bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrastable neuroendocrine robot controller
Authors: Pitonakova Lenka
Published: November 2012

The work of a simulated neuroendocrine controller with ultrastable neurons and glands is sketched and tested in terms of stability and adaptability. The artificial neurons connect to each other and to motors, while hormones produced by behaviour-related glands regulate their output. The ultrastable nature of the cells allows them to maintain their homeostasis by random reconfiguration of their connections and parameters without reference to the global goal of the system. Interactions of these ultrastable components cause individual robot behaviours to emerge to certain extents. The presented results show that the controller as a whole is capable of not only configuring itself to perform random walk, obstacle avoidance, mineral collection and recharging, but also to stay robust or adapt to a number of environmental and body perturbations without a need for a body model.
Case Fatality Rate in Pulmonary Embolism According to Age and Stability
Authors: Stein Paul D. , Matta Fadi , Alrifai Ahmed
Published: November 2012

Data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, 1999 to 2008, were used to assess the effects of advancing age on in-hospital case fatality rate of patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) stratified according to stability. Among adults, all-cause case fatality was affected more by advancing age (1.8 deaths/10 years of age) than death attributable to PE (0.7 deaths/10 years of age). All-cause case fatality rate was affected more by advancing age in unstable adults than in stable adults (5.3 deaths/10 years of age vs 1.7 deaths/10 years of age). Case fatality rate attributable to PE was also affected more by advancing age in unstable adults than in stable adults (4.1 deaths/10 years of age vs 0.6 deaths/10 years of age). Limited data suggest that the case fatality rate of children was comparable to that of the elderly individuals. These results may influence the prognostic value of risk assessment tools for patients with PE.
Multi-dimensional time-frequency control of micro-milling instability
Authors: Liu Meng-Kun , Halfmann Eric B , Suh C Steve
Published: November 2012

Micro-milling is inherently unstable and chattering with aberrational tool vibrations. While the time response is bounded, however, micro-milling can become unstably broadband and chaotic in the frequency domain, inadvertently rendering poor tolerance and frequent tool damage. A novel simultaneous time-frequency control theory is applied to negate the various nonlinear dynamic instabilities including tool chatter and tool resonance displayed by a multi-dimensional, time-delayed micro-milling model. The time and frequency responses of the force and vibration of the model agree well with the experimental results published by Jun et al. A multi-variable control scheme is realized by implementing two independent controllers in parallel to follow a target signal representing the desired micro-milling state of stability. The control of unstable cutting at high spindle speeds ranging from 63,000 to 180,000 rpm and different axial depth-of-cuts are investigated using phase portrait, Poincaré section, and instantaneous frequency (IF). The time-frequency control scheme effectively restores dynamic instabilities, including repelling manifold and chaotic response, back to an attracting limit cycle or periodic motion of reduced vibration amplitude and frequency response. The force magnitude of the dynamically unstable cutting process is also reduced to the range of stable cutting.
Application of convolved blind separation based on second-order cyclic statistics in rolling element bearing feature extraction
Authors: Ming Yang , Chen Jin , Dong Guangming
Published: November 2012

In condition monitoring of mechanical equipment, the collected signals are mostly mixtures of several different sources. It is very important to recover the individual effects of each source for exact feature extraction and further fault diagnosis. A blind separation method based on second-order cyclic statistics is presented for convolved cyclostationary processes such as those observed in rotating machinery. The convolutive mixtures in time domain are transformed into instantaneous mixtures in frequency domain by discrete Fourier transform (DFT). Then the aim is to find a separating matrix that simultaneously and jointly diagonalizes the set of cyclic spectral density (CSD) matrices of the observed signals. Examples of successful separation are provided on both synthetic convolutive mixed bearing signals and real data tested from a gearbox.
Gradient-based iterative algorithm for Wiener systems with saturation and dead-zone nonlinearities
Authors: Chen Jing , Lu Xianling , Ding Ruifeng
Published: November 2012

This paper considers identification problems for Wiener systems with saturation and dead-zone nonlinearities. The basic idea is to obtain the identification model of such a nonlinear system using a switching function, and to propose a gradient-based iterative identification algorithm using the iterative technique. An example is provided to show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Development of functional milk desserts enriched with resistant starch based on consumers’ perception
Authors: Ares Florencia , Arrarte Eloísa , De León Tania , Ares Gastón , Gámbaro Adriana
Published: November 2012

Sensory characteristics play a key role in determining consumers’ acceptance of functional foods. In this context, the aim of the present work was to apply a combination of sensory and consumer methodologies to the development of chocolate milk desserts enriched with resistant starch. Chocolate milk desserts containing modified waxy maize starch were formulated with six different concentrations of two types of resistant starch (which are part of insoluble dietary fiber). The desserts were evaluated by trained assessors using Quantitative Descriptive Analysis. Moreover, consumers scored their overall liking and willingness to purchase and answered an open-ended question. Resistant starch caused significant changes in the sensory characteristics of the desserts and a significant decrease in consumers’ overall liking and willingness to purchase. Consumer data was analyzed applying survival analysis on overall liking scores, considering the risk on consumers liking and willing to purchase the functional products less than their regular counterparts. The proposed methodologies proved to be useful to develop functional foods taking into account consumers’ perception, which could increase their success in the market.
Optimization of microwave vacuum drying of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) seeds by response surface methodology
Authors: Tian Yuting , Zhang Yi , Zeng Shaoxiao , Zheng Yafeng , Chen Feng , Guo Zhebin , Lin Yufei , Zheng Baodong
Published: November 2012

