bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EVALUATING MIXTURE MODELS FOR BUILDING RNA KNOWLEDGE-BASED POTENTIALS
Authors: SIM ADELENE Y. L. , SCHWANDER OLIVIER , LEVITT MICHAEL , BERNAUER JULIE
Published: February 2012

Ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules play important roles in a variety of biological processes. To properly function, RNA molecules usually have to fold to specific structures, and therefore understanding RNA structure is vital in comprehending how RNA functions. One approach to understanding and predicting biomolecular structure is to use knowledge-based potentials built from experimentally determined structures. These types of potentials have been shown to be effective for predicting both protein and RNA structures, but their utility is limited by their significantly rugged nature. This ruggedness (and hence the potential's usefulness) depends heavily on the choice of bin width to sort structural information (e.g. distances) but the appropriate bin width is not known a priori. To circumvent the binning problem, we compared knowledge-based potentials built from inter-atomic distances in RNA structures using different mixture models (Kernel Density Estimation, Expectation Minimization and Dirichlet Process). We show that the smooth knowledge-based potential built from Dirichlet process is successful in selecting native-like RNA models from different sets of structural decoys with comparable efficacy to a potential developed by spline-fitting — a commonly taken approach — to binned distance histograms. The less rugged nature of our potential suggests its applicability in diverse types of structural modeling.
EFFECT OF CROSS DIFFUSION IN A COMPETITION MODEL WITH STAGE STRUCTURE
Authors: ZHANG LINA , FU SHENGMAO , HU PING
Published: February 2012

The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of cross diffusion in a competition model with stage structure, under homogeneous Neumann boundary condition. It will be shown that cross diffusion cannot only destabilize a uniform positive equilibrium, it can also help diffusion to induce instability of the uniform positive equilibrium. Moreover, stationary patterns can arise from the effect of cross diffusion.
New Insights Into Molecular Players Involved in Neurotransmitter Release
Authors: Ariel Pablo , Ryan Timothy A.
Published: February 2012

The strength of a synapse can profoundly influence network function. How this strength is set at the molecular level is a key question in neuroscience. Here, we review a simple model of neurotransmission that serves as a convenient framework to discuss recent studies on RIM and synaptotagmin.
Fingerprinting of Natural Product by Eastern Blotting Using Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Tanaka Hiroyuki , Putalun Waraporn , Shoyama Yukihiro
Published: February 2012

We succeeded in developing the fingerprint of natural product by eastern blotting using monoclonal antibodies. After developing and separating them on a TLC plate, solasodine glycosides are oxidized by NaIO4 and reacted with a protein to give conjugates which are recognized with anti-solamargine monoclonal antibody (MAb). Anti-solamargine MAb having wide cross-reactivity can stain and detect all solasodine glycosides by fingerprint. Different sensitivity between solamargine and solasonine was observed. The detection limit was 1.6 ng of solasonine. The hydrolysed products of solamargine were determined by fingerprint of eastern blotting compared to their Rf values depending on the sugar number. Fingerprint by eastern blotting using anti-ginsenoside Rb1 MAb distinguished the formula containing ginseng prescribed in traditional Chinese medicine. By double-staining of ginsenosides it is possible to suggest that the staining color shows the pharmacological activity, such as the purple bands indicate ginsenosides having stimulation activity, and the blue color indicated compound like ginsenosides possessed the depression affect for the central nervous system (CNS), respectively.
Grouping Optimization Based on Social Relationships
Authors: Chen Rong-Chang
Published: February 2012

Grouping based on social relationships is a complex problem since the social relationships within a group usually form a complicated network. To solve the problem, a novel approach which uses a combined sociometry and genetic algorithm (CSGA) is presented. A new nonlinear relation model derived from the sociometry is established to measure the social relationships, which are then used as the basis in genetic algorithm (GA) program to optimize the grouping. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, three real datasets collected from a famous college in Taiwan were utilized. Experimental results show that CSGA optimizes the grouping effectively and efficiently and students are very satisfied with the grouping results, feel the proposed approach interesting, and show a high repeat intention of using it. In addition, a paired sample t‐test shows that the overall satisfaction on the proposed CSGA approach is significantly higher than the random method.
Changes in Serum Lipids and Blood Glucose in Non Diabetic Patients with Metabolic Syndrome after Mixed Meals of Different Composition
Authors: Branchi Adriana , Torri Adriana , Berra Cristina , Colombo Emanuela , Sommariva Domenico
Published: February 2012

