bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward an Interdisciplinary Engineering and Management of Complex IT-Intensive Organizational Systems
Authors: Mora Manuel , Gelman Ovsei , Frank Moti , Paradice David B. , Cervantes Francisco
Published: May 2011

An accelerated scientific, engineering, and industrial progress in information technologies has fostered the deployment of Complex Information Technology (highly dependent) Organizational Systems (CITOS). The benefits have been so strong that CITOS have proliferated in a variety of large and midsized organizations to support various generic intra-organizational processes and inter-organizational activities. But their systems engineering, management, and research complexity have been substantially raised in the last decade, and the CITOS realization is presenting new technical, organizational, management, and research challenges. In this article, we use a conceptual research method to review the engineering, management, and research complexity issues raised for CITOS, and develop the rationality of the following propositions: P1: a plausible response to cope with CITOS is an interdisciplinary engineering and management body of knowledge; and P2: such a realization is plausible through the incorporation of foundations, principles, methods, tools, and best practices from the systems approach by way of systems engineering and software engineering disciplines. Discussion of first benefits, critical barriers, and effectiveness measures to reach this academic proposal are presented.
A Complex Adaptive Systems-Based Enterprise Knowledge Sharing Model
Authors: Small Cynthia T. , Sage Andrew P.
Published: May 2011

This paper describes a complex adaptive systems (CAS)-based enterprise knowledge-sharing (KnS) model. The CAS-based enterprise KnS model consists of a CAS-based KnS framework and a multi-agent simulation model. Enterprise knowledge sharing is modeled as the emergent behavior of knowledge workers interacting with the KnS environment and other knowledge workers. The CAS-based enterprise KnS model is developed to aid knowledge management (KM) leadership and other KnS researchers in gaining an enhanced understanding of KnS behavior and its influences. A premise of this research is that a better understanding of KnS influences can result in enhanced decision-making of KnS interventions that can result in improvements in KnS behavior.
A Critical Systems View of Power-Ethics Interactions in Information Systems Evaluation
Authors: Córdoba José-Rodrigo
Published: May 2011

Current developments in information systems (IS) evaluation emphasise stakeholder participation in order to ensure adequate and beneficial IS investments. It is now common to consider evaluation as a subjective process of interpretation(s), in which people’s appreciations are taken into account to guide evaluations. However, the context of power relations in which evaluation takes place, as well as their ethical implications, has not been given full attention. In this article, ideas of critical systems thinking and Michel Foucault’s work on power and ethics are used to define a critical systems view of power to support IS evaluation. The article proposes a system of inquiry into power with two main areas: 1) Deployment of evaluation via power relations and 2) Dealing with ethics. The first element addresses how evaluation becomes possible. The second one goes in-depth into how evaluation can proceed as being informed by ethical reflection. The article suggests that inquiry into these relationships should contribute to extend current views on power in IS evaluation practice, and to reflect on the ethics of those involved in the process.
Information Technology Industry Dynamics
Authors: Georgantzas Nicholas C. , Katsamakas Evangelos
Published: May 2011

This chapter combines disruptive innovation strategy (DIS) theory with the system dynamics (SD) modeling method. It presents a simulation model of the hard-disk (HD) maker population overshoot and collapse dynamics, showing that DIS can crucially affect the dynamics of the IT industry. Data from the HD maker industry help calibrate the parameters of the SD model and replicate the HD makers’ overshoot and collapse dynamics, which DIS allegedly caused from 1973 through 1993. SD model analysis entails articulating exactly how the structure of feedback relations among variables in a system determines its performance through time. The HD maker population model analysis shows that, over five distinct time phases, four different feedback loops might have been most prominent in generating the HD maker population dynamics. The chapter shows the benefits of using SD modeling software, such as iThink®, and SD model analysis software, such as Digest®. The latter helps detect exactly how changes in loop polarity and prominence determine system performance through time. Strategic scenarios computed with the model also show the relevance of using SD for information system management and research in areas where dynamic complexity rules.
The Distribution of a Management Control System in an Organization
Authors: Reyes Alfonso A.
Published: May 2011

This chapter is concerned with methodological issues. In particular, it addresses the question of how is it possible to align the design of management information systems with the structure of an organization. The method proposed is built upon the Cybersin method developed by Stafford Beer (1975) and Raul Espejo (1992). The chapter shows a way to intersect three complementary organizational fields: management information systems, management control systems, and organizational learning when studied from a systemic perspective; in this case from the point of view of management cybernetics (Beer 1959, 1979, 1981, 1985).
Data Regulation Protocol for Source-End Mitigation of Distributed Denial of Service
Authors: Shah Nirav , Huang Dijiang
Published: May 2011

This chapter, proposes Data Regulation Protocol (DRP), a hybrid (proactive as well as reactive) solution, to achieve packet filtering at the source end to mitigate distributed denial of service (DDoS). DRP is unique in a way, as it provides target controlled traffic regulation mechanism implemented at the source gateway. A capability based model using cryptographically secure hash functions is designed for the target to identify and filter malicious traffic. DRP provides the target the choice to opt out of communication with a non-adherent source network, any time it’s overloaded. The gateway of a source network is held accountable for all of the egress traffic leaving the network. This provides an incentive for a source network to ensure each of its users complies with DRP target’s requirements.
Overview of Mechanical Ventilatory Support and Management of Patient- and Ventilator-Related Responses
Authors: Grossbach Irene , Chlan Linda , Tracy Mary Fran
Published: June 2011

