bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Interventions Might Improve Cognition in Healthy Older Adults
Authors: Zelinski Elizabeth M.
Published: November 2013

Many of the cognitive declines in healthy aging are moderated by experience, suggesting that interventions may be beneficial. Goals for aging outcomes include improving performance on untrained tasks, remediating observed cognitive declines, and ensuring preservation of functional ability. This selective review evaluates current progress towards these goals. Most research focuses on untrained tasks. Interventions associated with this outcome include games and exercises practicing specific cognitive skills, as well as aerobic exercise, and modestly benefit a relatively narrow range of cognitive tasks. Few studies have directly tested improvements in tasks on which individuals have been shown to experience longitudinal decline, so this goal has not been realized, though remediation can be examined rather easily. Little work has been done to develop psychometrically strong functional outcomes that could be used to test preservation of independence in everyday activities. Virtual reality approaches to functional assessment show promise for achieving the third goal.
Playing with Biology
Authors: Talbot Thomas B.
Published: November 2013

Game-based medical simulations differ from other training modalities in that life processes must be simulated as part of the experience. Biological fidelity is the degree to which character anatomical appearance and physiology behavior are represented within a game or simulation. Methods to achieve physiological fidelity include computational physiology engines, complex state machines, simple state machines and kinetic models. Traditional games also employ health scores that can also be employed for medical gaming. The selection of technique to is dependent upon the goals of the simulation, the types of input expected of the user, the amount of development work possible and the level of fidelity required. Apparent biological fidelity, responsiveness to user inputs and the ability to correct mistakes is often more important than actual biological fidelity.
Successful Game Development Partnerships between Academics and Physicians
Authors: Bertozzi Elena , Krilov Leonard R. , Walker Dilys
Published: November 2013

This paper discusses the creation of two serious games developed by the Engender Games Group with the intention of meeting specific outcomes in the healthcare field. The processes and pitfalls of developing games of this kind are outlined with the intention of demonstrating how game developers and health care professionals can collaborate to produce compelling, fun games that meet specific goals. The Atendiendo el Parto en Casa (Home Birth), game is a collaboration with Drs. Dilys Walker and Carrie Rouse at the University of Washington Medical School to educate traditional midwives working in rural Mexico. The Flu Busters! game is a collaboration with a group of pediatric specialists at Winthrop-University Hospital on Long Island led by Dr. Leonard Krilov which explains how the flu vaccine works and encourages children to get vaccinated.
An Intelligent Supply Chain Design for Improving Delivery Reliability
Authors: Mettler Tobias , Pinto Roberto , Raber David
Published: November 2013

In order to flexibly respond to market demands and changing business environments, today’s European machinery and equipment manufacturers are organized in agile, non-hierarchical business networks. As a consequence, relationships with suppliers are often highly volatile, instable and inapprehensible, which in turn causes turbulences with respect to reliability of deliveries. Following the design research paradigm, both practical and knowledge problems are considered by this paper. First, from a practical point of view, a new intelligent supply chain design for non-hierarchical manufacturing networks is developed, that pledges to improve the delivery reliability. Second, from a knowledge point of view, the underlying hypotheses that go along with this new design are validated using structural equation modeling. The results confirm several previously proposed assumptions, including the importance of an electronic procurement process as well as the use of incentive mechanisms for influencing a supplier’s delivery reliability.
The Decisions on Backup Supply in the Presence of Supply Disruptions
Authors: Hou Jing , Zeng Amy Z. , Zhao Lindu
Published: November 2013

As supply chains are becoming more dependent upon suppliers, the importance of using backup supply is receiving increasing attention. The objective of this paper is to develop a set of models to facilitate manufacturers/buyers’ decision as to when to use a backup supply if the main supply source is interrupted. The authors take a number of cost factors such as production, purchasing and inventory holding during the disruption cycle into consideration. The impacts of the duration and the magnitude of the main supplier’s breakdown are explicitly studied, and the effect of demand change during disruption is also examined. Numerical illustrations are given to show the applications of the decision-making models developed in the paper.
Analysis of Light Rail Access to Airports for the Effective Ground Transportation
Authors: Qin Zhaoqiong
Published: November 2013

This paper discusses the attractiveness the cost-effectiveness of the light rail service connecting the airport and the main destinations in a city compared with other modes of ground transportation. A mathematical model is developed and the optimal frequency of light rail service is decided based on the minimization of the total cost including waiting time cost of travelers at the airport and operating cost of the light rail. Sensitivity analysis is made to show the effect of such parameters as passenger flow, unit time cost, unit operating time cost and etc. on the optimal frequency of the light rail service to provide the convenient, cost-effectiveness, and advanced accessible ground transportation service at the airport.
Intrinsic Evolvable Hardware Used for Fault Tolerance Systems
Authors: Ionescu Laurenţiu , Mazare Alin , Şerban Gheorghe
Published: November 2013

