bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Symptomatic and incidental thromboembolism are both associated with mortality in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Menapace Laurel A. , Peterson Derick R. , Berry Andrea , Sousou Tarek , Khorana Alok A.
Published: June 2011

Pancreatic cancer is known to be associated with VTE, but contemporary rates of incidental and symptomatic VTE events and their association with mortality are incompletely understood. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of consecutive pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients at the University of Rochester from 2006–2009. Data were analysed using a Cox model with time-dependent covariates. A total of 1,151 radiologic exams of 135 patients were included. Forty-seven patients (34.8%) experienced VTE including 12 pulmonary emboli (PE), 28 deep-vein thromboses (DVTs) and 47 visceral vein events. Incidental events comprised 33.3% of PEs, 21.4% of DVTs and 100% of visceral VTE. Median (95% CI) conditional survival beyond three months was 233 (162–322) more days for those without VTE, which was significantly greater than 12 (3–60) days for those with DVT as first event (p<0.0001) and 87 (14–322) days with visceral first events (p=0.022). In multivariate analysis, DVT (HR 25, 95% CI 10–63, p <0.0001), PE (HR 8.9, 95% CI 2.5–31.7, p = 0.007) and incidental visceral events (HR 2.6, 95% CI 1.6–4.2, p =0.0001) were all associated with mortality, though anticoagulants reduced these risks by 70% (26–88%, p = 0.009). In conclusion, VTE occurs in over one-third of contemporary pancreatic cancer patients and, whether symptomatic or incidental, is strongly associated with worsened mortality. The role of anticoagulation in treating incidental or visceral VTE warrants further study.

Note: The abstract of this manuscript was presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology, Orlando, FL, USA on December 5, 2010.
A comparison of the original and simplified Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index
Authors: Venetz Carmen , Jiménez David , Méan Marie , Aujesky Drahomir
Published: June 2011

The Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI) is a validated clinical prognostic model for patients with pulmonary embolism (PE). Recently, a simplified version of the PESI was developed. We sought to compare the prognostic performance of the original and simplified PESI. Using data from 15,531 patients with PE, we compared the proportions of patients classified as low versus higher risk between the original and simplified PESI and estimated 30-day mortality within each risk group. To assess the models’ accuracy to predict mortality, we calculated sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values and likelihood ratios for low-versus higher-risk patients. We also compared the models’ discriminative power by calculating the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve. The overall 30-day mortality was 9.3%. The original PESI classified a significantly greater proportion of patients as low-risk than the simplified PESI (40.9% vs. 36.8%; p<0.001). Low-risk patients based on the original and simplified PESI had a mortality of 2.3% and 2.7%, respectively. The original and simplified PESI had similar sensitivities (90% vs. 89%), negative predictive values (98% vs. 97%), and negative likelihood ratios (0.23 vs. 0.28) for predicting mortality. The original PESI had a significantly greater discriminatory power than the simplified PESI (area under the ROC curve 0.78 [95% CI: 0.77–0.79] vs. 0.72 [95% CI: 0.71–0.74]; p<0.001). In conclusion, even though the simplified PESI accurately identified patients at low-risk of adverse outcomes, the original PESI classified a higher proportion of patients as low-risk and had a greater discriminatory power than the simplified PESI.

Institution where the work was carried out: Division of General Internal Medicine, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland.
Closing the Global Water Vapor Budget with AIRS Water Vapor, MERRA Reanalysis, TRMM and GPCP Precipitation, and GSSTF Surface Evaporation
Authors: Wong Sun , Fetzer Eric J. , Kahn Brian H. , Tian Baijun , Lambrigtsen Bjorn H. , Ye Hengchun
Published: June 2011

The authors investigate if atmospheric water vapor from remote sensing retrievals obtained from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder/Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AIRS) and the water vapor budget from the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) Modern Era Retrospective-analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) are physically consistent with independently synthesized precipitation data from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) or the Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) and evaporation data from the Goddard Satellite-based Surface Turbulent Fluxes (GSSTF). The atmospheric total water vapor sink (Σ) is estimated from AIRS water vapor retrievals with MERRA winds (AIRS–MERRA Σ) as well as directly from the MERRA water vapor budget (MERRA–MERRA Σ). The global geographical distributions as well as the regional wavelet amplitude spectra of Σ are then compared with those of TRMM or GPCP precipitation minus GSSTF surface evaporation (TRMM–GSSTF and GPCP–GSSTF P − E, respectively). The AIRS–MERRA and MERRA–MERRA Σs reproduce the main large-scale patterns of global P − E, including the locations and variations of the ITCZ, summertime monsoons, and midlatitude storm tracks in both hemispheres. The spectra of regional temporal variations in Σ are generally consistent with those of observed P − E, including the annual and semiannual cycles, and intraseasonal variations. Both AIRS–MERRA and MERRA–MERRA Σs have smaller amplitudes for the intraseasonal variations over the tropical oceans. The MERRA P − E has spectra similar to that of MERRA–MERRA Σ in most of the regions except in tropical Africa. The averaged TRMM–GSSTF and GPCP–GSSTF P − E over the ocean are more negative compared to the AIRS–MERRA, MERRA–MERRA Σs, and MERRA P − E.
In-vitro and in-vivo phenotype of type Asia 1 foot-and-mouth disease viruses utilizing two non-RGD receptor recognition sites
Authors: Li Pinghua , Lu Zengjun , Bao Huifang , Li Dong , King Donald P , Sun Pu , Bai Xingwen , Cao Weijun , Gubbins Simon , Chen Yingli , Xie Baoxia , Guo Jianhong , Yin Hong , Liu Zaixin
Published: June 2011