Drying is the main process used to treat lotus seeds for storage. In this study, response surface methodology was used to optimize processing methods for microwave vacuum (MWV) drying of lotus seeds and to create a desirable product. A central composite design with three important factors: microwave output power (2.0–4.0 kW), vacuum degree (−0.070 to −0.090 MPa) and on/off ratio (68/52 s to 99/21 s) was used to study the response variables of drying time, shrinkage ratio, rehydration ratio and whiteness index. The optimum conditions for MWV drying of lotus seeds were determined to obtain a minimal drying time, minimal shrinkage ratio, maximum rehydration ratio and maximum whiteness index. The optimum drying conditions were found to be: microwave output power 3.2 kW, vacuum degree −0.083 MPa and on/off ratio 94/26 s. Under these optimal conditions, drying time, shrinkage ratio, rehydration ratio and whiteness index were found to be 10 min, 37.66%, 157.1% and 68.83, respectively.
Cassava starch as a stabilizer of soy-based beverages
Authors: Drunkler Northon Lee , Leite Rodrigo Santos , Mandarino José Marcos Gontijo , Ida Elza Iouko , Demiate Ivo Mottin
Published: November 2012

Soy-based beverages are presented as healthy food alternatives for human nutrition. Cassava ( Manihot esculenta, Crantz) starch is relatively inexpensive, widely available in Brazil and is broadly used by the food industry due to its desired properties that result from pasting. The objective of this study was to develop soy-based beverages with good sensory quality using native cassava starch as a stabilizer and maintaining the nutritional value that makes this product a functional food. The developed formulations featured a range of cassava starch and soybean extract concentrations, which were tested in a 22 experimental design with three central points. The results of sensory analysis showed that the studied variables (cassava starch and soybean extract concentrations) did not have a significant effect with respect to a 5% probability level. When considering the apparent viscosity, on the other hand, the variables had a significant effect: the increase in soybean extract and cassava starch concentrations caused an increase in the viscosity of the final product. The profile of isoflavones in the tested formulations was similar to the profiles reported in other papers, with a predominance of the conjugated glycosides over the aglycone forms.
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and MR cholangiopancreatography findings in cats with cholangitis and pancreatitis
Authors: Marolf Angela J , Kraft Susan L , Dunphy Thomas R , Twedt David C
Published: November 2012

Cholangiohepatitis/cholangitis is second only to hepatic lipidosis as the most common liver disease in cats and is often associated with concurrent pancreatitis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) have developed into an accurate, highly sensitive and specific imaging tool for the diagnosis of biliary and pancreatic duct disorders in humans. In this prospective case series, 10 cats with suspected cholangitis and/or pancreatitis were enrolled based on clinical history, physical examination and appropriate diagnostic test results. MRI and MRCP sequences with secretin stimulation of the cranial abdomen were performed, and sonography and laparoscopic biopsies for histologic diagnosis were obtained for comparison. MRI detected pancreatic abnormalities in cats suspected of pancreatitis, including T1 pre-contrast hypointense and T2 hyperintense pancreatic parenchyma and a dilated pancreatic duct. The MRI findings of the liver were non-specific. Nine of 10 cats had biliary abnormalities, including gall bladder wall thickening, gall bladder wall moderate contrast enhancement and/or gall bladder debris. Eight of 10 cats had histologic evidence of pancreatitis, as well as hepatitis or cholangitis, with one cat diagnosed with hepatic lymphoma. The advantages of MRI/MRCP over sonography of these cats included the striking pancreatic signal changes associated with pancreatitis and the ability to comprehensibly assess and measure the pancreas and hepatobiliary structures without operator dependence or interference from bowel gas. MRI/MRCP imaging of the feline abdomen may be beneficial in cases with equivocal ultrasound imaging findings.
Three clinical cases of Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection in cats in Poland
Authors: Adaszek Łukasz , Górna Marta , Skrzypczak Maciej , Buczek Krzysztof , Balicki Ireneusz , Winiarczyk Stanisław
Published: November 2012

The purpose of this study was to describe Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection of three cats in Poland showing signs of fever, swollen and painful joints, pale mucous membranes and epistaxis. Morulae consistent with A phagocytophilum were present within the neutrophils of two of the cats. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was found targeting the 16S rRNA gene amplified DNA consistent with A phagocytophilum in the blood of all three cats. The sequence of the PCR product obtained showed 99.6–100% homology with the sequence of A phagocytophilum, gene number EU 090186 from Genbank. Applied therapy (including administration of tetracyclines for 3 weeks) resulted in a gradual clinical recovery.
Bamboo shoots after the rain: Development and challenges of autism intervention in China
Authors: McCabe Helen
Published: November 2012