Aims. To investigate the postprandial changes in serum lipoproteins and blood glucose and to verify whether different nutrient composition of the meal elicits different response in patients with (MetS+) and without (MetS−) metabolic syndrome.Research Design and Methods. 50 MetS+ patients and 50 age- and sex-matched MetS− consumed a regular lunch chosen among those more similar to their usual diet. Blood was drawn in the morning after 12-hour fasting and 2 and 4:30 hours after the meal.Results. Serum triglycerides increased more in MetS+ (35%, 4:30 hours after the meal) than in MetS− (29%), HDL-cholesterol decreased 2 hours after the meal in both groups (−4% and −5%, resp.). Blood sugar similarly increased in both groups (19%, 2 hours after the meal in MetS+ and 17% in MetS−) and plasma insulin increased more and remained high longer in MetS+ (73.5 and 52.3 μU/mL, 2 and 4:30 hours after the meal) than in MetS− (46.7 and 21.6 μU/mL). Difference in nutrient composition of the meal (carbohydrate 57%, fat 28% versus carbohydrate 45%, fat 35%) was not associated with differences in postprandial levels of triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, glucose, and insulin within each group.Conclusions. As compared with MetS−, MetS+ patients show a greater hypertriglyceridemic and hyperinsulinemic response to a regular lunch whatever the carbohydrate or fat content of the meal.
Sympathetic Blocks Provided Sustained Pain Relief in a Patient with Refractory Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
Authors: Cheng Jianguo , Daftari Anuj , Zhou Lan
Published: February 2012

The sympathetic nervous system has been implicated in pain associated with painful diabetic neuropathy. However, therapeutic intervention targeted at the sympathetic nervous system has not been established. We thus tested the hypothesis that sympathetic nerve blocks significantly reduce pain in a patient with painful diabetic neuropathy who has failed multiple pharmacological treatments. The diagnosis of small fiber sensory neuropathy was based on clinical presentations and confirmed by skin biopsies. A series of 9 lumbar sympathetic blocks over a 26-month period provided sustained pain relief in his legs. Additional thoracic paravertebral blocks further provided control of the pain in the trunk which can occasionally be seen in severe diabetic neuropathy cases, consequent to extensive involvement of the intercostal nerves. These blocks provided sustained and significant pain relief and improvement of quality of life over a period of more than two years. We thus provided the first clinical evidence supporting the notion that sympathetic nervous system plays a critical role in painful diabetic neuropathy and sympathetic blocks can be an effective management modality of painful diabetic neuropathy. We concluded that the sympathetic nervous system is a valuable therapeutic target of pharmacological and interventional modalities of treatments in painful diabetic neuropathy patients.
Recoiling Black Holes: Electromagnetic Signatures, Candidates, and Astrophysical Implications
Authors: Komossa S.
Published: February 2012

Supermassive black holes (SMBHs) may not always reside right at the centers of their host galaxies. This is a prediction of numerical relativity simulations, which imply that the newly formed single SMBH, after binary coalescence in a galaxy merger, can receive kick velocities up to several 1000 km/s due to anisotropic emission of gravitational waves. Long-lived oscillations of the SMBHs in galaxy cores, and in rare cases even SMBH ejections from their host galaxies, are the consequence. Observationally, accreting recoiling SMBHs would appear as quasars spatially and/or kinematically offset from their host galaxies. The presence of the “kicks” has a wide range of astrophysical implications which only now are beginning to be explored, including consequences for black hole and galaxy assembly at the epoch of structure formation, black hole feeding, and unified models of active galactic nuclei (AGN). Here, we review the observational signatures of recoiling SMBHs and the properties of the first candidates which have emerged, including follow-up studies of the candidate recoiling SMBH of SDSSJ092712.65+294344.0.
Variations of the Game 3-Euclid
Authors: Ho Nhan Bao
Published: February 2012

We present two variations of the game 3-Euclid. The games involve a triplet of positive integers. Two players move alternately. In the first game, each move is to subtract a positive integer multiple of the smallest integer from one of the other integers as long as the result remains positive. In the second game, each move is to subtract a positive integer multiple of the smallest integer from the largest integer as long as the result remains positive. The player who makes the last move wins. We show that the two games have the same -positions and positions of Sprague-Grundy value 1. We present three theorems on the periodicity of -positions and positions of Sprague-Grundy value 1. We also obtain a theorem on the partition of Sprague-Grundy values for each game. In addition, we examine the misère versions of the two games and show that the Sprague-Grundy functions of each game and its misère version differ slightly.
The Biomechanics of Cervical Spondylosis
Authors: Ferrara Lisa A.
Published: February 2012

Aging is the major risk factor that contributes to the onset of cervical spondylosis. Several acute and chronic symptoms can occur that start with neck pain and may progress into cervical radiculopathy. Eventually, the degenerative cascade causes desiccation of the intervertebral disc resulting in height loss along the ventral margin of the cervical spine. This causes ventral angulation and eventual loss of lordosis, with compression of the neural and vascular structures. The altered posture of the cervical spine will progress into kyphosis and continue if the load balance and lordosis is not restored. The content of this paper will address the physiological and biomechanical pathways leading to cervical spondylosis and the biomechanical principles related to the surgical correction and treatment of kyphotic progression.
Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Prostate Cancer Does Not Increase Cardiovascular Mortality in the Long Term
Authors: Wilcox Chantelle , Kautto Allison , Steigler Allison , Denham James W.
Published: February 2012