The main target of this chapter is to present the intrinsic evolvable hardware structures: concept, design and applications. The intrinsic evolvable hardware structures concept join more research areas like: bio – inspired searching methods (evolutionary algorithms), optimization of algorithms by parallel processing and reconfigurable circuits. First, a general overview about intrinsic evolvable hardware structure is presented. The intrinsic evolvable hardware structure consists in two main modules: hardware genetic algorithm and dynamic reconfigurable circuit. In a particular application, the hardware genetic algorithm searches the configuration that makes the reconfigurable circuit to correctly respond to application requirements. In a background section are presented the genetic algorithm concept as a bio-inspired search solution, the hardware reconfiguration concept with sub areas classifications and the research directions in the evolvable hardware structures areas with application examples. In the first part of the main section are presented the design solutions for hardware implementation of genetic algorithm. Then the solutions are presented for the reconfigurable circuit design and interconnection between reconfigurable circuit and hardware genetic algorithm. Finally, are presented several applications that illustrate the usefulness of the intrinsic evolvable hardware structure. Intrinsic evolvable hardware can be used as a method of resolving faults occurring in some parts of the digital circuit.
Computational Techniques to Manage Natural Resources
Authors: Adamatti Diana F. , de Aguiar Marilton S.
Published: November 2013

To manage the natural resource, many aspect must be treat, because this are evolve all flora and fauna in planet. Mainly, how this management could improve the life quality in present and future, for all species (not just for human begins). In literature, there are three computational challenges in natural resources management: data management and communication; data analysis; and optimization and control. In this paper, the authors present four case studies where some techniques could help in the management of natural resources and to solve these challenges.
Modeling the Complexity of the Terrorism/Counter-Terrorism Struggle
Authors: Arney Chris , Silvis Zachary , Thielen Matthew , Yao Jeff
Published: November 2013

The United States armed forces could be considered the world’s most powerful military force. However, in modern conflicts, techniques of asymmetric warfare (terrorism) wreak havoc on the inflexible, regardless of technological or numerical advantage. In order to be more effective, the US military must improve its counter-terrorism (CT) capabilities and flexibility. In this light, the authors model the terrorism-counter-terrorism (T-CT) struggle with a detailed and complex mathematical model and analyze the model’s components of leadership, promotion, recruitment, resources, operational techniques, cooperation, logistics, security, intelligence, science, and psychology in the T-CT struggle, with the goal of informing today’s decision makers of the options available in counter-terrorism strategy.
An individual-based phenology model for western spruce budworm (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)
Authors: Nealis V.G. , Régnière J.
Published: November 2013

An individual-based phenology model for western spruce budworm, Choristoneura occidentalis Freeman (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), was developed using stage-specific rates of development, oviposition, and egg hatch observed under controlled conditions at several temperatures. Model output was compared with age distributions estimated by sampling field populations of budworm at several locations in British Columbia, Canada, over many years. The fit of the model was very good for the entire life cycle of the insect. We further validate the model by comparing output with independent observations of moth flight phenology of C. occidentalis and Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens) in populations of Cypress Hills, Canada and illustrate spatial variation in the seasonal occurrence of early-stage feeding western spruce budworm over most of its range in western Canada. In addition to serving as the underlying structure for the modelling of population dynamics at the seasonal level, the model can be used to predict the time of occurrence of different life stages for precise timing of pest management operations.
Honey production of honey bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) colonies with high and low Varroa destructor (Acari: Varroidae) infestation rates in eastern Canada
Authors: Emsen Berna , Guzman-Novoa Ernesto , Kelly Paul G.
Published: November 2013

The objective of this study was to compare the honey yields of groups of honey bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) colonies with high and low infestation rates of the mite Varroa destructor Anderson and Trueman (Acari: Varroidae). More than 150 colonies were screened for mite fall in early spring and again 16 weeks later. The 10 colonies with the lowest rates (L) and the 10 colonies with the highest rates (H) of mite population growth were selected. These 20 colonies were evaluated for mite infestation in adult bees and honey production. Adult bee infestation in the colonies of the H group was significantly higher than in the colonies of the L group. Additionally, H and L colonies differed significantly for honey production. L colonies produced 28.91 ± 2.34 kg of honey per hive versus 18.49 ± 0.77 kg for the group of H colonies. Furthermore, the mite infestation level of colonies measured as mite fall or as number of mites per 100 bees, was significantly correlated with honey production (r = −0.62, P < 0.05 and r = −0.76, P < 0.01, respectively). These results indicate that varroa mite populations significantly reduce honey yields in honey bee colonies in eastern Canada.
Calcineurin–Rcan1 Interaction Contributes to Stem Cell Factor–Mediated Mast Cell Activation
Authors: Wu Zhengli , Li Yanhong , MacNeil Adam J. , Junkins Robert D. , Berman Jason N. , Lin Tong-Jun
Published: November 2013