The purpose of this study was to gain an in-depth understanding of autism intervention in China, including history, progress, and current challenges. This qualitative research study included interviews with experienced professionals and observation at autism intervention organizations. Analysis of this empirical data led to three themes regarding this field. First, the development of the field can be described using the Chinese expression, mozhe shitou guohe (feeling stones to cross the river). Owing to limited exposure to outside information, methods are often created independent of research-based best practices. Second, autism intervention in China has had a strong, and until recently, almost exclusive, focus on young children. Finally, there are continued challenges to providing effective services that relate to the desires of parents and professionals to provide ‘more’; a focus on quantity may be preventing a focus on quality. The article concludes with an analysis of the findings and practical implications that may be used by practitioners or scholars planning to do work in China.
Integrated Numerical Simulation with Fungal Spore Deposition and Subsequent Fungal Growth on Bathroom Wall Surface
Authors: Ito Kazuhide
Published: November 2012

Fungal contaminations in indoor environment are recognized as one of the serious problem in terms of health and aesthetic impact. Large numbers of studies have shown an association between the health risk of fungal contamination. Residence in houses and fungal growth is well known to be strongly related to various indoor environmental parameters and hence the development of a comprehensive prediction method for fungal contamination is needed for healthy indoor environmental design. This research focused on the fungal growth problems in residential bathroom where the temperature and humidity can become relatively high. This paper reports the procedure and results of numerical simulations of fungal contamination. The simulation was incorporated with flow field, temperature/humidity distribution, which was used to predict fungal spore dispersion/deposition in bathroom space and subsequent non-uniform distribution of fungal growth on wall surfaces. Fungal spores transportation was analyzed by Lagrangean approach. For fungal growth phenomenon, the reaction-diffusion model that reproduces morphological colony formation of fungi was adopted. By continuously executing these numerical analyses, fungal spore deposition and subsequent fungal growth on wall surfaces was demonstrated for two targeted representative ventilation rate in normal bathroom condition.
Optimizing maritime travel time reliability
Authors: Prabhu Gaonkar Rajesh S , Xie Min , Huang Hong-Zhong
Published: November 2012

Travel time reliability optimization problems generally cannot be formulated in direct mathematical form due to complexity of precise information. Classically, qualitative form of objective function and/or constraints does not allow the decision maker to represent it in a typical form of standard optimization model. This article attempts to resolve travel time reliability optimization problem of maritime transportation. The marine vessel’s travel time consists of seven time components. The travel time reliability is considered in a possibilistic manner, and then the reliability optimization problem with budgetary constraints and stage-time limitations is formulated. Next, algorithmic framework for solution of the possibilistic programming has been proposed, followed by a suitable illustration. Finally, this article investigates the parameter sensitivity that has consequences in the marine vessel’s transportation decision making. The proposed programming model is useful in the decision support system with regard to decision about the individual marine vessel’s stage durations and their scheduling, as well as the optimal arrival time of the vessel at the destination harbor.
A Unique Hybrid Approach to the Treatment of an Aberrant Right Subclavian Artery Aneurysm
Authors: Southard Nicholas M. , Seabrook Gary R. , Tutton Sean M. , Almassi G. Hossein , Lewis Brian D. , Brown Kellie R. , Rossi Peter J.
Published: November 2012

Aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) is an uncommon congenital anomaly that often becomes aneurysmal. The ARSAs are often asymptomatic but aneurysms arising in this location are potentially lethal. Due to the high morbidity and mortality rates associated with the traditional open repair methods, less invasive endovascular methods are becoming more popular. This is a case describing a unique hybrid repair of an aneurysmal ARSA in an asymptomatic male.
Ethical Followership
Authors: Carsten Melissa K. , Uhl-Bien Mary
Published: November 2012

This study seeks to “reverse the lens” in leadership and ethics research by investigating whether follower (rather than leader) characteristics are associated with intentions to engage in unethical behavior. Specifically, we examine whether followers’ beliefs about the coproduction of leadership and the romance of leadership are related to their willingness to commit a “crime of obedience” by complying with a leader’s unethical request. Using a vignette depicting an unethical demand by a leader, 161 working adults were asked to indicate whether they would obey or challenge the leader’s request. Regression analyses show that individuals with weaker coproduction beliefs demonstrate a stronger intent to obey unethical requests, whereas individuals with stronger coproduction beliefs demonstrate a stronger intent to engage in constructive resistance. This relationship is partially mediated by displacement of responsibility. Findings also identify an interaction between followers’ belief in the coproduction of leadership and romance of leadership, such that individuals with stronger coproduction beliefs who romanticize leaders reported a stronger intent to obey unethical requests. Results are discussed in relation to research on obedience to authority and burgeoning research on followership.
Online war memorials: YouTube as a democratic space of commemoration exemplified through video tributes to fallen Danish soldiers
Authors: Knudsen Britta T , Stage Carsten
Published: November 2012