Background

Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) uses a highly conserved Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) triplet for attachment to host cells and this motif is believed to be essential for virus viability. Previous sequence analyses of the 1D-encoding region of an FMDV field isolate (Asia1/JS/CHA/05) and its two derivatives indicated that two viruses, which contained an Arg-Asp-Asp (RDD) or an Arg-Ser-Asp (RSD) triplet instead of the RGD integrin recognition motif, were generated serendipitously upon short-term evolution of field isolate in different biological environments. To examine the influence of single amino acid substitutions in the receptor binding site of the RDD-containing FMD viral genome on virus viability and the ability of non-RGD FMDVs to cause disease in susceptible animals, we constructed an RDD-containing FMDV full-length cDNA clone and derived mutant molecules with RGD or RSD receptor recognition motifs. Following transfection of BSR cells with the full-length genome plasmids, the genetically engineered viruses were examined for their infectious potential in cell culture and susceptible animals.

Results

Amino acid sequence analysis of the 1D-coding region of different derivatives derived from the Asia1/JS/CHA/05 field isolate revealed that the RDD mutants became dominant or achieved population equilibrium with coexistence of the RGD and RSD subpopulations at an early phase of type Asia1 FMDV quasispecies evolution. Furthermore, the RDD and RSD sequences remained genetically stable for at least 20 passages. Using reverse genetics, the RDD-, RSD-, and RGD-containing FMD viruses were rescued from full-length cDNA clones, and single amino acid substitution in RDD-containing FMD viral genome did not affect virus viability. The genetically engineered viruses replicated stably in BHK-21 cells and had similar growth properties to the parental virus. The RDD parental virus and two non-RGD recombinant viruses were virulent to pigs and bovines that developed typical clinical disease and viremia.

Conclusions

FMDV quasispecies evolving in a different biological environment gained the capability of selecting different receptor recognition site. The RDD-containing FMD viral genome can accommodate substitutions in the receptor binding site without additional changes in the capsid. The viruses expressing non-RGD receptor binding sites can replicate stably in vitro and produce typical FMD clinical disease in susceptible animals.
Underuse of long-term routine hospital follow-up care in patients with a history of breast cancer?
Authors: Lu Wenli , Jansen Liesbeth , Schaapveld Michael , Baas Peter C , Wiggers Theo , De Bock Geertruida H
Published: June 2011

Background

After primary treatment for breast cancer, patients are recommended to use hospital follow-up care routinely. Long-term data on the utilization of this follow-up care are relatively rare.

Methods

Information regarding the utilization of routine hospital follow-up care was retrieved from hospital documents of 662 patients treated for breast cancer. Utilization of hospital follow-up care was defined as the use of follow-up care according to the guidelines in that period of time. Determinants of hospital follow up care were evaluated with multivariate analysis by generalized estimating equations (GEE).

Results

The median follow-up time was 9.0 (0.3-18.1) years. At fifth and tenth year after diagnosis, 16.1% and 33.5% of the patients had less follow-up visits than recommended in the national guideline, and 33.1% and 40.4% had less frequent mammography than recommended. Less frequent mammography was found in older patients (age > 70; OR: 2.10; 95%CI: 1.62-2.74), patients with comorbidity (OR: 1.26; 95%CI: 1.05-1.52) and patients using hormonal therapy (OR: 1.51; 95%CI: 1.01-2.25).

Conclusions

Most patients with a history of breast cancer use hospital follow-up care according to the guidelines. In older patients, patients with comorbidity and patients receiving hormonal therapy yearly mammography is performed much less than recommended.
More resistant tendons obtained from the association of Heteropterys aphrodisiaca and endurance training
Authors: Monteiro Juliana C , Gomes Marcos LM , Tomiosso Tatiana C , Nakagaki Wilson R , Sbervelheri Mariana M , Ferrucci Danilo L , Pimentel Edson R , Dolder Heidi
Published: June 2011

Background

Popular Brazilian medicine uses Heteropterys aphrodisiaca infusion as a tonic or stimulant, for the treatment of nervous debility and breakdown and for muscle and bone weakness. This study investigated the effects of Heteropterys aphrodisiaca infusion on the tendon properties and extracellular matrix of rats under endurance training.

Methods

Wistar rats were grouped as follows: CS- control sedentary, HS- H. aphrodisiaca sedentary, CT-control trained, HT- H. aphrodisiaca trained. The training protocol consisted in running on a motorized treadmill, five times a week, with weekly increase in treadmill speed and duration. Control groups received water while the HS and HT groups received H. aphrodisiaca infusion, daily, by gavage for the 8 weeks of training. Achilles tendons were frozen for biochemical and biomechanical analysis or preserved in Karnovsky's fixative, then processed for histomorphological analysis with light microscopy.