The receptor for stem cell factor (SCF) is expressed on mast cells and hematopoietic progenitors. SCF-induced signaling pathways remain incompletely defined. In this study, we identified calcineurin and regulator of calcineurin 1 (Rcan1) as novel components in SCF signaling. Calcineurin activity was induced in SCF-stimulated primary mouse and human mast cells. NFAT was activated by SCF in bone marrow–derived mast cells (BMMCs) and mouse bone marrow cells, which contain hematopoietic progenitors. SCF-mediated activation also induced expression of Rcan1 in BMMCs. Rcan1-deficient BMMCs showed increased calcineurin activity and enhanced transcriptional activity of NF-κB and NFAT, resulting in increased IL-6 and TNF production following SCF stimulation. These results suggest that Rcan1 suppresses SCF-induced activation of calcineurin and NF-κB. We further demonstrated that SCF-induced Rcan1 expression is dependent on the transcription factor early growth response 1 (Egr1). Interestingly, SCF-induced Egr1 was also suppressed by Rcan1, suggesting a negative regulatory loop between Egr1 and Rcan1. Together, our findings revealed that calcineurin contributes to SCF-induced signaling, leading to NFAT activation, which, together with NF-κB and Egr1, is suppressed by Rcan1. Considering the wide range of biological functions of SCF, these novel regulatory mechanisms in SCF signaling may have broad implications.
Adenylyl Cyclase 6 Activation Negatively Regulates TLR4 Signaling through Lipid Raft–Mediated Endocytosis
Authors: Cai Wei , Du Ailian , Feng Kuan , Zhao Xiaonan , Qian Liu , Ostrom Rennolds S. , Xu Congfeng
Published: November 2013

Proper intracellular localization of TLRs is essential for their signaling and biological function. Endocytosis constitutes a key step in protein turnover, as well as maintenance of TLR localization in plasma membrane and intracellular compartments, and thus provides important regulating points to their signaling. In this study, we demonstrate that adenylyl cyclase (AC) activation attenuates TLR4 signaling in a murine macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7) and bone marrow–derived macrophages when stimulated with LPS. We further show that the AC6 isoform plays a key role in negative regulation of TLR4 signaling by promoting protein degradation. TLR4 is normally endocytosed through the clathrin-mediated pathway, but concomitant AC6 activation shifts it to lipid raft-mediated endocytosis, which accelerates degradation of TLR4 and suppresses downstream signaling. Our studies unveil a new mechanism of negative regulation of TLR4 signaling through AC6-mediated endocytosis, which might provide a novel therapeutic approach for limiting inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
Basement features of the Canadian Appalachians
Authors: Howie R D , Cumming L M
Published: November 2013

Three ages of crystalline or highly deformed rocks provide a basement to Carboniferous sedimentary areas in the Canadian Appalachians. Regional distribution of the exposed part of the basement provides evidence of progressive stabilization of the entire area,
viz., Ordovician and Silurian rocks are a cratonic cover to Precambrian rocks; slightly folded Silurian and Devonian sediments cover folded Ordovician rocks; and flat-lying Carboniferous rocks are a cratonic cover on earlier Palreozoic rocks. Progressive stabilization confined the late Palreozoic
subsidence to a relatively narrow mobile belt and aided in producing a fragmentation of the basement along this belt of deep subsidence. Basement fragmentation produced 'basement blocks' (e.g., Caledonia Highlands, Cobequid Mountains, Antigonish Highlands) comprising inliers of Precambrian and Lower
Palreozoic rocks witbin the area of greatest Carboniferous subsidence. Uplift and tilting of basement blocks greatly influenced the regional Carboniferous sedimentation (Bell, 1944). Isopach maps of six stratigraphic units of the Carboniferous cover provide information concerning the surface of
the pre-Carboniferous basement, and tbe subsurface position of the preCarboniferous rocks is interpreted from available bore-bole, seismic, aeromagnetic, and gravity data.
Current research part B
Authors:   Geological Survey of Canada
Published: November 2013

The NW boundary zone of the Central Metasedimentary Belt in the Haliburton region is composed of at least two thrust sheets, each 3-4 km thick, bounded above and below by highly strained silicate gneisses and marble tectonic mélange. These are zones of
ductile overthrusting towards the NW, along the direction of the extension lineation.
Detailed gravity profiles across the Sleepy Dragon Complex and adjacent parts of the Yellowknife Domain, Slave structural province, Northwest Territories: preliminary data
Authors: Bleeker W , Cooper R V , Berrigan M E , Roest W R , Hendry K A
B
Published: November 2013

A detailed gravity survey was performed east of Yellowknife, across the Sleepy Dragon basement complex, its flanking greenstone belts and adjacent parts of the Yellowknife Domain. A total of 152 stations were recorded along three profiles that link up with
Lithoprobe's high-resolution SNORCLE transect along the Ingraham Trail. Major gravity anomalies were recorded over the greenstone belts and over a variety of granitoid plutons that will help in constraining the deep structure of the area. In general, the gravity profiles show excellent correlation
with the known geology. This short report presents general background information on the survey as well as the preliminary data.
Surficial geology and implications for drift prospecting, Hope Bay volcanic belt area, Northwest Territories
Authors: Kerr D E , Knight R D
Published: November 2013

Surficial geology mapping and till sampling in Rideout Island and Elu Inlet map areas provide regional baseline data for drift prospecting and integrated environmental assessment planning in the Hope Bay volcanic belt. Raised marine sediments are the most
widespread surficial sediment, although wave-washed till is extensive. Eskers, glaciofluvial outwash, and marine beaches are potential aggregate resources, but may contain segregated and massive ground ice. Dominant ice flow directions from the last ice movement range from west-southwestward to
northward. In the northeasternmost regions, a predominant westward flow is recorded; an older northwestward flow may also have occurred but crosscutting relationships are ambiguous. Near the Hope Bay volcanic belt, effects of the dominant northwestward flow on dispersal patterns of volcanic pebbles
in till are evident; lithological distributions reflect the predominant northwestward flow and suggest limited glacial transport. Potential massive ground ice in fine-grained marine sediments warrants geotechnical investigations prior to major development.
Geology of the McKellar Bay-Wight Inlet-Frobisher Bay area, southern Baffin Island, Northwest Territories
Authors: St-Onge M R , Scott D J , Wodicka N , Lucas S
B
Published: November 2013

