bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3-D Form And Force Language Proposal For A Structural Basis
Authors: Wester Ture
Published: January 2017

The usually declared archetype for structural behaviour is the lattice (bar-and-node) structure. It is true that structural manifestations in general - with great clarity - may be reduced to the two interconnected structural nuclei, the pin-jointed bar and the hinged node. The relation to the geometrical archetypes, the five regular Platonic polyhedra, is obviously unsatisfactory, as only the three triangulated polyhedra have particular structural qualities in being kinematically stable. The two remaining, the cube and the dodecahedron, are unclear and usually considered as structurally inferior or incomplete. This “Fullerian cosmology” – as it may be called – has dominated basic structural understanding for many years. The structural dual to the lattice type, the plate structure, which fits perfectly with the geometrical plane-to-point duality, not only at the level of topology and kinematic stability, but also at the level of metric geometry, magnitude of forces and elastic properties, is rarely taken into consideration. This structural duality, which was discovered around 20 years ago, has mostly been used to describe the particular qualities of the plate structure and not for its unifying qualities with the lattice structure, creating an entirety at the archetypical level of 3-D structures. This quality forms the basis for some simple unique correlations betwen geometry and structural mechanics, but it also implies that the usual basic hierarchy of 3-D geometry has to be altered accordingly. The paper will discuss some of the possibilities of creating a Form-and-Force Language on this basis.
Two Way Deployable Spherical Grids
Authors: Escrig Félix , Sanchez José , Valcarcel Juan Pérez
Published: January 2017

Crosspiece deployable grids are assemblies formed by groups of bars with two joints at their ends and one or more that lie inward and that can vary their angular position with respect to each other. In practice, this variation means that assemblies can change their form from a folded position, where they occupy very little space, to an unfolded position that is usable as an enclosure or covering.

The evolution betwen the two extreme positions of this geometry is determined by compatibility limitations.

In this paper, the performance of spherical grids composed of two-way crosspieces is studied. A way of generating them from grids which subdivide the surface of a sphere is also presented.
Using a Cultural Framework to Understand Factors Influencing HIV Testing in Nigeria
Authors: Ehiri John E. , Iwelunmor Juliet , Iheanacho Theddeus , Blackstone Sarah , Obiefune Michael C. , Ogidi Amaka G. , Ahunanya Frances U. , Nnadi Donatus , Patel Dina , Hunt Aaron T. , Ezeanolue Echezona E.
Published: January 2017

With support from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and the global fund for HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, Nigeria offers free services for prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. However, uptake of these services is low, and pediatric transmission of HIV remains a significant public health challenge. Using the PEN-3 cultural model as the theoretical framework, we examined social, cultural, and contextual factors that influenced uptake of HIV counseling and testing among pregnant women and their male partners. This was a qualitative study of participants in the Healthy Beginning Initiative (HBI), a congregation-based program to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Enugu, southeast Nigeria. We conducted eight focus group discussion sessions with 83 pregnant women and their male partners. Participants’ perspectives on why they did or did not test for HIV were obtained. The most cited reasons for getting tested for HIV included the following: “the need to know one's status”, “the role of prenatal testing” (positive perceptions); “the role of the church”, “personal rapport with healthcare worker” (positive enablers); and the “influence of marriage” (positive nurturer). The most cited reason for not testing were: “fear of HIV test”, “shame associated with HIV+ test results”, “conspiratorial beliefs about HIV testing” (negative perceptions); “lack of confidentiality with HIV testing”, (negative enabler); and “HIV-related stigma from family and community systems” (negative nurturer). Overall, numerous facilitators and barriers influence uptake of HIV testing in the study setting. Public health practitioners and policymakers need to consider how sociocultural and religious factors unique to specific local contexts may promote or hinder uptake of available HIV/AIDS prevention and care interventions.
Fertility, Nuptiality, and Family Limitation Among the Wends of Serbin, Texas, 1854 to 1920
Authors: Fliess Kenneth H.
Published: January 2017

The decline of American fertility on a national scale is a well-known and well-documented phenomenon, but little is known about fertility decline at the community level. Are immigrant groups really different or are they affected by the same factors and respond to them in the same manner as native-born populations? This essay investigates the fertility and nuptiality experience of the Wends of Serbin, Texas using age-specific fertility rates, total marital fertility rates, the index of family limitation, age at last birth, birth intervals and age at first marriage for both males and females. The Wends are shown to have experienced fertility decline in the same magnitude as the rest of the country though they begin and end at higher levels.
An experimental investigation on the low-velocity impact response of carbon–aramid/epoxy hybrid composite laminates
Authors: Ying Sun , Mengyun Tang , Zhijun Rong , Baohui Shi , Li Chen
Published: January 2017