Objective: To determine if 6 months of neo-adjuvant androgen deprivation is associated with the long-term risk of cardiac mortality. Methods: In the TROG 96.01 trial, 802 men with locally advanced prostate cancer were randomized to radiotherapy either alone or with 3 or 6 months of neo-adjuvant androgen deprivation therapy (NADT). Competing risk methodology was used to derive the cumulative incidence of fatal cardiac events. Results: At 10 years, the cumulative incidence of fatal cardiac events for the radiation therapy alone arm was 7.54% compared to a nonstatistically significant decreased incidence of 6.44% in the 6-month NADT arm (p = 0.65). Men aged over 65 years were not at an increased risk. Additional androgen deprivation therapy given as secondary treatment at tumor progression did not confer an increased risk. Conclusion: These data suggest that fatal cardiac events are not more common in men receiving up to 6 months of NADT.
Palliative models of care for later stages of mental disorder: maximizing recovery, maintaining hope, and building morale
Authors: Berk Michael , Berk Lesley , Udina Marc , Moylan Steven , Stafford Lesley , Hallam Karen , Goldstone Sherilyn , McGorry Patrick D
Published: February 2012

Background: The concept of staging of disease in psychiatry has developed over the past years. A neglected component of this model pertains to people in the advanced stages of a mental illness, who remain symptomatic and functionally impaired despite treatment. These patients are often high service utilizers, receiving complex multimodal treatments where the balance of risk and benefit shifts perceptibly. In this paper, we argue the need to adopt ‘palliative’ models of care for some individuals, and consider changing the therapeutic goals to follow care pathways similar to those used in other chronic and refractory medical illnesses.

Method: Data was sourced by a literature search using Medline and a hand search of scientific journals. Relevant articles were selected.

Results: Clinical staging can help us better define subgroups of patients who will benefit from different goals and treatment. In the most advanced stage group, we find patients with persistent symptoms and treatment resistance. In these situations, it may be preferable to follow some of the principles of palliative care, which include the setting of attainable goals, reduction of side-effects, limited symptom control, targeting identified psychological and social problems, and attempting to attain the best quality of life for these patients and their families.

Conclusions: It is in the interest of those in the advanced phases of a disorder that clinicians acknowledge the limitations of treatment and actively attempt to plan treatment utilizing alternate models. It is essential to be clear that such approaches do not equate to the abandonment of care, but rather to the reconceptualizing of feasible and personalized treatment goals, a rebalancing of the risks and benefits of intervention, the management of illness behaviour, and the approaches that allow the patient to live gainfully within their limitations.
Clinical and neurocognitive profiles of subjects at high risk for psychosis with and without obsessive–compulsive symptoms
Authors: Hur Ji-Won , Shin Na Young , Jang Joon Hwan , Shim Geumsook , Park Hye Yoon , Hwang Jae Yeon , Kim Sung Nyun , Yoo Jung Hyun , Hong Kyung Sue , Kwon Jun Soo
Published: February 2012

Objective: Obsessive–compulsive symptoms (OCS), which are common in psychotic-spectrum illnesses, are of clinical interest because of their association with poor prognosis or cognitive dysfunction. However, few studies on the clinical and neurocognitive implications of OCS in individuals at ultra-high risk for psychosis (UHR) have been conducted.

Method: Sixty-five UHR subjects [24 with OCS (UHR+OCS), 41 without OCS (UHR−OCS)], and 40 healthy controls were assessed using clinical scales and neurocognitive tests.

Results: Those with UHR+OCS showed more severe clinical symptoms and poorer global functioning as compared to both healthy controls and the UHR−OCS group, according to the results of the Global Assessment of Functioning, the Comprehensive Assessment of At-Risk Mental States, and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (total, negative, and general scores). In the neurocognitive domain, those in the UHR−OCS group showed notably greater latency in the Stroop task and more confabulation errors in immediate recall in the Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure Test compared with those in UHR+OCS group, whose performance levels were similar to those of the healthy control group.

Conclusions: The OCS manifested in UHR individuals was associated with a more severe clinical symptomatic presentation, including lower global functioning and more psychotic symptoms. On the other hand, those with UHR−OCS performed more poorly on some cognitive tests. The features that distinguish the groups can be used for developing prognoses and intervention strategies for the heterogeneous UHR group.
Significant relationship between lifetime alcohol use disorders and suicide attempts in an Australian schizophrenia sample
Authors: McLean Duncan , Gladman Beverley , Mowry Bryan
Published: February 2012

Objective: Suicide and attempted suicide are common in individuals with schizophrenia, and evidence exists for a link between substance use disorders and suicidality in this disorder. However, alcohol has not been consistently implicated. We examined the relationship between substance use disorders and suicide attempts in schizophrenia.