Metasedimentary rocks and orthogneiss of the McKellar Bay-Wight Inlet-Frobisher Bay area (southern Baffin Island) occur in recumbently folded and imbricated panels of a southwest-verging fold-thrust belt exposed along the hinge zone and southeastern limb of a
regional crossfold antiform. Three principal tectonostratigraphic assemblages are recognized. At the lowest structural levels, in the hinge of the antiform, are layered monzogranite-granodiorite-tonalite orthogneiss with diorite and rare anorthosite (Narsajuaq arc) dated at 1.84-1.82 Ga. Marble,
psammite, and semipelite of the 1.93-1.86 Ga Lake Harbour Group tectonically overlie this orthogneiss. A ca. 1.95 Ga dominantly monzogranite-tonalite orthogneiss (Ramsay River orthogneiss) occurs at the highest structural levels preserved on the limbs of the regional antiform, where it is imbricated
with the structurally underlying Lake Harbour Group. Both the Lake Harbour Group and Ramsay River orthogneiss are intruded by the ca. 1.86-1.85 Ga Cumberland batholith.
Structural transect of the central Wabigoon subprovince between the Sturgeon Lake and Obonga Lake greenstone belts, Ontario
Authors: Percival J A
Published: November 2013

The central Wabigoon region between the Sturgeon Lake and Obonga Lake greenstone belts is a complex granitoid terrane in which at least thirteen intrusive phases and five deformation events can be distinguished. The oldest unit, tonalite gneiss, has S1
gneissosity and rarely preserved north-trending F2 folds. The dominant rock types, biotite tonalite, biotite granodiorite, and hornblende-biotite granodiorite, carry the regionally dominant S3 foliation and sporadic migmatitic layering. Map-scale F4 folds are open to tight and upright, with gently
east-northeast- or west-northwest-plunging hinges which have been warped by broad F5 folds with easterly axial surfaces. The reconstructed structural stack comprises basal sheets of granodiorite and tonalite overlain by pods of syenite-monzodiorite and porphyritic granodiorite, the Sturgeon and
Obonga supracrustal sequences, and uppermost tonalitic gneisses. The complex intrusive-deformation history of the granitoid terrane will be calibrated with geochronology to test geometric correlations ABSTF La partie centrale de la région de Wabigoon entre les ceintures de roches vertes de
Sturgeon Lake et d'Obonga Lake est un terrane granitoïde complexe dans lequel on peut distinguer au moins treize phases intrusives et cinq épisodes de déformation. L'unité la plus ancienne, un gneiss tonalitique, se caractérise par une gneissosité S1 et des plis F2 de
direction nord rarement conservés. Les lithotypes dominants, soit de la tonalite à biotite, de la granodiorite à biotite et de la granodiorite à hornblende-biotite, renferment la foliation S3 régionalement dominante et un litage migmatitique sporadique. Les plis F4
d'échelle cartographique sont ouverts à serrés et droits; leurs charnières, qui plongent doucement vers l'est-nord-est ou l'ouest-nord-ouest, ont été gauchies par de larges plis F5 à surfaces axiales orientées vers l'est. L'empilement structural
reconstitué comprend des couches de base de granodiorite et de tonalite que recouvrent des lentilles fusiformes de syénite-monzodiorite et de granodiorite porphyrique, les séquences supracrustales de Sturgeon et d'Obonga et des gneiss tonalitiques sommitaux. L'histoire complexe
d'intrusion-déformation du terrane granitoïde sera étalonnée avec la géochronologie afin de tester les corrélations géométriques avec les structures des ceintures de roches vertes adjacentes.
Questions of correlation across the Grenville Front east of Sudbury, Ontario
Authors: Davidson A
Published: November 2013

Intensely deformed and highly metamorphosed sedimentary and mafic igneous rocks southeast of the Grenville Front in the Sudbury area contrast strongly with the relatively simply folded, low-grade Huronian Supergroup and associated mafic intrusions in the adjacent
Southern Province. Relict stratigraphy on the Grenville side of the front does not appear to correlate with any part of the well-known Huronian succession. It seems likely, however, that the mafic meta-igneous rocks are equivalent to anorthositic gabbro intrusions which occur at the base of the
Huronian, and to Nipissing gabbro which intrudes it. If so, the metasedimentary rocks may represent distal facies of the Huronian Supergroup that have been tectonically transported northwestward during Grenvillian or earlier orogeny, or both.
Sedimentology of the Oak Ridges Moraine, Humber River watershed, southern Ontario: a preliminary report
Authors: Russell H A J , Sharpe D R , Arnott R W
C
Published: November 2013

