bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Permissible Use and Interdependence: Against Principled Veganism
Authors: Wayne Katherine
Published: March 2013

Are animals not ours to use? According to proponents of veganism such as Gary Francione, any and all use of animals by humans is exploitative and wrong. It is wrong because animals have intrinsic worth and humans' use of animals fails to respect that worth. Contra Francione, I argue that that there are conditions under which it may be morally appropriate to collect, consume, sell, or otherwise use animal products. Francione is mistaken in his belief that assigning intrinsic worth to a being is impossible if said being is also conceived as a resource. Using and (non‐instrumental) valuing are not mutually exclusive; if they were, many if not most human relationships would be deemed morally unacceptable. Through a series of thought experiments involving intra‐human relationships, I suggest that moral condemnation of relationships within which a less dependent party regularly takes from a more dependent party is indefensible. In fact, relationships of use between asymmetrically dependent parties are essential to the functioning of cooperative society, and are therefore desirable. My aims with this article are to convince readers of the need to reject principled veganism, and to garner support for new philosophical accounts of morally appropriate human‐nonhuman animal relationships.
Does acetylsalicylic acid or warfarin affect the accuracy of fecal occult blood tests?
Authors: Gandhi Sumeet , Narula Neeraj , Gandhi Samir , Marshall John K , Farkouh Michael E
Published: March 2013

Background

Current guidelines for screening of colorectal cancer do not offer specific recommendations for cessation of antithrombotic agents prior to fecal occult blood test (FOBT).

Aim

To asess the accuracy of FOBT in patients taking acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) or warfarin.

Methods

A literature search was conducted for studies that investigated the accuracy of FOBT in patients taking ASA and warfarin. The primary outcome was the pooled relative risk (RR) for true positive FOBT for detecting significant colonic neoplasia in patients taking ASA or warfarin compared with controls. The secondary outcome was a pooled RR for true positive in guaiac FOBT (g‐FOBT) compared with immunochemical FOBT (i‐FOBT).

Results

Five observational studies included 759 patients taking ASA and 1652 control subjects. In patients taking ASA, pooled RR for true positive FOBT was 0.82 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.73–0.93, P = 0.0009), pooled RR for true positive g‐FOBT was 0.69 (95% CI 0.60–0.79, P < 0.0001), whereas pooled RR for true positive i‐FOBT was 1.013 (95% CI 0.81–1.30, P = 0.8182). Five observational studies included 806 patients taking warfarin and 10 338 control subjects. In patients taking warfarin, pooled RR for true positive FOBT was 1.559 (95% CI 1.349–1.801, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The results of our meta‐analysis demonstrate that in patients taking ASA, there is a decrease in the positive predictive value (PPV) of g‐FOBT but no significant difference in the PPV of i‐FOBT compared with control subjects for detecting significant neoplasia. In patients taking warfarin, the PPV of FOBT was increased for detection of colorectal cancer compared with control subjects.
Gastric emptying and antral motility parameters in children with functional dyspepsia: Association with symptom severity
Authors: Devanarayana Niranga Manjuri , Rajindrajith Shaman , Perera Madushanka S , Nishanthanie Samudu W , Benninga Marc A
Published: March 2013

Background and Aims

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is an important gastrointestinal problem with obscure etiology. Abnormal gastric motility is suggested as a possible pathophysiological mechanism for symptoms. The main objective of this study was to assess gastric motility in Sri Lankan children with FD.

Methods

Forty‐one children (19 [46.3%] males, age 4–14 years, mean 7.5 years, SD 2.6 years) referred to the Gastroenterology Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, from January 2007 to December 2011, were screened. Those fulfilling Rome III criteria for FD were recruited. None had clinical or laboratory evidence of organic disorders. Twenty healthy children were recruited as controls (eight [40%] males, age 4–14 years, mean 8.4 years, SD 3.0 years). Liquid gastric emptying rate (GE) and antral motility parameters were assessed using an ultrasound‐based method.

Results

Average GE (45.6% vs 66.2% in controls), amplitude of antral contractions (58.2% vs 89.0%) and antral motility index (5.1 vs 8.3) were lower and fasting antral area (1.5 cm2 vs 0.6 cm2) was higher in patients with FD (P < 0.01). Frequency of antral contractions (8.8 vs 9.3) did not show a significant difference (P = 0.07). Scores obtained for severity of abdominal pain negatively correlated with GE (r = −0.35, P = 0.025). Children with FD, exposed to stressful events had higher fasting antral area (1.9 cm2) than those not exposed to stress (1.0 cm2) (P = 0.02).