In the current study, the low-velocity impact response of hybrid-laminated composites based on the twill woven fabrics was investigated experimentally. The following five different types of carbon–aramid/epoxy hybrid laminates were produced and tested, (a) two types of interply hybrid, (b) two types of sandwich-like interply hybrid, and (c) intraply hybrid. Non-hybrid carbon and aramid twill woven laminates were also tested for comparison. The effects of the hybrid structure on the impact properties such as the peak load, the ductility index, and damage area were discussed. The impact damage resistances of specimens were evaluated by comparing damage images taken from both the impacted and the non-impacted surface. The damage and failure mechanisms were analyzed from the impact damage morphologies using ultrasonic C-scan and three-coordinate measuring device. Under the same impact energies, the interply hybrid laminates with carbon fabric on the impact surface have higher impact damage resistance. It can be concluded that placing of high stiffness carbon fabric at highly stressed regions as reinforcement would result in enhanced properties, and the damage tolerance performance of composites with interply hybrid structure are better than those of other hybrid composites.
Weekly Newspapers—Solid Industry with Many Variations
Authors: Coulson David , Lacy Stephen , Wilson Jonathan
Published: January 2017

An analysis of 1,027 U.S. weekly newspapers reveals most have paid circulation, and ownership is divided equally between independents and groups.
Few University Students Reading Newspapers Online
Authors: Bressers Bonnie , Bergen Lori
Published: January 2017

Students at a Midwestern university reported that they were much more likely to read the campus paper and other newspapers in print rather than online newspapers.
Newspapers Played Major Role in Terrorism Coverage
Authors: Stempel Guido H. , Hargrove Thomas
Published: January 2017

In a national survey of 1,131 adults in October 2001, 91 percent of the respondents said television news was a useful source of information about the terrorist attacks, while 67 percent indicated that newspapers were a useful source.
Newspapers Slow to Use Web Sites for 9/11 Coverage
Authors: Randle Quint , Davenport Lucinda D. , Bossen Howard
Published: January 2017

This analysis of 89 U.S. daily newspaper Web sites on Sept. 11, 2001, shows that 65 percent of the home pages in the late morning and 38 percent in the late afternoon said nothing about the World Trade Center bombings. By late afternoon only 43 percent of the home pages had at least one photo or video of the 9/11 attacks.
Within 3 Hours, 97 Percent Learn about 9/11 Attacks
Authors: Kanihan Stacey Frank , Gale Kendra L.
Published: January 2017

This news diffusion study showed that 44 percent of the college students surveyed learned of the Sept. 11 attacks from television and radio and 48 percent from another person. Only two percent of respondents found out about the attacks from the Internet.
How Sources, Reporters View Math Errors in News
Authors: Maier Scott R.
Published: January 2017

A case study of mathematical inaccuracy in The News & Observer in Raleigh, N.C., found that news sources identified an average of two stories with numerical errors in each newspaper edition.
Environmental Stories Define Problems, Not Solutions
Authors: Major Ann M. , Atwood L. Erwin
Published: January 2017

An analysis of Pennsylvania newspapers shows that most environmental stories focused on issues such as sewage, water pollution and land development, not on issues such as global warming.
Health Care Reform Coverage Improves in 2009–10 over Clinton Era
Authors: Adams Steve , Cozma Raluca
Published: January 2017

The more recent coverage of the health care reform debate improved greatly over that of the Clinton-era coverage, which had provided little useful information about the issues. The most recent coverage provided nearly as many articles on reasons for health care reform as on debate strategy.
Study Shows Some Blogs Affect Traditional News Media Agendas
Authors: Messner Marcus , Garrison Bruce
Published: January 2017

This study, which explored the source interaction between elite traditional news media and political filter blogs, found traditional news media frequently cite blogs in their coverage, but the source attribution to the blogs is often vague.
Front Page Mug Shots: A Content Analysis of Five U.S. Newspapers in 1986
Authors: Lester Paul Martin
Published: January 2017

Mug shots from five U.S. newspapers: USA Today, Chicago Tribune, New Orleans Times-Picayune, New York Times and the Los Angeles Times, were analyzed for the same five-day work week of each month for 1986. The 300 front pages yielded 520 head shots of 1,148 photographs. USA Today and newspapers with its similar graphic style use more mug shots without an accompanying article on the front page than more traditionally designed newspapers.
Unapproved Imagemakers: Political Cartoonists' Topic Selection, Objectives and Perceived Restrictions
Authors: Ammons David N. , King John C. , Yeric Jerry L.
Published: January 2017

Editorial cartoonists and editorial page editors at 169 major US. dailies have differing views on the objectives of editorial cartoons and the appropriateness of editorial independence for cartoonists. Differences – including demographics, the self-ascribed political orientations of cartoonists and editors, and the orientations they perceive in their colleagues and audiences – are examined as explanations for varying views of the purpose of editorial cartoons and the role of those who produce them.
Black & White. Unread All over?: How Design & Color Affect Reader Judgment of Newspapers
Authors: Smith Ron F.
Published: January 2017

