bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinicohistopathological Concordance of Cutaneous Granulomatous Disorders at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Northern India: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Sharma Priyanka , Bhardwaj Subhash , Sharma Poonam
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Granulomatous inflammatory pattern is a chronic inflammation with a limited number of possible conditions that cause it. Therefore, for treatment purposes, its diagnosis is mandatory. The overlapping clinical and histological features of granulomatous dermatitis demand a proper system of classification. The aetiology, histopathological granuloma patterns, and the morphology of various skin lesions can be informative and supportive towards their diagnosis. Aim: To determine the distribution of various cutaneous granulomatous disorders in the demographical region and their causative agents. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Histopathology section of the Department of Pathology, Government Medical College, Jammu and Kashmir, India over a period of five years (1st November 2014-31st October 2019) involving a prospective and retrospective analysis of 1,150 skin biopsies. A clinical diagnosis of Infectious Cutaneous Granulomatous Disorders (IGDS) was made in 560 cases included in the study. Out of 560 cases, the histopathological diagnosis of IGDS was confirmed in 361 cases. The aetiology and granuloma histology were studied. A clinicopathological agreement was established with the kappa test. Results: Leprosy was the most common histopathological diagnosis, with 343 out of 361 cases (95.01%), followed by tuberculosis with 9 out of 361 cases (2.49%). Leprosy subtypes included Lepromatous Leprosy (LL) in 75 cases (21.87%), followed by Borderline Tuberculoid (BT) in 71 cases (20.70%). Among the nine cases of cutaneous tuberculosis, Lupus Vulgaris (LV) was found in five cases (55.56%), followed by Scrofuloderma (SD) in three cases (33.33%), and Tuberculosis Cutis Orificialis (TCO) in one case (11.11%). The cases of leprosy showed maximum clinicopathological concordance in 343 cases (68.33%), with the BT type being the most concordant with the clinical diagnosis at 30 out of 64 cases (46.88%). A statistical analysis of kappa was applied to the subtypes of leprosy, and the observed kappa value was 0.3439, indicating agreement between histology and clinical diagnosis. Conclusion: Histopathological examination is the gold standard for diagnosing, categorising, and determining clinicopathological concordance of cutaneous granulomatous lesions. The wide spectrum of clinical differentials can be narrowed down. Although the importance of clinical examination and ancillary techniques for confirming the diagnosis cannot be denied, considering all aspects together can lead to a final conclusive diagnosis.
CLASSIFICATION OF TANAFFUS (RESPIRATION) WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO UNANI MEDICINE: A REVIEW
Authors: Hasan Farukh , Rahman Azizur
Published: July 2024

Breathing or respiration has been essential in human life since ancient times. Philosophers and physicians of ancient times such as Hippocrates, Galen, and others had already written about breathing in literature. These antiquated viewpoints established the foundation for contemporary respiratory physiology and medicine. The Hippocratic literature established the importance of breath in maintaining the body's humour balance, whereas Galen elaborates on the anatomical and functional elements of respiration. Literature related to respiration is surveyed from various Unani classical books and their translations, commentaries, previous dissertations, journals, proceedings, etc. Hippocrates and Ibne Sina mentioned ten and seventeen types of respiration respectively. Ibne Sina also explained five special types of respirations. This research paper aims to explore and analyse the understanding and significance of respiration in the Unani system of medicine. And also provides a comprehensive overview of how ancient philosophers understood respiration.
The Impact of Nursery Rhymes on Enhancing Speaking Skills of Grade Three and Four Students
Authors: Pradhan Mohan Kumar
Published: July 2024

This action research study examined the impact of nursery rhymes on enhancing the speaking skills of grade three and four students. The study was conducted in an elementary school setting, with a focus on identifying whether the incorporation of nursery rhymes into the curriculum could effectively improve the speaking abilities of young learners.
The study employed a quantitative approach involving pre-test and post-test. The study began by assessing the speaking skills of grade three and four students through pre-tests, which included tasks such as pronunciation, vocabulary, fluency and confidence.
The findings of this action research suggest that nursery rhymes have a positive impact on enhancing the speaking skills of grade three and four students. The quantitative analysis post-test result revealed a significant improvement in students' speaking abilities after the integration of nursery rhymes into the curriculum.
This research highlights the potential benefits of incorporating nursery rhymes into elementary education as a means to enhance speaking skills. The study provides valuable insights for educators, curriculum developers, and policymakers interested in improving language education for grade three and four students. Further, research is recommended to explore the long-term effects of nursery rhyme integration and its applicability in diverse educational contexts.
Evaluation of the Antibacterial Effect of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. Essential Oil on Opportunistic Microflora: Growth and Enzymatic Activity Indicators
Authors: Lemiasheuski Viktar , Ji Yihe , Buchenkov Igor , Gritskevitch Evgeniy , Sysa Aliaksei
Published: July 2024