Conclusions

GE and antral motility parameters were significantly impaired in children with FD compared with controls. GE negatively correlated with severity of symptoms. This study points to disturbances in gastric motility as an etiological factor for FD.
Quantitative particle microscopy in self‐metered fluids
Authors: WHITE L.V. , COOKE I.R. , WAKES S.J. , SOWERBY S.J.
Published: March 2013

We describe a simple device that volumetrically samples poured liquids and draws buoyant  materials into a single field of view for quantitative particle microscopy. Our approach relies on the formation of axisymmetric menisci and computational models of the static fluid developed using surface evolver showed close agreement with experiment. The apparatus was evaluated by counting pollen and demonstrated utility for the field analysis of microparticles.
Queer Selfhoods in the Shadow of Neoliberal Urbanism
Authors: Menon Jisha
Published: March 2013

This article explores the political and performative shift in representations of same‐sex desire within the context of neoliberal urbanism in Bengaluru, India. The affective shift from labile sexual practices to defiant assertions of sexual identity over the past two decades warrants a conjunctural analysis that tracks the intersections between neoliberal cultures of consumption and liberal rhetorics of equal rights and freedom of choice. Focusing on the queer subject in Mahesh Dattani's dramatic oevre, this article considers progressivist accounts of same‐sex desire in neoliberal Bengaluru over the past two decades. By examining how non‐normative sexual practices are disciplined into the epistemological categories of LGBT identity politics, the essay charts the itineraries of “queer” as it travels to India.
A Certain Gesture: Reflections on the Murder of Sivaram
Authors: Spencer Jonathan
Published: March 2013

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, a generation of young Tamils in Sri Lanka joined one or other of the militant separatist groups that sprang up in opposition to the Sinhala‐dominated government of Sri Lanka. This paper examines the life of one member of this generation, the journalist and intellectual, Sivaram Dharmaratnam, who was abducted and murdered in Colombo in 2005. Sivaram's death provoked a flood of reflections from his peers and these are used to ask questions about the relationship between personal biography, intellectual trajectory and political commitment in a post‐colony in long‐term crisis. The subsequent appearance of a biography of Sivaram, written by his friend the anthropologist Mark Whitaker, provides an opportunity for further reflection on ethnography, friendship and the limits of biography.
Physician Attitudes Regarding School‐Located Vaccination Clinics
Authors: Fiala Steven C. , Cieslak Paul R. , DeBess Emilio E. , Young Collette M. , Winthrop Kevin L. , Stevenson Ellen B.
Published: March 2013

BACKGROUND

School‐located vaccination clinics offer an opportunity to target children for vaccination programs during communicable disease outbreaks. However, children in the United States are primarily vaccinated in the pediatrician's or family physician's office, and the concept of school‐located vaccinations may be unfamiliar to some parents and guardians. Physician support could contribute to effective implementation of school‐located vaccination clinics during outbreak situations. The primary objective of the study was to assess physician opinion of using school‐located vaccination clinics to administer both outbreak‐specific and routine vaccines.

METHODS

A statewide mail and Internet survey was administered to 275 pediatricians and 275 family physicians in Oregon during July and August 2010.

RESULTS

Ninety‐one percent of physicians supported the use of school‐located vaccination clinics as immunization delivery sites during outbreak situations. Sixty percent of physicians supported using school‐located vaccination clinics to administer routine vaccinations. Only 57% of physicians had knowledge of school‐located vaccination clinic availability to their patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatricians and family physicians expressed strong support of school vaccination clinics as sites for immunization delivery during outbreak situations but significantly less support for administering routine vaccinations. Increasing physician awareness of school‐located vaccination clinic availability and establishing partnerships between physician practices and school vaccination clinics may improve access to immunizations for school‐aged children and adolescents, particularly during large‐scale communicable disease outbreaks.
The Effect of Physical Education Climates on Elementary Students' Physical Activity Behaviors
Authors: Wadsworth Danielle D. , Robinson Leah E. , Rudisill Mary E. , Gell Nancy
Published: March 2013

BACKGROUND

With the growing need for children from underserved populations to be physically active it is imperative to create developmentally appropriate and enjoyable physical education programs that promote physical activity. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of mastery and performance climates on physical activity during physical education.

METHODS

Children (N = 108) in grades K‐2 from a rural southeastern elementary school in the United States were randomly assigned to a mastery‐ or performance‐oriented climate. The climates were implemented over 10 school days during regular scheduled physical education classes, and physical activity was measured with pedometers and system for observing fitness instruction time (SOFIT). Two experts in mastery motivational climates served as teachers for the study and were counterbalanced between conditions.

RESULTS

Results showed that steps/minute were significantly higher for the mastery condition, and participants in the mastery condition spent significantly less time sitting (p < .001) and in management (p < .001) and more time in moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA; p = .002) and fitness activities (p = .001).

CONCLUSION

Results indicate that a mastery approach, which allows children the opportunity to drive their own physical activity, elicits higher step counts and more time spent in MVPA compared with a performance‐oriented approach.
Feasibility of colocating dental hygienists into medical practices
Authors: Braun Patricia A. , Kahl Shelby , Ellison Misoo C. , Ling Sarah , Widmer‐Racich Katina , Daley Matthew F.
Published: March 2013

Objectives

To test the feasibility of colocating registered dental hygienists (RDHs) into medical practices and to evaluate parent/caregiver oral health characteristics.

Methods

From December 2008 to April 2009, we colocated five RDHs into five medical practices identified for their service to low‐income children. Dual‐function exam rooms were built in each office. Caregiver–child dyads were recruited from the practices for program evaluation. We used both qualitative (key informant interviews) and quantitative (survey) methods to evaluate the project. Feasibility was measured by assessment of RDH and practice factors that facilitated and/or created barriers to colocation, sustainability of services 5 years after colocation, and caregiver satisfaction with services. Caregiver oral health knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors were also measured.