A study of design and color effects on newspaper credibility indicates that earlier notions that readers equate modern color and layout with lack of professionalism may be faulty. The present study finds that readers judge color and design charactistics less harshly than previously thought and that characteristics other than design considerations “color” readers' views of newspaper value.
Effects of a Multifaceted Study Skills Program on Class Performance of Chicano College Students
Authors: Arroyo Sara G.
Published: January 2017

Chicano college students participated in a study skills program based on self-monitoring and self-reinforcement, supplemented with instructions and reinforcement from the program director. One group received this training first, while the other group stayed on baseline. Then the first group (Treatment-Maintenance) remained on maintenance while the second group (Control-Treatment) received the training. Reported time spent studying and performance on weekly quizzes, mid-terms, and final examinations improved as a function of training, and the improvement was maintained. Results are discussed in terms of generalizing effects of such training procedures so as to decrease the alarming attrition rate of Chicano students.
Energy Strategies to Cope with Environmental Challenges: The Case of Taiwan
Authors: Yao Jui-Hsiang
Published: January 2017

Owing to the rapid economic growth and dramatic rise of living standard in the last few years together with uprising awareness of domestic and global environmental problems, Taiwan is encountering a series of challenges for its economy to continue prospering in the 1990s and beyond. This paper provides an overview of the main energy issues that have been arisen under this changing environment. Analyses in strategies and programs, including the nation's Energy Master Plan and plan to liberalize energy industry, to overcome power shortage and stabilize energy supply as well as to improve environmental pollution and reduce carbon dioxide emissions are conducted. This is followed by a review of the energy demand management measures in Taiwan. The discussion then deals with energy research and development programs selected for a concentrated effort for the next ten years to upgrade energy efficiency and mitigate energy related environmental impacts.
Electronic Word of Mouth
Authors: Singh Deepali
Published: January 2017

In this fast moving information age where business is done at the speed of thought, one need to explore all the ways of running a business effectively and efficiently. Word of mouth is the most effective and credible influence marketeers can exercise on the minds of their prospective customers. It is the fastest tool for converting the never-tried pool into the tried-and-user pool. This study tries to explore how information technology affects prevailing word of mouth practices and how effective they are in promoting e-business.

This paper gives an insight into the following:

• How net marketeers exercise power over net customers and net users?

• How information technology tools and techniques are being used in word of mouth communication?

• What strategies the net marketeer should use to achieve positive implications of electronic word of mouth?
Project Exports — The Indian Dimension
Authors: Mehta SK
Published: January 2017

In the changing business scenario, the international bidding for construction projects is increasingly becoming intense and competitive, with shrinking margins. The business of project exports has become more and more complex and competitive. Moreover, Indian companies in this business are restricted due to the limited scale of their operations. Besides, India is a recipient and not a donor country where financial participation is concerned. This severely restricts project exports from India in the modern context. The present paper examines the background and causes of this phenomenon.
Indian Banking: Current Issues and Challenges
Authors: Agrawal Raj
Published: January 2017

The banking system, which constitutes the core of the financial sector, plays a critical role in transmitting monetary policy impulses to the economic system. During the last two decades a large number of developed and developing countries have experienced crisis in their banking sector. India escaped similar banking troubles due to a tightly controlled economy, which existed until the early 90s, wherein opaque accounting practices were widely accepted. Prudent regulations prescribe specific terms of capital adequacy, asset classification, income recognition and provisioning, etc., while an efficient supervisory system ensures adherence to such norms to maintain a sound and solvent financial system. The emergence of banking sector reforms has been a derivative of economic reforms seeking to upgrade the operating standards, health and financial soundness of banks to internationally accepted levels.
A Conceptual Inquiry into the Integration of Sacred Nature, Society, and Leadership in Outdoor Recreation and Experiential Education Programs
Authors: Uhlik Kim Stephen
Published: January 2017

Throughout time and across cultures, the relationship between Homo sapiens and the natural environment has played a central role in identifying and defining aspects of the realm of spirituality, wherein humans seek to make sense of the universe and find meaning in their own existence. Within outdoor recreation and experiential education (OREE) programs—implicitly or explicitly—the natural environment is a distinctive component of both leadership development and participation outcomes. Relationships among people, whether as individuals or within societies, exhibit myriad dichotomies, such as violent/peaceful or cruel/loving, that are more accurately arrayed as continuums ranging from predation through partnership and nullification through affirmation. Leadership philosophies mirror that arrangement. In similar fashion, the natural environment can be conceptualized in terms of its sacredness, ranging from primal (Nature, capitalized) through modern (nature, lower-case), while the realm of spirituality reflects cultural and personal attributes derived from the degree of sacredness. This paper integrates an existing model of societal/personal relationships and leadership philosophies within an overarching conception of Nature's sacredness and human spirituality, providing OREE professionals with a conceptually based but practical framework for self-assessing the level of congruence existing between the model's moral/ethical implications and the actual outcomes derived from their own organizations' philosophical positions and programmatic choices.
Stabilization Goals and the Appropriateness of Fiscal Policy during the Eisenhower and Kennedy-Johnson Administrations
Authors: Von Furstenberg George M. , Boughton James M.
Published: January 2017