The Oak Ridges Moraine is a 150 km long landform of regional significance for groundwater recharge. It crops out across 16% of the 900 km2 Humber River watershed and its subsurface extent is poorly understood. Six lithofacies form much of the moraine in
the study area and are discussed within the context of three sites. Architectural associations studied in outcrop are dominated by broad, shallow channels and scours, filled predominantly with medium sand and gravel facies. At two sites, drill core intersects the complete thickness of the moraine
and consists mostly (~60-70%) of two lithofacies; graded fine sand-silt and small-scale cross-laminated fine sand-silt. At one of the two sites, gravel constitutes up to 30% of the moraine thickness. This study suggests that the moraine has been formed in an ice-supported environment
by pulsating glaciofluvial flow discharging subaqueously in a glaciolacustrine environment.
A note on the Obedjiwan nepheline syenite, central Quebec
Authors: Currie K L , Gittins J
Published: November 2013

The Obedjiwan nepheline syenite forms two lenticular masses, one about 4 km by 2 km centred near 48°41"N, 74°56"W, and a smaller body 5 km to the northwest. Both bodies are coarse grained and weakly foliated, but show a strong lineation, and
schlier-like areas of finer grain, interpreted as blastomylonitic. They have been substantially recrystallized, probably under amphibolite or granulite facies conditions. A pyroxene syenite outcropping around the periphery of the nepheline syenite forms part of a regional mafic gneiss complex
hosting the nepheline syenite. The mechanical strength of the regional complex may be the reason why the nepheline syenite shows relatively little deformation, since migmatitic granite gneiss north of the complex is much more strongly deformed. These observations suggest that the Obedjiwan nepheline
syenite is fairly typical of Proterozoic nepheline syenite bodies along the Grenville Front, and not anomalously undeformed and unmetamorphosed, as previously reported.
Issues in or with Genesis 22: An overview of exegetical issues related to one of the most problematic biblical chapters
Authors: Lombaard Christo
Published: November 2013

The understanding of the Akedah (Genesis 22) has since its very inception been contentious. The psychologically disturbing and theologically challenging account renders a series of exegetical and interpretative problems. Often methodology serves to hinder a fuller perception of the elements and aspects of the text, examples of which are given here relating to the opening phrase to the chapter, the choice of literary or historical placement implied by the exegete�s choices on the opening phrase, the treatment of verses 15 to 18 (and, hence, verse 1) and the treatment of the morality (ethics and philosophy) involved with this text.
A Longitudinal Analysis of the Effect of Mass Drug Administration on Acute Inflammatory Episodes and Disease Progression in Lymphedema Patients in Léogane, Haiti
Authors: Eddy Brittany A. , Blackstock Anna J. , Williamson John M. , Addiss David G. , Streit Thomas G. , Beau de Rochars Valery M. , Fox LeAnne M.
Published: November 2013

We conducted a longitudinal analysis of 117 lymphedema patients in a filariasis-endemic area of Haiti during 1995–2008. No difference in lymphedema progression between those who received or did not receive mass drug administration (MDA) was found on measures of foot (P = 0.24), ankle (P = 0.87), or leg (P = 0.46) circumference; leg volume displacement (P = 0.09), lymphedema stage (P = 0.93), or frequency of adenolymphangitis (ADL) episodes (P = 0.57). Rates of ADL per year were greater after initiation of MDA among both groups (P < 0.01). Nevertheless, patients who received MDA reported improvement in four areas of lymphedema-related quality of life (P ≤ 0.01). Decreases in foot and ankle circumference and ADL episodes were observed during the 1995-1998 lymphedema management study (P ≤ 0.01). This study represents the first longitudinal, quantitative, leg-specific analysis examining the clinical effect of diethylcarbamazine on lymphedema progression and ADL episodes.
Disease Severity and Mortality Caused by Dengue in a Dominican Pediatric Population
Authors: Mena Lora Alfredo J. , Fernandez Josefina , Morales Alfredo , Soto Yahaira , Feris-Iglesias Jesus , Brito Maximo O.
Published: November 2013

Millions are infected with dengue yearly. We evaluated the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of pediatric patients infected with dengue in the Dominican Republic. The applicability of World Health Organization (WHO) warning signs for predicting severe dengue and mortality was also studied. This study was a cross-sectional retrospective review of patients with a clinical diagnosis of dengue. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate characteristics associated with severity and mortality. The study included 796 subjects: 288 subjects were classified as dengue, 290 subjects had alarm signs, and 207 subjects were classified as severe dengue. Common findings included thrombocytopenia (96%), abdominal pain (71%), and vomiting (59%). The most important factors associated with severe dengue were rash (P < 0.01), severe thrombocytopenia (P < 0.01), and anemia (P < 0.01). These signs and symptoms were also associated with mortality. This study validates the current WHO warning signs of severity. Rash and severe thrombocytopenia may be early warning signs and need additional study.
Diphtheria Resurgence: Where did We fail?
Authors: Kottaram Philip John , Vinayababu S , Tanveer Khaji Mohammed
Published: November 2013

Objective

This report aims at highlighting the persistence of diphtheria in India and the need for better vaccine coverage of both primary as well as booster doses and accessibility of antidiphtheric serum (ADS) at all tertiary medical centers.

Case report

An 11-year-old girl, previously unimmunized against diphtheria, presented with history of fever, cough, difficulty in swallowing and change in voice within 1 week duration. Examination revealed bilaterally enlarged tonsils with a grayish white patch over them. A provisional diagnosis of faucial diphtheria and the patient was started on antibiotics.