Results

Over 27 months, five part‐time RDHs provided care to 2,071 children. Children of caregiver–child dyads (n = 583) recruited for evaluation were young (mean age = 1.8 years), white (46 percent), non‐Hispanic (56 percent), and publicly insured (68 percent Medicaid/11 percent State Children's Health Insurance Plan). Key informant interviews revealed various factors that facilitated and created barriers to program adoption, implementation, and sustainability. Most barriers were overcome. Five RDHs remained in the practices 2 years after program initiation and four remained after 5 years. At 1 year, 27 percent of caregiver–child dyads returned for evaluation and were highly satisfied with services. Caregivers reported favorable oral health characteristics and few barriers to receiving preventive dental care at baseline and 1‐year follow‐up.

Conclusions

Colocating RDHs into medical practices is feasible and an innovative model to provide preventive oral health services to disadvantaged children.
Plasma copeptin, a possible prognostic marker in cirrhosis
Authors: Moreno José‐Philippe , Grandclement Emilie , Monnet Elisabeth , Clerc Béatrice , Agin Arnaud , Cervoni Jean‐Paul , Richou Carine , Vanlemmens Claire , Dritsas Stavros , Dumoulin Gilles , Di Martino Vincent , Thevenot Thierry
Published: March 2013

Background & Aim

Copeptin, secreted stoichiometrically with vasopressin, demonstrated its prognostic role in various diseases other than cirrhosis.

Methods

We investigated the association between severity of cirrhosis and plasma concentrations of copeptin, and the prognostic value of copeptin in 95 non‐septic cirrhotic patients (34 Child‐Pugh A, 29 CP‐B, 32 CP‐C), 30 septic patients with a Child‐Pugh >8 (‘group D’), and 16 healthy volunteers. Patients were followed for at least 12 months to assess the composite endpoint death/liver transplantation.

Results

Median copeptin concentrations (interquartile range) increased through healthy volunteers group [5.95 (3.76–9.43) pmol/L] and ‘group D’ patients [18.81 (8.96–36.66) pmol/L; P < 0.001)]. During a median follow‐up of 11.0 ± 6.1 months, 28 non‐transplanted patients died and eight were transplanted. In receiver operated characteristic curves analysis, the area under the curve values were as follows: Child‐Pugh score 0.80 (95% CI: 0.71–0.86), model of end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score 0.80 (0.70–0.86), C‐reactive protein (CRP) 0.71 (0.60–0.80) and copeptin 0.70 (0.57–0.79). By stratifying the values of these variables into tertiles, the risk of death/liver transplantation for patients belonging to the highest tertile of copeptin (>13 pmol/L) was high (Log‐rank test: P = 0.0002) and 2.3‐fold higher than for patients with lower concentrations after adjusting for MELD score (>21) and CRP (>24 mg/L) in a Cox model. Other potential predictors (age, total cholesterol, natraemia and serum free cortisol) did not reach a significant level.

Conclusion

In cirrhotic patients, copeptin concentrations increased along with the severity of liver disease. In our cohort, the 1‐year mortality or liver transplantation was predicted by high MELD score and high concentrations of CRP and copeptin.
Novel Plasmodium falciparum Maurer's clefts protein families implicated in the release of infectious merozoites
Authors: Mbengue Alassane , Audiger Nicolas , Vialla Emilie , Dubremetz Jean‐François , Braun‐Breton Catherine
Published: March 2013

The pathogenicity of the most deadly human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, relies on the export of virulence factors to the surface of infected erythrocytes. A novel membrane compartment, referred to as Maurer's clefts, is transposed to the host erythrocyte, acting as a marshal platform in the red blood cell cytoplasm, for exported parasite proteins addressed to the host cell plasma membrane. We report here the characterization of three new P. falciparum multigene families organized in 9 highly conserved clusters with the Pfmc‐2tm genes in the subtelomeric regions of parasite's chromosomes and expressed at early trophozoite stages. Like the PfMC‐2TM proteins, the PfEPF1, 3 and 4 proteins encoded by these families are exported to the Maurer's clefts, as peripheral or integral proteins of the Maurer's cleft membrane and largely exposed to the red cell cytosolic face of this membrane. A promoter titration approach was used to question the biological roles of these P. falciparum‐specific exported proteins. Using the Pfepf1 family promoter, we observed the specific downregulation of all four families, correlating with the inefficient release of merozoites while the parasite intra‐erythrocytic maturation and Maurer's clefts morphology were not impacted.
Decision-Making in Proximal Humeral Fractures
Authors: Jabbar Yaser , Majed Addie , Hsu Anne , Fairhurs Paul , Vlaev Ivo , Reilly Peter , Emery Roger J.
Published: March 2013

The incidence of proximal humeral trauma continues to rise. Treatment of complex proximal humeral trauma remains challenging and controversial. So far, classification of humeral fractures is an unsatisfactory process. In this paper we explore how we make decisions in this unique setting and present early results of using Markov Chain Monte Carlo modeling to assess concepts in surgical pattern recognition.
Parenteral nutrition in home‐based palliative care: Swedish district nurses experiences
Authors: Holmdahl Solveig , Sävenstedt Stefan , Imoni RoseMarie
Published: March 2013

Aim

The aim of this study was to describe the experiences of district nurses in caring for patients with home‐parenteral nutrition (HPN) in palliative care.