Results

Biomechanical analysis showed significant increase in maximum load, maximum stress, modulus of elasticity and stiffness of the HT animals' tendons. The metalloproteinase-2 activity was reduced in the HT group. The compression region of HT animals' tendons had a stronger and more intense metachromasy, which suggests an increase in glycosaminoglycan concentration in this region of the tendon. The most intense birefringence was observed in both compression and tension regions of HT animals' tendons, which may indicate a higher organizational level of collagen bundles. The hydroxyproline content increased in the HT group.

Conclusions

The association of endurance training with H. aphrodisiaca resulted in more organized collagen bundles and more resistant tendons to support higher loads from intense muscle contraction. Despite the clear anabolic effects of Heteropterys aphrodisiaca and the endurance exercise association, no side effects were observed, such as those found for synthetic anabolic androgenic steroids.
Diabetes and osteoporosis
Authors: Valkusz Zsuzsanna
Published: June 2011

Over the last decades a considerable amount of data has accumulated to indicate that metabolic and endocrine alterations of diabetes affect bone quantity and quality. These skeletal changes may increase the risk of bone fracture. There is strong evidence that in type 1 diabetes the decreased bone mass, lack of insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1, dysregulation of adipokines, and increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines are in the background of fragility fractures. In type 2 diabetes hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance and increased body weight may result in an increase of bone mass; however, accumulation of advanced glycation end products within the bone collagen driven by glucotoxicity may increase the cortical porosity. There is a higher incidence of falls resulting from diabetes-related co-morbidities such as diabetic retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy, hypoglycemic episodes and sometimes from the medications. Vitamin D deficiency has special impact on glucose metabolism and the prevalence of diabetes. Vitamin D supplementation in childhood can decrease incidence of type 1 diabetes by 80%. The effect of thiazolidinediones, glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists and metformin, agents for treatment of diabetes open a new connection between bone, carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 1161–1166.
Ethnography As a Way In
Authors: Cook Jennifer , Carroll Meg , Pfeil Karen
Published: June 2011

In this article, we describe an approach to teaching first-year composition that is built on a qualitative design for undergraduate research and writing. As writing instructors at a state teaching college, we see the need to move our students beyond the boundaries of expressivism, personal narrative, and argument and into the murkier, messier, and more critical territory of considering subjectivities, interpreting cultural texts and contexts, and, ultimately, coming to see the dynamic and dialogic nature of rhetorical situations and knowledge production. We have discovered that asking undergraduates to do field work as a way to enter the academic conversation allows them to shift from high school writing to college-level writing. Inviting them to delve into a primary research project of their own design grants them permission to construct their ownership, authority, and intellectual engagement of ideas. Case studies of the experiences of five student research writers illustrate the process through which, as ethnographers, students become actors in their own learning process.
Physical characteristics of dynamic vertical–horizontal-rocking response of surface foundations on cohesionless soils
Authors: PAK R.Y.S. , ASHLOCK J.C. , KURAHASHI S. , SOUDKHAH M.
Published: June 2011

A fundamental experimental research programme on the dynamic behaviour of surface foundations on sand in general planar motion and the use of centrifuge modelling in soil–structure interaction studies is presented. Pursued with the dual purpose of extending the conventional formulation of dynamic test programmes as well as generating a physical database with sufficient parametric variations of the key aspects, an extensive experimental study to explore the dynamic soil–structure interaction problem in the small-amplitude regime is described. Through a comparison of the generated data with those from sequential vertical-centric and horizontal load tests, a novel hybrid-mode test concept by way of eccentric excitations is substantiated in terms of its economy and efficiency in capturing the force–response characteristics of the system. Synthesised in the frequency domain for direct qualitative and quantitative insights, multiple forced-response records of the foundation models on sand subjected to random vertical, horizontal and rocking excitations are summarised. As an illustration of the engineering relevance of the experimental database, a critical evaluation of the commonly used homogeneous half-space dynamic foundation solution pertaining to cohesionless soils is also provided.
Lithium hexaoxo antimonate as an anode for lithium-ion battery
Authors: Kundu Manab , Mahanty Sourindra , Basu Rajendra N.
Published: June 2011

The aims of this study were to synthesize lithium hexaoxo antimonate (Li7SbO6) by a solid-state method with thermal treatment at 700°C in a stream of dry oxygen and to investigate its electrochemical properties as an anode in lithium-ion coin cells. X-ray powder diffraction analyses confirm a rhombohedral crystal structure with lattice parameters of a = b = 0·5411 nm and c = 1·5030 nm. Li7SbO6 is electrochemically active with lithium intercalation and deintercalation potentials of ≈0·8 and ≈1·0 V against Li/Li+, respectively. While the initial reversible capacity is low (66 mA h g−1 at 0·05 mA cm−2), an excellent rate performance with no significant fading has been observed up to 100 continuous cycles. Even at very high rates of 5 mA cm−2 (37 C) and 10 mA cm−2 (106 C), 51% and 48% of capacity is retained, with nearly 100% Coulombic efficiency demonstrating the potential of this material for high-rate applications.
Conflict to study safety at four leg-signalised intersections
Authors: Ewadh Hussein A. , Neham Sahar S.
Published: June 2011