Nurses must be knowledgeable about the function and limitations of ventilator modes, causes of respiratory distress and dyssynchrony with the ventilator, and appropriate management in order to provide high-quality patient-centered care. Prompt recognition of problems and action by the nurse may resolve acute respiratory distress, dyspnea, and increased work of breathing and prevent adverse events. This article presents an overview of mechanical ventilation modes and the assessment and management of dyspnea and patient-ventilator dyssynchrony. Strategies to manage patients’ responses to mechanical ventilatory support and recommendations for staff education also are presented.
Therapeutic Hypothermia for Management of Neonatal Asphyxia: What Nurses Need to Know
Authors: Chirinian Nevart , Mann Nancy
Published: June 2011

Birth asphyxia can induce a cascade of reactions that result in altered brain function known as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Possible outcomes for survivors of birth asphyxia vary widely, from a normal outcome to death, with a wide range of disabilities in between, including long-term neurodevelopmental disability, cerebral palsy, neuromotor delay, and developmental delay. Treatment of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy has centered on dampening or blocking the biochemical pathways that lead to death of neuronal cells. The reduction of body temperature by 3ºC to 5ºC less than normal body temperature can reduce cerebral injury. At Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, Ontario, the goal of therapeutic hypothermia is to achieve a rectal temperature of 33ºC to 34ºC, and the protocol is started within 6 hours after birth. The hypothermia is maintained for 72 hours, and then the infant is gradually warmed to normal body temperature (36.8ºC–37ºC). The protocol and nursing implications are presented.
Interactions between the fungal symbiont of Sirex noctilio (Hymenoptera: Siricidae) and two bark beetle-vectored fungi
Authors: Ryan Kathleen , Moncalvo Jean-Marc , de Groot Peter , Smith Sandy M.
Published: June 2011

The woodwasp Sirex noctilio F. is invading North American forests, where it will interact with a large guild of pine-inhabiting beetles and their associated fungi. The woodwasp's obligate fungal symbiont, Amylostereum areolatum (Fries) Boidin (Stereaceae), plays an essential role in the wasp's larval development but is expected to be a poor competitor in the presence of fungi vectored by co-occurring insects. We examined the outcomes of competitive interactions between A. areolatum and two fungal species vectored by bark beetles, Leptographium wingfieldii Morelet (Ophiostomataceae) and Ophiostoma minus (Hedgcock) H. and P. Sydow (Ophiostomataceae), and the effect of temperature and substrate on these interactions. Beetle-associated fungi were usually able to capture more uncolonized resource than A. areolatum regardless of substrate or temperature. Amylostereum areolatum was able to colonize relatively more space in some cases but could not gain substrate already colonized by the ophiostomatoid competitor. These findings suggest that competitive interactions between beetle-vectored fungal species and A. areolatum could influence the reproductive fitness and distribution of S. noctilio within individual trees and also across a wide geographic area.
Response of summerform pear psylla (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) to male- and female-produced odors
Authors: Guédot Christelle , Horton David R. , Landolt Peter J.
Published: June 2011

We examined the role of chemical signals in sex attraction of pear psylla, Cacopsylla pyricola (Förster), assessing the response of summerform male and female psyllids to male- and female-produced volatile chemicals. Male psyllids were attracted to odors from live females and pentane extracts of females. Extracts of females were as attractive to males as live females, suggesting that the female-produced volatile chemicals responsible for male attraction might be isolated by extracting females with pentane. Females were not attracted to odorants from live females and tended to avoid odorants from extracts of females. Furthermore, summerform males and females were not attracted or repelled by male-produced odorants from live males or extracts of males. Results of olfactometer assays using male summerform C. pyricola are consistent with results from earlier studies with the winterform morphotype of this species.
Operational mark–release–recapture field tests comparing competitiveness of wild and differentially mass-reared codling moths from the Okanagan–Kootenay sterile insect program
Authors: Judd Gary J.R. , Arthur Scott , Deglow Keith , Gardiner Mark G.T.
Published: June 2011