Method

A qualitative approach was adopted using thematic content analysis of semi‐structured interviews. Twelve district nurses working with primary health care in Sweden participated in the study that was conducted during 2011.

Findings

The analysis resulted in one overarching theme: The agony of terminating hope and three categories: all focus is on the infusion, alone without support, confidence in the relationship. HPN seemed to have a symbolic meaning when patients and family members connected the infusion with hope and life. District nurses expressed that they felt alone with the responsibility for the HPN due to the lack of a structured plan. Difficult discussions around termination of the infusion seemed to be connected to a feeling of agony of terminating hope among the district nurses. All district nurses expressed a need for support in their work, and factors like experience and the development of a good relationship with the patient and the family, could decrease the agony.

Conclusion

The draw up of a plan when starting HPN, could be a support for the district nurse and make the aim, follow‐up and future termination clearer. The establishment of a plan could make the work easier and reduce the feeling of agony of terminating hope among the district nurses.
Anti‐foreigner Sentiment: State of the Art
Authors: Zamora‐Kapoor Anna , Kovincic Petar , Causey Charles
Published: March 2013

This review presents the contributions of anti‐foreigner sentiment research, its theoretical and methodological limitations, and potential solutions for its further development.

Six different explanations are proposed to account for the distribution of anti‐foreigner sentiment within and across countries: economic competition, human capital, cultural affinity, social capital, political values, and the institutional environment. In this review, we argue that much of the extant literature heavily emphasizes variables, rather than causal mechanisms, and exhibits three main methodological limitations: (a) variable selection bias; (b) determining causality; and (c) endogeneity. We propose synthesizing prevailing theoretical perspectives around causal mechanisms and reformulating predictive models to strengthen a promising research program.
Youth Migration, Stratification and State Policy in Post‐Soviet Russia
Authors: Eastman Jason T.
Published: March 2013

In principle, the fall of the Soviet Union brought democratic capitalism to the Russian people. In practice, during the post‐Soviet era power elites influence state policies governing social processes like migration to protect their power from democracy and shield their economic status from free market competition. Manipulating policy stalls social mobility and reinforces stratification as many Russian migrants, most of whom are young and poor, cannot assimilate into cities like Moscow in order to take advantage of the economic and educational opportunities exclusively available there and nowhere else in the country. While Russia is unique in being a newly established democracy with a free market, similar processes also create and reproduce inequalities in the west. Thus, sociologists should explore how denying access to space and the unprecedented opportunity some places offer migrants limits social mobility thereby maintaining the social stratification hierarchy.
A Review of the Motherhood Wage Penalty in the United States
Authors: Gough Margaret , Noonan Mary
Published: March 2013

On average, mothers earn lower wages than childless women. This well‐established finding is referred to as the “motherhood penalty.” In this review, we summarize the main theoretical explanations for the motherhood penalty, and briefly discuss which theories have received empirical support. We evaluate research that explores variation in the motherhood penalty by important demographic and job‐related characteristics. Additionally, we highlight recent methodological advances used to estimate the penalty. The review concludes with suggestions for future research in this area.
Diploidization and genome size change in allopolyploids is associated with differential dynamics of low‐ and high‐copy sequences
Authors: Renny‐Byfield Simon , Kovarik Ales , Kelly Laura J. , Macas Jiri , Novak Petr , Chase Mark W. , Nichols Richard A. , Pancholi Mahesh R. , Grandbastien Marie‐Angele , Leitch Andrew R.
Published: March 2013

Recent advances have highlighted the ubiquity of whole‐genome duplication (polyploidy) in angiosperms, although subsequent genome size change and diploidization (returning to a diploid‐like condition) are poorly understood. An excellent system to assess these processes is provided by Nicotiana section Repandae, which arose via allopolyploidy (approximately 5 million years ago) involving relatives of Nicotiana sylvestris and Nicotiana obtusifolia. Subsequent speciation in Repandae has resulted in allotetraploids with divergent genome sizes, including Nicotiana repanda and Nicotiana nudicaulis studied here, which have an estimated 23.6% genome expansion and 19.2% genome contraction from the early polyploid, respectively. Graph‐based clustering of next‐generation sequence data enabled assessment of the global genome composition of these allotetraploids and their diploid progenitors. Unexpectedly, in both allotetraploids, over 85% of sequence clusters (repetitive DNA families) had a lower abundance than predicted from their diploid relatives; a trend seen particularly in low‐copy repeats. The loss of high‐copy sequences predominantly accounts for the genome downsizing in N. nudicaulis. In contrast, N. repanda shows expansion of clusters already inherited in high copy number (mostly chromovirus‐like Ty3/Gypsy retroelements and some low‐complexity sequences), leading to much of the genome upsizing predicted. We suggest that the differential dynamics of low‐ and high‐copy sequences reveal two genomic processes that occur subsequent to allopolyploidy. The loss of low‐copy sequences, common to both allopolyploids, may reflect genome diploidization, a process that also involves loss of duplicate copies of genes and upstream regulators. In contrast, genome size divergence between allopolyploids is manifested through differential accumulation and/or deletion of high‐copy‐number sequences.
Validation of Hierarchical Gene Clusters Using Repeated Measurements
Authors: Fong Tee Lim , Mohamad Mohd Saberi , Deris Safaai , Mohd Faudzi Ahmad ‘Athif , Abd Latiff Muhammad Shafie , Sallehuddin Roselina
Published: March 2013

