EMC) has emerged very recently in the Middle East. The clinical presentation resembled that of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) as encountered during the epidemic in 2002/2003. In both cases, acute renal failure was observed in humans. HCoV-EMC is a member of the same virus genus as SARS-CoV but constitutes a sister species. Here we investigated whether it might utilize angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the SARS-CoV receptor. Knowledge of the receptor is highly critical because the restriction of the SARS receptor to deep compartments of the human respiratory tract limited the spread of SARS. In baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells, lentiviral transduction of human ACE2 (hACE2) conferred permissiveness and replication for SARS-CoV but not for hCoV-EMC. Monkey and human kidney cells (LLC-MK2, Vero, and 769-P) and swine kidney cells were permissive for both viruses, but only SARS-CoV infection could be blocked by anti-hACE2 antibody and could be neutralized by preincubation of virus with soluble ACE2. Our data show that ACE2 is neither necessary nor sufficient for hCoV-EMC replication. Moreover, hCoV-EMC, but not SARS-CoV, replicated in cell lines from
Rousettus, Rhinolophus, Pipistrellus, Myotis, and Carollia
bats, representing four major chiropteran families from both suborders. As human CoV normally cannot replicate in bat cells from different families, this suggests that hCoV-EMC might use a receptor molecule that is conserved in bats, pigs, and humans, implicating a low barrier against cross-host transmission.

IMPORTANCE
A new human coronavirus (hCoV) emerged recently in the Middle East. The disease resembled SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome), causing a fatal epidemic in 2002/2003. Coronaviruses have a reservoir in bats and because this novel virus is related to SARS-CoV, we investigated whether it might replicate in bat cells and use the same receptor (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 [ACE2]). This knowledge is highly critical, because the SARS-CoV receptor influenced pathology, and its localization in the deep respiratory tract is thought to have restricted the transmissibility of SARS. Our data show that hCoV-EMC does not need the SARS-CoV receptor to infect human cells. Moreover, the virus is capable of infecting human, pig, and bat cells. This is remarkable, as human CoVs normally cannot replicate in bat cells as a consequence of host adaptation. Our results implicate that the new virus might use a receptor that is conserved between bats, pigs and humans suggesting a low barrier against cross-host transmission.
Improving Butanol Fermentation To Enter the Advanced Biofuel Market
Authors: Tracy Bryan P.
Published: December 2012

1-Butanol is a large-volume, intermediate chemical with favorable physical and chemical properties for blending with or directly substituting for gasoline. The per-volume value of butanol, as a chemical, is sufficient for investing into the recommercialization of the classical acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) (E. M. Green, Curr. Opin. Biotechnol. 22:337–343, 2011) fermentation process. Furthermore, with modest improvements in three areas of the ABE process, operating costs can be sufficiently decreased to make butanol an economically viable advanced biofuel. The three areas of greatest interest are (i) maximizing yields of butanol on any particular substrate, (ii) expanding substrate utilization capabilities of the host microorganism, and (iii) reducing the energy consumption of the overall production process, in particular the separation and purification operations. In their study in the September/October 2012 issue of
mBio
, Jang et al. [mBio 3(5):e00314-12, 2012] describe a comprehensive study on driving glucose metabolism in
Clostridium acetobutylicum
to the production of butanol. Moreover, they execute a metabolic engineering strategy to achieve the highest yet reported yields of butanol on glucose.
Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis presenting as a pseudotumour in a 5-year-old boy
Authors: Berenguer Alberto , Pilar Carla , Smit Michelle , Nunes José Luis
Published: December 2012

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGPN) is a rare, severe and atypical form of chronic pyelonephritis. It is characterised by destruction of the renal parenchyma and replacement with a chronic inflammatory infiltrate and lipid-laden macrophages resulting in a non-functional kidney. The authors report a case of a 5-year-old boy presented with a history of abdominal pain, malaise, anorexia and weight loss for 2 months. Physical examination revealed a large flank mass and the child was directed to the oncology unit on suspicion of renal tumour. Based on clinical examination and imaging, the presumptive diagnosis of XGPN of the left kidney was made. A left transperitoneal nephrectomy was performed and the histology confirmed the diagnosis. Although rare, XGPN is a clinically important entity that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of an atypical-appearance renal mass in paediatric age.
Multiple, large granulomas in a patient with extensive intestinal tuberculosis
Authors: Massalis Ioannis , Lampropoulos Christos , Efthymiou Giorgos , Papadima Efi
Published: December 2012