An active stabilization policy requires that policy variables respond to preceding deviations of the target variables from their goal. If there are several competing macroeconomic goals, political parties may differ on the optimal tradeoff to be sought. However, even if allowance is made for divergent political preferences between Republican and Democratic administrations, no pattern of “reverse causation” or negative feedback could be found which would indicate that the formulation of fiscal policy has been dominated by a stabilization rationale. Minimizing quadratic penalty functions subject to the Phillips curve constraint has little value in explaining actual policy shifts.
Movies and the Enchanted Mind
Authors: Axelson Tomas
Published: January 2017

The outcome of an empirical audience study in Sweden, including questionnaires, focus groups and 10 in-depth individual interviews discussing favourite films, supports claims about viewers as active and playful (cf. Frampton, 2006; Hoover, 2006; Plantinga, 2009). The soft side of mediatization processes is illustrated showing young adults experiencing enchantment through films (Jerslev, 2006; Klinger, 2008; Oliver and Hartmann, 2010; Partridge, 2008). The outcome is in line with a growing number of empirical case studies which support conclusions that both thinking and behaviour are affected by film watching (Axelson, 2014; Marsh, 2007; Oliver and Hartmann, 2010; Suckfüll, 2010). The results of the interviews exploring specific scenes of idiosyncratic relevance support theories about fiction films as important sources for moral and spiritual reflection (Lynch, 2007; Partridge, 2004; Plantinga, 2009; Zillman, 2005). The concept of ‘thick viewing’ is proposed for capturing these moments of film experience when profound and enchanted emotional interpretations take place.
Figures in Space, Figuring Space
Authors: Ravn Signe , Demant Jakob
Published: January 2017

This article argues for a need for spatial analyses in the study of youth cultures and youth subjectivities. With this aim, we propose a theoretical framework drawing on concepts from cultural class analysis and human geography. Empirically, the article is based on 10 focus groups with young people (n = 80) in four different parts of Denmark. The interviews included a photo elicitation exercise and the analysis in this article focuses on one particular picture of two young ‘hipster’ men. By using the figure of the hipster as an analytical case, the article illustrates how individual and spatial identities are co-constructed, not just alongside each other (relationally) but also hierarchically. Hence, ‘place-making practices’ are also ‘people-making practices’ and vice versa. Through this, the article engages with discussions in youth studies as well as in human geography about the importance of paying attention to structural inequalities.
A Threshold Model of Visual Search
Authors: Workman Daniel , Fisher Donald L.
Published: January 2017

A new model of visual search is proposed. It is suggested that in searching for a target among distractors, there is some threshold level of similarity between the target and the distractors. When the similarity of the target to a given distractor is below this threshold the distractor can be quickly rejected. When the distractor is above the threshold level of similarity it will take additional time to reject the distractor.

Several models of visual search, including threshold and non-threshold models, are simulated on a computer and compared to the results obtained by Geiselman, Landee & Christen (1982) in a visual search task. A threshold search model in which the time to reject distractors over the similarity threshold is a function of the increment above the threshold (where similarity is defined as proposed in Workman & Fisher, 1987), is shown to provide the best fit to the data. Implications for the selection of symbols for graphic displays are briefly discussed.
A Visual Search Model for Selection of Graphic Symbols
Authors: Tanner Nancy S. , Fisher Donald L.
Published: January 2017

Ideally one would like to select symbols for visual displays which can quickly be identified. This paper presents a model which can help select the representation of an object which will speed search the most (i.e., the optimal representation) when there are several equally meaningful representations available.
The Bargraph as a Configural and a Separable Display
Authors: Coury Bruce G. , Purcell Janine
Published: January 2017

The results from two experiments demonstrate the conditions under which a bargraph display can be processed both as a configural display and as a separable display. When there is a unique mapping of display attributes to system state categories (Experiment 1), the perceptual cues in the bargraph display serve to produce superior classification performance. Once that mapping and predictability is disrupted (Experiment 2), operators resort to analyzing the bargraph display in a separable fashion and produce performance equivalent to the serially processed digital display. Uncertainty (i.e., the degree to which a value or set of values of process variables map to a single system state) appears to be the primary factor affecting the way in which the bargraph display will be processed.
The Effects of Biodynamic Stress on Workload in Human Operators
Authors: Albery William B. , Armstrong Harry G. , Roe Merry M. , Goodyear Charles D. , McCloskey Kathy A.
Published: January 2017

The objective of this research was to assess the effects of two biodynamic stressors, noise and acceleration, commonly experienced in the aircraft cockpit, on human operator performance and workload. Thirteen workload measures, including one subjective, four performance and eight physiological, were recorded on subjects performing a dual psychomotor task. The results indicate that biodyanmic stressors such as noise and acceleration can adversely affect subjective operator workload without affecting objective task performance.
Video Image Presentation Methods for High-Speed Mail Piece Encoding
Authors: Koch Christopher G. , Ju Ginny
Published: January 2017