In the absence of reliable accident records, the traffic conflict technique is a suitable alternative method for use to conduct a study of traffic safety. The present research aimed to conduct such a study at four leg-signalised intersections using the traffic conflict technique. Surveys which included traffic conflict, volume data, spot speed and some geometric characteristics were carried out at four sites in Baghdad city. Rate quality control and cluster analysis were used to identify the hazardous approach and the abnormal conflict types, respectively. The developed models showed that percentages ranging from 70·1 to 88·4% of variation in hourly traffic conflict could be determined by linear relationships with hourly approach traffic volume. Although this finding agrees with the literature, an exponential relationship introduced high percentages of determination ranging from 75·9 to 89·7%. This might be due to an extra increase in conflicts at high traffic volume. The identification of hazardous approaches showed that the lower rank in geometric characteristics among all approaches was the most hazardous one. This agrees with the findings from the developed model. In order to enhance traffic safety, the study proposes suitable countermeasures such as creating a left-turn lane and providing a special phase for left-turning traffic.
Antimicrobial activity of the lozenge with garlic bulb powder
Authors: Kundakovic Tatjana , Ciric Ana , Sokovic Marina , Milenkovic Marina , Nikolic Vesna , Nikolic Goran
Published: June 2011

According the tested antimicrobial activity of constituents and their
chemical characteristics, a new formulation of oral antiseptic was made based
on garlic bulb powder and its active principles with strong antimicrobial
activity against wide range of bacteria and fungi. The antimicrobial activity
of garlic bulb powder, allicin and the lozenge with 15% of garlic powder was
tested using broth microdilution method. The tested garlic powder, as well
lozenge has shown very high antimicrobial activity with MIC 1.25-5.00 mg/ml,
and 1.87-7.50 mg/ml, respectively. The major compound allicin was highly
active in very low concentration. Minimal inhibitory concentration of allicin
was from 6.25-12.50 ?g/ml for antibacterial activity and 0.4 ?g/ml for
antifungal activity. Those concentrations are comparable with concentration
of commercially available antibiotics and fungicides. The formulation of an
antiseptic with herbal constituents, high antibacterial and antifungal
activity and pleasant taste could be an alternative to classical
pharmaceutical oral antiseptics.
Operator preconditioning with efficient applications for nonlinear elliptic problems
Authors: Karátson Janos
Published: June 2011

This paper is devoted to the numerical solution of nonlinear elliptic partial differential equations. Such problems describe various phenomena in science. An approach that exploits Hilbert space theory in the numerical study of elliptic PDEs is the idea of preconditioning operators. In this survey paper we briefly summarize the main lines of this theory with various applications.
The Prevalence and Intensity of Louse (Phthiraptera, Mallophaga) and Tick (Acarina: Ixodidae) Infestation of Birds in South African Grasslands
Authors: Kopij G. , Price R.
Published: June 2011

The Prevalence and Intensity of Louse (Phthiraptera, Mallophaga) and Tick (Acarina: Ixodidae) Infestation of Birds in South African Grasslands

A total of 270 birds represented by 12 species were examined for the presence of lice and ticks. Birds were collected in South African grasslands. Extensity of louse and tick infestation ranged from 10% to 80% and from 3% to 33% respectively. Average number of lice per host species ranged from 1 to 15, while average number of ticks per host species ranged from 1 to 5. Only single specimens (0.4%) were heavily parasited by lice and ticks respectively. Lice infested birds more often during the dry season, while ticks infested birds mainly during the rain season.
Mantis Religiosa (Dyctioptera, Mantidae) Infected by Wolbachia
Authors: Bilousov O. , Chaplinska M. , Zhuk O. , Gorobchyshyn V. , Kozeretska I.
Published: June 2011

Mantis Religiosa(Dyctioptera, Mantidae) Infected byWolbachia

For the first time, endosymbiotic bacteria of the genusWolbachiawere found to infect soothsayers,Mantis religiosa(Linnaeus, 1758). Mantises were collected at two locations in vicinity of Mykolaiv and Kaniv, Ukraine. Tested individuals were not infected by Cardinium and Spiroplasma.
A New Species of the Genus Rhaphium (Dolichopodidae, Diptera) from Siberia
Authors: Negrobov O. , Barkalov A. , Selivanova O.
Published: June 2011

A New Species of the Genus Rhaphium (Dolichopodidae, Diptera) from Siberia

Rhaphium sibiricus Negrobov, Barkalov et Selivanova, sp. n. is described from the Altai Mountains. The new species is similar to Rhaphium gruniniani Negrobov, 1979, differing by black legs, simple, not thickened tip of fore basitarsus, length ratio of apical portion of vein CuA1 to crossvein dm-cu and by the shape of gonopodes.
Connecting Knowledge Resources to the Veterinary Electronic Health Record: Opportunities for Learning at Point of Care
Authors: Alpi Kristine M. , Burnett Heidi A. , Bryant Sheila J. , Anderson Katherine M.
Published: June 2011