Methods: We recruited a schizophrenia sample in Australia ( n = 821) for genetic analyses. We analysed demographic and clinical variables, including substance use disorders, and their relationship to suicide attempts using generalised equation modelling.

Results: A significant association was identified between lifetime alcohol abuse/dependence and suicide attempts (OR = 1.66; 95% CI, 1.23 to 2.24; p= 0.001) after adjustment for potential confounders, but not between cannabis abuse/dependence and suicide attempts, nor between other illicit drug abuse/dependence and suicide attempts. Polysubstance abuse/dependence was also not implicated.

Conclusions: These results suggest that the presence of alcohol abuse/dependence may be a risk factor for suicide attempts in individuals with schizophrenia, independent of comorbid substance abuse/dependence.
The French Veterans and the Republic: The Union nationale des combattants and the Union fédérale, 1934–1938
Authors: Millington Chris
Published: February 2012

Since Antoine Prost’s Les anciens combattants et la société française, 1914 – 1939 (1977), subsequent histories of the period have largely accepted the benign role of French Great War veterans during the interwar period. In focusing on the period between the riots of 6 February 1934 and the Daladier government in 1938, this article re-examines the history of the veterans from the perspective of their movement for state reform. The two largest associations, the Union nationale des combattants (UNC) and the Union fédérale (UF) undertook a campaign for an authoritarian reform of the Republic. Though united in their belief in reform, the associations’ motives differed starkly. Furthermore, activists and moderates fought for the meaning of their groups’ policies and for the meaning of their very associations. Circumstances dictated the strength of each faction. With a focus on the UNC and the UF, this article argues that neither their alleged Republicanism, nor their shift to authoritarianism were governed by an inherent nature. The article demonstrates that the political culture of the late Third Republic was complex and dynamic, with the politics of groups subject to internal and external influences and fluctuations.
Availing the liberation struggle heritage to the public
Authors: Garaba Francis
Published: February 2012

This article addresses the extent to which Web 2.0 technologies may be used to make the liberation struggle heritage available to the public in archival institutions in the East and Southern Africa Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives (ESARBICA). The advent of web technologies provides a window of opportunity for archival institutions within ESARBICA to improve their public image. While social media technologies can have a transformative influence, they have to be the right technology for the right place and the right people. In addition, archivists need to find innovative strategies to use these technologies depending on what is affordable on their part and for users.
An investigation of institutional repositories in state universities in Zimbabwe
Authors: Nyambi Esther , Maynard Sally
Published: February 2012

This study examines the current state of institutional repositories in Zimbabwe and the challenges and enablers for institutional growth, whilst evaluating the operational issues that might be affecting the setting up of institutional repositories. The qualitative research involved interviews with university librarians and personnel from the International Network for the Availability of Scientific Publications (INASP). The University of Zimbabwe currently houses the only repository in the country listed on the Directory of Open Access Repositories (OpenDOAR). The research concludes that the current state of repositories has largely been influenced by the political and economic situation in the country. Partnerships forged between the libraries and INASP are playing a significant role in supporting research and setting up of the repositories. The issue of repositories in Zimbabwe requires much attention and financial assistance from the government and from the universities themselves.
Husband’s Control and Sexual Coercion Within Marriage
Authors: Kaplan Rachel L. , Khawaja Marwan , Linos Natalia
Published: February 2012

This article examined sexual coercion within marriage in Egypt. Using cross-sectional survey data from a representative sample of married Egyptian women ( N = 5,240), associations between forced intercourse and husband’s control, as well as other relevant sociodemographic factors, were assessed through binary logistic regression models. The lifetime prevalence of forced intercourse was 6.2% and 4.6% during the past year, and husband’s control was significantly associated with forced intercourse during a woman’s lifetime (odds ratio = 3.5) and past year (odds ratio = 2.8). Interventions addressing gender patriarchy and men’s control may decrease incidence of sexual coercion in Egypt and similar contexts.
CEO relational leadership and strategic decision quality in top management teams: The role of team trust and learning from failure
Authors: Carmeli Abraham , Tishler Asher , Edmondson Amy C.
Published: February 2012

In this study, we examine a complex pathway through which CEOs, who exhibit relational leadership, may improve the quality of strategic decisions of their top management teams (TMTs) by creating psychological conditions of trust and facilitating learning from failures in their teams. Structural equation modeling (SEM) analyses of survey data collected from 77 TMTs indicate that (1) the relationship between CEO relational leadership and team learning from failures was mediated by trust between TMT members; (2) team learning from failures mediated the relationship between team trust and strategic decision quality. Supplemented by qualitative data from two TMTs, these findings suggest that CEOs can improve the quality of strategic decisions their TMTs make by shaping a relational context of trust and facilitating learning from failures.
Aortic Penetration by Temporary Inferior Vena Cava Filters: Report of an Interesting Case and Review of the Literature
Authors: Caceres Manuel , Braud Rebecca , Weiman Darryl
Published: February 2012