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is an edible spice with edible value and is cultivated in both tropical and temperate regions. It is a traditional spice with important economic value and extensive medical application value. The purpose of the research: Antibacterial tests were conducted on four types of opportunistic bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract to determine their biochemical indicators. Fennel oil was used as raw material in this study. The object of study were opportunistic microorganisms of the gastrointestinal tract Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus. The study groups were fennel essential oil produced by Botanika LLC, Russian Federation (FEN-B) and IP Saules Sapnis, Republic of Belarus (FEN-SS). Collection microorganisms of the same species were used as a control. Research results have shown that fennel essential oil (Foeniculum vulgare) inhibits the growth of opportunistic microflora. E. coli, B. cereus and P. mirabilis exhibited proteolytic and amylolytic activities. In S. aureus cultured cells, amylolytic enzymes were not present.
Machine Learning-Based Human Movements Mimicking System for Animation and Virtual Reality
Authors: G Asha Latha , Reddy Enugu Vishwanth , Manideep Kothapalli , Agarwal Om
Published: July 2024

A trend, which can be noticed over the last several years, is the increasing interest to the machine learning methods in the animation and virtual reality (VR) industries to process the human motion data. The present abstract studies the possible contribution of human like machine learning simulations on human motions, which aim to improve animation and motion synthesis personalization. In this research, we propose a novel framework that utilizes camera-captured human motion data. This technique, which takes advantage of comes of motion data to simulate these animated characters movements in real time, will allow animators to create more creature-like animated figures with subtle actions as seen in real life. Additionally, in virtual reality, it links users’ movements with their avatars so the whole interaction is more engaging and realistic.
Enhancing Baby Food Safety - integrating Advanced Sensor Technology and Blockchain for Contaminant Detection and Transparency
Authors: Otorkpa Oche Joseph , Ihinkalu Olalekan Ebenezer , Otorkpa Chinenye Oche
Published: July 2024

The “Type of Article” of this paper is “Letter to the Editor”. This paper discuses about: “Enhancing Baby Food Safety - integrating Advanced Sensor Technology and Blockchain for Contaminant Detection and Transparency”. No formal abstract is available. Readers are requested to read the full article.
Mitigation of Abiotic Stresses in Plants through Nutrient Management
Authors: Ashokan Akhila , V. Mini , B Rani , S. Anand
Published: July 2024

The food demand over the world is increasing due to the rapid increase in the population. Direct and indirect effects of climate change have severely affected the growth and development of crops. Of these, abiotic stress factors are reported to cause a reduction in crop productivity ranging from 51 percent to 82 percent. Abiotic stresses like drought, waterlogging stress, salt stress, soil acidity, metal toxicities and temperature variations have overwhelming impact on the growth and productivity of crops. Abiotic stress causes increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and affects various physiological processes, causing reduction in plant growth and yield. Nutrient management proves to be an effective strategy for alleviating various abiotic stress factors affecting agricultural crops. Nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, calcium and magnesium increase the production of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase and reduces ROS production. Micronutrients such as iron, boron and zinc as well as biofertilizers improve plant adaptation to various stresses through activation of antioxidant enzymes. Current review focuses on the impact of mineral nutrients, organic amendments and biofertilizers in alleviating abiotic stress in agricultural crops.
Evaluating Willingness to Sell Vegetation in the White Volta Basin in Northern Ghana
Authors: Bizoola Gandaa, Z,
Published: July 2024

Concepts of ecosystem services have been developed to make explicit connections between human welfare and ecological sustainability for policy, development, and conservation initiatives. Economic concepts such as the distinction between prices and values, and the acknowledgment of their values are context-specific which may change across space and time. Contingent valuation is a survey-based economic technique for valuing non-market resources, such as vegetation. This method is often used to establish the amount people are willing to be compensated for maintaining the existence of an environmental feature such as a tree, shrub, or grass. The level of importance attached to provisioning services as well as cultural services and cultural heritage differ in the rural communities hence different cash values attached. It is often perceived that rural community members do not put monetary value on vegetation, the study is therefore aimed at establishing monetary value rural communities have value for vegetation. The study was conducted in two irrigated and two unirrigated landscapes consisting of about 54 communities and comprising 240 respondents. Participatory Rural Appraisal tools were used. Random Utility Theory was applied and used for the analysis. The willingness to sell vegetation was significant at a 5% confidence level concerning native, sex, age, education, and household head. Marital status was, however, not significant in all the landscapes. The price trend is observed to be across a landscape, from the catchment to the downstream ecosystem.
Antioxidants Characteristics of Traditional Cultivars of Rainfed rice (oryza glaberrima) from Goh-Djiboua and Mountains Districts in Côte D’ivoire
Authors: Aurele Aka Boigny Ange , Henri Biego Godi , Ysidor Konan N’Guessan , Bleouh Nyamien Yves
Published: July 2024