Pheromone trap catches and mating activity of sterile, mass-reared, diapaused and non-diapaused male codling moths, Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), were compared with those of wild diapaused males using mark–release–recapture field experiments in springtime. Sterile moths were provided by the Okanagan–Kootenay Sterile Insect Release (SIR) Program mass-rearing facility, in Osoyoos, British Columbia, Canada. Nondiapause-reared (SIR-standard) and diapause-reared (SIR-diapaused) sterile males were recaptured in similar frequencies. Both types of sterile males were recaptured significantly less often than similarly released wild diapaused males, and ratios of recaptured sterile to wild males were similar with either sterile male. Ratios of sterile to wild males, using the combined catches of SIR-standard and SIR-diapaused males, were significantly lower when measured with traps baited with wild-females (21:1) than with traps baited with 10 μg pheromone (48:1). Both trapping ratios were markedly lower than the 80:1 ratio at which sterile and wild males were released. In mating studies, SIR-standard and SIR-diapaused males exhibited equivalent mating frequencies and both were recaptured in copula with tethered wild females significantly less often than released wild males. In the same mating studies, sterile mass-reared, diapaused males that had been chilled for 3 h at the Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre (PARC) before release (PARC-diapaused) were significantly more competitive than SIR-standard or SIR-diapaused males that averaged 24 h of chilling as part of normal SIR Program operations. PARC-diapaused males and released wild males mated with tethered females with equal frequency. We hypothesize that the length of time SIR males were chilled before being released may have caused SIR-diapaused males to be less mobile, and therefore less competitive with wild males in field mating assays, than were PARC-diapaused males. Based on these results, introduction of a diapause phase into the mass-rearing system used at the Osoyoos facility cannot currently be recommended as a means of improving trap-measured ratios of sterile to wild males, or increasing sterile × wild matings.
Dyspnea after a greasy meal
Authors: Garrido Patricia Ines , Ferreira Dalila , Bugalho Antonio , Salvado Gonçalo , Carreiro Luis
Published: June 2011

A healthy 72-year-old man presented with dyspnea and dysphagia after saturated fat meals. The investigation showed a mediastinal mass causing compression of the trachea and main carina. Endobronchial ultrasound guided fine needle-aspiration revealed a milky fluid with an high concentration of triglycerides and chylomicra. The diagnosis of a thoracic duct cyst was made. Clinical stability was achieved through a conservative treatment since the patient refused other invasive therapeutic procedures.
Complete constant mean curvature surfaces in homogeneous spaces
Authors: Espinar José M. , Rosenberg Harold
Published: June 2011

In this paper we classify complete surfaces of constant mean curvature whose Gaussian curvature does not change sign in a simply connected homogeneous manifold with a 4-dimensional isometry group.
Dexamethasone Effects in the Strongyloides venezuelensis Infection in A Murine Model
Authors: Machado Eleuza R. , Carlos Daniela , Sorgi Carlos A. , Ramos Simone G. , Souza Daniela I. , Soares Edson G. , Costa-Cruz Julia M. , Ueta Marlene T. , Aronoff David M. , Faccioli Lúcia H.
Published: June 2011

The aim of this study was to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of glucocorticoids on the immune response to Strongyloides venezuelensis in mice. Balb/c mice were infected with S. venezuelensis and treated with Dexamethasone (Dexa) or vehicle. Dexa treatment increased circulating blood neutrophil numbers and inhibited eosinophil and mononuclear cell accumulation in the blood, bronchoalveolar, and peritoneal fluid compared with control animals. Moreover, Dexa decreased tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-3 (IL-3), IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, and IL-12 production in the lungs and circulating immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1), IgG2a, and IgE antibody levels while increasing the overall parasite burden in the feces and intestine. Dexa treatment enhanced the fertility of female nematodes relative to untreated and infected mice. In summary, the alterations in the immune response induced by Dexa resulted in a blunted, aberrant immune response associated with increased parasite burden. This phenomenon is similar to that observed in S. stercoralis-infected humans who are taking immunosuppressive or antiinflammatory drugs, including corticosteroids.
AIDS Diarrhea and Antiretroviral Drug Concentrations: A Matched-Pair Cohort Study in Port au Prince, Haiti
Authors: Dillingham Rebecca , Leger Paul , Beauharnais Carole-Anne , Miller Erica , Kashuba Angela , Jennings Steven , Dupnik Kathryn , Samie Amidou , Eyma Etna , Guerrant Richard , Pape Jean , Fitzgerald Daniel
Published: June 2011

Diarrhea in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) may cause malabsorption of medications and failure of antiretroviral therapy (ART). We prospectively evaluated human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1)-infected patients with and without chronic diarrhea initiating ART in Haiti. We report mean plasma antiretroviral concentrations at 2 and 4 weeks. We measured plasma HIV-1 RNA levels at four points. Fifty-two HIV-1-infected patients (26 matched pairs) were enrolled. No differences in antiretroviral concentrations were detected. At week 24, 18/25 (72%) cases and 16/24 (68%) controls had undetectable plasma HIV-1 RNA levels (P = 0.69). Patients with plasma HIV-1 RNA levels > 50 copies/mL at week 24 had lower early efavirenz concentrations than patients with undetectable HIV-1 RNA (2,621 ng/mL versus 5,278 ng/mL; P = 0.02). Diarrhea at ART initiation does not influence plasma concentrations of the medications evaluated. Virologic outcome at Week 24 does correlate with efavirenz concentrations early in therapy but not with the presence of chronic diarrhea.
Analysis of the Cross-Reactivity of Various 56 kDa Recombinant Protein Antigens with Serum Samples Collected after Orientia tsutsugamushi Infection by ELISA
Authors: Chao Chien-Chung , Huber Erin S. , Porter Terrisita B. , Zhang Zhiwen , Ching Wei-Mei
Published: June 2011

