bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines in Prostate Cancer: The Quest for Intermediate Markers of Response
Authors: Kim Joseph , Bilusic Marijo , Heery Christopher , Madan Ravi
Published: November 2012

Despite recent advances in cancer immunotherapy, no prospectively validated intermediate biomarkers exist to predict response. These biomarkers are highly desirable given modern immunotherapy’s paradoxical pattern of clinical benefit; that is, improvement in overall survival without short-term change in progression. Immunotherapy clinical trials have evaluated biomarkers that may correlate with clinical outcomes. Many of them are performed on peripheral blood to evaluate the systemic response, such as tumor-targeted humoral and cellular immunity, and cytokine responses. Accumulating evidence suggests that immune infiltrates in tumors may suggest evidence for the therapy’s mechanism of action, and have greater potential for providing prognostic and predictive information. In addition, a non-immunologic biomarker, such as tumor growth kinetics, may explain this paradoxical pattern of clinical benefit, and predict survival in patients treated with an immunotherapy. Prospective assessment and validation of these and other intermediate markers would be required to better understand their potential clinical role.
Social Vulnerability and Traumatic Dental Injury among Brazilian Schoolchildren: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Bendo Cristiane , Vale Miriam , Figueiredo Lícian , Pordeus Isabela , Paiva Saul
Published: November 2012

The aim of the present study was to test the association between social vulnerability and the prevalence of traumatic dental injury (TDI). A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out with 1,556 schoolchildren aged 11 to 14 years in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The participants were examined for TDI using Andreasen’s criteria and those diagnosed with TDI were interviewed to determine the history of the injury. The Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) was used for socioeconomic classification, which addresses environmental, cultural, economic, legal and security/survival dimensions. The Poisson regression model was used for the multivariate analysis, with the significance level set at 5%. The prevalence of TDI was 14.1%; 59.3% of the participants with TDI did not seek a dentist after the incident. Poorer environmental, economic and legal conditions were statistically associated with the occurrence of untreated TDI (p < 0.05) and all the five SVI dimensions were associated with seeking a dentist due to TDI (p < 0.006). The prevalence of untreated TDI was higher among boys (PR: 1.42; 95%CI: 1.11–1.81) and those in situations of greater social vulnerability (PR: 2.27; 95%CI: 1.11–4.61). In conclusion, the male gender and high social vulnerability proved to be associated with the occurrence of TDI.
Focused Study on the Quiet Side Effect in Dwellings Highly Exposed to Road Traffic Noise
Authors: Van Renterghem Timothy , Botteldooren Dick
Published: November 2012

This study provides additional evidence for the positive effect of the presence of a quiet façade at a dwelling and aims at unraveling potential mechanisms. Locations with dominant road traffic noise and high Lden-levels at the most exposed façade were selected. Dwellings both with and without a quiet façade were deliberately sought out. Face-to-face questionnaires (N = 100) were taken to study the influence of the presence of a quiet side in relation to noise annoyance and sleep disturbance. As a direct effect, the absence of a quiet façade in the dwelling (approached as a front-back façade noise level difference smaller than 10 dBA) leads to an important increase of at least moderately annoyed people (odds-ratio adjusted for noise sensitivity equals 3.3). In an indirect way, a bedroom located at the quiet side leads to an even stronger reduction of the self-reported noise annoyance (odds-ratio equal to 10.6 when adjusted for noise sensitivity and front façade Lden). The quiet side effect seems to be especially applicable for noise sensitive persons. A bedroom located at the quiet side also reduces noise-induced sleep disturbances. On a loud side, bedroom windows are more often closed, however, conflicting with the preference of dwellers.
Location of Host and Host Habitat by Fruit Fly Parasitoids
Authors: Quilici Serge , Rousse Pascal
Published: November 2012

Augmentative releases of parasitoids may be a useful tool for the area-wide management of tephritid pests. The latter are parasitized by many wasp species, though only a few of them are relevant for augmentative biocontrol purposes. To date, nearly all the actual or potential biocontrol agents for such programs are egg or larval Opiinae parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). Here, we review the literature published on their habitat and host location behavior, as well as the factors that modulate this behavior, which is assumed to be sequential; parasitoids forage first for the host habitat and then for the host itself. Parasitoids rely on chemical, visual, and mechanical stimuli, often strongly related to their ecology. Behavioral modulation factors include biotic and abiotic factors including learning, climatic conditions and physiological state of the insect. Finally, conclusions and perspectives for future research are briefly highlighted. A detailed knowledge of this behavior may be very useful for selecting the release sites for both inundative/augmentative releases of mass-reared parasitoids and inoculative releases for classical biocontrol.
Chemical Composition and Antioxidant/Antimicrobial Activities in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Fluid Extract of Gloiopeltis tenax
Authors: Zheng Jiaojiao , Chen Yicun , Yao Fen , Chen Weizhou , Shi Ganggang
Published: November 2012