The antioxidant compounds in foodstuffs are of great interests for the nutritional and health safety of consumers, given the preponderant role of food in the overall health. The current work focusses the main antioxidant compounds and activities from 27 traditional varieties of rainfed rice. Qualitative tests were performed to check the presence of the antioxidant compounds, namely total polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, saponins, sterols and terpenes, probed and measured from raw brown rice or whole grains using standard methods. In addition, the antioxidant activity was investigated using standard ABTS and DPPH methods. Only total polyphenols and, to a lesser degree, flavonoids, were qualitatively found from the studied rice samples. The total polyphenols contents (43.83 to 194.60 mg GAE/100g) and flavonoids contents (16.08 to 124.83 mg QE/100g) displayed significant differences from the traditional rainfed rice cultivars investigated (P<0.05), recording higher values in the grains of coloured pericarp rice compared to the other varieties. The greatest ABTS content is found in the varieties Sipricri (357.51 µM Trolox Eq/g) and Jbröko (137.85 µM Trolox Eq/g) which respective percentages of degradation of ABTS radicals are 52.95% and 20.09%. Regarding DPPH assay, the lowest EC50 is found from the variety Sipricri (36.07 µM Trolox Eq/g) and the highest with the rice Glawlon (3445.84 µM Trolox Eq/g). The antioxidant trend of the rainfed rice is nutritionally favorable to support a safety food diet using rice as common local food stuff for populations.
Cultura e processos de gestão em tempo de pandemia - quantificações emergenciais
Authors: Rodrigues Luiz Augusto Fernandes , Correia Marcelo Silveira
Published: July 2024

As fragilidades e vulnerabilidades do setor cultural no Brasil são enormes, tanto em termos das condições de trabalho quanto do fraco investimento financeiro, sobretudo a nível federal. As políticas nacionais de cultura do país se encontram fortemente abaladas desde 2016 com as tentativas de esvaziamento da pasta durante os governos mais recentes em nível federal.  Uma conjuntura que vinha promovendo esforços para minimizar exclusões de grandes camadas da sociedade brasileira se viu em processo contrário, inclusive com a quase nula atenção a duas leis importantes em termos de gestão compartilhada da cultura: a Lei do Sistema Nacional de Cultura (2012) e a que instituiu a Política Nacional de Cultura Viva (2014). Em termos estaduais percebe-se, também forte ausência de gestão pública da cultura e alguns retrocessos, especialmente em estados de ressonância como Rio de Janeiro e São Paulo, e suas cidades capitais homônimas. Algumas resistências são encontradas em gestões em nível municipal (como será debatido). A pesquisa se apóia nos ODS da ONU e a necessidade de maior inclusão de grupos em situação de vulnerabilidade. O que já se apresentava fraco pela quase ausência de políticas governamentais estruturantes, se agravou enormemente com o quadro pandêmico do COVID-19 e as restrições impostas pelo necessário isolamento social, pois "a cultura foi a primeira a parar e será a última a voltar". Ausências e proposições de políticas públicas - tanto  em nível federal como local - serão debatidos, assim como dados parciais em construção serão apresentados.
Incidence and Mortality of Obstructive Lung Disease in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Population‐Based Study
Authors: Nannini Carlotta , Medina‐Velasquez Yimy F. , Achenbach Sara J. , Crowson Cynthia S. , Ryu Jay H. , Vassallo Robert , Gabriel Sherine E. , Matteson Eric L. , Bongartz Tim
Published: February 2013

Objective

Pulmonary disease represents an important extraarticular manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). While the association of RA and interstitial lung disease is widely acknowledged, obstructive lung disease (OLD) in RA is less well understood. We therefore aimed to assess the incidence, risk factors, and mortality of OLD in patients with RA.

Methods

We examined a population‐based incident cohort of patients with RA and a comparison cohort of individuals without RA. OLD was defined using a strict composite criterion. Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare OLD incidence between the RA and comparator cohorts to investigate risk factors and to explore the impact of OLD on patient survival.

Results

A total of 594 patients with RA and 596 subjects without RA were followed for a mean of 16.3 and 19.4 years, respectively. The lifetime risk of developing OLD was 9.6% for RA patients and 6.2% for subjects without RA (hazard ratio [HR] 1.54, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.01–2.34). The risk of developing OLD was higher among male patients, among current or former smokers, and for individuals with more severe RA. Survival of RA patients diagnosed with OLD was worse compared to those without OLD (HR 2.09, 95% CI 1.47–2.97).

Conclusion

Patients with RA are at higher risk of developing OLD, which is significantly associated with premature mortality. Effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to detect and manage OLD in patients with RA may help to improve survival in these patients.
New patterns of scientific growth: How research expanded after the invention of scanning tunneling microscopy and the discovery of Buckminsterfullerenes
Authors: Heinze Thomas , Heidler Richard , Heiberger Raphael Heiko , Riebling Jan
Published: February 2013

This article describes patterns of scientific growth that emerge in response to major research accomplishments in instrumentation and the discovery of new matter. Using two Nobel Prize‐winning contributions, the scanning tunneling microscope (STM) and the discovery of Buckminsterfullerenes (BUF), we examine the growth of follow‐up research via citation networks at the author and subdiscipline level. A longitudinal network analysis suggests that structure, cohesiveness, and interdisciplinarity vary considerably with the type of breakthrough and over time. Scientific progress appears to be multifaceted, including not only theoretical advances but also the discovery of new instrumentation and new matter. In addition, we argue that scientific growth does not necessarily lead to the formation of new specialties or new subdisciplines. Rather, we observe the emergence of a research community formed at the intersection of subdisciplinary boundaries.
Recombineering to homogeneity: extension of multiplex recombineering to large‐scale genome editing
Authors: Boyle Nanette R. , Reynolds T. Steele , Evans Ron , Lynch Michael , Gill Ryan T.
Published: February 2013