Hierarchical clustering is an unsupervised technique, which is a common approach to study protein and gene expression data. In clustering, the patterns of expression of different genes are grouped into distinct clusters, in which the genes in the same cluster are assumed potential to be functionally related or to be influenced by a common upstream factor. Although the use of clustering methods has rapidly become one of the standard computational approaches in the literature of microarray gene expression data analysis, the uncertainty in the results obtained is still bothersome. Experimental repetitions are generally performed to overcome the drawbacks of biological variability and technical variability. In this study, the author proposes repeated measurement to evaluate the stability of gene clusters. This paper aims to prove that the stability from the gene clusters, incorporated with repeated measurement, can be used for further analysis.
EEG Signal of Epiliptic Patient by Fast Fourier and Wavelet Transforms
Authors: Chien Yong Goh , Maan Normah , Ahmad Tahir
Published: March 2013

Electroencephalography (EEG) is one of the field in diagnosing g epilepsy. Analysis of the EEG records can provide valuable insight and improve understanding of the mechanisms causing epileptic disorders. In this paper, the fast Fourier transform (FFT) and wavelet transform are used as spectral analysis tools of the EEG signals. These methods are chosen because they provide time–frequency shifted on the EEG signals. Since the frequency characteristics are important information that can be observed from the signals, FFT and wavelet transform are among a the best methods in analysis of EEG signals. The comparisons between these two methods are also carried out. Result showed that the wavelet transform is better than FFT in analysis of EEG signals. A software for analysing EEG signal is also developed using C++ programming. The software is able to compute and show the results of the analysis signal data by both of the two methods in graphical form.
EEG Based BCI Using Visual Imagery Task for Robot Control
Authors: Azmy Husnaini , Mat Safri Norlaili
Published: March 2013

The aim of this study is to detect the brain activation on scalp by Electroencephalogram (EEG) task–based for brain computer interface (BCI) using wirelessly control robot. EEG was measured in 8 normal subjects for control and task conditions. The objective is to determine one scalp location which will give signals that can be used to control the wireless robot using BCI and EEG, using non invasive and without subject training. In control condition subjects were ask to relax but in task condition, subjects were asked to imagine a star rotating clockwise at position 45 degrees direction pointed by the wireless robot where at this angle the target is located. At position 0 and 90 degree angle subjects were asked to relax since there is no target on that direction. Using EEG spectral power analysis and normalization, the optimum location for this task has been detected at position F8 which is in frontal cortex area and the rhythm happened at alpha frequency band. At this position, the signals from the brain should be able to drive the robot to the required direction by giving correct and accurate signals to robot moving towards target.
Pulse Power Generator Design for Machining Micro–pits on Hip Implant
Authors: Mahmud Nazriah , Yahya Azli , Abdul Kadir Mohammed Rafiq , Hashim Nor Liyana Safura
Published: March 2013

Machining micro–pits on hip implant for lubrication purpose is the most effective way to minimize wear as well as prolong the lifespan of the hip implant. Several works on designing Pulse Power Generator for machining micro–pits has been conducted but suffer from micro crack. Thus, in this research, a new design of Electrical Discharge Machining Pulse Power Generator is implemented which consist of Flyback converter circuit and Current Mode Controller Integrated Circuit. The work involves the design and development of the SIMULINK behavior model of the overall system. The machining performance of the system is evaluated by changing the input voltage.
Simulation of Micro–EDM Servomotor for Machining Micro Pits on Hip Implant
Authors: Hashim Nor Liyana Safura , Yahya Azli , Abdul Kadir Mohammed Rafiq , Samion Syahrullail , Mahmud Nazriah
Published: March 2013

Metal–on–metal articulation of hip implant suffers from friction due to the moving metal surface. Thus it would shorten the lifespan of the joint. One of the significant current discussions in biomedical field is to reduce the friction between the articulations surface. It was found that lubrication technique is applicable in order to reduce the friction. A surface texture which micro pits formation on the metal surface of hip implant then was found to benefits the lubrication performance. Due to many advantages offered by electrical discharge machining especially in micro machining, it is utilized for machining the micro pits in this research. Thus, this paper is proposing on machining and control method for this purpose in terms of workpiece placement, coordination and orientation related to the electrode of the electrical discharge machining system. In this paper, a design of motor control simulation has been made using DC motor, Proportional–Integral controller and particle swarm optimization in order to get a better performance of micro–machining positioning for this purpose. From the simulation, the result obtained showed that the model could give a better positioning when using particle swarm optimization technique.
Left Hand and Right Hand Throwing Mechanism Patterns Classification
Authors: Yee Yong Ching , Sudirman Rubita , Mahmood Nasrul Humaimi , Mey Chew Kim
Published: March 2013