A program of research was conducted to determine the design requirements for a prototype image processing system to provide high-resolution video images of mail pieces—irregular parcels and pieces, flats, and letters—and enable highspeed data entry of coding information by operators. Experiments were performed to determine effective image transition methods, pacing strategies, and image preview methods for entering numerals from ZIP Codes of mail piece addresses on a 10-key keyboard. Results showed performance advantages of response speed, throughput, and fewer misses for fade-out transition between images, combined operator and machine pacing, and image preview by early transition to the next image in queue.
Using Target Replacement Performance to Measure Spatial Awareness in a Helmet-Mounted Simulator
Authors: Wells Maxwell J , Osgood Robert K , Venturino Michael
Published: January 2017

Measurements were made of the ability of 20 subjects to acquire 3, 6 or 9 stationary visual targets and then replace them after they had been removed. The targets were viewed with various sized fields-of-view (FOVs) using a Visually Coupled Airborne Systems Simulator (VCASS), which was mounted on the head and which used head position information to provide space-stabilized computer-generated images. Targets were presented with a blank background or a terrain background. Subjects were instructed to use as much time as they required or to be as quick as possible searching for the targets. Mean times to search for the targets were faster with the larger FOVs and faster with fewer targets. Replacement accuracy was not sensitive to the FOV but decreased with increasing number of targets. Search times were slower, but replacement accuracy was greater with a terrain background than with a blank background. In the fast search conditions, the number of guessed target replacements decreased with decreasing numbers of targets and increasing FOV. It is concluded that target replacement performance was sensitive to manipulation of the independent variables and as such is a potentially useful metric of spatial awareness.
Flexibility in Resource Allocation and the Performance of Time-Sharing Tasks
Authors: Spitz Gabriel
Published: January 2017

The extent and nature of the ability to control the allocation of mental resources between the components of a dual task was investigated in three separate experiments. Using a variable priority (demand) methodology it was found that subjects could manipulate their performance level, however their ability to meet specific demand levels was limited. Training subjects under single or dual-task conditions using a wide range of task demand significantly improved dual task performance and degree of control over resource allocation as compared to performance following practice under a narrow range of task demands or under single task fixed demand conditions. Single task performance among all groups improved to the same degree. It was concluded that training subjects under a wide range of task demands increases the range of performance levels over which mental resources can be flexibly allocated for those tasks and improves time sharing performance. Implications for the design of training for complex task performance are discussed.
Provincializing memory studies: Polish approaches in the past and present
Authors: Kończal Kornelia , Wawrzyniak Joanna
Published: January 2017

The history of memory studies has usually been told through research perspectives advanced in France, Germany and the United States. This well-established cartography and, thus, chronology of the field can be challenged while taking into account other provinces of thought. The example of Polish sociology and history shows that the Western memory boom took off just at the time when the golden age of the biographical method reached its apex in Poland and most research on historical consciousness had already been carried out. Furthermore, the Polish case illustrates how since 1989 researchers have been abandoning key terms previously used in the social sciences and humanities in favour of terminology related to memory. On the whole, the article argues for the exploration of continuities, ruptures and transformations of categories developed in non-mainstream research traditions to question the beaten tracks of the history of ideas.
Indian Auto Component Sector: A Perceptual Study of Small and Medium Enterprises
Authors: Kathuria Lalit Mohan , Singh Jaspreet
Published: January 2017

The automotive industry plays an important role in India’s economy by contributing a large share to the gross domestic product of the country and also by leading to growth in other sectors of the economy. This study aimed to highlight the select business practices, strengths, parameters influencing growth, and constraints of small and medium auto component units. The study included a sample of 50 auto component manufacturing units from North India. The study highlights that consistent quality, quick response system, low cost labor, competitive prices, availability of technical manpower are major strengths of respondent units. Further, the units reported important parameters such as adherence to delivery schedule and specified quality, new product development, cost reduction, and customization that influence the growth of this sector. The study, also, highlights important constraints as power shortage, non-availability of easy finance, and high cost of raw material restricting growth of this sector.
Effect of Price and Brand on Common Platform Appliance Failure
Authors: Baker Nathan , Badar M. Affan
Published: January 2017

This main objective of this study is to determine if common platform dishwashing products have similar warranty failure rates when brands and price points are variable. Data for this study are based upon over four years of data involving one million individual sales and over 150,000 warranty failures of a common platform dishwashing appliance. It is concluded that there are similar failure rates between common platform dishwashers when different brands are at the same price point. Other conclusions indicate that there are non-similar failure rates between common platform dishwashers when the same brand is at different price points.

There is a significant resource cost in the development of products. To minimise the resource cost and maximise the return on investment, many companies develop several new products from one common platform. Common platforms spread across several separate brands. Different brands attract different customers who have different perceptions of quality. Customers view quality as a mix of utility and reliability and expect high reliability during the warranty period. It is often assumed by the developer that the warranty failure rate will be similar for common product platforms even when products are marketed under different price points. The goal of this research is to test if this common assumption is accurate.
Treatment of Cutaneous Nocardia Infection in an HIV Patient
Authors: Sutton S Scott , Bushardt Reamer L
Published: January 2017

Objective:

To describe an alternative treatment option in cutaneous nocardiosis.