Recombineering has been an essential tool for genetic engineering in microbes for many years and has enabled faster, more efficient engineering than previous techniques. There have been numerous studies that focus on improving recombineering efficiency, which can be divided into three main areas: (i) optimizing the oligo used for recombineering to enhance replication fork annealing and limit proofreading; (ii) mechanisms to modify the replisome itself, enabling an increased rate of annealing; and (iii) multiplexing recombineering targets and automation. These efforts have increased the efficiency of recombineering several hundred‐fold. One area that has received far less attention is the problem of multiple chromosomes, which effectively decrease efficiency on a chromosomal basis, resulting in more sectored colonies, which require longer outgrowth to obtain clonal populations. Herein, we describe the problem of multiple chromosomes, discuss calculations predicting how many generations are needed to obtain a pure colony, and how changes in experimental procedure or genetic background can minimize the effect of multiple chromosomes.
Adaptive system identification using robust LMS/F algorithm
Authors: Gui Guan , Peng Wei , Adachi Fumiyuki
Published: February 2013

Adaptive system identification (ASI) problems have attracted both academic and industrial attentions for a long time. As one of the classical approaches for ASI, performance of least mean square (LMS) is unstable in low signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) region. On the contrary, least mean fourth (LMF) algorithm is difficult to implement in practical system because of its high computational complexity in high SNR region, and hence it is usually neglected by researchers. In this paper, we propose an effective approach to identify unknown system adaptively by using combined LMS and LMF algorithms in different SNR regions. Experiment‐based parameter selection is established to optimize the performance as well as to keep the low computational complexity. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
HOXA9, ISL1 and ALDH1A3 methylation patterns as prognostic markers for nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer: Array‐based DNA methylation and expression profiling
Authors: Kim Yong‐June , Yoon Hyung‐Yoon , Kim Ji Sang , Kang Ho Won , Min Byung‐Dal , Kim Seon‐Kyu , Ha Yun‐Sok , Kim Isaac Yi , Ryu Keun Ho , Lee Sang‐Cheol , Kim Wun‐Jae
Published: February 2013

DNA methylation patterns are associated with the development and prognosis of cancer. The aim of this study was to identify novel methylation markers for the prediction of patient outcomes using microarray analysis of DNA methylation and RNA expression patterns in samples from long‐term follow‐up patients with nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). A total of 187 human bladder specimens were used for microarray array or pyrosequencing (PSQ) analyses: 6 normal controls (NC) and 181 NMIBC. Tumor‐specific hypermethylated genes were selected from a data set comprising 24 matched microarray‐based DNA methylation and gene expression profiles (6 controls and 18 NMIBC), and their clinical relevance was verified by quantitative PSQ analysis. The methylation status of Homeobox A9 (HOXA9), ISL LIM homeobox 1 (ISL1) and Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family, member A3 (ALDH1A3) was significantly associated with decreased gene expression levels and aggressive clinicopathological characteristics. Multivariate regression analyses showed that hypermethylation of these genes was an independent predictor of disease recurrence (HOXA9, ISL1 and ALDH1A3, either alone or in combination) and progression (ISL1 and ALDH1A3, either alone or in combination) (each p < 0.05). The results of this study suggest that these novel methylation markers are independent prognostic indicators in NMIBC patients, which may facilitate the assessment of disease recurrence and progression in NMIBC patients and inform clinical decision making regarding treatment.
Analysis of wear, wear particles, and reduced inflammatory potential of vitamin E ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight polyethylene for use in total joint replacement
Authors: Bladen C. L. , Teramura S. , Russell S. L. , Fujiwara K. , Fisher J. , Ingham E. , Tomita N. , Tipper J. L.
Published: February 2013

Vitamin E (VE) has been added to ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) acetabular cups and tibial trays primarily to reduce oxidative damage to the polymer. The aim of this study was to investigate the relative wear rates of UHMWPE‐containing VE compared with virgin UHMWPE. The ability of VE to reduce the amount of inflammatory cytokines produced from stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) was also investigated. Stimulation was achieved by exposure of PBMNCs to either lipoplysaccharide (LPS) or VE‐containing UHMWPE (VE‐UHMWPE). In the present study, results showed that the wear rates of UHMWPE with or without VE were not significantly different. Particles generated by UHMWPE with and without VE were not significantly different in size distribution. The production of osteolytic mediators, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, interleukin 1β (IL‐β), IL‐6, and IL‐8 were significantly reduced in (PBMNCs) stimulated with either LPS + VE compared with LPS or VE‐UHMWPE particles compared to virgin UHMWPE particles. This trend was also observed when VE was added as a liquid to UHMWPE wear particle‐stimulated PBMNCs. The exact mechanism of how VE affects the release of inflammatory mediators from particle‐stimulated macrophages is not yet understood. It is likely to involve the anti‐inflammatory and/or antioxidant effects of VE. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 101B: 458–466, 2013.
Less is less: a systematic review of graph use in meta‐analyses
Authors: Schild Anne H. E. , Voracek Martin
Published: February 2013