This study investigates and acts as a trial clinical outcome for human hand motion and behaviour analysis. It was analysed and accessed the quality of human motion that can be used to differentiate the left and right hand throwing action patterns and also the effect of throwing distance to shoulder pain. It aims to establish how widespread the quality of life effects of human motion especially hands movement. Gyroscope, accelerometer and compass sensors were used to measure the hand movement for a throwing process. 2D and 3D scatter plotting were proposed to represent data in graphical form. An experiment was set up in a laboratory environment with conjunction of analysing human motion. The instruments demonstrate 2D and 3D scatter plot enable distinguish left and right hand throwing action patterns significantly. Distribution of gyroscope data shows that a throwing mechanism for a greater distance may bring greater probability of shoulder injury.
Design of the Optical Tomography System for Four Projections CMOS Linear Image Sensor
Authors: Ramli Norhafizah , Idroas Mariani , Ibrahim Muhammad Nasir , Shafei Nur Hasanah
Published: March 2013

The main purpose of this study is to design the optical tomography system for four projections complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) linear image sensor. This system includes the development of suitable driver for the operation of CMOS S10077 linear image sensor, measurement section and data acquisition system. The CMOS linear image sensor S10077 is configured around a flow pipe with an octagonal–shaped measurement section. This image sensor scans image of object inside the pipe from four different projections angle. When light hit the object, shadow will cast on the sensor surface. The output signal is obtained based on the light intensity projected to the sensor. Microcontroller PIC 18F4620 is used as a driver to enable the operation of CMOS linear image sensor and microcontroller PIC 18F458 is used as a data acquisition circuit for optical tomography system. Microcontroller retrieves serial data from the CMOS linear image sensor and sends it to a PC for further work in image reconstruction.
WIRELESS Temperature Monitoring System for Blood Bank using Zigbee
Authors: Jye Hui Lau , Che Harun Fauzan Khairi , Yusof Yusmeeraz , Mat Safri Norlaili
Published: March 2013

A wireless temperature monitoring system has been designed and fabricated for the monitoring of blood bank temperature. The protection of blood is done by labeling of blood components and stored at refrigerator temperature of 4°C. Therefore, it is important to monitor the temperature of blood bank to ensure the blood is stored properly to avoid the shortage of blood supply. This study involve both hardware and software implementation. A circuitry is produced and is placed at the blood bank which involves thermistor, ZigBee as transmitter and a buzzer as alarm. The temperature data is transmitted for every one second to the base station. As for the monitoring system, it will display the temperature data as well as time that received by another ZigBee at the base station. By using LabVIEW, the monitoring system was published to the internet by creating a website which can reduce the work load without involvement of labour. The integration of both software and hardware is done, where activation of the alarm and indicators for both circuit and monitoring system happen simultaneously based on the temperature condition of the blood bank.
Structural Reorganization of the Toll-Like Receptor 8 Dimer Induced by Agonistic Ligands
Authors: Tanji Hiromi , Ohto Umeharu , Shibata Takuma , Miyake Kensuke , Shimizu Toshiyuki
Published: March 2013

Dissecting TLR8 Interactions

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) activate the innate immune system in response to invading pathogens. TLR7 and TLR8 recognize single-stranded RNA from viruses and also contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.

Tanji
et al.

(p.
1426
) now report the crystal structure of the unliganded TLR8 ectodomain and the TLR8 ectodomain bound to three different small-molecule agonists. Ligand binding to preformed TLR8 dimers induced conformational changes that brought the C-terminal domains closer together, presumably initiating downstream signaling.
DNA Gridiron Nanostructures Based on Four-Arm Junctions
Authors: Han Dongran , Pal Suchetan , Yang Yang , Jiang Shuoxing , Nangreave Jeanette , Liu Yan , Yan Hao
Published: March 2013

Rewiring DNA Origami

Complex DNA nanostructures can be formed from a long scaffold strand of DNA by binding many shorter “staple” strands. In these DNA origami structures, the path of the scaffold has been restricted by a double-crossover motif to form parallel helices.

Han
et al.

(p.
1412
) now describe a more flexible approach based on a “gridiron unit” in which four four-arm junctions link together to form a two-layer square frame. A variety of two- and three-dimensional structures were created, including highly curved structures, such as a sphere and a screw.
Geometric Catalysis of Membrane Fission Driven by Flexible Dynamin Rings
Authors: Shnyrova Anna V. , Bashkirov Pavel V. , Akimov Sergey A. , Pucadyil Thomas J. , Zimmerberg Joshua , Schmid Sandra L. , Frolov Vadim A.
Published: March 2013

Making the Cut

Dynamin is the prototypical member of a large family of structurally related guanosine triphosphatases involved in membrane fission and fusion. A variety of models have been suggested to explain how dynamin works.

Shnyrova
et al.