Next day, child developed respiratory distress and generalized swelling over the neck. An emergency tracheotomy was performed, and shifted to a center where ADS was available. She received 5 doses of ADS but succumbed to myocarditis 5 days later. Membranous patches removed from the trachea were positive for Corynebacterium diphtheriae and the diagnosis was confirmed by culture.

Conclusion

Vaccination coverage for both primary as well as boosters should be improved, so as to reach coverage advocated by WHO. All tertiary hospitals should have ADS. Health care personal should be sensitized to maintain a high degree of suspicion when presented with a patch over the tonsil.

How to cite this article

Chandrakala S, Vinayababu S, Kottaram PJ, Tanveer KM. Diphtheria Resurgence: Where did We fail? Int J Head Neck Surg 2013;4(3):137-139.
Endoscopic Removal of an Unusual Foreign Body in the Nasopharynx in a 3-Year-Old Child
Authors: Krishnappa BD
Published: November 2013

Objective

Reporting a rare case of impacted foreign body (wood piece) in the nasopharynx in a 3-year-old female child of 6 cm size and its endoscopic removal.

Case report

A 3-year-old female child was brought by her parents with history of purulent right nasal discharge, nasal obstruction and fever for the past 3 months. Anterior rhinoscopic examination shows purulent right nasal discharge. Diagnostic endoscopy showed a foreign body in the nasopharynx. Under GA using nasal endoscope a foreign body was found to be wooden piece and the same was removed. The removed foreign bo dy was measu red and fou nd to be of 6 c m in size. Postoperative period was uneventful.

Conclusion

Foreign body of 6 cm size in the nasopharynx in a 3-year-old child has not been reported in ‘world medical literature’. This case has been reported due to its rarity, difficulty in diagnosis and removal.

How to cite this article

Krishnappa BD. Endoscopic Removal of an Unusual Foreign Body in the Nasopharynx in a 3-Year-Old Child. Int J Head Neck Surg 2013;4(3):140-141.
The in-flight blackbody calibration system for the GLORIA interferometer on board an airborne research platform
Authors: Olschewski F. , Ebersoldt A. , Friedl-Vallon F. , Gutschwager B. , Hollandt J. , Kleinert A. , Monte C. , Piesch C. , Preusse P. , Rolf C. , Steffens P. , Koppmann R.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. The Gimballed Limb Observer for Radiance Imaging of the Atmosphere (GLORIA) is a prototype of an imaging Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS) for PREMIER, a former candidate mission for ESA's Earth Explorer 7. GLORIA is deployed on board various research aircraft such as the Russian M55 Geophysica or the German HALO. The instrument provides detailed infrared images of the Upper Troposphere/Lower Stratosphere (UTLS) region, which plays a crucial role in the climate system. GLORIA uses a two-dimensional detector array for infrared limb observations in emission and therefore needs large-area blackbody radiation sources (126 mm × 126 mm) for calibration. In order to meet the highly demanding uncertainty requirements for the scientific objectives of the GLORIA missions and due to the sophisticated tomographic evaluation scheme, the spatial distribution of the radiance temperature of the blackbody calibration sources has to be determined with an uncertainty of about 0.1 K. Since GLORIA is exposed to the hostile environment of the UTLS with mutable low temperature and pressure, an in-flight calibration system has to be carefully designed to cope with those adverse circumstances. The GLORIA in-flight calibration system consists of two identical weight-optimised high-precision blackbody radiation sources, which are independently stabilised at two different temperatures. The two point calibration is in the range of the observed atmospheric infrared radiance emissions with 10 K below and 30 K above ambient temperature, respectively. Thermo-Electric Coolers are used to control the temperature of the blackbody radiation sources offering the advantage of avoiding cryogens and mechanical coolers. The design and performance of the GLORIA in-flight calibration system is presented. The blackbody calibration sources have been comprehensively characterised for their spatially (full aperture) and spectrally (7 to 13 μm) resolved radiation properties in terms of radiance temperatures traceable to the International Temperature Scale (ITS-90) at the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), the national metrology institute of Germany.
A nitrogen budget for the Strait of Georgia, British Columbia, with emphasis on particulate nitrogen and dissolved inorganic nitrogen
Authors: Sutton J. N. , Johannessen S. C. , Macdonald R. W.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. Balanced budgets for dissolved inorganic N (DIN) and particulate N (PN) were constructed for the Strait of Georgia (SoG), a semi-enclosed coastal sea off the west coast of British Columbia, Canada. The dominant control on the N budget is the advection of DIN into and out of the SoG via Haro Strait. The annual influx of DIN by advection from the Pacific Ocean is 29 990 (±19 500) Mmol yr−1. The DIN flux advected out of the SoG is 24 300 (±15 500) Mmol yr−1. Most of the DIN that enters the SoG (~ 23 400 Mmol yr−1) is converted to particulate N (PN) in situ by primary production. However, most of the PN produced by primary production is remineralized (~ 22 000 Mmol yr−1) back into DIN within the top 50 m. The PN budget for the SoG was further constrained by nitrogen isotope composition (δ15N) that indicated regional differences in the source of PN. The southern strait receives a much higher proportion of terrigenous PN, relative to marine PN, than does the northern strait. The difference is due to the influence of the Fraser River, which discharges 1950 Mmol yr−1 of PN and 1660 Mmol yr−1 of DIN into the southern strait. The overall anthropogenic contribution of PN and DIN to the SoG is minimal relative to natural sources (> 30 000 Mmol yr−1). It is unlikely that the strait will be affected by eutrophication in the near future, although anthropogenic N sources, such as wastewater outfalls, may have significant local effects.
Downward fluxes of sinking particulate matter in the deep Ionian Sea (NESTOR site), eastern Mediterranean: seasonal and interannual variability
Authors: Stavrakakis S. , Gogou A. , Krasakopoulou E. , Karageorgis A. P. , Kontoyiannis H. , Rousakis G. , Velaoras D. , Perivoliotis L. , Kambouri G. , Stavrakaki I. , Lykousis V.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. In order to assess seasonal and interannual variability in the export of particulate matter and its main constituents, sediment traps were deployed at five successive depths from February 2006 to March 2010 in the deepest basin of the Mediterranean (SE Ionian Sea, NESTOR site). The average total mass fluxes were 66, 58, 54, 34, and 52 mg m−2 d−1, at 700, 1200, 2000, 3200, and 4300 m, respectively. The temporal variations of the mass flux showed similar seasonal signal at all sampling depths with higher values in spring–summer and lower in autumn–winter. Changes in the main constituents of the mass flux (organic carbon, carbonates, opal, and lithogenic matter) largely followed the same temporal variability with total mass flux, revealing mechanisms of rapid vertical (top-down) transport from 700 m down to 4300 m depth. Lateral inputs at the deepest trap are probably of importance, attributed to the influence of the deep Adriatic water, characterized by relatively higher turbidity than overlying water masses. Two major processes seem to control the seasonal mass flux variability: (a) primary productivity at the euphotic zone; and (b) episodic dust input events. Primary productivity shows two maxima during late winter/early spring and late spring/summer, as witnessed by the organic carbon, carbonate, and opal fluxes in the mesopelagic and bathypelagic layers, whereas the influence of dust inputs is evidenced by enhanced lithogenic fluxes occurring during spring and summer. The interannual variability generally shows a gradual increase of fluxes during the time frame of the experiment. Both seasonal and interannual variability of mass flux are associated with variations in the intensity and position of the neighboring Pelops anticyclonic gyre, which appears to affect the upwelling of intermediate, nutrient-rich waters and subsequently the surface productivity. Combination of estimated satellite and algorithm-generated primary production data for the Ionian Sea, calculated POC fluxes out of the euphotic layer and POC fluxes measured by sediment traps at the mesopelagic and bathypelagic layers of NESTOR site during our 4 yr experiment, reveal that only a small portion of primary production (0.46%) reaches at 3200 m, corresponding to a mean annual carbon export of 1.12 g C m−2 yr−1.
A paradigm shift in stormflow predictions for active tectonic regions with large-magnitude storms: generalisation of catchment observations by hydraulic sensitivity analysis and insight into soil-layer evolution
Authors:   Makoto Tani
Published: November 2013