In this article, we analyze 28 YouTube video tributes to fallen Danish soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq with two analytical goals. The goals are to first understand how the soldier as an object of communal grief is affectively and discursively established, discussed, and challenged in the videos and comments, and second to investigate what type of commemorative practices the specific media space of YouTube enables. Our first observation is that the videos’ attempts to construct the soldiers as national heroes and common objects of grief are repeatedly disputed and opposed by the people commenting on them. Our second point is that YouTube allows for a new type of commemorative practice, which, unlike the traditional war monuments of the nation-state, is marked by explicit differences of opinion concerning the status and legitimacy of the war. The analysis draws on theoretical insights from the fields of affect theory, participatory culture, DIY media, and memory studies.
Arrow behaviour in the lateral plane during and immediately following the power stroke of a recurve archery bow
Authors: Park James L
Published: November 2012

An arrow exiting a recurve archery bow flexes laterally. This is important in ensuring that the rear of the arrow clears the bow without obstruction and is a consequence of the manner by which the string leaves the archer’s fingers. Pekalski and then Kooi and Sparenberg modelled the arrow behaviour during the bow’s power stroke using a flexible beam. In this article, the method used by Kooi and Sparenberg has been extended to remove subjective components, to include the carbon fibre composite arrows now used almost exclusively in competition and to consider the arrow after it has left the bow. The various user-selectable parameters have been examined to ascertain their impact on archer performance. The modelling was tested against measured parameters of a number of expert archers and against the use of the recurve bow in a shooting machine.
Oculus: faster sequence alignment by streaming read compression
Authors: Veeneman Brendan A , Iyer Matthew K , Chinnaiyan Arul M
Published: November 2012

Background

Despite significant advancement in alignment algorithms, the exponential growth of nucleotide sequencing throughput threatens to outpace bioinformatic analysis. Computation may become the bottleneck of genome analysis if growing alignment costs are not mitigated by further improvement in algorithms. Much gain has been gleaned from indexing and compressing alignment databases, but many widely used alignment tools process input reads sequentially and are oblivious to any underlying redundancy in the reads themselves.

Results

Here we present Oculus, a software package that attaches to standard aligners and exploits read redundancy by performing streaming compression, alignment, and decompression of input sequences. This nearly lossless process (> 99.9%) led to alignment speedups of up to 270% across a variety of data sets, while requiring a modest amount of memory. We expect that streaming read compressors such as Oculus could become a standard addition to existing RNA-Seq and ChIP-Seq alignment pipelines, and potentially other applications in the future as throughput increases.

Conclusions

Oculus efficiently condenses redundant input reads and wraps existing aligners to provide nearly identical SAM output in a fraction of the aligner runtime. It includes a number of useful features, such as tunable performance and fidelity options, compatibility with FASTA or FASTQ files, and adherence to the SAM format. The platform-independent C++ source code is freely available online, at http://code.google.com/p/oculus-bio.
Transcriptomic and phylogenetic analysis of Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus for three detoxification gene families
Authors: Yan Liangzhen , Yang Pengcheng , Jiang Feng , Cui Na , Ma Enbo , Qiao Chuanling , Cui Feng
Published: November 2012

Background

The genomes of three major mosquito vectors of human diseases,Anopheles gambiae,Aedes aegypti, andCulex pipiens quinquefasciatus, have been previously sequenced.C. p. quinquefasciatushas the largest number of predicted protein-coding genes, which partially results from the expansion of three detoxification gene families: cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450), glutathione S-transferases (GST), and carboxyl/cholinesterases (CCE). However, unlikeAn. gambiaeandAe. aegypti, which have large amounts of gene expression data,C. p. quinquefasciatushas limited transcriptomic resources. Knowledge of complete gene expression information is very important for the exploration of the functions of genes involved in specific biological processes. In the present study, the three detoxification gene families ofC. p. quinquefasciatuswere analyzed for phylogenetic classification and compared with those of three other dipteran insects. Gene expression during various developmental stages and the differential expression responsible for parathion resistance were profiled using the digital gene expression (DGE) technique.

Results

A total of 302 detoxification genes were found inC. p. quinquefasciatus, including 71 CCE, 196 P450, and 35 cytosolic GST genes. Compared with three other dipteran species, gene expansion inCulexmainly occurred in the CCE and P450 families, where the genes of α-esterases, juvenile hormone esterases, and CYP325 of the CYP4 subfamily showed the most pronounced expansion on the genome. For the five DGE libraries, 3.5-3.8 million raw tags were generated and mapped to 13314 reference genes. Among 302 detoxification genes, 225 (75%) were detected for expression in at least one DGE library. One fourth of the CCE and P450 genes were detected uniquely in one stage, indicating potential developmentally regulated expression. A total of 1511 genes showed different expression levels between a parathion-resistant and a susceptible strain. Fifteen detoxification genes, including 2 CCEs, 6 GSTs, and 7 P450s, were expressed at higher levels in the resistant strain.

Conclusions

The results of the present study provide new insights into the functions and evolution of three detoxification gene families in mosquitoes and comprehensive transcriptomic resources forC. p. quinquefasciatus, which will facilitate the elucidation of molecular mechanisms underlying the different biological characteristics of the three major mosquito vectors.
Functional characterization of a tomato COBRA-likegene functioning in fruit development and ripening
Authors: Cao Ying , Tang Xiaofeng , Giovannoni Jim , Xiao Fangming , Liu Yongsheng
Published: November 2012

Background

Extensive studies have demonstrated that the COBRA gene is critical for biosynthesis of cell wall constituents comprising structural tissues of roots, stalks, leaves and other vegetative organs, however, its role in fruit development and ripening remains largely unknown.