(p.
1433
; see the Perspective by

Holz

) reconstituted dynamin-mediated membrane scission on lipid nanotubes and suggest a molecular model for dynamin activity that takes into consideration all known aspects of dynamin function.
What Poincaré Knew

Henri Poincaré: A Scientific Biography
by Jeremy Gray

Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ, 2013. 608 pp. $35, £24.95. ISBN 9780691152714.
Authors: Pesic Peter
Published: March 2013

In this comprehensive intellectual biography, Gray surveys the wide range of Poincaré's contributions and impact.
Making a Point with Wnt Signals
Authors: Berndt J. D. , Moon R. T.
Published: March 2013

Embryonic stem cell division is influenced by the spatial orientation of the cells relative to the source of Wnt protein.

[Also see Reports by

Cruciat
et al.

,

Huang
et al.

, and

Habib
et al.

]
NFL Kicks Off Brain Injury Research Effort
Authors: Underwood Emily
Published: March 2013

Researchers hope to investigate how concussions lead to long-lasting brain damage and whether certain people are more susceptible.
Drug Watchdog Ponders How to Open Clinical Trial Data Vault
Authors: Rabesandratana Tania
Published: March 2013

The European Medicines Agency is making good on a promise to become more transparent and hopes to release clinical study reports.
Battle for the Barrel
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: March 2013

This year is shaping up to be decisive for "cellulosic" ethanol made from corn stalks and other agricultural waste, as oil companies and the ethanol industry clash over government mandates for the automotive fuel.
Immune Responses to the O-Specific Polysaccharide Antigen in Children Who Received a Killed Oral Cholera Vaccine Compared to Responses following Natural Cholera Infection in Bangladesh
Authors: Leung Daniel T. , Uddin Taher , Xu Peng , Aktar Amena , Johnson Russell A. , Rahman Mohammad Arif , Alam Mohammad Murshid , Bufano Meagan Kelly , Eckhoff Grace , Wu-Freeman Ying , Yu Yanan , Sultana Tania , Khanam Farhana , Saha Amit , Chowdhury Fahima , Khan Ashraf I. , Charles Richelle C. , LaRocque Regina C. , Harris Jason B. , Calderwood Stephen B. , Kováč Pavol , Qadri Firdausi , Ryan Edward T.
Published: March 2013

Current oral cholera vaccines induce lower levels of protective efficacy and shorter durations of protection in young children than in adults. Immunity against cholera is serogroup specific, and immune responses to
Vibrio cholerae
lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the antigen that mediates serogroup-specific responses, are associated with protection against disease. Despite this, responses against
V. cholerae
O-specific polysaccharide (OSP), a key component of the LPS responsible for specificity, have not been characterized in children. Here, we report a comparison of polysaccharide antibody responses in children from a region in Bangladesh where cholera is endemic, including infants (6 to 23 months,
n
= 15), young children (24 to 59 months,
n
= 14), and older children (5 to 15 years,
n
= 23) who received two doses of a killed oral cholera vaccine 14 days apart. We found that infants and young children receiving the vaccine did not mount an IgG, IgA, or IgM antibody response to
V. cholerae
OSP or LPS, whereas older children showed significant responses. In comparison to the vaccinees, young children with wild-type
V. cholerae
O1 Ogawa infection did mount significant antibody responses against OSP and LPS. We also demonstrated that OSP responses correlated with age in vaccinees, but not in cholera patients, reflecting the ability of even young children with wild-type cholera to develop OSP responses. These differences might contribute to the lower efficacy of protection rendered by vaccination than by wild-type disease in young children and suggest that efforts to improve lipopolysaccharide-specific responses might be critical for achieving optimal cholera vaccine efficacy in this younger age group.
Comparative Efficacy of Two Leading Candidate Ricin Toxin A Subunit Vaccines in Mice
Authors: O'Hara Joanne M. , Brey Robert N. , Mantis Nicholas J.
Published: March 2013

The two leading ricin toxin vaccine candidates, RV
Ec
and RiVax, are recombinant derivatives of the toxin's 267-amino-acid enzymatic A chain (RTA). RV
Ec
is truncated at the C terminus (residues 199 to 267) to improve protein thermostability, while RiVax has two point mutations (V76M and Y80A) that eliminate the RNA
N
-glycosidase activity of RTA, as well as its ability to induce vascular leak syndrome. The two vaccines have never been directly compared in terms of their ability to stimulate RTA-specific antibodies (Abs), toxin-neutralizing activity (TNA), or protective immunity. To address this issue, groups of female BALB/c mice were immunized two or three times with Alhydrogel-adsorbed RiVax or RV
Ec
at a range of doses (0.3 to 20 μg) and then challenged with 10 50% lethal doses (LD
50
s) of ricin. We found that the vaccines were equally effective at eliciting protective immunity at the doses tested. There were, however, quantitative differences in the antibody responses. RV
Ec
tended to elicit higher levels of ricin-specific RTA IgG and TNA than did RiVax. Pepscan analysis revealed that serum Abs elicited by RV
Ec
were skewed toward a solvent-exposed immunodominant α-helix known to be the target of potent toxin-neutralizing Abs. Finally, immunodepletion experiments suggest that the majority of toxin-neutralizing Abs elicited by RiVax were confined to residues 1 to 198, possibly explaining the equal effectiveness of RV
Ec
as a vaccine.
Severe Soft Tissue Infection Caused by a Non-Beta-Hemolytic Streptococcus pyogenes Strain Harboring a Premature Stop Mutation in the
sagC
Gene
Authors: Jantsch Jonathan , Gerlach Roman G. , Ensser Armin , Dahesh Samira , Popp Isabel , Heeg Christiane , Bleiziffer Oliver , Merz Thomas , Schulz Theresia , Horch Raymund E. , Bogdan Christian , Nizet Victor , van der Linden Mark
Published: March 2013