Abstract. In active tectonic regions with large-magnitude storms, it is still difficult to predict stormflow responses by distributed runoff models from the catchment properties without a parameter calibration using observational data. This paper represents an attempt to address the problem. A review of observational studies showed that the stormflow generation mechanism was heterogeneous and complex, but stormflow responses there were simply simulated by a single tank with a drainage hole when the stormflow-contribution area was spatially invariable due to the sufficient amount of rainfall supply. These results suggested such a quick inflow/outflow waveform transmission was derived from the creation of a hydraulic continuum under a quasi-steady state. General conditions necessary for the continuum creation were theoretically examined by a sensitivity analysis for a sloping soil layer. A new similarity framework using the Richards equation was developed for specifying the sensitivities of waveform transmission to topographic and soil properties. The sensitivity analysis showed that saturation-excess overland flow was generally produced from a soil layer without any macropore effect, whereas the transmission was derived mainly from the vertical unsaturated flow instead of the downslope flow in a soil layer with a large drainage capacity originated from the macropore effect. Both were possible for the quick transmission, but a discussion on the soil-layer evolution process suggested that an inhibition of the overland flow due to a large drainage capacity played a key role, because a confinement of the water flow within the soil layer might be needed for the evolution against strong erosional forces in the geographical regions. The long history of its evolution may mediate a relationship between simple stormflow responses and complex catchment properties. As a result, an insight into this evolution process and an inductive evaluation of the dependences on catchment properties by comparative hydrology are highly encouraged to predict stormflow responses by distributed runoff models.
Responses of natural runoff to recent climatic variations in the Yellow River basin, China
Authors: Tang Y. , Tang Q. , Tian F. , Zhang Z. , Liu G.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. The zero-flow phenomenon appeared frequently in the lower reaches of the Yellow River in China in the 1990s, whereas it has almost disappeared in recent years. The disappearance of the zero-flow phenomenon should be mainly attributed to the recent water management practices. However, little is known about the effects of recent climatic variations on natural runoff. In this study, we investigated the impacts of climatic variations on natural runoff above the Huayuankou station. The results indicate that there was little increase in precipitation, but substantial recovery of natural runoff in the recent period (2003–2011) compared with the low-flow period (1991–2002). The recent precipitation was slightly greater (∼2% of the baseline precipitation in 1960–1990) than precipitation in the low-flow period. However, the recent natural runoff was much larger (∼14% baseline runoff) than runoff in the low-flow period. The runoff reduction in the low-flow period was mainly caused by precipitation decrease. In the recent period, precipitation accounted for a runoff reduction (∼21% baseline runoff), whereas net radiation, wind speed, air temperature, and relative humidity accounted for a runoff increase (∼7.5% baseline runoff). The spatial pattern of the climatic variation is a factor influencing the response of runoff to climatic variations. The reduction in runoff induced by precipitation change was offset up to half by the impacts of changes in net radiation and wind speed at most sub-basins in the recent period.
Correlation-based characterisation of time-varying dynamical complexity in the Earth's magnetosphere
Authors: Donner R. V. , Balasis G.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. The dynamical behaviour of the magnetosphere is known to be a sensitive indicator for the response of the system to solar wind coupling. Since the solar activity commonly displays very interesting non-stationary and multi-scale dynamics, the magnetospheric response also exhibits a high degree of dynamical complexity associated with fundamentally different characteristics during periods of quiescence and magnetic storms. The resulting temporal complexity profile has been explored using several approaches from applied statistics, dynamical systems theory and statistical mechanics. Here, we propose an alternative way of looking at time-varying dynamical complexity of nonlinear geophysical time series utilising subtle but significant changes in the linear autocorrelation structure of the recorded data. Our approach is demonstrated to sensitively trace the dynamic signatures associated with intense magnetic storms, and to display reasonable skills in distinguishing between quiescence and storm periods. The potentials and methodological limitations of this new viewpoint are discussed in some detail.
Use of IV Lipid Emulsion for Treatment of Ivermectin Toxicosis in a Cat
Authors: Kidwell James H. , Buckley Gareth J. , Allen Ashley E. , Bandt Carsten
Published: November 2013