Case Summary:

A 45-year-old African-American man with HIV infection presented to the hospital for recurrent left-arm cellulitis. The patient had been discharged from the hospital 10 days earlier with the same diagnosis. He had increased pain, tenderness, and swelling of his left arm before admission. The patient was diagnosed with cellulitis and an abscess and admitted to the hospital. The surgical team was consulted and proceeded to drain the abscess. On the third hospital day, the culture grew Nocardia spp.; the microbiology laboratory did not identify the species. The patient was started on oral minocycline 200 mg twice daily. His condition improved, and he was discharged home.

Discussion:

Nocardiosis is a localized or disseminated infection caused by a soil-borne aerobic actinomycete introduced by inhalation, abrasion, or major trauma (cutaneous). Nocardiosis can be difficult to diagnose because of the fastidious nature of the organism. Cutaneous nocardia infections can also be difficult to treat in patients with HIV. The response of nocardia to sulfonamides is excellent, with good clinical improvement within 10 days. However, sulfonamides must be used with caution in patients with HIV because of the large percentage of patients that have a hypersensitivity to sulfonamide compounds. Minocycline is an effective oral alternative for patients unable to tolerate sulfonamide antimicrobials.

Conclusions:

Cutaneous nocardia infections are difficult to diagnose and may require alternative treatment regimens in patients with HIV. Minocycline is an effective alternative to sulfonamide antimicrobials in the treatment of cutaneous nocardia infections.
Drug-Induced Photosensitivity: A Clinical Review
Authors: Beasley Stacey , Araujo Oscar E , Flowers Franklin P
Published: January 2017

Objective:

To provide an overview of drug-induced phototoxic and photoallergy reactions, the mechanism involved, and the most common classes of drugs causing these reactions.

Data Source:

Pertinent English-language literature (1987–1993).

Study Selection:

Representative articles documenting mechanisms and types of drug-induced photosensitivity reactions, as well as treatment options.

Data Extraction:

Data were extracted only from articles that documented relevant and substantive information backed by clinical studies.

Data Synthesis:

Drug-induced photosensitivity can be acute or chronic. The chromophore that absorbs the radiation and activates the process of photosensitivity results in color within the longer ultraviolet wavelength. The primary classes of drugs causing phototoxic reactions include nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, thiazide diuretics, tetracycline, and quinolone antibiotics, tricyclic antidepressants, and amiodarone. Those causing photoallergic reactions include antihistamines, thiazide diuretics, sulfonamides, griseofulvin, sulfonylurea hypoglycemic agents, benzocaine, and coal tar preparations.

Conclusions:

The importance of understanding the mechanism of photosensitivity is stressed as well as the difficulty in determining whether a phototoxic or photoallergic reaction has occurred. Established classes of each type of photosensitivity are identified and the importance of recognizing treatment options is emphasized. Patients prone to photosensitizing reactions should be advised concerning how to manage these problems.
Th17 plasticity and transition toward a pathogenic cytokine signature are regulated by cyclosporine after allogeneic SCT
Authors: Gartlan Kate H. , Varelias Antiopi , Koyama Motoko , Robb Renee J. , Markey Kate A. , Chang Karshing , Wilkinson Andrew N. , Smith David , Ullah Md Ashik , Kuns Rachel D. , Raffelt Neil C. , Olver Stuart D. , Lineburg Katie E. , Teal Bianca E. , Cheong Melody , Teng Michele W. L. , Smyth Mark J. , Tey Siok-Keen , MacDonald Kelli P. A. , Hill Geoffrey R.
Published: January 2017

Key Points

Th17 cells differentiate early after allo-SCT in both mouse and man and display a high degree of cytokine plasticity. IL-12/IL-23 drives further differentiation of Th17 toward an inflammatory phenotype that is inhibited by cyclosporine treatment.
Differences in regional air trapping in current smokers with normal spirometry
Authors: Karimi Reza , Tornling Göran , Forsslund Helena , Mikko Mikael , Wheelock Åsa M. , Nyrén Sven , Sköld C. Magnus
Published: January 2017

We investigated regional air trapping on computed tomography in current smokers with normal spirometry. It was hypothesised that presence of regional air trapping may indicate a specific manifestation of smoking-related changes.

40 current smokers, 40 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and 40 healthy never- smokers underwent computed tomography scans. Regional air trapping was assessed on end-expiratory scans and emphysema, micronodules and bronchial wall thickening on inspiratory scans. The ratio of expiratory and inspiratory mean lung attenuation (E/I) was calculated as a measure of static (fixed) air trapping.

Regional air trapping was present in 63% of current smokers, in 45% of never smokers and in 8% of COPD patients (p<0.001). Current smokers with and without regional air trapping had E/I ratio of 0.81 and 0.91, respectively (p<0.001). Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) was significantly higher and emphysema less frequent in current smokers with regional air trapping.