We report a patient who received a retrievable G2 filter and developed inferior vena cava perforations in multiple locations, including penetration of one of the prongs inside the aortic lumen. Furthermore, we conducted an extensive literature review of similar cases to describe the clinical presentation, aortic pathology, radiologic findings, treatment, and outcomes related to this complication.
Malposition of a Central Venous Catheter Into the Right Internal Mammary Vein: Review of Complications of Catheter Misplacement
Authors: Stone Patrick A. , Hass Stephen M. , Knackstedt Kimball S. , Jagannath Priyanka
Published: February 2012

Central venous catheters are commonly utilized to gain vascular access for varied clinical indications. Successful catheter placement requires not only technical expertise but also awareness of the potential complications. In this article, we report a malposition of a central venous catheter in a hemodialysis patient. We review the complications of this catheter misplacement, as well as complications resulting from other central venous catheter malpositions.
Supraclavicular Scalenectomy for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome—Functional Outcomes Assessed Using the DASH Scoring System
Authors: Glynn Ronan W. , Tawfick Wael , Elsafty Zahrah , Hynes Niamh , Sultan Sherif
Published: February 2012

Introduction: To evaluate supraclavicular scalenectomy ± cervical rib excision for thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), employing Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scoring for functional assessment post-decompression. Methods: A QuickDASH score was calculated for each patient using the algorithm: ([sum of responses/n] − 1) × 25, where n = number of completed responses. Nonparametric analysis was employed, with significance defined as P ≤ .05. Results: Twenty-one patients were treated for TOS by the same surgeon; with 5 bilateral procedures (total = 26 procedures). Median DASH scores pre- and postoperatively were 68.5 and 36.0, respectively ( P = .002). Just one reported worsening of symptoms postoperatively. Antecedent trauma and smoking were inversely associated with DASH score postoperatively ( P = .005 and P = .005). Postoperative scores were less for patients with vascular symptoms ( P = .011); scores did not change significantly for those with neurologic ( P = .066) or mixed symptoms ( P = .345). Conclusions: This study reconfirmed the value of supraclavicular approach for TOS, with the vast majority reporting subjective improvement.
The Outcome of Treatment for Pelvic Congestion Syndrome
Authors: Smith P Coleridge
Published: February 2012

Pelvic congestion syndrome is one of many causes of chronic pelvic pain. It is generally accepted that this is attributable to ovarian and pelvic vein incompetence which may result in varices in the lower limb leading to presentation in varicose vein clinics. However, far more patients have pelvic varices associated with varicose veins in the lower limb than have pelvic congestion syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomographic venography are usually used in the diagnosis of this condition and criteria have been established to identify pelvic varices. Many different treatments have been used to manage the symptoms of pelvic congestion. Hysterectomy combined with oophrectomy open surgical ligation of ovarian veins and laparoscopic vein ligation have been used in the past. The most common treatments used currently involve embolization of pelvic and ovarian veins. The results of this treatment have been published in a limited number of clinical series, usually with fairly short follow-up periods. These treatments may be complicated by migration of embolization of coils used to occlude veins. The longest duration of follow-up currently reported is five years. Limited clinical evidence supports the use of embolotherapy in the management of pelvic congestion syndrome.
Complications of Foam Sclerotherapy
Authors: Cavezzi A , Parsi K
Published: February 2012

Foam sclerotherapy may result in drug and/or gas-related complications of a generalized or localized nature. Significant complications include anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions (very rare), deep vein thrombosis (1–3%), stroke (0.01%), superficial venous thrombosis (4.4%), tissue necrosis (variable frequency), oedema (0.5%) and nerve damage (0.2%). Cosmetic complications include telangiectatic matting (15–24%) and pigmentation (10–30%). Patent foramen ovale and other cardiopulmonary right-to-left shunts seem to play a role in the systemic gas-related complications. In conclusion, foam sclerotherapy is characterized by an overall high degree of safety, though special attention should be given to the embolic and thrombotic complications. Good technique, adequate imaging, general precautions and compliance with post-treatment instructions may help avoid some of the adverse events and an appropriate early intervention may minimize possible sequelae. Higher volumes of sclerosant foam have been attributed to local and distant thrombotic complications and should be avoided.
Safety and Efficacy of Catheter-directed Thrombolysis
Authors: Bækgaard N , Klitfod L , Broholm R
Published: February 2012

Objective:

To describe the background for – and mechanism of – catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) for iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis (DVT) accessed via the popliteal vein. Focus is on safety and efficacy.

Method:

From the Copenhagen experience we have looked into the systematically registrated risk factors, peri- and postprocedure complications for patients consecutively treated from 1999 to 2006. The patients were treated in a clinical ward. The patients were followed yearly with ultrasonography for assessment of patency and valve function. Inclusion and exclusion criteria have been published earlier.