Results

We identified a tomato gene (SlCOBRA-like) homologous to Arabidopsis COBRA, and determined its role in fleshy fruit biology. The SlCOBRA-like gene is highly expressed in vegetative organs and in early fruit development, but its expression in fruit declines dramatically during ripening stages, implying a primary role in early fruit development. Fruit-specific suppression of SlCOBRA-like resulted in impaired cell wall integrity and up-regulation of genes encoding proteins involved in cell wall degradation during early fruit development. In contrast, fruit-specific overexpression of SlCOBRA-like resulted in increased wall thickness of fruit epidermal cells, more collenchymatous cells beneath the epidermis, elevated levels of cellulose and reduced pectin solubilization in the pericarp cells of red ripe fruits. Moreover, transgenic tomato fruits overexpressing SlCOBRA-like exhibited desirable early development phenotypes including enhanced firmness and a prolonged shelf life.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that SlCOBRA-like plays an important role in fruit cell wall architecture and provides a potential genetic tool for extending the shelf life of tomato and potentially additional fruits.
Predictors of first-line antiretroviral therapy discontinuation due to drug-related adverse events in HIV-infected patients: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Prosperi Mattia CF , Fabbiani Massimiliano , Fanti Iuri , Zaccarelli Mauro , Colafigli Manuela , Mondi Annalisa , D’Avino Alessandro , Borghetti Alberto , Cauda Roberto , Di Giambenedetto Simona
Published: November 2012

Background

Drug-related toxicity has been one of the main causes of antiretroviral treatment discontinuation. However, its determinants are not fully understood. Aim of this study was to investigate predictors of first-line antiretroviral therapy discontinuation due to adverse events and their evolution in recent years.

Methods

Patients starting first-line antiretroviral therapy were retrospectively selected. Primary end-point was the time to discontinuation of therapy due to adverse events, estimating incidence, fitting Kaplan-Meier and multivariable Cox regression models upon clinical/demographic/chemical baseline patients’ markers.

Results

1,096 patients were included: 302 discontinuations for adverse events were observed over 1,861 person years of follow-up between 1988 and 2010, corresponding to an incidence (95% CI) of 0.16 (0.14-0.18). By Kaplan-Meier estimation, the probabilities (95% CI) of being free from an adverse event at 90 days, 180 days, one year, two years, and five years were 0.88 (0.86-0.90), 0.85 (0.83-0.87), 0.79 (0.76-0.81), 0.70 (0.67-0.74), 0.55 (0.50-0.61), respectively. The most represented adverse events were gastrointestinal symptoms (28.5%), hematological (13.2%) or metabolic (lipid and glucose metabolism, lipodystrophy) (11.3%) toxicities and hypersensitivity reactions (9.3%). Factors associated with an increased hazard of adverse events were: older age, CDC stage C, female gender, homo/bisexual risk group (vs. heterosexual), HBsAg-positivity. Among drugs, zidovudine, stavudine, zalcitabine, didanosine, full-dose ritonavir, indinavir but also efavirenz (actually recommended for first-line regimens) were associated to an increased hazard of toxicity. Moreover, patients infected by HIV genotype F1 showed a trend for a higher risk of adverse events.

Conclusions

After starting antiretroviral therapy, the probability of remaining free from adverse events seems to decrease over time. Among drugs associated with increased toxicity, only one is currently recommended for first-line regimens but with improved drug formulation. Older age, CDC stage, MSM risk factor and gender are also associated with an increased hazard of toxicity and should be considered when designing a first-line regimen.
Using Audience Response Technology to provide formative feedback on pharmacology performance for non-medical prescribing students - a preliminary evaluation
Authors: Mostyn Alison , Meade Oonagh , Lymn Joanne S
Published: November 2012

Background

The use of anonymous audience response technology (ART) to actively engage students in classroom learning has been evaluated positively across multiple settings. To date, however, there has been no empirical evaluation of the use of individualised ART handsets and formative feedback of ART scores. The present study investigates student perceptions of such a system and the relationship between formative feedback results and exam performance.

Methods

Four successive cohorts of Non-Medical Prescribing students (n=107) had access to the individualised ART system and three of these groups (n=72) completed a questionnaire about their perceptions of using ART. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with a purposive sample of seven students who achieved a range of scores on the formative feedback. Using data from all four cohorts of students, the relationship between mean ART scores and summative pharmacology exam score was examined using a non-parametric correlation.

Results

Questionnaire and interview data suggested that the use of ART enhanced the classroom environment, motivated students and promoted learning. Questionnaire data demonstrated that students found the formative feedback helpful for identifying their learning needs (95.6%), guiding their independent study (86.8%), and as a revision tool (88.3%). Interviewees particularly valued the objectivity of the individualised feedback which helped them to self-manage their learning. Interviewees’ initial anxiety about revealing their level of pharmacology knowledge to the lecturer and to themselves reduced over time as students focused on the learning benefits associated with the feedback.