Current smokers with regional air trapping had higher FEV1and less emphysema on computed tomography. In contrast, current smokers without regional air trapping resembled COPD. Our results highlight heterogeneity among smokers with normal spirometry and may contribute to early detection of smoking related structural changes in the lungs.
Nucleoporins NPP-10, NPP-13 and NPP-20 are required for HCP-4 nuclear import to establish correct centromere assembly
Authors: Ferreira Jorge , Stear Jeffrey H. , Saumweber Harald
Published: January 2017

Centromeres form a chromosomal platform for the assembly of the kinetochores, which are required for orderly chromosome segregation. Assembly of both centromeres and kinetochores proceeds by a step-by-step mechanism that is regulated in time and space. It has been suggested that the regulated nuclear import of centromeric proteins is involved in this process. We show that the knockdown of nucleoporins NPP-10, NPP-13 and NPP-20 in Caenorhabditis elegans affects early steps in centromere formation and sister centromere resolution, and results in severe chromosomal defects in the early embryo. These phenotypes mirror the knockdown phenotype of HCP-4 (an ortholog of mammalian CENP-C), a key factor for centromere formation and inner kinetochore assembly. HCP-4 is present in the cytoplasm during interphase. It is imported into nuclei and assembled in centromeres during prophase. Following the knockdown of NPP-10, NPP-13 and NPP-20, HCP-4 remains in the cytosol throughout prophase due to stalled import. In prometaphase and later mitotic stages after breakdown of the nuclear envelope, HCP-4 is not incorporated into centromeres. These results indicate that correct timing of the availability of HCP-4 by nuclear import is essential.
Programmable Arrangement of Heterometal Ions in a Supramolecular Array of Porphyrin and Phthalocyanine
Authors: Mihara Nozomi , Yamada Yasuyuki , Tanaka Kentaro
Published: January 2017

Cofacial dimers of porphyrin and/or phthalocyanine are plausible frameworks for functional molecular systems such as molecular catalysts and molecular memories. We recently developed a supramolecular array of a porphyrin and phthalocyanine linked by a four-fold rotaxane. In this study, we demonstrated programmable hetero-ion arrangement in the heterodimer of these tetrapyrrolic ligands. Ni(II) and Fe(II) ions showed kinetically selective binding to the porphyrin, whereas Mn(II) ions selectively bound to the phthalocyanine, in the supramolecular array. After the first metal complexation, subsequent metal insertion into the vacant ligand afforded the programmed heterodinuclear complex. Moreover, the metal arrays were extended to heterotrinuclear complexes via ionic pairing of the cationic four-fold rotaxane with a tetraanionic metalloporphyrin.
Can image enhancement allow radiation dose to be reduced whilst maintaining the perceived diagnostic image quality required for coronary angiography?
Authors: Joshi Anuja , Gislason-Lee Amber J , Keeble Claire , Sivananthan Uduvil M , Davies Andrew G
Published: January 2017

Objective:

The aim of this research was to quantify the reduction in radiation dose facilitated by image processing alone for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) patient angiograms, without reducing the perceived image quality required to confidently make a diagnosis.

Methods:

Incremental amounts of image noise were added to five PCI angiograms, simulating the angiogram as having been acquired at corresponding lower dose levels (10–89% dose reduction). 16 observers with relevant experience scored the image quality of these angiograms in 3 states—with no image processing and with 2 different modern image processing algorithms applied. These algorithms are used on state-of-the-art and previous generation cardiac interventional X-ray systems. Ordinal regression allowing for random effects and the delta method were used to quantify the dose reduction possible by the processing algorithms, for equivalent image quality scores.

Results:

Observers rated the quality of the images processed with the state-of-the-art and previous generation image processing with a 24.9% and 15.6% dose reduction, respectively, as equivalent in quality to the unenhanced images. The dose reduction facilitated by the state-of-the-art image processing relative to previous generation processing was 10.3%.

Conclusion:

Results demonstrate that statistically significant dose reduction can be facilitated with no loss in perceived image quality using modern image enhancement; the most recent processing algorithm was more effective in preserving image quality at lower doses.

Advances in knowledge:

Image enhancement was shown to maintain perceived image quality in coronary angiography at a reduced level of radiation dose using computer software to produce synthetic images from real angiograms simulating a reduction in dose.
Recent advances in understanding noroviruses
Authors: Bartnicki Eric , Cunha Juliana Bragazzi , Kolawole Abimbola O. , Wobus Christiane E.
Published: January 2017