A 42-year-old patient presented with low-grade fever, pain of the right iliac fossa, constipation and tendency to vomit. Clinical examination revealed abdominal wall rigidity and rebound tenderness of the right iliac fossa. The patient was operated immediately because of an acute abdomen and the probable diagnosis of ruptured appendicitis. In laparotomy, terminal ileum, ileocaecal valve and the entire ascending colon, up to the right colic flexure, were occupied and distorted by multiple, large masses. In addition, many enlarged lymph nodes were scattered in the mesentery and the mesocolon. A right hemicolectomy was performed. Pathological examination of biopsy specimens revealed findings compatible with tuberculosis. The patient was started on empirical anti-tuberculosis treatment with a four-drug regimen. He was discharged 10 days later with marked improvement. Six months after surgery, the patient remains in very good condition without any symptoms.
ConcomitantClostridium difficilecolitis and cytomegalovirus colitis in an immunocompetent elderly female
Authors: Kurtz Maria , Morgan Mackenzie
Published: December 2012

A 78-year-old Japanese woman with diarrhoea and abdominal pain was admitted for PCR test (PCR)-provenClostridium difficilecolitis. The patient's symptoms persisted despite multiple courses of antibiotics including intravenous metronidazole, oral  vancomycin and oral fidaxomicin. She underwent a stool transplant without improvement. Biopsies from a colonoscopy revealed concomitant cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. The patient was immediately started on intravenous ganciclovir. Unfortunately, she developed sepsis secondary to colitis, and underwent definitive treatment with a total colectomy. Although CMV is a rare colonic pathogen in the immunocompetent patient, it should be considered in patients with severe or refractoryC difficilecolitis.
Type IV Ehlers-Danlos syndrome presenting as recurrent, bilateral carotid dissections
Authors: Ellis Richard James Booth , Salehin Maqsud , Zhou Rui , Somauroo Mohammad
Published: December 2012

Vascular (type IV) Ehlers-Danlos is an autosomally dominant inherited condition that results from a defect in type III collagen production. It can result in vascular complications such as rupture and dissection, as well as gastrointestinal and uterine rupture. We present the case of a 17-year-old girl who presented with transient neurological signs and pulsatile tinnitus secondary to carotid dissection 1 year after suffering from a stroke caused also by a carotid dissection on the contralateral side. We managed acutely and investigated for an underlying connective tissue disorder. Genetic analysis of COL 3A1 was performed and a heterozygous missense, non-conservative mutation of c.970G>A was detected. This replication mutation has previously been associated with type IV Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
MSSM PREDICTIONS ON LEPTON FLAVOR VIOLATION DECAYS OF VECTOR MESONS
Authors: YANG JING , SUN KE-SHENG
Published: December 2012

In the minimal supersymmetric extension of the Standard Model (MSSM) the interactions between the SUSY particles and the Standard Model (SM) particles can contribute to the lepton flavor violation (LFV) decays of vector mesons at loop level. Taking the constraint on the lightest Higgs mass around 126 GeV, we study these decays by a scan over the parameter space which gives the predictions on μ-e conversion and τ→μγ satisfying the experimental bounds. The branching ratios of the vector mesons decays into eμ are strongly suppressed. However, the branching ratios of the heavy flavor mesons decays into τμ can reach the experimental sensitivity in near future. Therefore, the experimental signals of these decays may serve as a probe of the MSSM.
A NOVEL 180-DEGREE SENSORLESS SYSTEM OF PERMANENT MAGNET BRUSHLESS DC MOTOR
Authors: HU BOYANG , SATHIAKUMAR SWAMIDOSS
Published: December 2012

For the conventional 120-degree sensorless drive of a permanent magnet brushless dc (PMBLDC) motor, the winding without phase current in each conduction interval can be considered to be a sensor for back-EMF detection. However, in the case of 180-degree commutation, back-EMF detection is impossible due to all three phases conduct current in each interval and no back-EMF signals are available on stator terminals. This paper proposes a novel 180-degree sensorless system for a PMBLDC motor. The position and speed information are estimated based on the back-EMF signals, which are estimated from the simple sensing of the stator terminal voltage and phase current signals. Furthermore, the proposed 180-degree sensorless system is able to generate up to 33% more torque than the conventional 120-degree system for the same given power supply voltage. The validity of the proposed system is verified through both simulation and implementation.
STABLE AND UNSTABLE EQUILIBRIA OF UNIFORMLY ROTATING SELF-GRAVITATING CYLINDERS
Authors: BARTOLUCCI DANIELE
Published: December 2012