Orientia tsutsugamushi, the etiologic agent of scrub typhus, has a highly expressed and immunodominant 56-kD outer membrane protein. This protein is one of the leading candidates for diagnosis and vaccine development for scrub typhus. Previous studies using recombinant 56-kD protein (r56s) derived from Karp strain (Kpr56) in a mouse model have shown good homologous protection but only moderate to poor heterologous protection. We evaluated the cross-reactivity of recombinant 56-kD proteins from Karp, Kato, Gilliam, TA763, and three chimeric 56-kD proteins. Not all r56s are equally reactive with strain-specific serum samples. These data provide a first glance of how reactive these r56s are toward the antiserum of different strains and which r56 exhibits the broadest reactivity. A formulation of this combination has the potential to provide broad protection against the heterologous challenge and to be used in a highly sensitive diagnostic assay.
Diagnosis of Schistosoma haematobium by Detection of Specific DNA Fragments from Filtered Urine Samples
Authors: Ibironke Olufunmilola A. , Phillips Anna E. , Garba Amadou , Lamine Sani M. , Shiff Clive
Published: June 2011

Definitive diagnosis of Schistosoma haematobium infection in adult patients is a clinically important challenge. Chronically infected adults pass few eggs in the urine, which are often missed when current diagnostic methods are used. In the work presented here, we report on an alternative diagnostic method based on presence of the S. haematobium-specific Dra 1, 121 bp repeat fragment in human urine. A novel method of collecting the urine specimens in the field and filtering them through heavy Whatman No. 3 paper was introduced. After drying, the samples remained viable for several months at room temperature. To test the potential use of this method, 89 urine specimens from school children in Kollo District, Niger, were examined. In all, 52 of 89 (58.4%) were positive for hematuria, 4 of 89 (49.4%) were positive for eggs, and 51 of 89 (57.3%) showed parasite-specific DNA. These were compared with 60 filtered urine specimens obtained from random samples of adults from two study sites in Nigeria, one endemic and one non-endemic for S. haematobium. In the 30 patients from the endemic site, all 10 samples with detectable eggs and 7 of the 20 egg-negative samples were DNA positive. It was concluded that the urine filter paper method was sufficiently sensitive to detect low and cryptic infections, that DNA detection was more sensitive than egg detection, and that the filtration method facilitated specimen collection and transport from the field.
Net Risk: A Risk Assessment of Long-Lasting Insecticide Bed Nets Used for Malaria Management
Authors: Peterson Robert K. D. , Barber Loren M. , Schleier Jerome J.
Published: June 2011

Despite the demonstrated ability of bed nets that have been factory-impregnated with long-lasting insecticides (LLINs) to protect people from malaria and despite the ambitious plans for their widespread use, the health risks from the LLINs themselves have not been adequately investigated and reported in the peer-reviewed science literature. Here, we use a probabilistic risk assessment approach to estimate the risks to Africans from inhalation, dermal, and oral exposures to the newer LLINs with permethrin, α-cypermethrin, or deltamethrin as the insecticide active ingredient. We estimated exposures to LLINs using 17 age groups to incorporate different body weights and sleeping behaviors. Risk quotients (exposure divided by toxic threshold) at the 50th and 90th percentiles for non-cancer risks were < 1.0 for lifetime adjusted risk and all youth and adult age groups. Risk quotients for infants and toddlers (0–3 years) and child groups from 3 to 10 years were ≥ 1.0 for specific bed nets.
Molecular Characterization of the North American Lung Fluke Paragonimus kellicotti in Missouri and its Development in Mongolian Gerbils
Authors: Fischer Peter U. , Curtis Kurt C. , Marcos Luis A. , Weil Gary J.
Published: June 2011

Human paragonimiasis is an emerging disease in Missouri. To characterize local parasites, we examined crayfish from three rivers. Metacercaeriae consistent with Paragonimus kellicotti were detected in 69%, 67%, and 37% of crayfish from the Big Piney, Huzzah, and Black Rivers, respectively. Sequencing of the second internal transcribed spacer and other DNA markers confirmed the species identification and the presence of identical parasite sequences in clinical specimens from two human cases. Mongolian gerbils were infected by intraperitoneal injection with 3–8 metacercariae. Most gerbils died 15–49 days post-infection. Necropsies showed pulmonary hemorrhage with necrosis, and flukes as long as 8 mm were recovered from intrathoracic tissues. Western blot analysis using P. kellicotti antigen showed a strong antibody response in gerbils 39 days post-infection. These results demonstrate that P. kellicotti is common in Missouri crayfish. The gerbil model may be useful for research on the pathogenesis, immunology, and treatment of paragonimiasis.
How Online Crowds Influence the Way Individual Consumers Answer Health Questions
Authors: Kwok T.M.Y. , Coiera E. , Lau A.Y.S.
Published: June 2011

Objective: To investigate whether strength of social feedback, i.e. other people who concur (or do not concur) with one’s own answer to a question, influences the way one answers health questions.

Methods: Online prospective study. Two hundred and twenty-seven undergraduate students were recruited to use an online search engine to answer six health questions. Subjects recorded their pre- and post-search answers to each question and their level of confidence in these answers. After answering each question post-search, subjects were presented with a summary of post-search answers provided by previous subjects and were asked to answer the question again.