Graphs are an essential part of scientific communication. Complex datasets, of which meta‐analyses are textbook examples, benefit the most from visualization. Although a number of graph options for meta‐analyses exist, the extent to which these are used was hitherto unclear. A systematic review on graph use in meta‐analyses in three disciplines (medicine, psychology, and business) and nine journals was conducted. Interdisciplinary differences, which are mirrored in the respective journals, were revealed, that is, graph use correlates with external factors rather than methodological considerations. There was only limited variation in graph types (with forest plots as the most important representatives), and diagnostic plots were very rare. Although an increase in graph use over time could be observed, it is unlikely that this phenomenon is specific to meta‐analyses. There is a gaping discrepancy between available graphic methods and their application in meta‐analyses. This may be rooted in a number of factors, namely, (i) insufficient dissemination of new developments, (ii) unsatisfactory implementation in software packages, and (iii) minor attention on graphics in meta‐analysis reporting guidelines. Using visualization methods to their full capacity is a further step in using meta‐analysis to its full potential. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Steam Plasma Jet Treatment of Phenol in Aqueous Solution at Atmospheric Pressure
Authors: Ni Guohua , Zhao Guixia , Jiang Yiman , Li Jiaxing , Meng Yuedong , Wang Xiangke
Published: February 2013

Steam plasma jet (SPJ) was generated by phenol aqueous solution introduced into water plasma torch as plasma forming gas, which injected into phenol aqueous solution to conduct oxidation degradation of organic pollutants in aqueous solutions. The experimental results indicated that the phenol was not only decomposed in SPJ, but also degraded in phenol aqueous solution due to high concentration hydroxyl radicals. Moreover, the energy efficiencies significantly increased from (1.6–1.8) × 10−10 to (4.8–8.0) × 10−8 mol · J−1 with the initial concentration of phenol increased from 0.5 to 50.0 g · L−1. The main intermediates of phenol decomposition were pyrocatechol, hydroquinone, maleic acid, butanedioic acid, and muconic acid in liquid. The major gaseous effluence products were H2, CO, and CO2.

magnified image
Lévy‐based Modelling in Brain Imaging
Authors: JÓNSDÓTTIR KRISTJANA ÝR , RØNN‐NIELSEN ANDERS , MOURIDSEN KIM , VEDEL JENSEN EVA B.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. A substantive problem in neuroscience is the lack of valid statistical methods for non‐Gaussian random fields. In the present study, we develop a flexible, yet tractable model for a random field based on kernel smoothing of a so‐called Lévy basis. The resulting field may be Gaussian, but there are many other possibilities, including random fields based on Gamma, inverse Gaussian and normal inverse Gaussian (NIG) Lévy bases. It is easy to estimate the parameters of the model and accordingly to assess by simulation the quantiles of test statistics commonly used in neuroscience. We give a concrete example of magnetic resonance imaging scans that are non‐Gaussian. For these data, simulations under the fitted models show that traditional methods based on Gaussian random field theory may leave small, but significant changes in signal level undetected, while these changes are detectable under a non‐Gaussian Lévy model.
The Comparison of Paper- and Web-Based Questionnaires in Patients with Hand and Upper Extremity Illness
Authors: Bot Arjan G. J. , Menendez Mariano E. , Neuhaus Valentin , Mudgal Chaitanya S. , Ring David
Published: February 2013

Background

Questionnaires are often used to quantify the subjective aspects of illness such as disability, coping strategies, or symptoms of depression. Most questionnaires were validated in a paper-based format, but direct entry into a computer is becoming commonplace. The aim of this study was to assess differences in outcome of questionnaires pertinent to hand and upper extremity illness when they were administered in a computer or paper format.

Method

Ninety-nine patients completed both paper and web versions of the short forms of the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand; the Pain Catastrophizing Scale; the Short Health Anxiety Index (SHAI-6); the Patient Health Questionnaire Depression Scale; and a pain scale and the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire sequentially during a single visit. We alternated starting with the paper or the web version after every five patients.

Results

The cohort consisted of 46 females and 53 males with a mean age of 49 years. There were significant differences in SHAI-6 and the pain scale, but not in the other measures. The intraclass correlation was high.

Conclusions

The use of these questionnaires in electronic format is valid provided that the small differences we observed are not important to the primary study question. In our opinion, for most studies, the advantages of using an electronic format outweigh the small additional variation that might be introduced in the measures in an electronic format.
One-Stage Integra Coverage for Fingertip Injuries
Authors: Jacoby Sidney M. , Bachoura Abdo , Chen Neal C. , Shin Eon K. , Katolik Leonid I.
Published: February 2013

Background

We hypothesize that one-stage Integra skin coverage is an effective treatment modality for the treatment of fingertip defects.