The equilibrium configurations of self-gravitating uniformly rotating isothermal cylinders in contact with a heat bath and their stability is studied by recently derived analytical techniques. The known critical temperature Tc obtained by Katz and Lynden-Bell is found to be a stability threshold with respect to axially symmetric perturbations. We provide the almost explicit expression of negative specific heat solutions whose densities are sharply concentrated either near the symmetry axis or near some off-axis filaments as [Formula: see text]. The critical angular frequency observed numerically in literature is found to be the threshold value for the existence of these off-axis filaments. This is in striking contrast with the static case analyzed by Katz and Lynden-Bell where equilibrium configurations are found only if T > Tc and no negative specific heat equilibria exists at all. Metastability of the free energy's relative maximizers for T ≤ Tc is also discussed. Those off-axis configurations were predicted in the study of negative temperature states for guiding-centre plasmas and vortex systems.
ANISOTROPIC COMPACT STARS WITH VARIABLE COSMOLOGICAL CONSTANT
Authors: HOSSEIN SK. MONOWAR , RAHAMAN FAROOK , NASKAR JAYANTA , KALAM MEHEDI , RAY SAIBAL
Published: December 2012

Recently, the small value of the cosmological constant and its ability to accelerate the expansion of the universe is of great interest. We discuss the possibility of forming of anisotropic compact stars from this cosmological constant as one of the competent candidates of dark energy. For this purpose, we consider the analytical solution of Krori and Barua metric. We take the radial dependence of cosmological constant and check all the regularity conditions, TOV equations, stability and surface redshift of the compact stars. It has been shown as conclusion that this model is valid for any compact star and we have cited 4U 1820-30 as a specific example of that kind of star.
THE JOINT STRUGGLE OF COMPLEX ENGINEERING: A STUDY OF THE CHALLENGES OF COLLABORATIVE DESIGN
Authors: PIIRAINEN KALLE A. , KOLFSCHOTEN GWENDOLYN L. , LUKOSCH STEPHAN
Published: December 2012

Problem solving through design of systems and physical artifacts is a professional activity with major financial significance. Problems in modern society tend to grow more complex and intricate, and as a response, systems grow larger. Therefore, design increasingly has also become a collaborative task. Design in itself already is challenging but collaboration adds its own challenges into the mix. In this paper, we explore the challenges of collaborative design. We approach the research problem through design science research framework; we synthesize the knowledge base and expert experiences from the environment to propositions about the challenges of collaborative design. By forging theme propositions we lay a ground for design and development of better support for collaborative design.
LOCAL PECULIARITY ORIENTED DATA MINING AND ITS APPLICATION IN OUTLIER DETECTION
Authors: YANG JIAN , ZHONG NING , YAO YIYU , WANG JUE
Published: December 2012

Peculiarity oriented mining (POM), aimed at discovering peculiarity rules hidden in a dataset, is a data mining method. Peculiarity factor (PF) is one of the most important concepts in POM. In this paper, it is proved that PF can accurately characterize the peculiarity of data sampled from a normal distribution. However, for a general one-dimensional distribution, it does not have the property. A local version of PF, called LPF, is proposed to solve the difficulty. LPF can effectively describe the peculiarity of data sampled from a continuous one-dimensional distribution. Based on LPF, a framework of local peculiarity oriented mining is presented, which consists of two steps, namely, peculiar data identification and peculiar data analysis. Two algorithms for peculiar data identification and a case study of peculiar data analysis are given to make the framework practical. Experiments on several benchmark datasets show their good performance.
Interactions between calcium and phosphorus in the regulation of the production of fibroblast growth factor 23 in vivo
Authors: Quinn Stephen J. , Thomsen Alex R. B. , Pang Jian L. , Kantham Lakshmi , Bräuner-Osborne Hans , Pollak Martin , Goltzman David , Brown Edward M.
Published: December 2012