Electronic health records (EHRs) provide clinical learning opportunities through quick and contextual linkage of patient signalment, symptom, and diagnosis data with knowledge resources covering tests, drugs, conditions, procedures, and client instructions. This paper introduces the EHR standards for linkage and the partners—practitioners, content publishers, and software developers—necessary to leverage this possibility in veterinary medicine. The efforts of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Electronic Health Records Task Force to partner with veterinary practice management systems to improve the use of controlled vocabulary is a first step in the development of standards for sharing knowledge at the point of care. The Veterinary Medical Libraries Section (VMLS) of the Medical Library Association's Task Force on Connecting the Veterinary Health Record to Information Resources compiled a list of resources of potential use at point of care. Resource details were drawn from product Web sites and organized by a metric used to evaluate medical point-of-care resources. Additional information was gathered from questions sent by e-mail and follow-up interviews with two practitioners, a hospital network, two software developers, and three publishers. Veterinarians with electronic records use a variety of information resources that are not linked to their software. Systems lack the infrastructure to use the Infobutton standard that has been gaining popularity in human EHRs. While some veterinary knowledge resources are digital, publisher sites and responses do not indicate a Web-based linkage of veterinary resources with EHRs. In order to facilitate lifelong learning and evidence-based practice, veterinarians and educators of future practitioners must demonstrate to veterinary practice software developers and publishers a clinically-based need to connect knowledge resources to veterinary EHRs.
The Milnor–Stasheff Filtration on Spaces and Generalized Cyclic Maps
Authors: Iwase Norio , Mimura Mamoru , Oda Nobuyuki , Yoon Yeon Soo
Published: June 2011

The concept of Ck-spaces is introduced, situated at an intermediate stage between H-spaces and T-spaces. The Ck-space corresponds to the k-th Milnor–Stasheff filtration on spaces. It is proved that a space X is a Ck-space if and only if the Gottlieb set G(Z, X) = [Z, X] for any space Z with cat Z ≤ k, which generalizes the fact that X is a T-space if and only if G(ΣB, X) = [ΣB, X] for any space B. Some results on the Ck-space are generalized to the -space for a map ƒ : A → X. Projective spaces, lens spaces and spaces with a few cells are studied as examples of Ck-spaces, and non-Ck-spaces.
On Constructing Ergodic Hyperfinite Equivalence Relations of Non-Product Type
Authors: Munteanu Radu-Bogdan
Published: June 2011

Product type equivalence relations are hyperfinitemeasured equivalence relations, which, up to orbit equivalence, are generated by product type odometer actions. We give a concrete example of a hyperfinite equivalence relation of non-product type, which is the tail equivalence on a Bratteli diagram. In order to show that the equivalence relation constructed is not of product type we will use a criterion called property A. This property, introduced by Krieger for non-singular transformations, is defined directly for hyperfinite equivalence relations in this paper.
New Examples of Non-Archimedean Banach Spaces and Applications
Authors: Perez-Garcia C. , Schikhof W. H.
Published: June 2011

The study carried out in this paper about some new examples of Banach spaces, consisting of certain valued fields extensions, is a typical non-archimedean feature. We determine whether these extensions are of countable type, have t-orthogonal bases, or are reflexive. As an application we construct, for a class of base fields, a norm ║ · ║ on c0, equivalent to the canonical supremum norm, without non-zero vectors that are ║ · ║-orthogonal and such that there is a multiplication on c0 making (c0, ║ · ║) into a valued field.
Bayesian estimation of the self-similarity exponent of the Nile River fluctuation
Authors: Benmehdi S. , Makarava N. , Benhamidouche N. , Holschneider M.
Published: June 2011

Abstract. The aim of this paper is to estimate the Hurst parameter of Fractional Gaussian Noise (FGN) using Bayesian inference. We propose an estimation technique that takes into account the full correlation structure of this process. Instead of using the integrated time series and then applying an estimator for its Hurst exponent, we propose to use the noise signal directly. As an application we analyze the time series of the Nile River, where we find a posterior distribution which is compatible with previous findings. In addition, our technique provides natural error bars for the Hurst exponent.
Creating a Human Brain Proteome Atlas – 13th HUPO BPP Workshop March 30–31, 2010, Ochang, Korea
Authors: Gröttrup Bernd , Stephan Christian , Marcus Katrin , Grinberg Lea T. , Wiltfang Jens , Lee Sang K. , Kim Young H. , Meyer Helmut E. , Park Young M.
Published: June 2011

The HUPO Brain Proteome Project (HUPO BPP) held its 13th workshop in Ochang from March 30th to 31st, 2010 prior to the Korean HUPO 10th Annual International Proteomics Conference. The principal aim of this project is to obtain a better understanding of neurodiseases and aging with the ultimate objective of discovering prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers, in addition to the development of novel diagnostic techniques and new medications. The attendees came together to discuss progress in the clinical neuroproteomics of human and to define the needs and guidelines required for more advanced proteomics approaches.
Prospective Randomized Trial of Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication With Anterior Versus Posterior Hiatal Repair: Late Outcomes
Authors: Chew Carolyn R. , Jamieson Glyn G. , Devitt Peter G. , Watson David I.
Published: June 2011

Background

The technique used for hiatal closure in laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication might have an impact on the risk of postfundoplication dysphagia and hiatal herniation. In 1997, we commenced a randomized trial to evaluate the impact of anterior versus posterior hiatal repair techniques on these outcomes. In the present study, we evaluated the 10‐year outcomes from this trial.

Methods

A total of 102 patients were randomized to undergo laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication with either anterior (47 patients) or posterior (55 patients) repair of the diaphragmatic hiatus. Outcomes were assessed using standardized clinical assessment scores that evaluated reflux symptoms, dysphagia, and satisfaction with the outcome following surgery.