Results

A total of 89 patients with 91 extremities with iliofemoral DVT were included (70 women and 19 men, mean age 29 years [range 14–59]). Only 11% of the patients were without any risk factor for DVT. CDT was performed without mortality and pulmonary embolism. Major bleeding occurred in two patients and minor bleeding in 27 patients, mostly from the puncture site. Stenting was necessary in 54 limbs. Five stents revealed occlusion, three procedural (2 reopened) and two late. The median follow-up was 87 months (range 17–148). At six years, 86% had competent iliofemoral (and popliteal) vein segment.

Conclusion:

CDT of iliofemoral DVT is a safe procedure. The patients can stay in a clinical vascular ward. The long-term efficacy is still durable in producing competent veins as concluded in our earlier published results.
Clinical, Aetiological, Anatomical and Pathological Classification (Ceap): Gold Standard and Limits
Authors: Rabe E , Pannier F
Published: February 2012

The first CEAP (clinical, aetiological, anatomical and pathological elements) consensus document was published after a consensus conference of the American Venous Forum, held at the sixth annual meeting of the AVF in February 1994 in Maui, Hawaii. In the following years the CEAP classification was published in many international journals and books which has led to widespread international use of the CEAP classification since 1995. The aim of this paper is to review the benefits and limits of CEAP from the available literature. In an actual Medline analysis with the keywords ‘CEAP’ and ‘venous insufficiency’, 266 publications using the CEAP classification in venous diseases are available. The CEAP classification was accepted in the venous community and used in scientific publications, but in most of the cases only the clinical classification was used. Limitations of the first version including a lack of clear definition of clinical signs led to a revised version. The CEAP classification is the gold standard of classification of chronic venous disorders today. Nevertheless for proper use some facts have to be taken into account: the CEAP classification is not a severity classification, C2 summarizes all kinds of varicose veins, in C3 it may be difficult to separate venous and other reasons for oedema, and corona phlebectatica is not included in the classification. Further revisions of the CEAP classification may help to overcome the still-existing deficits.
Complications of Radiofrequency Ablation of Varicose Veins
Authors: Anwar M A , Lane T R A , Davies A H , Franklin I J
Published: February 2012

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has become a valued weapon in the phlebologist's armoury. It offers ease of use and reproducibility with good outcomes. However, as with all interventions, complications arise. In this review we examine the complications inherent with RFA and their relative risk, with their avoidance measures if available. Overall, we find that RFA offers a very safe procedure with rare severe complications.
The Hypothesis of Pathophysiological Correlation between Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency and Multiple Sclerosis: Rationale of Treatment
Authors: Lugli M , Morelli M , Guerzoni S , Maleti O
Published: February 2012

Background:

The possible role of the venous system in the pathogenesis of chronic neurodegenerative diseases has been hypothesized for decades. Quite recently, the description of a venous condition defined as chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) and its strong association with multiple sclerosis (MS) has brought back the attention of the scientific community to the hypothesis of an aetiological or concomitant role of an altered venous function in the occurrence of this pathology. CCSVI is identified by sonographic criteria, thus the indication for its possible treatment is based on ultrasound findings.

Method:

We retrospectively examined 167 consecutive patients affected by clinically defined MS and CCSVI, identified by ultrasound assessment by the presence of at least two sonographic criteria. Ultrasonographic diagnosis of CCSVI was then integrated by venography and intravascular ultrasound examination (in 43 patients). Patients were all submitted to endovascular procedure (venoplasty).

Results

In 37% of cases there was no correspondence between the preoperative ultrasound assessment and the venographic findings. In the event of incongruity between venography and sonography, the intravascular ultrasound examination investigation, when performed, confirmed ultrasound findings in 42% of cases and venography results in 58%. At one month in 12% of cases ultrasound assessment showed the persistence of altered flux. In 67% of cases patients reported subjective amelioration, regarding non-specific symptoms.

Conclusion:

The pathophysiology of CCSVI is yet to be defined. The superior cava venous system is highly complex in terms of anatomy and possible anomalies, as well as its haemodynamic mechanisms. Further studies are required to define the parameters of diagnosis and treatment of CCSVI.
Guidelines for the Management of Varicose Veins
Authors: Gloviczki P , Gloviczki M L
Published: February 2012

Recently published evidence-based guidelines of the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) and the American Venous Forum (AVF) include recommendations for evaluation, classification, outcome assessment and therapy of patients with varicose veins and more advanced chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). The need for such guidelines has been evident since imaging techniques and minimally invasive technologies have progressed by leaps and bounds and radiofrequency ablation, laser and sclerotherapy have largely replaced classical open surgery of saphenous stripping. This report reviews the most important guidelines recommended by the SVS/AVF Venous Guideline Committee.