Results: There was a statistically significant relationship between the absolute number of others with a different answer (the crowd’s opinion volume) and the likelihood of an individual changing an answer (P<0.001). For most questions, no subjects changed their answer until the first 10–35 subjects completed the study. Subjects’ likelihood of changing answer increased as the percentage of others with a different answer (the crowd’s opinion density) increased (P=0.047). Overall, 98.3% of subjects did not change their answer when it concurred with the majority (i.e. >50%) of subjects, and that 25.7% of subjects changed their answer to the majority response when it did not concur with the majority. When subjects had a post-search answer that did not concur with the majority, they were 24% more likely to change answer than those with answers that concurred (P<0.001).

Conclusion: This study provides empirical evidence that crowd influence, in the form of online social feedback, affects the way consumers answer health questions.
An Overview of 22 Thyroglossal Cysts Managed in KVG Medical College
Authors: Naik Sudhir , Naik Sarika S
Published: May 2011

Background/objectives

Successful treatment of a thyroglossal duct cyst requires surgical extirpation of the cyst with its tract through the tongue base. Incomplete removal results in cyst recurrence, which is the most significant common complications of surgery. The Sistrunk's procedure increases the chances of complete removal of all affected tissue.

Design

KVG Medical College, Department of ENT, Head and Neck Surgery.

Intervention

A total of 22 cases of thyroglossal cysts (primary and secondary) operated were included in our study.

Result

Recurrence was seen in two out of the 22 cases operated after one year of follow-up, and all the recurrences were seen in the secondary cysts.

Conclusions

Sistrunk's operation is the treatment of choice for primary thyroglossal cysts. Secondary cysts should be treated with removal of core of tongue base muscle and foramen cecum mucosa along with hyoid and scarred cyst excision.
Osteoradionecrosis
Authors: Pagare SS , Khosa Sukhjinder Kaur
Published: May 2011

Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is a major complication of surgery or trauma in previously irradiated bone. This condition is often painful, debilitating and may result in significant bone loss. ORN of the mandible is the commonest site in patients who receive radiotherapy for head and neck cancer because of the relatively poor vascularization in this area. Risk factors include the total radiation dose, modality of treatment, fraction size and dose rate, oral hygiene, timing of tooth extractions as well as the continued use of tobacco and alcohol. Conversely, steroid use before or after radiation may have a protective effect related to the inhibition of the initial inflammatory phase of ORN. The management of this side effect is difficult and can result in bone or soft tissue loss, affecting the quality of life. The recommended treatment guidelines are irrigation, antibiotics, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and surgical techniques, including hemimandibulectomy and graft placements.
Fetal Neurobehavior in Normal and High-Risk Pregnancy
Authors: Predojevic Maja , Mišković Berivoj
Published: May 2011

Investigations of the fetal behavior in comparison with morphological studies led to the conclusion that fetal behavioral patterns directly reflect developmental and maturational processes of fetal central nervous system. Four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound has remarkably improved the assessment of the quality of fetal spontaneous movements, and enabled a better evaluation of fetal behavior. Recently, new prenatal screening test for assessment of fetal behavior, based on 4D ultrasound, has been published. We present you review of literature on fetal behavior in normal and high-risk pregnancies, and summarized results of new promising prenatal neurological screening test.
Ultrasound-Guided Invasive Procedures in Genetic Prenatal Diagnostics
Authors: Wielgos Miroslaw , Wegrzyn Piotr
Published: May 2011

There is a wide range of noninvasive screening methods that aim to identify the subgroup of fetuses that are in a high risk of chromosomal defects. Invasive procedures should be offered to women in the high-risk group identified with the highest possible detection rate and the lowest false-positive rate.

The method of choice at 11 + 0 - 13 + 6 weeks is chorionic villus sampling. An early amniocentesis is much more dangerous and should be abandoned. CVS should be performed not earlier than at 11 + 0 weeks of pregnancy. Amniocentesis should be performed no earlier that at 15 + 0 weeks. Earlier procedure is associated with significantly higher rate of talipes equinovarius, amniotic fluid leakage and miscarriage. The umbilical cord insertion is a preferable site for fetal blood sampling. Care must be taken to distinguish between the vein and the artery, and the vein must be sampled, not the artery.

The operator's experience is very important issue. It has been postulated that to achieve a reasonable experience one should perform a minimum of 100 chorionic villus samplings, and a reasonable number of invasive procedures should be performed yearly.
Changing Public Demand in the Genetic Counseling during the Past Decades
Authors: Papp Zoltan
Published: May 2011

Before discovering genetic rules, genetic counseling was based on empirical observations. In this process, it was important to recognize that certain diagnoses were more frequent in certain couples’ descendants. The 20th century witnessed revolutionary progress in the science of genetics that coincided with increasing societal demands and therefore became an integral part of modern genetic counseling.