Results

Clinical outcomes 10 years after surgery were available for 93% of patients, and outcome scores were obtained for 43 patients in each group. Patients undergoing anterior hiatal repair were less likely to report dysphagia for lumpy solid foods (14.0% vs. 39.5%, p = 0.01), although there were no significant differences in dysphagia outcomes for six other dysphagia assessment scores. There were no differences between the two groups for reflux symptoms, medication use, and overall satisfaction with the outcome of surgery.

Conclusions

At the 10‐year follow‐up, the outcomes for the two groups were similar. Anterior hiatal repair is an acceptable technique for hiatal closure during laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication.
Heterotopic triplet pregnancy: report of a patient with remnant tubal ectopic and intrauterine twin pregnancy after frozen‐thawed embryo transfer
Authors: Okamura Yoshinori , Arakane Futoshi , Nagayoshi‐Taura Yumiko , Honda Ritsuo , Ohba Takashi , Katabuchi Hidetaka
Published: June 2011

A case of heterotopic triplet pregnancy after frozen‐thawed embryo transfer is presented. The patient conceived after transfer of three frozen‐thawed embryos at a fertility clinic where she had previously undergone laparoscopic left salpingectomy due to pyosalpinx. Approximately 4 weeks after the embryo transfer, she presented with a complaint of abnormal genital bleeding and was diagnosed by ultrasound as having a dichorionic twin pregnancy. One week later, she was referred to our hospital because of lower abdominal pain. Hematoperitoneum was suspected based on findings of low blood pressure and tachycardia. Diagnostic emergent laparoscopy demonstrated an ectopic pregnancy in the remnant isthmic portion of the left tube. Laparoscopic excision of the remnant fallopian tube was performed, but the procedure resulted in early‐pregnancy loss of one of the twins. The risk of heterotopic pregnancy is not small under assisted reproductive technology. Attention should be paid to the risk of tubal pregnancy after transferring more than two embryos or controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, even after salpingectomy has been performed.
The African Cultural Astronomy Project
Authors: Urama Johnson O. , Holbrook Jarita C.
Published: June 2011

Indigenous, endogenous, traditional, or cultural astronomy focuses on the many ways that people and cultures interact with celestial bodies. In most parts of Africa, there is very little or no awareness about modern astronomy. However, like ancient people everywhere, Africans wondered at the sky and struggled to make sense of it. The African Cultural Astronomy Project aims to unearth the body of traditional knowledge of astronomy possessed by peoples of the different ethnic groups in Africa and to consider scientific interpretations when appropriate for cosmogonies and ancient astronomical practices. Regardless of scientific validity, every scientist can relate to the process of making observations and creating theoretical mechanisms for explaining what is observed. Through linking the traditional and the scientific, it is believed that this would be used to create awareness and interest in astronomy in most parts of Africa. This paper discusses the vision, challenges and prospects of the African Cultural Astronomy Project in her quest to popularize astronomy in Africa.
From Ancient to Modern: The role of astronomy as a cultural experience
Authors: Austin Margaret
Published: June 2011

With these sung words a grandmother, a teacher of the Waitaha Maori people of New Zealand, sets in motion the telling of the great patterns of journeys. These journeys to and from distant shores are still in the minds and memories of the elder grandparent teachers of the Waitaha people.
The Cosmology of Edgar Allan Poe
Authors: Cappi Alberto
Published: June 2011

Eureka is a “prose poem” published in 1848, where Edgar Allan Poe presents his original cosmology. While starting from metaphysical assumptions, Poe develops an evolving Newtonian model of the Universe which has many and non casual analogies with modern cosmology. Poe was well informed about astronomical and physical discoveries, and he was influenced by both contemporary science and ancient ideas. For these reasons, Eureka is a unique synthesis of metaphysics, art and science.
Astronomical activities with disabled people
Authors: Ortiz-Gil Amelia , Blay Pere , Calvente A. Teresa Gallego , Gómez Miquel , Guirado José Carlos , Lanzara Mariana , Núñez Silvia Martínez
Published: June 2011

As we celebrate the International Year of Astronomy, we have been working on four different projects with the goal of making astronomy more accessible to people with special needs. These projects are 1) an astronomy book and web site for blind people, 2) an open source software for people with motor disabilities, 3) a planetarium program for the visually impaired and 4) educational material for intellectually disabled people.
The UNESCO Thematic Initiative on Astronomy and World Heritage
Authors: Sidorenko Anna P.
Published: June 2011

Properties with a relationship to science are amongst the least represented on the UNESCO World Heritage List and the values of these properties, located in all the regions of the world, are not sufficiently recognised. The UNESCO and IAU encourage the States Parties to the World Heritage Convention to actively participate in the development and implementation of the Thematic Initiative “Astronomy and World Heritage” aiming to provide an opportunity to identify the properties connected with astronomy and for keeping their memory alive and preserving them from progressive deterioration, through the inscription of the most representative properties on the World Heritage List.
Virtual Acoustic Space: Space perception for the blind
Authors: Rodríguez-Ramos Luis F.
Published: June 2011

This R&D project implements a new way of perception of the three-dimensional surrounding space, based exclusively in sounds and thus especially useful for the blind. The innate capability of locating sounds, the externalization of sounds played with headphones and the machine capture of the 3D environment are the technological pillars used for this purpose. They are analysed and a summary of their main requirements are presented. A number of laboratory facilities and portable prototypes are described, together with their main characteristics.
Astronomy and political theory
Authors: Campion Nicholas
Published: June 2011