Methods

Nine patients who sustained fingertip injuries were treated with one-stage Integra coverage. In all cases, Integra was placed directly on bone. Static two-point discrimination and the Semmes–Weinstein Monofilament Test (SWMFT) were used to determine the sensations of the affected and opposite unaffected digit. The QuickDASH, Cold Intolerance Symptom Severity (CISS), visual analog scale (VAS), and a 0–10-point pain scale were administered to assess patient function, satisfaction, and pain levels.

Results

The mean age was 53.1 years (39–61). There were 8 males and 1 female. The average area covered was 2.3 cm2 (1.0–3.2). The mean follow-up duration was 16 months (8–46). The median QuickDASH, CISS score, VAS patient satisfaction, and 0–10 pain score were 9.1 (2.3–40.9), 18 (4–30), 10 (most satisfied) (7–10), and 0 (0–3), respectively. Five patients were evaluated for their digital sensory perception. The mean static two-point discrimination was 9.6 mm for the affected digit and 4.6 mm for the opposite unaffected digit. The median SWMFT was 4.31 for the affected digit and 3.61 for the opposite unaffected digit.

Conclusion

For small soft tissue and bone defects involving the fingertip, the use of Integra without further skin grafting appears to be effective, avoids the morbidity of the donor site, and avoids a second surgery. Despite mild sensory deficits, patients were satisfied with the results and fully functional during short-term follow-up.
Polyamines and cancer: implications for chemotherapy and chemoprevention
Authors: Nowotarski Shannon L. , Woster Patrick M. , Casero Robert A.
Published: February 2013

Polyamines are small organic cations that are essential for normal cell growth and development in eukaryotes. Under normal physiological conditions, intracellular polyamine concentrations are tightly regulated through a dynamic network of biosynthetic and catabolic enzymes, and a poorly characterised transport system. This precise regulation ensures that the intracellular concentration of polyamines is maintained within strictly controlled limits. It has frequently been observed that the metabolism of, and the requirement for, polyamines in tumours is frequently dysregulated. Elevated levels of polyamines have been associated with breast, colon, lung, prostate and skin cancers, and altered levels of rate-limiting enzymes in both biosynthesis and catabolism have been observed. Based on these observations and the absolute requirement for polyamines in tumour growth, the polyamine pathway is a rational target for chemoprevention and chemotherapeutics. Here we describe the recent advances made in the polyamine field and focus on the roles of polyamines and polyamine metabolism in neoplasia through a discussion of the current animal models for the polyamine pathway, chemotherapeutic strategies that target the polyamine pathway, chemotherapeutic clinical trials for polyamine pathway-specific drugs and ongoing clinical trials targeting polyamine biosynthesis.
Evaluating environmental governance in a Belarusian World Bank biodiversity project
Authors: FALALEEVA MARIA , RAUSCHMAYER FELIX
Published: February 2013

International aid projects in post-communist countries were meant to support environmental protection during the transition period and to introduce new standards of environmental governance. While the outcomes of the World Bank biodiversity project in the Belavezhskaya Pushcha National Park in Belarus were evaluated positively after its delayed completion, an assessment using the same criteria 10 years later questioned its long-term effectiveness. This paper links current project outcomes with the implementation process, and uses this knowledge to deduce lessons for designing and implementing future international initiatives in Belarus and other post-communist contexts. There are four interlinked and project-specific reasons for the observed unsustainability of project outcomes are identified: (1) the predominance of the natural sciences, (2) an unbalanced representation of actors within the hierarchical system of governance, (3) powerful implementation by official high-level actors, and (4) insufficient knowledge of participatory methods and principles of multi-level governance. In order to introduce new standards for environmental governance, international aid projects should (1) streamline communications between the actors at different scales, including donor organizations, local agencies and stakeholders in the receiving countries; and (2) use ongoing project and, in particular, process assessment to reflect on the project progress to achieve longer term effectiveness of project outcomes.
The emergence of wildlife species as a source of human rabies infection in Brazil
Authors: FAVORETTO S. R. , de MATTOS C. C. , de MATTOS C. A. , CAMPOS A. C. A. , SACRAMENTO D. R. V. , DURIGON E. L.
Published: February 2013

Forty-five human rabies virus isolates from a wide geographical area of Brazil were characterized using an anti-nucleoprotein monoclonal antibody panel and by partial nucleotide sequencing analysis of the nucleoprotein gene. Three major antigenic groups related to the antigenic variants maintained in domestic dogs, vampire bats and marmosets were identified. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the viruses from dog-related cases segregated into four sister clades: three associated with dog-endemic cycles in Brazil and one with the crab-eating fox cycle in the northeastern region of the country. The vampire bat- and marmoset-related viruses formed two independent groups. The topology of these clades was conserved when these samples were compared to virus representatives of the currently reported rabies endemic cycles in the Americas. These results indicated the presence of multiple endemic transmission cycles maintained in four different reservoirs, domestic dogs, crab-eating foxes, vampire bats and marmosets, which are being transmitted directly to humans and should be considered as a high-risk for rabies infection.
La construction passive en ‘se faire’: une forme concurrente et complémentaire du passif canonique
Authors: LE BELLEC CHRISTEL
Published: February 2013