A significant positive correlation was found between students’ formative feedback scores and their summative pharmacology exam scores (Spearman’s rho = 0.71, N=107, p<.01).

Conclusions

Despite initial anxiety about the use of individualised ART units, students rated the helpfulness of the individualised handsets and personalised formative feedback highly. The significant correlation between ART response scores and student exam scores suggests that formative feedback can provide students with a useful reference point in terms of their level of exam-readiness.
Optimal vaccination schedule search using genetic algorithm over MPI technology
Authors: Calonaci Cristiano , Chiacchio Ferdinando , Pappalardo Francesco
Published: November 2012

Background

Immunological strategies that achieve the prevention of tumor growth are based on the presumption that the immune system, if triggered before tumor onset, could be able to defend from specific cancers. In supporting this assertion, in the last decade active immunization approaches prevented some virus-related cancers in humans. An immunopreventive cell vaccine for the non-virus-related human breast cancer has been recently developed. This vaccine, called Triplex, targets the HER-2-neu oncogene in HER-2/neu transgenic mice and has shown to almost completely prevent HER-2/neu-driven mammary carcinogenesis when administered with an intensive and life-long schedule.

Methods

To better understand the preventive efficacy of the Triplex vaccine in reduced schedules we employed a computational approach. The computer model developed allowed us to test in silico specific vaccination schedules in the quest for optimality. Specifically here we present a parallel genetic algorithm able to suggest optimal vaccination schedule.

Results & Conclusions

The enormous complexity of combinatorial space to be explored makes this approach the only possible one. The suggested schedule was then tested in vivo, giving good results. Finally, biologically relevant outcomes of optimization are presented.
A novel facile synthesis and characterization of molybdenum nanowires
Authors: Kovic Andrej , Znidarsic Andrej , Jesih Adolf , Mrzel Ales , Gaberscek Miran , Hassanien Abdou
Published: November 2012

We describe a straightforward technique to synthesize pure Mo nanowires (NWs) from Mo6S
y
I
z
(8,2 < y + z ≤ 10) NWs as precursor templates. The structural transformations occur when Mo6S
y
I
z
NWs are annealed in Ar/H2 mixture leading to the formation of pure Mo NWs with similar structures as initial morphologies. Detailed microscopic characterizations show that large diameters (>15 nm) Mo NWs are highly porous, while small diameters (<7 nm) are made of solid nanocrystalline grains. We find NW of diameter 4 nm can carry up to 30 μA current without suffering structural degradation. Moreover, NWs can be elastically deformed over several cycles without signs of plastic deformation.
What mechanism of niche segregation allows the coexistence of sympatric sibling rhinolophid bats?
Authors: Salsamendi Egoitz , Garin Inazio , Arostegui Inmaculada , Goiti Urtzi , Aihartza Joxerra
Published: November 2012

Introduction

Our purpose was to assess how pairs of sibling horseshoe bats coexists when their morphology and echolocation are almost identical. We collected data on echolocation, wing morphology, diet, and habitat use of sympatricRhinolophus mehelyiandR.euryale. We compared our results with literature data collected in allopatry with similar protocols and at the same time of the year (breeding season).

Results

Echolocation frequencies recorded in sympatry forR.mehelyi(mean = 106.8 kHz) andR.euryale(105.1 kHz) were similar to those reported in allopatry (R.mehelyi105–111 kHz;R.euryale101–109 kHz). Wing parameters were larger inR.mehelyithanR.euryalefor both sympatric and allopatric conditions. Moths constitute the bulk of the diet of both species in sympatry and allopatry, with minor variation in the amounts of other prey. There were no inter-specific differences in the use of foraging habitats in allopatry in terms of structural complexity, however we found inter-specific differences between sympatric populations:R.mehelyiforaged in less complex habitats. The subtle inter-specific differences in echolocation frequency seems to be unlikely to facilitate dietary niche partitioning; overall divergences observed in diet may be explained as a consequence of differential prey availability among foraging habitats. Inter-specific differences in the use of foraging habitats in sympatry seems to be the main dimension for niche partitioning betweenR.mehelyiandR.euryale, probably due to letter differences in wing morphology.

Conclusions

Coexistence between sympatric sibling horseshoe bats is likely allowed by a displacement in spatial niche dimension, presumably due to the wing morphology of each species, and shifts the niche domains that minimise competition. Effective measures for conservation of sibling/similar horseshoe bats should guarantee structural diversity of foraging habitats.
Pleomorphic lipoma lacking mature fat component in extensive myxoid stroma: a great diagnostic challenge
Authors: Lin Xu-Yong , Wang Yan , Liu Yang , Sun Ying , Miao Yuan , Zhang Yong , Yu Juan-Han , Wang En-Hua
Published: November 2012