Genetic screening is changing from Mendelian disease ascertainment to predictive testing. We are also learning that the phenotypes of even simple Mendelian disorders are influenced by complex genetic and environmental factors. Moreover, developing knowledge about genotype/phenotype associations and many other aspects of genetic epidemiology will increasingly require referral to clinical geneticists.
Pregnancy and Uterine Anomalies
Authors: Andonotopo Wiku , Wibowo Noroyono , Salim Azen
Published: May 2011

Congenital uterine malformations are known to have a higher incidence of infertility, repeated first trimester spontaneous miscarriages, fetal intrauterine growth restriction, fetal malposition, preterm labor, retained placenta and increased cesarean section rate. The actual incidence of uterine malformation is unknown, since many women do not have any symptoms. They are estimated to occur in 0.4% (0.1-3%) of the general population and in 4% of infertile women, and in patients with repeated spontaneous miscarriages the figures fluctuate between 3 and 38%. The discrepancy among different publications stems from their use of different diagnostic techniques, heterogenous population samples and clinical diversity of Mullerian anomalies.
Obstetric Ultrasounds in Africa: Is it Necessary to Promote their Appropriate Use?
Authors: Carrera José M
Published: May 2011

This paper reviews the situation of obstetric ultrasound scans in Africa (extent of use, sonographer training, indications and results, etc.). Special emphasis is given to the advisability of legally regulating their use, the need for improved training among today's sonographers and the potential dangers that the incorrect and indiscriminate use of ultrasounds can involve. The paper condemns the commodification of the technique and reviews the current status of scientific production.
Middle atmosphere response to the solar cycle in irradiance and ionizing particle precipitation
Authors: Semeniuk K. , Fomichev V. I. , McConnell J. C. , Fu C. , Melo S. M. L. , Usoskin I. G.
Published: May 2011

Abstract. The impact of NOx and HOx production by three types of energetic particle precipitation (EPP), auroral zone medium and high energy electrons, solar proton events and galactic cosmic rays on the middle atmosphere is examined using a chemistry climate model. This process study uses ensemble simulations forced by transient EPP derived from observations with one-year repeating sea surface temperatures and fixed chemical boundary conditions for cases with and without solar cycle in irradiance. Our model results show a wintertime polar stratosphere ozone reduction of between 3 and 10 % in agreement with previous studies. EPP is found to modulate the radiative solar cycle effect in the middle atmosphere in a significant way, bringing temperature and ozone variations closer to observed patterns. The Southern Hemisphere polar vortex undergoes an intensification from solar minimum to solar maximum instead of a weakening. This changes the solar cycle variation of the Brewer-Dobson circulation, with a weakening during solar maxima compared to solar minima. In response, the tropical tropopause temperature manifests a statistically significant solar cycle variation resulting in about 4 % more water vapour transported into the lower tropical stratosphere during solar maxima compared to solar minima. This has implications for surface temperature variation due to the associated change in radiative forcing.
Influences on the fraction of hydrophobic and hydrophilic black carbon in the atmosphere
Authors: McMeeking G. R. , Good N. , Petters M. D. , McFiggans G. , Coe H.
Published: May 2011

Abstract. Black carbon (BC) is a short term climate forcer that directly warms the atmosphere, slows convection, and hinders quantification of the effect of greenhouse gases on climate change. The atmospheric lifetime of BC particles with respect to nucleation scavenging in clouds is controlled by their ability to serve as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). To serve as CCN under typical conditions, hydrophobic BC particles must acquire hygroscopic coatings. However, the quantitative relationship between coatings and hygroscopic properties for ambient BC particles is not known nor is the time scale for hydrophobic-to-hydrophilic conversion. Here we introduce a method for measuring the hygroscopicity of externally and internally mixed BC particles by coupling a single particle soot photometer with a humidified tandem differential mobility analyzer. We test this technique using uncoated and coated laboratory generated model BC compounds and apply it to characterize the hygroscopicity distribution of ambient BC particles. From these data we derive that the observed number fraction of BC that is CCN active at 0.2 % supersaturation is generally low in an urban area near sources and that it varies with the trajectory of the airmass. We anticipate that our method can be combined with measures of air parcel physical and photochemical age to provide the first quantitative estimates for characterizing hydrophobic-to-hydrophilic conversion rates in the atmosphere.
Regional impacts of ultrafine particle emissions from the surface of the Great Lakes
Authors: Chung S. H. , Basarab B. M. , VanReken T. M.
Published: May 2011

Abstract. Quantifying the impacts of aerosols on climate requires a detailed knowledge of both the anthropogenic and the natural contributions to the aerosol population. Recent work has suggested a previously unrecognized natural source of ultrafine particles resulting from breaking waves at the surface of large freshwater lakes. This work is the first modeling study to investigate the potential for this newly discovered source to affect the aerosol number concentrations on regional scales. Using the WRF-Chem modeling framework, the impacts of wind-driven aerosol production from the surface of the Great Lakes were studied for a July 2004 test case. Simulations were performed for a base case with no lake surface emissions, a case with lake surface emissions included, and a default case wherein large freshwater lakes emit marine particles as if they were oceans. Results indicate that the lake surface emissions can enhance the surface level aerosol number concentration by ∼20 % over the remote northern Great Lakes and by ∼5 % over other parts of the Great Lakes. These results were highly sensitive the nucleation parameterization within WRF-Chem; when the nucleation process was deactivated, surface-layer enhancements from the lake emissions increased to as much as 200 %. The results reported here have significant uncertainties associated with the lake emission parameterization and the way ultrafine particles are modeled within WRF-Chem. Nevertheless, the magnitude of the impacts found in this study suggest that further study of this phenomena is merited.
Data derived NARMAX Dst model
Authors: Boynton R. J. , Balikhin M. A. , Billings S. A. , Sharma A. S. , Amariutei O. A.
Published: June 2011