It is obvious, however, that some of the technology that is recommended in North America is either not available or not affordable in some parts of the world for patients with varicose veins and CVI. The readers are urged therefore to also consult the guidelines of their national societies, recent publications of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence and the Venous Forum of the Royal Society of Medicine. Venous specialists should also keep in mind that scientific evidence should always be combined with the physician's clinical experience and the patient's preference when the best treatment is selected for an individual patient.
Investigating the relationship between virtual cystoscopy image quality and CT slice thickness
Authors: Lalondrelle S , Sohaib S A , Castellano I A , Mears D , Huddart R , Khoo V
Published: February 2012

Objective: To investigate the effect of reconstruction slice thickness on image quality at CT virtual cystoscopy (VC).

Methods: Pelvic CT examinations in bladder cancer patients were reconstructed at different slice thicknesses (0.6–5 mm) and intervals, and resulting VC images assessed. Quality indicators were ridging, holes, floaters and dimpling artefacts, tumour definition, and an overall score, ranked 1 (best) to 7 (worst). CT number and standard deviation (SD) for bladder contents and bladder wall were recorded. The mean SD was used as a measure of noise, and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) was calculated as the CT number difference between them divided by the average image noise. The mean CNR across the three levels was used for analysis. Each qualitative image quality measure was compared with CT number, noise and CNR measurements.

Results: Dimpling artefacts increased with thinner slice reconstruction and correlated with increased noise, often resulting in poor tumour definition. The best overall image quality score was seen for VC images reconstructed at 1.2 mm slice thickness, probably because of the competing effects of spatial resolution and CNR.

Conclusion: A slice thickness reconstruction <1.2 mm does not provide for better image quality at VC owing to the presence of increased noise.
Alternatives to free molecular halogens as chemoselective reactants: Catalysis of organic reactions with reusable complexes of halogen metal salts
Authors: Rossi Laura I. , Velasco Manuel I.
Published: February 2012

Organometallic complexes of halogen metallic salts have been used as catalysts in different organic reactions, mainly the oxidation of organic compounds. Their use has not only allowed the reduction of the amounts of catalyst (since they can be reused) but also a lower generation of byproducts and wastes. The different reaction media developed through the research were analyzed by several green parameters, and the best results were obtained with complexes that have cyclodextrins as organic ligands. The proposed methodology is an alternative to use of molecular halogen as oxidant or catalyst when halogens are significant chemoselective reactants.
Revisão sistemática da literatura sobre estigma social e alcoolismo
Authors: Silveira Pollyanna Santos da , Martins Leonardo Fernandes , Soares Rhaisa Gontijo , Gomide Henrique Pinto , Ronzani Telmo Mota
Published: February 2012

Diversas pesquisas têm abordado o tema estigma social e suas implicações na vida dos estigmatizados. Uma vez que o alcoolismo e problemas relacionados ao uso de álcool configuram-se como um dos principais problemas de saúde pública da América Latina, o presente artigo teve como objetivo realizar uma pesquisa bibliométrica de artigos científicos sobre os temas estigma social, estereotipagem e alcoolismo. Os artigos foram pesquisados em quatro bancos de dados LILACS (Literatura Latino Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde), PsycInfo, PubMed e SciELO, entre 1997 e 2007, utilizando os descritores: stigma, stereotyped attitudes, stereotyping e alcoholism. Após a aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão, nove artigos foram analisados. Demonstrou-se que a área ainda não apresenta convergência de objetivos, instrumentos e população, sinalizando a não existência de uma metodologia consolidada para mensurar estigma. Ademais, a literatura sobre o tema não vem crescendo como esperado, sendo necessário maior investimento em pesquisas para desenvolvimento de estratégias de prevenção e reabilitação.
Atenção a si: da auto-observação à autoprodução
Authors: Sade Christian , Kastrup Virginia
Published: February 2012

A atenção é habitualmente investigada como um processo voltado para o mundo exterior. Nos últimos vinte anos tem aumentado nas ciências cognitivas o interesse por metodologias de primeira pessoa para investigar a experiência. Acrescente utilização de tais metodologias tem colocado o problema de como acionar e mobilizar uma atenção a si, acessando aquilo que se apresenta como experiência. A partir da abordagem enativa de Francisco Varela, o objetivo do artigo é discutir como a mobilização da atenção a si depende da maneira como ela é corporificada num contexto e situação concreta. Através da abordagem da enação, ampliamos a noção de atenção e concluímos que a atenção a si não se resume a um processo de auto-observação, mas pode constituir um processo de autoprodução.
Energy values and chemical composition of spirulina (Spirulina platensis) evaluated with broilers
Authors: Alvarenga Renata Ribeiro , Rodrigues Paulo Borges , Cantarelli Vinícius de Souza , Zangeronimo Márcio Gilberto , Silva Júnior José Walter da , Silva Leonardo Rafael da , Santos Luziane Moreira dos , Pereira Luciano José
Published: February 2012