We recovered a non-beta-hemolytic
Streptococcus pyogenes
strain from a severe soft tissue infection. In this isolate, we detected a premature stop codon within the
sagC
gene of the streptolysin S (SLS) biosynthetic operon. Reintroduction of full-length
sagC
gene on a plasmid vector restored the beta-hemolytic phenotype to our clinical isolate, indicating that the point mutation in
sagC
accounted for loss of hemolytic activity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to demonstrate that a severe soft tissue infection can be caused by a non-beta-hemolytic
S. pyogenes
strain lacking a functional SagC.
Automation in Clinical Microbiology
Authors: Bourbeau Paul P. , Ledeboer Nathan A.
Published: March 2013

Editor's Note:
In this issue of the
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
, Paul Bourbeau and Nate Ledeboer provide an informed review of an exciting new concept in clinical microbiology, the use of instrumentation to automate the front-end processing and workup of specimens submitted to a laboratory for analysis. The potential value of such instrumentation includes the possibility of substantial cost savings, standardization of initial specimen processing, more rapid and consistent provision of both identification and antimicrobial susceptibility test results, and a diminished risk for laboratory-acquired infections. However, as with any new diagnostic modality in clinical microbiology, there now exists a pressing need for investigations aimed at elucidating the performance characteristics of this new technology. Going forward, it will be imperative that laboratorians assess this new technology in objective, comparative, and preferably prospective clinical studies. Such studies will be necessary to define the true, rather than perceived or hoped-for, value of front-end and total laboratory automation in clinical microbiology. The
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
enthusiastically awaits submission of manuscripts that report the results of such investigations.
A Continuous Bovine Kidney Cell Line Constitutively Expressing Bovine αVβ6Integrin Has Increased Susceptibility to Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus
Authors: LaRocco Michael , Krug Peter W. , Kramer Ed , Ahmed Zaheer , Pacheco Juan M. , Duque Hernando , Baxt Barry , Rodriguez Luis L.
Published: March 2013

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a worldwide problem limiting the trade of animals and their products from affected countries. The rapid isolation, serotyping, and vaccine matching of FMD virus from disease outbreaks is critical for enabling the implementation of effective vaccination programs and to stop the spread of infection during outbreaks. Some primary cells have been shown to be highly susceptible to most strains of FMD virus (FMDV) but are difficult and expensive to prepare and maintain. Since the αVβ6integrin is a principal receptor for FMDV, we transduced a bovine kidney cell line to stably express both the αVand β6bovine integrin subunits. This stable cell line (LFBK-αVβ6) showed β6expression and enhanced susceptibility to FMDV infection for ≥100 cell passages. LFBK-αVβ6cells were highly sensitive for detecting all serotypes of FMDV from experimentally infected animals, including the porcinophilic FMDV strain O/TAW/97. In comparison to other cell types that are currently used for virus isolation, LFBK-αVβ6cells were more effective at detecting FMDV in clinical samples, supporting their use as a more sensitive tool for virus isolation.
Impact of Hourly Emergency Department Patient Volume on Blood Culture Contamination and Diagnostic Yield
Authors: Halverson Schuyler , Malani Preeti N. , Newton Duane W. , Habicht Andrea , Vander Have Kenneth , Younger John G.
Published: March 2013

Emergency departments (EDs) are an important diagnostic site for outpatients with potentially serious infections. EDs frequently experience high patient volumes, and crowding has been shown to negatively impact the delivery of early care for serious infections, such as pneumonia. Here, we hypothesized that other important factors in the early care of infectious diseases, the rate of blood culture contamination and the accurate detection of pathogens, would be sensitive to ED operational stress, as proper collection requires fastidious attention to technique and timing. We related all blood samples collected over 1 year and their rates of recovery of likely contaminants and pathogens to the number of patients being cared for in the ED at the time of sample collection. Likely pathogens and contaminants were classified through combined microbiological and manual chart review criteria. Zero-inflated Poisson regression was used to relate crowding to culture results. Blood samples were obtained from 7,586 patients over 82,521 adult and pediatric patient visits. The unadjusted rates of recovering a likely pathogen or a likely contaminant were 8.0% and 3.7%, respectively. Periods of increased crowding (3rd and 4th quartiles of hourly occupancy) were significantly associated (
P
< 0.01) with increased rates of contamination (relative risk, 1.23 compared to the least busy quartile). Collecting samples for culture during busy times was also associated with a reduced likelihood of recovering a likely pathogen (relative risk, 0.93 compared to the least busy quartile). ED crowding was associated with degraded performance of blood cultures, both increasing the rate of contamination and decreasing the diagnostic yield.