Noroviruses are the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis around the world. An individual living in the United States is estimated to develop norovirus infection five times in his or her lifetime. Despite this, there is currently no antiviral or vaccine to combat the infection, in large part because of the historical lack of cell culture and small animal models. However, the last few years of norovirus research were marked by a number of ground-breaking advances that have overcome technical barriers and uncovered novel aspects of norovirus biology. Foremost among them was the development of two differentin vitroculture systems for human noroviruses. Underappreciated was the notion that noroviruses infect cells of the immune system as well as epithelial cells within the gastrointestinal tract and that human norovirus infection of enterocytes requires or is promoted by the presence of bile acids. Furthermore, two proteinaceous receptors are now recognized for murine norovirus, marking the first discovery of a functional receptor for any norovirus. Recent work further points to a role for certain bacteria, including those found in the gut microbiome, as potential modulators of norovirus infection in the host, emphasizing the importance of interactions with organisms from other kingdoms of life for viral pathogenesis. Lastly, we will highlight the adaptation of drop-based microfluidics to norovirus research, as this technology has the potential to reveal novel insights into virus evolution. This review aims to summarize these new findings while also including possible future directions.
Nematodes of the digestive tract of domestic ruminants of Uzbekistan
Authors: Шакарбоев  , Shakarboev E. , Амиров  , Amirov O. , Каримова  , Karimova R. , Кучбоев  , Kuchboev A. , Кузнецов  , Kuznetsov D.
Published: January 2017

Objective of research. A study of species composition of nematodes parasitizing the digestive system of domestic ruminants in Uzbekistan, analysis of seasonal dynamics of infestation and features of the nematode fauna in plains and foothill-mountain areas. Material and methods. In the period of 2014–2015, the digestive tracts of 206 head of cattle and 878 head of small cattle from the farms of Tashkent, Syr-Darya, Dzhizak, Namangan, Kashkadarya, Surkhandarya, Navoiy and Bukhara regions as well as Karakalpakstan autonomous republic were investigated by the method of full helminthological dissection. Results and discussion. 30 nematode species were found in digestive tracts of domestic ruminants of Uzbekistan; 28 nematode species in sheep, 26 species in goats, and 22 species in cattle. The highest rates of extensity of infection (EI) and intensity of infection (II) were detected in Ostertagia ostertagi, Marshallagia marshalli, Teladorsagia circumcincta and Parabronema skrjabini. An increase of EI and II in summer and autumn period was typical for the most of the discovered nematode species. However, EI in O. ostertagi, T. circumcincta, Marshallagia spp. and P. skrjabini was relatively stable in all seasons, but II increased to autumn. 26 nematode species were registered in plains; only 3 of them with high EI and II. 28 nematode species were registered in foothill-mountain areas, 8 of them showed high rates of EI and II. 24 species of nematodes are common in both areas. The obtained results allow us to conclude that it is necessary to improve helminth control of ruminants in Uzbekistan. Alternation of pastures and regulation of grazing, as well as preventive dehelmintization should not be ignored; observe the optimal requirements for feeding and management of animals.
The phoresy of the louse Mallophaga on the population of the louse-fly Hippoboscidae
Authors: Матюхин  , Matyukhin A.
Published: January 2017

Objective of research: To study the role of phoresy of the louse Mallophaga on the population of the louse-fly Hippoboscidae.

Material and methods: In 1997–2015 more than 10000 birds were caught; from them about 2000 louse-flies Hippoboscidae were collected and studied.

Results and discussion: 12 cases of phoresy of the louse Mallophaga on the louse-fly Hippoboscidae were recorded: 7 cases of phoresy of Columbicola columbae on pigeon louse flies Pseudolynchia canariensis collected from pigeons (Columba livia); one case — phoresy of the louse Ricinus rubeculae on the louse fly Orniyhomyia fringillina from the robin (Erithacus rubecula); one case — phoresy of the louse on the louse fly O. avicularia from the rook (Corvus frugilegus); one — phoresy of the louse on louse fly O. avicularia from the cuckoo (Cuculus canorus); one — phoresy of the louse on the louse fly Ornithoica turdi from the nightingale (Luscinia luscinia); one case — phoresy of the louse on the louse fly O. chloropus from Luscinia svecica.
GIS-based risk monitoring of zoonotic cestodiasis in human
Authors: Новосад  , Novosad E. , Христиановский  , Khristianovskiy Pavel
Published: January 2017

Objective of research: The target of the paper is to develop a model of GIS-based risk monitoring of zoonotic cestodiasis in human.

Materials and methods: The use of geographic information systems (GIS) as an epizootiological and epidemiological method for the risk-based monitoring of human cestodiasis enables the development of a multi-level platform for solution of a wide range of tasks related to the control of this disease. The modern GIS tools use the methods of geoinformatics applying powerful software and hardware: open access geographic web servers, tools for multidimensional complex analysis, creating most accurate electronic and paper maps. Full-featured GIS contain a full set for processing geospatial data including acquisition of data, its integration and storage, automatic data processing, editing, creation and maintenance of topology, spatial analysis, access to the database management system (DBMS), visualization and creation of hard copies of any cartographic data.

Results and discussion: The use of GIS enables to study more closely the regularities of epizootic process, geography of human cestodiasis and to improve the methodology both for short-term and long-term retrospective epizootiological analyses.