Abstract. The NARMAX OLS-ERR methodology is applied to identify a mathematical model for the dynamics of the Dst index. The NARMAX OLS-ERR algorithm, which is widely used in the field of system identification, is able to identify a mathematical model for a wide class of nonlinear systems using input and output data. Solar wind-magnetosphere coupling functions, derived from analytical or data based methods, are employed as the inputs to such models and the outputs are geomagnetic indices. The newly deduced coupling function, p1/2V4/3BTsin6(θ/2), has been implemented as an input to model the Dst dynamics. It was shown that the identified model has a very good forecasting ability, especially with the geomagnetic storms.
Variability of snow depth at the plot scale: implications for mean depth estimation and sampling strategies
Authors: López-Moreno J. I. , Fassnacht S. R. , Beguería S. , Latron J. B. P.
Published: May 2011

Abstract. Snow depth variability over small distances can affect the representativeness of depth samples taken at the local scale, which are often used to assess the spatial distribution of snow at regional and basin scales. To assess spatial variability at the plot scale, intensive snow depth sampling was conducted during January and April 2009 in 15 plots in the Rio Ésera Valley, central Spanish Pyrenees Mountains. Each plot (10 × 10 m; 100 m2) was subdivided into a grid of 1 m2 squares; sampling at the corners of each square yielded a set of 121 data points that provided an accurate measure of snow depth in the plot (considered as ground truth). The spatial variability of snow depth was then assessed using sampling locations randomly selected within each plot. The plots were highly variable, with coefficients of variation up to 0.25. This indicates that to improve the representativeness of snow depth sampling in a given plot the snow depth measurements should be increased in number and averaged when spatial heterogeneity is substantial. The spatial autocorrelation of snowpack distribution can affect the local representativeness of snowpack. Snow depth distributions were simulated at the same plot scale under varying levels of standard deviation and spatial autocorrelation, to enable the effect of each factor on snowpack representativeness to be established. The results showed that the snow depth estimation error increased markedly as the standard deviation increased. The results indicated that in general at least 5 snow depth measurements should be taken in each plot to ensure that the estimation error is <10 %; this applied even under highly heterogeneous conditions. In terms of the spatial configuration of the measurements, no particular sampling strategy provided an improved estimate of snow depth, but using a greater distance between measurements within a plot improved the representativeness of the estimates.
Re-Composing the Digital Present
Authors: Barker Timothy
Published: June 2011

This paper investigates the temporality that is produced in some recent and historical examples of media art. In exploring works by Janet Cardiff, Dennis Del Favero, and Omer Fast, I use the philosophy of Michel Serres and Gilles Deleuze to understand the convergence of temporalities that are composed in the digital present, as one moment in time overlays another moment. Developing Serres' concept of multi-temporality and Deleuze's philosophy of time and memory into a means to understand the non-linear time presented in these works, I argue that the different compositional strategies enacted by these artists provide the aesthetic grounding to experience “temporal thickness.” From here I investigate the interactive digital artworks Frames by Grahame Weinbren and Can You See Me Now? by the artist group Blast Theory. In this investigation, I understand interaction with technology, and the way that it shapes our sensory and processual experience, as a specifically temporal and temporalizing transaction, where human movements in the present are overlayed by technological processes.
Waiting for Art: The Experience of Real Time in Sculpture
Authors: Buhe Elizabeth
Published: June 2011

Why and how does some contemporary art make us wait, and why does the beholder choose to stay? This study seeks to answer this question by exploring what happens to the viewer while waiting in front of a “time sculpture,” a term coined here to mean a three-dimensional artwork that is dynamic over a set period of time. Through an analysis of select works by artists Anish Kapoor, Amelia Whitelaw, Michael Sailstorfer, and Roman Signer, the article posits that while in front of these time sculptures, the viewer experiences an anxiety of waiting and temporal confusion that glues him to the spot. Ultimately, by drawing upon Henri Bergson’s concept of duration, the essay suggests that the viewership of time sculpture allows for a heightened state of perception.
The Temporalities of Soviet and Postcommunist Visual Culture: Boris Groys and Petre Petrov in Conversation
Authors: Bailey Robert , Albu Cristina
Published: June 2011

This discussion took place on April 21, 2010 in the Humanities Center at the University of Pittsburgh. Over the course of two hours, we, Robert Bailey and Cristina Albu, posed to Boris Groys and Petre Petrov a series of questions about temporality and visual culture in the Soviet Union, contemporary Russia, and other formerly communist countries in Eastern Europe. Our hope was to identify the paradoxical instances when multiple temporalities coexist or compete for control of time, or where different forces impose their respective narratives, chronologies, or histories on the same moments and events. We are grateful to Professors Groys and Petrov for their careful and considered answers to our questions. Thanks are also due to Professors Jonathan Arac and Todd Reeser at the Humanities Center for facilitating the discussion, as well as to Contemporaneity editors Heidi Cook, Amy Cymbala, and Rachel Miller for their help with transcription.
From “Modern” to “Contemporary”: A Case in Post-Cultural Revolutionary Art
Authors: Hung Wu
Published: June 2011