L'objectif de ce travail est de déterminer la raison d'être de deux formes passives concurrentes en français, à savoir la passive canonique enêtresuivi du participe passé, comme:Jean a été renvoyé de son travailet la passive ense fairesuivi du verbe à l'infinitif, comme:Jean s'est fait renvoyer de son travail. Ainsi, nous examinerons les contraintes aspectuelles qui pèsent sur le passif canonique et qui peuvent obliger le locuteur à utiliser la passive ense faire, ce qui en fait une construction complémentaire. De plus, nous verrons que l'idée traditionnellement répandue dans la littérature selon laquelle la différence entre les deux constructions se situerait au niveau de la responsabilité du référent du sujet, doit être abandonnée au profit d'une différence sémantique reposant sur l'affectation du référent du sujet.
Very low food security in the USA is linked with exposure to violence
Authors: Chilton Mariana M , Rabinowich Jenny R , Woolf Nicholas H
Published: February 2013

Objective

To investigate characteristics of exposure to violence in relation to food security status among female-headed households.

Design

Ongoing mixed-method participatory action study. Questions addressed food insecurity, public assistance, and maternal and child health. Grounded theory analysis of qualitative themes related to violence was performed. These themes were then categorized by food security status.

Setting

Homes of low-income families in Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Subjects

Forty-four mothers of children under 3 years of age participating in public assistance programmes.

Results

Forty women described exposure to violence ranging from fear of violence to personal experiences with rape. Exposure to violence affected mental health, ability to continue school and obtain work with living wages, and subsequently the ability to afford food. Exposure to violence during childhood and being a perpetrator of violence were both linked to very low food security status and depressive symptoms. Ten of seventeen (59 %) participants reporting very low food security described life-changing violence, compared with three of fifteen (20 %) participants reporting low food security and four of twelve (33 %) reporting food security. Examples of violent experiences among the very low food secure group included exposure to child abuse, neglect and rape that suggest exposure to violence is an important factor in the experience of very low food security.

Conclusions

Descriptions of childhood trauma and life-changing violence are linked with severe food security. Policy makers and clinicians should incorporate violence prevention efforts when addressing hunger.
Intrastriatal gene delivery of GDNF persistently attenuates methamphetamine self-administration and relapse in mice
Authors: Yan Yijin , Miyamoto Yoshiaki , Nitta Atsumi , Muramatsu Shin-ichi , Ozawa Keiya , Yamada Kiyofumi , Nabeshima Toshitaka
Published: February 2013

Relapse of drug abuse after abstinence is a major challenge to the treatment of addicts. In our well-established mouse models of methamphetamine (Meth) self-administration and reinstatement, bilateral microinjection of adeno-associated virus vectors expressing GDNF (AAV-Gdnf) into the striatum significantly reduced Meth self-administration, without affecting locomotor activity. Moreover, the intrastriatal AAV-Gdnf attenuated cue-induced reinstatement of Meth-seeking behaviour in a sustainable manner. In addition, this manipulation showed that Meth-primed reinstatement of Meth-seeking behaviour was reduced. These findings suggest that the AAV vector-mediated Gdnf gene transfer into the striatum is an effective and sustainable approach to attenuate Meth self-administration and Meth-associated cue-induced relapsing behaviour and that the AAV-mediated Gdnf gene transfer in the brain may be a valuable gene therapy against drug dependence and protracted relapse in clinical settings.
The origins, development, and application of Qualitative Comparative Analysis: the first 25 years
Authors: Marx Axel , Rihoux Benoît , Ragin Charles
Published: February 2013

A quarter century ago, in 1987, Charles C. Ragin published The Comparative Method, introducing a new method to the social sciences called Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA). QCA is a comparative case-oriented research approach and collection of techniques based on set theory and Boolean algebra, which aims to combine some of the strengths of qualitative and quantitative research methods. Since its launch in 1987, QCA has been applied extensively in the social sciences. This review essay first sketches the origins of the ideas behind QCA. Next, the main features of the method, as presented in The Comparative Method, are introduced. A third part focuses on the early applications. A fourth part presents early criticisms and subsequent innovations. A fifth part then focuses on an era of further expansion in political science and presents some of the main applications in the discipline. In doing so, this paper seeks to provide insights and references into the origin and development of QCA, a non-technical introduction to its main features, the path travelled so far, and the diversification of applications.
Exploring the structure and function of Thermotoga maritima CorA reveals the mechanism of gating and ion selectivity in Co2+/Mg2+ transport
Authors: Nordin Nurhuda , Guskov Albert , Phua Terri , Sahaf Newsha , Xia Yu , Lu Siyan , Eshaghi Hojjat , Eshaghi Said
Published: February 2013