Pleomorphic lipoma is a relatively uncommon entity, and is considered as a variant of spindle cell lipoma. Histologically, spindle cell lipoma/pleomorphic lipoma consists of varying quantity of mature fat, bland spindle cells and ropey collagen. In addition, pleomorphic lipoma is characterized by multinucleate giant cells, which possess the “floret-like” nuclei and marked pleomorphism. So, in contrast to spindle cell lipoma, pleomorphic lipoma is more easily misdiagnosed as a malignant tumor. Herein, we report a peculiar case of pleomorphic lipoma occurring in axilla with entirely devoid of mature fat in a 71-year-old male. The histopathological findings demonstrated the tumor was made up of bland spindle cells admixed with scattered “floret-like” cells and irregular ropey collagen in an extensive myxoid stroma. Immunostaining showed that the tumor was positive for the Vimentin, Bcl-2 and CD34, and was negative for S-100, desmin, CD68, and α–SMA. Although no fat component was found in the whole section, the tumor was still diagnosed as a pelomprphic lipoma. To our knowledge, this is the third reported case of pelomprphic lipoma which entirely lacked lipomatous component. Because of the existence of atypical multinucleate giant cells and lack of mature fat, this tumor may be easily misdiagnosed nonlipomatous lesions, such as myxoid fibrosarcoma, giant cell fibroblastoma.

So, it is necessary to pay careful attention to the histological spectrum of pleomorphic lipoma, including the tumor with devoid of fat, and it should be kept in mind that pelomprphic lipoma still can be diagnosed even if lacking lipomatous component.

Virtual slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here:http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1967123180611361
Safe thyroidectomy with intraoperative methylene blue spraying
Authors: Sari Serkan , Aysan Erhan , Muslumanoglu Mahmut , Ersoy Yeliz E , Bektasoglu Huseyin , Yardimci Erkan
Published: November 2012

Background

We aimed to minimalize operative complications by spraying of methylene blue stain on thyroid glands and the perithyroidal area.

Material and methods

The intra-operative methylene blue spraying technique was used prospectively on a total of 56 patients who had undergone primary (not recurrent) thyroid surgery for a variety of thyroid diseases. Bilateral total thyroidectomy was performed in all cases. After superior but before inferior pole ligation, 0.5ml of methylene blue was sprayed over the thyroid lobe and perilober area. Tissues, especially parathyroides, the recurrent laryngeal nerve, and the inferior thyroid artery, were identified and evaluated.

Results

Recurrent laryngeal nerve and arteries were not stained and thus they remained white in all cases while all other tissues were stained blue. Within three minutes parathyroid glands washed out the blue stain and the original yellow color was regained. Thyroid tissue wash-out time was not less than 15 minutes; perithyroideal muscles, tendinous and lipoid structures took no less than 25 minutes.

Conclusion

The safety of intravascular methylene blue guidance on thyroid surgery is known. This research demonstrates the effectiveness of the spraying technique, a new technique which ensures not only identification of parathyroid glands within three minutes, but also identification of recurrent laryngeal nerves and inferior thyroid arteries.
The effect of patients' preference on outcome in the EVerT cryotherapy versus salicylic acid for the treatment of plantar warts (verruca) trial
Authors: Cockayne Sarah , Hicks Kate , Kangombe Arthur R , Hewitt Catherine , Concannon Michael , Thomas Kim , Hashmi Farina , McIntosh Caroline , Brierley Gwen , Torgerson David , Watt Ian
Published: November 2012

Background

Randomised controlled trials are widely accepted as the gold standard method to evaluate medical interventions, but they are still open to bias. One such bias is the effect of patient's preference on outcome measures. The aims of this study were to examine whether patients' treatment preference affected clearance of plantar warts and explore whether there were any associations between patients' treatment preference and baseline variables in the EverT trial.

Methods

Two hundred and forty patients were recruited from University podiatry schools, NHS podiatry clinics and primary care. Patients were aged 12 years and over and had at least one plantar wart which was suitable for treatment with salicylic acid and cryotherapy. Patients were asked their treatment preference prior to randomisation. The Kruskal‐Wallis test was performed to test the association between preference group and continuous baseline variables. The Fisher's exact test was performed to test the association between preference group and categorical baseline variables. A logistic regression analysis was undertaken with verruca clearance (yes or no) as the dependent variable and treatment, age, type of verruca, previous treatment, treatment preference as independent variables. Two analyses were undertaken, one using the health professional reported outcome and one using the patient's self reported outcomes. Data on whether the patient found it necessary to stop the treatment to which they had been allocated and whether they started another treatment were summarised by treatment group.

Results

Pre‐randomisation preferences were: 10% for salicylic acid; 42% for cryotherapy and 48% no treatment preference. There was no evidence of an association between treatment preference group and either patient (p=0.95) or healthcare professional (p=0.46) reported verruca clearance rates. There was no evidence of an association between preference group and any of the baseline variables except gender, with more females expressing a preference for salicylic acid (p=0.004). There was no evidence that the number of times salicylic acid was applied was different between the preference groups at one week (p=0.89) or at three weeks (p=0.24). Similarly, for the number of clinic visits for cryotherapy (p=0.71)

Conclusions

This secondary analysis showed no evidence to suggest that patients' baseline preferences affected verruca clearance rates or adherence with the treatment.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN18994246 and National Research Register N0484189151
Intellectual Property
Authors: Walker David A.
Published: November 2012