This paper was to have been Wu Hung’s contribution to the conference “Contemporaneity in the History of Art” at the Sterling and Francine Clark Institute, Williamstown, Mass., October 8 and 9, 2009. However, he was unable to attend. The paper is presented here in the form in which it would have been presented. See also, in this issue of Contemporaneity, notes from this conference by its convener, Terry Smith.
An Iterative Approximation Method for a Common Fixed Point of Two Pseudocontractive Mappings
Authors: Zegeye Habtu
Published: June 2011

We introduce an iterative process for finding an element in the common fixed point sets of two continuous pseudocontractive
mappings. As a consequence, we provide an approximation method for a common fixed point of a finite family of pseudocontractive mappings. Furthermore,
our convergence theorem is applied to a convex minimization problem. Our
theorems extend and unify most of the results that have been proved for this
class of nonlinear mappings.
Transient Myocarditis Associated with Fulminant Colitis
Authors: Williamson J. M. L. , Dalton R. S. J.
Published: June 2011

Case Summary. An 18-year old man presented with a three-week history of abdominal pain, weight loss and bloody diarrhoea. He was profoundly septic, with generalised abdominal tenderness. CT and flexible sigmoidosopy confirmed colitis of the colon with rectal sparing. Laparotomy was performed when conservative management failed to improve his condition. Subtotal colectomy, with end ileostomy and mucus fistula formation, was performed in light of active colitis. Despite successful operative intervention the patient acute left ventricular failure, raising the possibility of giant cell myocarditis, which fully resolved before a definitive diagnosis could be reached. Discussion. It is possible that the transient cardiac failure in this case may represent an overwhelming inflammatory response or myocarditis. Inflammatory bowel disease is rarely associated with giant cell myocarditis (GCM). GCM usually affects a young population and its prognosis is variable, ranging from complete recovery, remission with recurrence and fatality. The management of this group of patients is still relatively experimental. Conclusion. Fulminant colitis can be associated with a rapid deterioration in cardiac function. Causes include sepsis, systemic inflammatory response syndrome or myocarditis. GCM should be considered in patients with new onset of left ventricular failure that decline rapidly.
Two‐Photon Polymerization of Biocompatible Photopolymers for Microstructured 3D Biointerfaces
Authors: Weiß Thomas , Schade Ronald , Laube Thorsten , Berg Albrecht , Hildebrand Gerhard , Wyrwa Ralf , Schnabelrauch Matthias , Liefeith Klaus
Published: June 2011

Three‐dimensional microstructured scaffolds provide a means for cells to be cultured in vitro in a way that resembles natural conditions more closely than flat tissue culture polystyrene. In the presented work, two‐photon polymerization (2PP) is applied as a tool for the engineering of high‐resolution 3D scaffold structures with a well defined microarchitecture made of biocompatible photo resins. 2PP is a novel photolithographic technique using femtosecond laser pulses which enables free 3D microstructuring of liquid photo resins due to the relationship of the axial and lateral spatial confinement of the photoreaction to the focal volume of a focused laser beam. A set of photo resins were tested with regard to 2PP processability and three different classes of methacrylated photopolymerizable monomers (methacrylated oligolactones, urethane dimethacrylate, poly(ethylene glycol diacrylate)) were found to be efficient 2PP materials. 3D microstructures based on computer models were produced and tested for biocompatibility. The initial cell adhesion and the viability of bovine chondrocytes on the polymeric scaffolds were evaluated morphologically by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) after three‐day culture on 2PP derived microstructures. 2PP derived scaffolds were fabricated in different sizes and geometries, starting from the 100 µm‐range reaching out to the cm‐range showing the actual possibilities to produce large volume scaffolds even for implantation purposes.
Adsorption of Collagen Nanofibrils on Rough TiO2: A Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Friedrichs Wenke , Ohler Bastian , Langel Walter , Monti Susanna , Köppen Susan
Published: June 2011

Classical molecular dynamics simulations of tropocollagen molecules on rough titania surfaces are presented. On the basis of plane rutile (100), two models for surface roughness have been adopted: (1 × 3) microfacets with dimensions of less than 14 Å had only minor influence on the adsorption of a triple helical structure with a diameter of about 16 Å. After increasing the roughness by terraces, steric hindrance of helix binding was observed. A model for telopeptide capping of the collagen triple helices was developed. The highly flexible telopeptide structures mediated adsorption on the surface and inserted into grooves of both surface models. The telopeptide β‐turn motifs at the C‐terminus of the tropocollagen interact with specific receptor regions of the triple helices. This intermolecular process seems to be entropy driven and may be the first step of assembling helices to ordered fibrils. Interaction between telopeptide and triple helix seems to be in competition with the rather enthalpy controlled surface adsorption of single collagen molecules.