Calcium and phosphorus homeostasis are highly interrelated and share common regulatory hormones, including FGF23. However, little is known about calcium's role in the regulation of FGF23. We sought to investigate the regulatory roles of calcium and phosphorus in FGF23 production using genetic mouse models with targeted inactivation of PTH (PTH KO) or both PTH and the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR; PTH-CaSR DKO). In wild-type, PTH KO, and PTH-CaSR DKO mice, elevation of either serum calcium or phosphorus by intraperitoneal injection increased serum FGF23 levels. In PTH KO and PTH-CaSR DKO mice, however, increases in serum phosphorus by dietary manipulation were accompanied by severe hypocalcemia, which appeared to blunt stimulation of FGF23 release. Increases in dietary phosphorus in PTH-CaSR DKO mice markedly decreased serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3[1,25(OH)2D3] despite no change in FGF23, suggesting direct regulation of 1,25(OH)2D3synthesis by serum phosphorus. Calcium-mediated increases in serum FGF23 required a threshold level of serum phosphorus of about 5 mg/dl. Analogously, phosphorus-elicited increases in FGF23 were markedly blunted if serum calcium was less than 8 mg/dl. The best correlation between calcium and phosphorus and serum FGF23 was found between FGF23 and the calcium × phosphorus product. Since calcium stimulated FGF23 production in the PTH-CaSR DKO mice, this effect cannot be mediated by the full-length CaSR. Thus the regulation of FGF23 by both calcium and phosphorus appears to be fundamentally important in coordinating the serum levels of both mineral ions and ensuring that the calcium × phosphorus product remains within a physiological range.
Acute on chronic exposure to endotoxin in preterm fetal sheep
Authors: Mathai Sam , Booth Lindsea C. , Davidson Joanne O. , Drury Paul P. , Fraser Mhoyra , Jensen Ellen C. , George Sherly , Naylor Andrew , Gunn Alistair J. , Bennet Laura
Published: December 2012

Acute, high-dose exposure to endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in preterm fetal sheep can trigger periventricular white matter lesions (PVL), in association with severe hypotension/hypoxemia and significant mortality. Intriguingly, however, chronic or repeated exposure to LPS can induce tachyphylaxis. We therefore tested the hypothesis that progressive, acute on chronic fetal infection would be associated with white matter injury with little fetal mortality. Chronically instrumented preterm (0.7 gestational age) fetal sheep were exposed to a continuous low-dose LPS infusion (100 ng over 24 h, followed by 250 ng/24 h for 96 h) or saline. Boluses of 1 μg LPS or saline were given at 48, 72, and 96 h; sheep were killed at day 10. Six of 11 fetal sheep exposed to saline infusion + LPS boluses died 4–7 h after the first bolus. In contrast, there was no fetal mortality after saline infusions alone ( n = 9), low-dose LPS infusion + saline boluses ( n = 5), or low-dose LPS + LPS boluses ( n = 9). Low-dose LPS infusion + LPS boluses was associated with greater microglial induction than low-dose LPS + saline boluses but a similar area of periventricular white matter inflammation. One fetus developed severe focal white matter necrosis after LPS infusion + boluses. The acute cardiovascular compromise associated with high-dose, acute exposure to LPS is markedly attenuated by previous low-dose infusions, with limited apparent exacerbation of periventricular white matter injury compared with low-dose infusion alone.
Some Experimental and Simulation Results on the Dynamic Behaviour of Spur and Helical Geared Transmissions with Journal Bearings
Authors: Fargère R. , Velex P.
Published: December 2012

Some interactions between the dynamic and tribological behaviour of geared transmissions are examined, and a number of experimental and simulation results are compared. A model is introduced which incorporates most of the possible interactions between gears, shafts and hydrodynamic journal bearings. It combines (i) a specific element for wide-faced gears that includes the normal contact conditions between actual mating teeth, that is, with tooth shape deviations and mounting errors, (ii) shaft finite elements, and (iii) the external forces generated by journal bearings determined by directly solving Reynolds' equation. The simulation results are compared with the measurement obtained on a high-precision test rig with single-stage spur and helical gears supported by hydrodynamic journal bearings. The experimental and simulation results compare well thus validating the simulation strategy both at the global and local scales.
Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma Occurring in an HIV-Positive Patient
Authors: Genet Philippe , Chaoui Driss , Masse Virginie , Al Jijakli Ahmad , Arakelyan Nina , Sutton Laurent
Published: December 2012