The Intellectual Property department in each issue of Geophysics provides U.S. patent abstracts, published patent abstracts of U.S. patent applications, and published abstracts filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
Noted rock physicist is 2010 Distinguished Short Course Instructor
Authors: Holeman Linda
Published: November 2012

When Colin Sayers emerged as a candidate to lead the SEG/EAGE Distinguished Instructor Short Course (DISC) for 2010, Tad Smith, manager, seismic analysis for ConocoPhillips and the DISC committee chairman, did not hesitate. Said Smith, “I've been following Colin's work and reading his papers (and attending his talks) long before I ever met him. His work is some of the best in the literature.
Royal miners invade the Rockies: Geophysical field camp delivers education, experience, diversity, and fun
Authors: Young Brian
Published: November 2012

Mt. Princeton, in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, towered over an impressive geophysical joint summer field camp in May 2009. Thanks in large part to a grant of US $6000 from the SEC Foundation, petroleum geophysics students from the Royal School of Mines at Imperial College London were able for the first time to join forces with geophysical engineering students from Colorado School of Mines and geoscience students from Boise State University for a learning experience none of the students will soon forget. The Upper Arkansas Valley of Colorado was the perfect spot for gathering geophysical data and learning about geothermal resources. The diverse mix of participants—graduate and undergraduate students from many different countries—provided an excellent lesson in teamwork which will serve the participants well in their future careers.
A column by Lee Lawyer with stories about geophysics and geophysicists
Authors: Yilmaz Oz
Published: November 2012

The Geophysical Society of Houston had its Spring Seminar a few weeks ago. It is customary to select a geophysicist to honor during the meeting: Taner, Levin, Sherwood and this year Sven Treitel and Enders Robinson. All participants received a signed copy of Digital Imaging and Deconvolution: The ABCs of Seismic Exploration and Processing by Robinson and Treitel (No. 15 in the SEG Geophysical References series).
IQ Earth launches in 2010
Authors: Pangman Peter
Published: November 2012

SEG's newest research initiative, IQ Earth, launched in January 2010 with an SEG Forum in Charleston, South Carolina. This new initiative has lofty goals: nothing less than to “create a fundamental change in visualizing and interpreting subsurface structure, rock and fluid properties; driven by renewed focus on multidisciplinary integration and the new quantitative Earth model paradigm; applied by the next-generation subsurface scientist.”
Recommendation for a new definition of SEG Districts
Authors: Vesnaver Aldo , Burianyk Mike
Published: November 2012

In the current SEG Constitution, Districts were drawn to represent members who are not part of a Section or Affiliated Society. The main criteria were geographical contiguity and cultural affinity; a fair balance in terms of numbers of SEG members was not the main issue. However, SEG membership has undergone a major demographic change in the last decade, and the number of members per District is very uneven at present. Thus, it is impractical to allocate among the Districts a proportional presence by volunteers on the Membership, Global Affairs, Youth Outreach, and other SEG Committees. Similarly, it is difficult to evenly distribute such in-demand benefits as appearances by Distinguished and Honorary Lecturers.
Geophysics: Oh, the places a student can go! one student's journey
Authors: Girard Aaron
Published: November 2012

After working on my geophysics education for several years, I am nearing completion of my master's degree through the IDEA-League, Joint Master's of Applied Geophysics at the University of Edinburgh. Sometimes I sit back and marvel at how I got to this exciting point in my life.
Reviews
Authors: Tutuncu Azra N. , Moon Wooil M. , Bevc Dmitri
Published: November 2012

Petroleum Geoengineering: Integration of Static and Dynamic Models, Patrick Corbett, Distinguish Instructor Series, No. 12, ISBN 978-1-56080-153-5, SEG and EAGE, 2009, 90 pp. (paperback), US $60 (non-members), $39 (SEG members). Exploring the Origin, Extent, and Future of Life [Philosophical, Ethical, and Theological Perspectives], edited by Constance M. Bertka, ISBN 9780-521-86363-6, Cambridge, 2009, 324 pp. Energy: Technology and Directions for the Future, John R. Fanchi, ISBN 0-12-248291-3, Elsevier, 2004, US $69.99.
Geoscientists Without Borders offers safe harbor
Authors: Jacobs Rhonda
Published: November 2012

Question: Where is the seventh largest natural harbor on Earth? Answer: Kingston Harbor, Kingston, Jamaica, where the newest Geoscientists Without Borders (GWB) project has the potential to make a real impact on the safety of thousands of people.
Governance reform key to successful future
Authors: Hill Steve , Koster Klaas
Published: November 2012

SEG needs to reform its governance structure to better serve its rapidly growing and diverse membership. Lack of continuity created by the short terms of Society officers and representatives impedes strategic leadership. A widely recognized best practice for dynamic organizations is to have a representative board with 15–25 members serving overlapping three-year terms. The SEG Executive Committee has only seven members, four of whom serve only one-year terms. Strong, focused leadership is essential to our Society's success as its operations grow in scope and complexity. Recognizing this, the Executive Committee in August voted to submit a new set of Bylaws to the SEG Council, which will meet 17 October 2010 during the SEG International Exposition and 80th Annual Meeting in Denver, USA.