Ivermectin toxicosis in cats is infrequently reported. IV lipid emulsion (ILE) is a novel treatment in veterinary medicine that has been used for amelioration of adverse effects seen with multiple lipid soluble compounds. Previously, ILE has been investigated in experimental models with rats, rabbits, pigs, and dogs, mainly for resuscitation of cardiopulmonary arrest and treatment of hypotension due to local anesthetic drug overdose. There are few case reports in veterinary medicine of using ILE for drug toxicity. Only one feline case has been reported, with IV lipids used for treatment of lidocaine toxicity. This report describes a case of ivermectin toxicosis in a 1 yr old domestic shorthair that was safely and successfully treated using ILE.
Postoperative Adjuvant Combination Therapy with Doxorubicin and Noncytotoxic Suramin in Dogs with Appendicular Osteosarcoma
Authors: Alvarez Francisco J. , Kisseberth William , Hosoya Kenji , Lara-Garcia Ana , Kosarek Carrie , Murahari Sridhar , Au Jessie L-S. , Wientjes M. Guillaume , Couto Jason , Couto Guillermo
Published: November 2013

Although conventional treatment of dogs with osteosarcoma (OSA) by amputation and chemotherapy results in reported survival times (STs) of 262–413 days, no major improvements in STs have occurred in the past 2 decades. Suramin is a polysulfonated napthylurea, which at noncytotoxic concentrations in vitro, increases tumor sensitivity to chemotherapy, including doxorubicin. The study authors evaluated the combination of noncytotoxic suramin and doxorubicin after amputation in dogs with OSA. The hypothesis was that treatment of dogs with appendicular OSA with amputation, adjuvant doxorubicin, and noncytotoxic suramin would be well tolerated and result in STs at least comparable to those of doxorubicin alone. Forty-seven dogs received 6.75 mg/kg of suramin IV followed by 30 mg/m2 of doxorubicin IV 4 hr later. Treatment was repeated q 2 wk for five doses. The median disease free time (DFI) was 203 days (range, 42–1,580+ days) and the median ST for all dogs was 369 days (range, 92–1,616+ days). There was no statistical difference in ST and DFI between greyhounds and nonngreyhounds. Adjuvant doxorubicin and noncytotoxic suramin was well tolerated in dogs with OSA following amputation. Additional studies are needed to determine if this combination treatment protocol provides additional clinical benefit compared with doxorubicin alone.
A Retrospective Study of Feline Gastric Lymphoma in 16 Chemotherapy-Treated Cats
Authors: Gustafson Tanya L. , Villamil Armando , Taylor Bonnie E. , Flory Andrea
Published: November 2013

The purposes of this study were to describe cases of feline gastric lymphoma with regards to signalment, clinical presentation, laboratory and ancillary study findings, response to therapy, and outcomes and to identify prognostic variables. Sixteen cats with stage I and II gastric lymphoma treated with chemotherapy were included in this study. Seventy-five percent of cats experienced remission. Overall, first remission duration was 108 days. Response to treatment was prognostic as in other types of feline lymphoma. Cats with a complete remission (CR) had longer survival times compared with cats with a partial remission (PR). Sex and treatment with a rescue protocol were found to be prognostic with castrated males having longer survivals than spayed females. Cats that received rescue chemotherapy had shorter first remission durations than those that did not. Prior treatment with steroids and stage were not found to be significant prognostic variables. This study characterizes gastric lymphoma treated with chemotherapy in cats. Further studies are needed to determine the comparative efficacy of surgical and chemotherapeutic treatments for feline gastric lymphoma.