Cases of anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) of T phenotype are sparse in the setting of HIV patients. We report herein a case of T-ALCL, with an advanced stage, pulmonary involvement, high HIV viral load, and low CD4 level. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) protein expression was negative. Anthracyclin-based chemotherapy was unsuccessful. The literature review was performed focusing on incidence, clinical characteristics, prognosis, and physiopathology of ALCL in HIV patients. More data are needed to improve the knowledge of such cases and to define a better treatment approach.
Pulmonary Sequestration with Renal Aplasia and Elevated SUV Level in PET/CT
Authors: Şen Serdar , Kanlıoğlu Kuman Nilgün , Şentürk Ekrem , Pabuşcu Engin , Yaman Ertan
Published: December 2012

Extralobar sequestration with other bronchopulmonary malformations is commonly seen; however, the association of extralobar sequestration with renal aplasia is very rare. A 75-year-old female patient was admitted with back pain. Ultrasonography revealed aplasia of the left kidney and tomography showed6×4.5 cm sized tumor in the left hemithorax at the posterobasal area. The lesion has focally increased glycolytic activity (SUVmax: 3.2) at the left upper pole on positron emission tomography scan (PET/CT). Sequestrectomy was performed after the confirmation by frozen section that the lesion was benign and of extrapulmonary sequestration. No complication occurred during postoperative and 50-month follow-up period.
Parametric Investigations at the Head-Disk Interface of Thermal Fly-Height Control Sliders in Contact
Authors: Canchi Sripathi V. , Bogy David B. , Wang Run-Han , Murthy Aravind N.
Published: December 2012

Accurate touchdown power detection is a prerequisite for read-write head-to-disk spacing calibration and control in current hard disk drives, which use the thermal fly-height control slider technology. The slider air bearing surface and head gimbal assembly design have a significant influence on the touchdown behavior, and this paper reports experimental findings to help understand the touchdown process. The dominant modes/frequencies of excitation at touchdown can be significantly different leading to very different touchdown signatures. The pressure under the slider at touchdown and hence the thermal fly-height control efficiency as well as the propensity for lubricant pickup show correlation with touchdown behavior which may be used as metrics for designing sliders with good touchdown behavior. Experiments are devised to measure friction at the head-disk interface of a thermal fly-height control slider actuated into contact. Parametric investigations on the effect of disk roughness, disk lubricant parameters, and air bearing surface design on the friction at the head-disk interface and slider burnishing/wear are conducted and reported.
Autoimmune Hepatitis as a Unique Form of an Autoimmune Liver Disease: Immunological Aspects and Clinical Overview
Authors: Fallatah Hind I. , Akbar Hisham O.
Published: December 2012

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a unique form of immune-mediated disease that attacks the liver through a variety of immune mechanisms. The outcomes of AIH are either acute liver disease, which can be fatal, or, more commonly, chronic progressive liver disease, which can lead to decompensated liver cirrhosis if left untreated. AIH has characteristic immunological, and pathological, features that are important for the establishment of the diagnosis. More importantly, most patients with AIH have a favorable response to treatment with prednisolone and azathioprine, although some patients with refractory AIH or more aggressive disease require more potent immune-suppressant agents, such as cyclosporine or Mycophenolate Mofetil. In this paper, we discuss the immunological, pathological and clinical features of AIH, as well as the standard and alternative treatments for AIH.
Left Pulmonary Artery Thrombosis in a Neonate with Left Lung Hypoplasia
Authors: van Schendel Matthias P. , Visser Douwe H. , Rammeloo Lukas A. J. , Hazekamp Mark G. , Hruda Jaroslav
Published: December 2012

Thrombotic events in neonates may origin from fetal life. A 4-day-old newborn infant with a family history of heterozygous type 1 protein C deficiency was diagnosed with left lung hypoplasia and left pulmonary artery thrombosis. Its source was prenatally closed ductus arteriosus. Surgical removal of the thrombus was performed.
The Clinical Course of Acute Pancreatitis and the Inflammatory Mediators That Drive It
Authors: Kylänpää Leena , Rakonczay Zoltán , O'Reilly Derek A.
Published: December 2012