This paper will argue that astronomical models have long been applied to political theory, from the use of the Sun as a symbol of the emperor in Rome to the application of Copernican theory to the needs of absolute monarchy. We will begin with consideration of astral divination (the use of astronomy to ascertain divine intentions) in the ancient Near East. Particular attention will be paid to the use of Newton's discovery that the universe operates according to a single set of laws in order to support concepts of political quality and eighteenth century Natural Rights theory. We will conclude with consideration of arguments that the discovery of the expanding, multi-galaxy universe, stimulated political uncertainty in the 1930s, and that photographs of the Earth from Apollo spacecraft encouraged concepts of the ‘global village’.
Teaching astronomy and astrophysics with Hands-On-Universe and SalsaJ: stars, planets, exoplanets and dark matter
Authors: Faye Suzanne , Faye Michel
Published: June 2011

How can teachers and researchers contribute to a new world-wide way to teach astronomy? The Hands-On-Universe group proposes multi-media tools, from remote telescopes to image processing, inspired by the most recent research activities in astronomy and astrophysics. Teachers and students can learn, in a quantitative way, to analyse images and spectra using free data sets and softwares available at the website www.eu-hou.org.
Ancient Chinese constellations
Authors: Xu Junjun
Published: June 2011

China, a country with a long history and a specific culture, has also a long and specific astronomy. Ancient Chinese astronomers observed the stars, named and distributed them into constellations in a very specific way, which is quite different from the current one. Around the Zodiac, stars are divided into four big regions corresponding with the four orientations, and each is related to a totem, either the Azure Dragon, the Vermilion Bird, the White Tiger or the Murky Warrior. We present a general pattern of the ancient Chinese constellations, including the four totems, their stars and their names.
A unique astronomical heritage place: the 28 May 585 BCE solar eclipse
Authors: Özel Mehmet Emin
Published: June 2011

Probably the only reliably recorded solar eclipse event during a day-time war is the 28 May 585 BCE event, famous also for several other reasons. It has a credible written record, mentioned by the ancient historian Heredotus and his History notes that the eclipse was predicted by Thales of Miletos (the Ionian capital city in Western Anatolia). The location of the war between Lydians and the Medes is now firmly located as the plain in front of ancient city of Pteria, the Anatolian capital of the Medes. The historical record mentions that the war stopped and a peace treaty was signed, with the wedding of a prince and a princess from rival kings. All these features make the event and place an excellent candidate for a World Astronomical Heritage site to be preserved.
The ancient cultural framework of astronomy in Ukraine
Authors: Vavilova Iryna B. , Artemenko Tetyna G.
Published: June 2011

We describe and discuss most interesting archaeological findings related to old astronomy in Ukraine. Among them are the mammoth tusk fragments (Gontsy and Kiev-Kirilivska settlements) and the famous Mezin bracelets (Mezin settlement), where possible calendar patterns based on the lunar cycles are engraved with fine accuracy, as well as a possible stellar map on the mammoth shoulder bone (Chocurcha-2 settlement).
The rôle of planetaria: The Library of Alexandria Planetarium Science Center
Authors: El-Mitaky Hoda S.
Published: June 2011

In ancient times the stars and the Moon were humans' only guide to cross the seas and explore the depths of the deserts. With the use of modern technological gadgets, and the increasingly light pollution, citizens of the world stopped looking at the heavens. How can planetaria play a rôle in reviving public interest in astronomy? How can the beauty of astronomy play a rôle in luring the youth to pursue a career in science? How can astronomy play a rôle in raising public awareness about preserving the environment? Moreover, how can astronomy play a rôle in the dialogue among civilisations?
The Sun and solar eclipses in traditional Romanian ornamental patterns
Authors: Olenici Dimitrie , Olenici Maria
Published: June 2011

Various ornamental shapes, such as the wheel, the rhombus, the broken cross, and the radiant triangle, which can be seen on popular costumes, domestic objects as well as in architecture, represent solar symbols with a clear apotropaic function whose origins may be detected on the Neolithic clay plates from Jevdet Nasr (Iraq), Knosos (Greece) and Tartaria (Romania). In the North-East of Romania the occurrence of such motifs is extremely frequent especially in traditional architecture. The Triple-Rayed Sun intersected by two lateral arcs is a remarkable adornment of this kind that seems to suggest the representation of an eclipse.
Science and journalism: friend or foe?
Authors: Mosoia Cătălin
Published: June 2011

A journalist's view on science and journalism. The presentation is based on personal experience gained over the past few years as editor of the minute of science broadcasted at Radio Europa FM, Bucharest, Romania, and as editor and writer for the Romanian electronic science newspaper Ziarul stiintelor. Is it possible to have science with or without journalism? Who is waiting for whom, science or journalism? Is astronomy more attractive to the public than other disciplines? Can it be used as a growing factor for the public understanding of science?
The National Library of Argentina: exhibiting astronomy–related rare books
Authors: Gangui Alejandro
Published: June 2011

Astronomical and cosmological knowledge up to the dawn of modern science was profoundly embedded in myth, religion and superstition. Many of these inventions of the human mind remain today stored in different supports: medieval engravings, illuminated manuscripts, and of course also in old and rare books.
Astronomy, space science and geopolitics
Authors: Courvoisier Thierry J.-L.
Published: June 2011