The objective of this study was to determine the chemical and energy composition of spirulina (Spirulina platensis), the nutrient metabolizability coefficients, and the values of apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and the apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen balance (AMEn) in broilers. A digestibility trial was carried out by using total excreta collection method, with 90 Cobb 500 lineage chicks, with initial weight of 256 ± 5 g at 11 days of age. Birds were allotted in metabolic cages for 10 days, distributed in a completely randomized design, with three treatments and six repetitions with five birds each. Diets consisted on a reference-ration based on corn and soybean meal and two test diets, one containing spirulina (30%) and the other one with soybean meal (30%). Spiruline was superior to soybean meal for contents of dry matter (DM), gross energy (9.60%), crude protein (26.56%), ether extract (54.45%), mineral matter (42.77%), calcium (100%) and total phosphorus (130.77%) and also for most amino acids, except lysine, glutamate, histidine and proline. Nevertheless, spiruline presented lower values of gross fiber (83.95%), acid detergent fiber (85.12%) and neutral detergent fiber (6.15). The AME and AMEn values (kcal/kg of DM) were, respectively, 2,906 and 2,502 for the spirulina and 2,646 and 2,340 for the soybean meal and AMEn of spirulina was 6.92% higher than soybean meal.
Quality of poultry litter submitted to different treatments in five consecutive flocks
Authors: Loch Fernando Carlos , Oliveira Maria Cristina de , Silva Dionatan da , Gonçalves Bruno Nunes , Faria Bruno Fernandes de , Menezes June Faria Scherrer
Published: February 2012

It was evaluated the effects of poultry litter treatment on moisture content, pH, density and volatilized ammonia for five consecutive flocks of broiler chicken breeding. It was used 640 birds per flock as a complete randomized design with eight treatments and four replicates. The treatments were the following: 1 non-treated litter; 2 litter submitted to in-house composting; 3 litter treated with aluminum sulfate; 4 litter submitted to gypsum; 5 litter treated with quicklime; 6 litter treated with dolomitic limestone; 7 litter treated with zeolite and 8 litter treated with charcoal. Chopped elephant-grass hay was used as poultry litter in all flocks. Fermentation in the shed increased moisture content of the litters in the second and first flocks on 21 and 42 days of breeding, respectively. There was no difference on density among treatments. Aluminum sulfate reduced pH of the litters in all flocks at 21 days of breding. On 42 days of breeding, pH of the litters was reduced in the litters with aluminum sulfate and gypsum in the first, second and forth flocks. On 21 days, aluminum sulfate reduced the volatilized ammonia in the first, third and forth flocks, and on 42 days, there was a reduction of volatilized ammonia in the litters with aluminum sulfate in the forth flock. Aluminum sulfate can improve quality of poultry litter of chopped elephant-grass hay by reducing pH and ammonia volatilization.
An alternate circular summation formula of theta functions and its applications
Authors: Zhu Jun-Ming
Published: February 2012

We prove a general alternate circular summation formula of theta functions,
which implies a great deal of theta-function identities. In particular, we
recover several identities in Ramanujan's Notebook from this identity. We
also obtain two formulaes for (q; q)2n?.
Synergy, Supervision and Self-Reliance: Perceptions of the Role of the Tutor in a Postgraduate Online Learning Programme
Authors: Sherratt Cathy
Published: February 2012

This article reports research into online learning in a part-time postgraduate programme in clinical education, which is delivered by means of supported online learning. The aim of this study is to obtain insights into the perceptions and experiences of tutors and students regarding the role of the tutor within the context of the online learning environment, and to identify the influence of the tutor on the development of true dialogue in online discussion. A simple model is proposed, which classifies students' expectations of tutor intervention and support into four broad categories, represented graphically as quadrants of a square diagram. This offers a way of differentiating the highly divergent needs and expectations of students within the e-learning context, with regard to tutor input and support. The ever-present challenge for tutors is how to intervene in order to achieve optimum engagement by all participants. The emerging implications of this differential model and possible lessons for practice are discussed.
Digital Leisure-Time Activities, Cognition, Learning Behaviour and Information Literacy: What are Our Children Learning?
Authors: Grimley Mick
Published: February 2012

Recent developments in digital technology have resulted in the unprecedented uptake of digital technology engagement as a leisure-time pursuit across the age span. This has resulted in the speculation that such use of digital technology is responsible for changes in cognition and learning behaviour. This study investigated two groups of school-aged learners (10–12 years) differentiated by their digital immersions level ( n = 48), defined by their scores on a leisure-time digital immersion questionnaire. The study's general aim was to explore cognitive and educational differences between the two groups. Each group completed tests of attention and reasoning (verbal and non-verbal) and took part in two educational tasks where their learning behaviours were observed. Findings indicated that high digital leisure-time immersion is predictive of attentional inconsistency and that high digital consumption behaviour is predictive of low literacy levels. Further, low digital immersion females and high immersion males perform poorly for an Internet research task. However, all students were poor with regard to digital information literacy skills. The results give rise to two recommendations for parents and educators of our millennial children.