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common emergency condition. In the majority of cases, it presents in a mild and self-limited form. However, about 20% of patients develop severe disease with local pancreatic complications (including necrosis, abscess, or pseudocysts), systemic organ dysfunction, or both. A modern classification of AP severity has recently been proposed based on the factors that are causally associated with severity of AP. These factors are both local (peripancreatic necrosis) and systemic (organ failure). In AP, inflammation is initiated by intracellular activation of pancreatic proenzymes and/or nuclear factor-κB. Activated leukocytes infiltrate into and around the pancreas and play a central role in determining AP severity. Inflammatory reaction is first local, but may amplify leading to systemic overwhelming production of inflammatory mediators and early organ failure. Concomitantly, anti-inflammatory cytokines and specific cytokine inhibitors are produced. This anti-inflammatory reaction may overcompensate and inhibit the immune response, rendering the host at risk for systemic infection. Currently, there is no specific treatment for AP. However, there are several early supportive treatments and interventions which are beneficial. Also, increasing the understanding of the pathogenesis of systemic inflammation and the development of organ dysfunction may provide us with future treatment modalities.
Traumatic Isolated Coracoid Fractures in the Adolescent
Authors: Chitre Amol R. , Divecha Hiren M. , Hakimi Mounir , Marynissen Hans A. J.
Published: December 2012

Coracoid fractures are rare injuries in themselves. Even rarer are isolated fractures of the coracoid in the skeletally immature patient. Due to the low numbers of these fractures, there is no true consensus on how to treat them. We report two cases of an isolated fracture of the coracoid. Case A is a 13-year-old boy who sustained the coracoid fracture following a skiing injury; case B is a 15-year-old boy who fell onto the right shoulder during a wheelbarrow race at school. Initial radiographs in case A suggested a displaced fracture; however, a CT scan taken after a short period of conservative treatment showed minimal displacement. In case B both the radiographs and CT scan showed no displacement. Both injuries were treated conservatively and united uneventfully with a full return to function. We advocate conservative management for these injuries in the skeletally immature patient.
Effect Factors of Benzene Adsorption and Degradation by Nano‐TiO2 Immobilized on Diatomite
Authors: Cheng Lijun , Kang Yong , Li Guishui
Published: December 2012

Difference between adsorption of benzene by diatomite and nano‐TiO2 immobilized on diatomite was investigated. And effects of temperature, light intensity, relative humidity, and initial benzene concentration on adsorption and degradation of benzene by nano‐TiO2 immobilized on diatomite were also studied. The experimental results showed that when initial benzene concentration was 2.2 × 10−3 mg L−1, it could be degraded to below safe concentration (1.1 × 10−4 mg L−1) after 50 h when temperature was 20°C, but it just needed 30 h at 35°C. When light intensity was 6750 Lx, it needed 30 h for benzene to be degraded to below safe concentration, but benzene could barely be degraded without light. When relative humidity was 50%, benzene could be degraded to 1.0 × 10−4 mg L−1 after 30 h, while its concentration could be reduced to 7.0 × 10−5 mg L−1 at the relative humidity of 80%.
Percutaneous Fine Needle Biopsy in Pancreatic Tumors: A Study of 42 Cases
Authors: Lewitowicz Piotr , Matykiewicz Jaroslaw , Heciak Jacek , Koziel Dorota , Gluszek Stanisław
Published: December 2012

The technological progress within the range of methods of pancreas imaging and their more common accessibility selects a group of patients requiring a microscopic diagnosis. Percutaneous fine needle aspiration biopsy under the control of ultrasonography (PCFNA/USG) is the method commonly used in determining the character of a focal pancreatic lesion.Aim of the Work. An assessment of the accessibility of PCFNA biopsy in the assessment of solid and cystic changes in a pancreas and the correlation of the results of imaging examination, cytological smear and concentration of a serous marker CA19-9.Material and Methodology. In our material we analysed 43 cases of tumors of the pancreas among the patients who were at the average age of 59 ± 10.4 (14 women, 28 men) diagnosed by PCFNA biopsy.Results. In a group we are 23 cases of cancer, 12 cases of inflammation and 7 cases of cellular atypia for which 2 cases of IPMN were included. The sensitivity of the method was 92.5% but specificity was 68%. In our opinion PCFNA/USG is a method of the comparable sensitivity and specificity with fine needle aspiration biopsy with EUS control and its efficiency depends to a considerable degree on experience and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Chinese Herbal Medicine Liu Jun Zi Tang and Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang for Functional Dyspepsia: Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Xiao Ya , Liu Yan-yan , Yu Ke-qiang , Ouyang Ming-zi , Luo Ren , Zhao Xiao-shan
Published: December 2012