Astronomy has played a major part in the development of civilisations, not only through conceptual developments, but most importantly through the very practical gains obtained through the observation of Sun, Moon planets and stars. Space sciences, including astronomy, have also played a major rôle in the development of modern societies, as an engine for most subsequent space technology developments. Present trends tend to decrease the rôle of science in space development. This trend should be reversed to give modern “societies” their independence in space-related matters that permeate the lives of all inhabitants of the Earth.
The history of the International Astronomy Olympiad
Authors: Gavrilov Michael G. , Salnikov Igor V. , Vaesterberg Anders R.
Published: June 2011

The International Astronomy Olympiad (IAO) was founded in the 1990s as an annual scientific educating event for students of the junior high school classes. Starting from 4 teams at the 1st event in 1996 the Olympiad includes more than 20 countries nowadays. The style of the problems of IAO is aimed at developing the imagination, creativity and independent thinking. They stimulate the students to recognize the problem independently, to choose a model, to make necessary suppositions, estimations, to conduct multiway calculations or logic operations. The Asian-Pacific Astronomy Olympiad was founded as a “daughter” (“affiliated”) olympiad in system of the International Astronomy Olympiad in 2005.
An ear turned to “The Cosmos”: 50 projects to discover the universe
Authors: del Puerto Carmen
Published: June 2011

In 1609, as Galileo pointed the sky with a telescope, he observed Jupiter's satellites and changed our vision of the universe. Four hundred years later, we celebrate this event all over the world, and also in the Canaries. 2009, the International Year of Astronomy, is a very special year for the Science and Cosmos Museum (Museo de la Ciencia y el Cosmos). This was the first museum in Spain supported by a public entity, The Local Government of Tenerife (Cabildo de Tenerife), through its Autonomous Council of Museums (Organismo Autónomo de Museos y Centros), and a research centre, the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias. Fifteen years later, this museum, which receives 50,000 visitors a year, celebrates the International Year of Astronomy with fifty projects described in this paper.
The outreach plan around the first science with the Gran Telescopio CANARIAS (GTC)
Authors: Zelmanovitch Natalia Ruiz
Published: June 2011

2009 is important for Astronomy in Spain, not just because of the celebration of the International Year of Astronomy, but because of the beginning of the Gran Telescopio CANARIAS's operation. The Project ‘Consolider-Ingenio 2010: First Science with the GTC’, is a project funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science & Innovation (MICINN). For this project, it is fundamental that the GTC, a complex and expensive installation, produces science from the very beginning. One of the project objectives is Public Outreach and, in this paper we explain the outreach and education plans around the first science with the GTC.
Onset of synchronization in weighted complex networks: The effect of weight-degree correlation
Authors: Li Menghui , Wang Xingang , Fan Ying , Di Zengru , Lai Choy-Heng
Published: June 2011

By numerical simulations, we investigate the onset of synchronization of networked phase oscillators under two different weighting schemes. In scheme-I, the link weights are correlated to the product of the degrees of the connected nodes, so this kind of networks is named as the weight-degree correlated (WDC) network. In scheme-II, the link weights are randomly assigned to each link regardless of the node degrees, so this kind of networks is named as the weight-degree uncorrelated (WDU) network. Interestingly, it is found that by increasing a parameter that governs the weight distribution, the onset of synchronization in WDC network is monotonically enhanced, while in WDU network there is a reverse in the synchronization performance. We investigate this phenomenon from the viewpoint of gradient network, and explain the contrary roles of coupling gradient on network synchronization: gradient promotes synchronization in WDC network, while deteriorates synchronization in WDU network. The findings highlight the fact that, besides the link weight, the correlation between the weight and the node degree is also important to the network dynamics.
A dual-resonant reflector in powerful relativistic backward wave oscillator
Authors: Song Wei , Chen Chang-hua , Zhang Li-gang , Hu Yong-mei , Yang Meng , Zhang Xiao-wei , Zhang Li-jun
Published: June 2011

A dual-resonant reflector is proposed to suppress the radio frequency breakdown and enhance the reflection in a high power relativistic backward wave oscillator. The backward wave is reflected by two reflector cavities step by step, therefore, a high reflectivity is obtained. A preliminary high power microwave generation experiment of backward wave oscillator (BWO) with a general resonant reflector and a dual-resonant reflector was carried out. A microwave with power over 3 GW, frequency 9.6 GHz, efficiency 30%, and pulse width 22 ns was generated. The experiment results show that the efficiency of BWO with a dual-RR is enhanced about 2%–6%.
3.4 GHz composite thin film bulk acoustic wave resonator for miniaturized atomic clocks
Authors: Artieda Alvaro , Muralt Paul
Published: June 2011

Triple layer SiO2/AlN/SiO2 composite thin film bulk acoustic wave resonators (TFBARs) were studied for applications in atomic clocks. The TFBAR’s were tuned to 3.4 GHz, corresponding to half the hyperfine splitting of the ground state of rubidium 87Rb atoms. The quality factor (Q) was equal to 2300 and the temperature coefficient of the resonance frequency fr amounted to 1.5 ppm/K. A figure of merit Qfr of ∼ 0.8 × 1013 Hz and a thickness mode coupling factor of 1% were reached. Such figures are ideal for frequency sources in an oscillator circuit that tracks the optical signal in atomic clocks.