The CorA family of divalent cation transporters utilizes Mg2+ and Co2+ as primary substrates. The molecular mechanism of its function, including ion selectivity and gating, has not been fully characterized. Recently we reported a new structure of a CorA homologue from Methanocaldococcus jannaschii, which provided novel structural details that offered the conception of a unique gating mechanism involving conversion of an open hydrophilic gate into a closed hydrophobic one. In the present study we report functional evidence for this novel gating mechanism in the Thermotoga maritima CorA together with an improved crystal structure of this CorA to 2.7 Å (1 Å=0.1 nm) resolution. The latter reveals the organization of the selectivity filter to be similar to that of M. jannaschii CorA and also the previously unknown organization of the second signature motif of the CorA family. The proposed gating is achieved by a helical rotation upon the binding of a metal ion substrate to the regulatory binding sites. Additionally, our data suggest that the preference of this CorA for Co2+ over Mg2+ is controlled by the presence of threonine side chains in the channel. Finally, the roles of the intracellular metal-binding sites have been assigned to increased thermostability and regulation of the gating. These mechanisms most likely apply to the entire CorA family as they are regulated by the highly conserved amino acids.
Harnessing quantum transport by transient chaos
Authors: Yang Rui , Huang Liang , Lai Ying-Cheng , Grebogi Celso , Pecora Louis M.
Published: February 2013

Chaos has long been recognized to be generally advantageous from the perspective of control. In particular, the infinite number of unstable periodic orbits embedded in a chaotic set and the intrinsically sensitive dependence on initial conditions imply that a chaotic system can be controlled to a desirable state by using small perturbations. Investigation of chaos control, however, was largely limited to nonlinear dynamical systems in the classical realm. In this paper, we show that chaos may be used to modulate or harness quantum mechanical systems. To be concrete, we focus on quantum transport through nanostructures, a problem of considerable interest in nanoscience, where a key feature is conductance fluctuations. We articulate and demonstrate that chaos, more specifically transient chaos, can be effective in modulating the conductance-fluctuation patterns. Experimentally, this can be achieved by applying an external gate voltage in a device of suitable geometry to generate classically inaccessible potential barriers. Adjusting the gate voltage allows the characteristics of the dynamical invariant set responsible for transient chaos to be varied in a desirable manner which, in turn, can induce continuous changes in the statistical characteristics of the quantum conductance-fluctuation pattern. To understand the physical mechanism of our scheme, we develop a theory based on analyzing the spectrum of the generalized non-Hermitian Hamiltonian that includes the effect of leads, or electronic waveguides, as self-energy terms. As the escape rate of the underlying non-attracting chaotic set is increased, the imaginary part of the complex eigenenergy becomes increasingly large so that pointer states are more difficult to form, making smoother the conductance-fluctuation pattern.
Experimental study of skin friction drag reduction on superhydrophobic flat plates in high Reynolds number boundary layer flow
Authors: Aljallis Elias , Sarshar Mohammad Amin , Datla Raju , Sikka Vinod , Jones Andrew , Choi Chang-Hwan
Published: February 2013

In this paper, we report the measurement of skin friction drag on superhydrophobic-coated flat plates in high Reynolds (Re) number boundary layer flows, using a high-speed towing tank system. Aluminum flat plates with a large area (4 feet × 2 feet, 3/8 in. thick) and sharpened leading/trailing edges (1 in. long) were prepared as a boundary layer flow model. Spray coating of hydrophobic nanoparticles was applied to make two different types of superhydrophobic coatings: one with low contact angle and high contact angle hysteresis, and the other with high contact angle and low contact angle hysteresis. Skin friction drag of the superhydrophobic plates was measured in the flow speed up to 30 ft/s to cover transition and turbulent flow regimes (105 < ReL < 107), and was compared to that of an uncoated bare aluminum plate. A significant drag reduction was observed on the superhydrophobic plate with high contact angle and low contact angle hysteresis up to ∼30% in transition regime (105 < ReL < 106), which is attributed to the shear-reducing air layer entrapped on the superhydrophobic surface. However, in fully turbulence regime (106 < ReL < 107), an increase of drag was observed, which is ascribed to the morphology of the surface air layer and its depletion by high shear flow. The texture of superhydrophobic coatings led to form a rugged morphology of the entrapped air layer, which would behave like microscale roughness to the liquid flow and offset the drag-reducing effects in the turbulent flow. Moreover, when the superhydrophobic coating became wet due to the removal of air by high shear at the boundary, it would amplify the surface roughness of solid wall and increase the drag in the turbulent flow. The results illustrate that drag reduction is not solely dependent on the superhydrophobicity of a surface (e.g., contact angle and air fraction), but the morphology and stability of the surface air layer are also critical for the effective drag reduction using superhydrophobic surfaces, especially in high Re number turbulent flow regimes.
Abnormal polarization switching of relaxor terpolymer films at low temperatures
Authors: Tian B. B. , Zhao X. L. , Liu B. L. , Wang J. L. , Han Li , Sun J. L. , Meng X. J. , Chu J. H.
Published: February 2013

The ferroelectricity of poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene-chlorofluoroethylene) terpolymer films fabricated using Langmuir–Blodgett technology were investigated from 180 to 300 K. The temperature dependences of the remanent polarization and the dielectric response showed a broad peak at ∼270 K, suggesting a ferroelectric phase transition. Unlike perovskite relaxors, a deviation from Merz's law was observed in the relationship between the coercive field and the frequency, which was used to measure the hysteresis for the relaxor terpolymer. The specific ferroelectricity of the relaxor terpolymer is considered to be associated with the distinctive structure and dynamics of its typical molecular conformations.