Objectives. To assess the efficacy and safety of Liu Jun Zi Tang (LJZT) and Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang (XSLJZT) for treating functional dyspepsia.Methods. Literature searches were carried out on Medline database, Cochrane Library, CNKI database, Chinese Biomedical Literature database, Wanfang database, and VIP database up to July 2012. Hand search for further references was conducted. Study selection, data extraction, quality assessment, and data analyses were performed according to the Cochrane standards.Results. Fifteen publications in total were suitable for inclusion. There was evidence that LJZT compared with prokinetic drugs increased symptom improvement (odds ratio 1.96, 95% CI 1.15 to 3.36). There was also evidence that XSLJZT compared with prokinetic drugs increased symptom improvement (odds ratio 2.63, 95% CI 1.72 to 4.03). No adverse events were reported in LJZT or XSLJZT group in any of these randomized controlled trials.Conclusion. LJZT and XSLJZT might be more effective compared with prokinetic drugs in the treatment of functional dyspepsia, and no side effects are identified in the included trials. However, due to poor methodological quality in the majority of included studies, the potential benefit from LJZT and XSLJZT need to be confirmed in rigorously designed, multicentre, and large-scale trials.
Development and Validation of the Quality-of-Life Assessment System for Lung Cancer Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine
Authors: Wan Chonghua , You Shengfu , Quan Peng , Song Yi , Liu Tao , Lu Jingen , Zheng Peiyong
Published: December 2012

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has many unique features. Thequality-of-life (QoL) instrument for lung cancer based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (QLASTCM-Lu) was the first self-reported instrument specifically developed to assess the quality of life from the perspective of TCM. Structured group methods and theory in developmental rating scale were employed to establish a general and a specific module, respectively. Quantitative and qualitative data from 240 lung cancer patients were collected to assess the psychometric properties. The three identified scales of the QLASTCM-Lu (correspondence between man and universe, unity of the body and spirit, and lung cancer specific module) and the total score demonstrated excellent psychometric properties. Test-retest reliability of all domains ranged from 0.93 to 0.96, and internal consistencyαranged from 0.86 to 0.93. Correlation and factor analysis demonstrated good construct validity. Significant differences in the QLASTCM-Lu scales and total score were found among groups differing in TCM syndrome, supporting the clinical sensitivity of the QLASTCM-Lu. Statistically significant changes were found for each scale and the total score. Responsiveness of the QLASTCM-Lu was greater than that of QLQ-LC43. The QLASTCM-Lu is a psychometrically sound and clinically sensitive measure of quality of life for lung cancer patients, which can be applied to both TCM therapy and Western medicine therapy.
Enriching the Molecular Definition of the Airway “Field of Cancerization:” Establishing New Paradigms for the Patient at Risk for Lung Cancer
Authors: Gomperts Brigitte N. , Walser Tonya C. , Spira Avrum , Dubinett Steven M.
Published: December 2012

The “field of cancerization” refers to histologically normal-appearing tissue adjacent to neoplastic tissue that displays molecular abnormalities, some of which are the same as those of the tumor. Improving our understanding of these molecular events is likely to increase our understanding of carcinogenesis. Kadara and colleagues attempt to characterize the molecular events occurring temporally and spatially within the field of cancerization of patients with early-stage non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) following definitive surgery. They followed patients with bronchoscopies annually after tumor resection and extracted RNA from the serial brushings from different endobronchial sites. They then conducted microarray analysis to identify gene expression differences over time and in different sites in the airway. Candidate genes were found that may have biologic relevance to the field of cancerization. For example, expression of phosphorylated AKT and ERK1/2 was found to increase in the airway epithelium with time. Although there are limitations in the study design, this investigation demonstrates the utility of identifying molecular changes in histologically normal airway epithelium in lung cancer. In addition to increasing our understanding of lung cancer biology, studying the field of cancerization has the potential to identify biomarkers from samples obtained in a minimally invasive manner. Cancer Prev Res; 6(1); 4–7. ©2013 AACR.