Gloiopeltis tenax (G. tenax) is widely distributed along the Chinese coastal areas and is commonly used in the treatment of diarrhea and colitis. This study aimed at investigating the bioactivities of the volatile constituents in G. tenax. We extracted the essential constituents of G. tenax by supercritical carbon dioxide extraction (CO2-SFE), then identified and analyzed the constituents by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In total, 30 components were identified in the G. tenax extract. The components showed remarkable antioxidant activity (radical scavenging activity of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)), lipid peroxidation inhibition capacity (in a β-carotene/linoleic acid-coupled oxidation reaction), and hydroxyl radical-scavenging activity (by deoxyribose degradation by iron-dependent hydroxyl radical), compared to butylated hydroxytoluene. In microdilution assays, G. tenax extracts showed a moderate inhibitory effects on Staphyloccocus aureus (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) = 3.9 mg/mL), Enterococcus faecalis (7.8 mg/mL), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15.6 mg/mL), and Escherichia coli (3.9 mg/mL). Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of G. tenax were related to the active chemical composition. These results suggest that the CO2-SFE extract from G. tenax has potential to be used as a natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agent in food processing.
Adjuvant Activity of Sargassum pallidum Polysaccharides against Combined Newcastle Disease, Infectious Bronchitis and Avian Influenza Inactivated Vaccines
Authors: Li Li-Jie , Li Ming-Yi , Li Yan-Tuan , Feng Jing-Jing , Hao Feng-Qiang , Zhang Lun
Published: November 2012

This study evaluates the effects of Sargassum pallidum polysaccharides (SPP) on the immune responses in a chicken model. The adjuvanticity of Sargassum pallidum polysaccharides in Newcastle disease (ND), infectious bronchitis (IB) and avian influenza (AI) was investigated by examining the antibody titers and lymphocyte proliferation following immunization in chickens. The chickens were administrated combined ND, IB and AI inactivated vaccines containing SPP at 10, 30 and 50 mg/mL, using an oil adjuvant vaccine as a control. The ND, IB and AI antibody titers and the lymphocyte proliferation were enhanced at 30 mg/mL SPP. In conclusion, an appropriate dose of SPP may be a safe and efficacious immune stimulator candidate that is suitable for vaccines to produce early and persistent prophylaxis.
Red Ginseng Marc Oil Inhibits iNOS and COX-2 via NFκB and p38 Pathways in LPS-Stimulated RAW 264.7 Macrophages
Authors: Bak Min-Ji , Hong Soon-Gi , Lee Jong-Won , Jeong Woo-Sik
Published: November 2012

In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of red ginseng marc oil (RMO) in the RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. RMO was prepared by a supercritical CO2 extraction of waste product generated after hot water extraction of red ginseng. RMO significantly inhibited the production of oxidative stress molecules such as nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 cells. Levels of inflammatory targets including prostaglandin E2, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 were also reduced after the treatment with RMO. In addition, RMO diminished the expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase 2 at both mRNA and protein levels. Blockade of nuclear translocation of the p65 subunit of nuclear factor κB (NFκB) was also observed after the treatment of RMO. Furthermore, RMO decreased the phosphorylations of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and its upstream kinases including MAPK kinases 3/6 (MKK3/6) and TAK 1 (TGF-β activated kinase 1). Gas chromatographic analysis on RMO revealed that RMO contained about 10% phytosterols including sitosterol, stigmasterol and campesterol which may contribute to the anti-inflammatory properties of RMO. Taken together, these results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effect of RMO in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages could be associated with the inhibition of NFκB transcriptional activity, possibly via blocking the p38 MAPK pathway.
Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and Gas Chromatography-Olfactometry Analysis of Volatile Compounds in Pineapple Breads
Authors: Ying Saw , Lasekan Ola , Naidu Kalla , Lasekan Seye
Published: November 2012

Sensorial analysis of pineapple breads (conventionally baked, Cpb; fully baked frozen, Fpb and partially baked, Ppb) showed no significant differences in terms of aroma and taste. On the contrary, the scores for the overall quality between the partially baked and conventionally baked breads showed significant (p < 0.05) differences. At the same time, headspace analysis using a solid-phase microextraction (SPME) method identified 59 volatile compounds. The results of the aroma extracts dilution analysis (AEDA) revealed 19 most odour-active compounds with FD factors in the range of 32–128 as the key odourants of the pineapple breads. Further analysis of the similarities and differences between the pineapple breads in terms of the key odourants were carried out by the application of PLS-DA and PLS-regression coefficients. Results showed that Ppb exhibited strong positive correlations with most of the volatile- and non-volatile compounds, while the Cpb showed significant positive correlations with hexanal and 4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone, and the Fpb had strong positive correlations with lactic acid, benzoic acid, benzaldehyde and ethyl propanoate.
A Review of Active Mechanical Driving Principles of Spherical Robots
Authors: Chase Richard , Pandya Abhilash
Published: November 2012

Spherical robotics is an emerging research field due to a ball’s characteristic to be holonomic, have a sealed internal environment, and rebound from collisions easily. As the research moves forward, individual groups have begun to develop unique methods of propulsion, each having distinctive engineering trade-offs: weight is sacrificed for power; speed is forfeited for control accuracy, etc. Early spherical robots operated similar to a hamster ball and had a limited torque and a high-energy loss due to internal friction. Researchers have begun to develop various novel concepts to maneuver and control this family of robot. This article is an overview of the current research directions that various groups have taken, the nomenclature used in this subdiscipline, and the various uses of the fundamental principles of physics for propelling a spherical robot.
Automatic Method for Building Indoor Boundary Models from Dense Point Clouds Collected by Laser Scanners
Authors: Valero Enrique , Adán Antonio , Cerrada Carlos
Published: November 2012

In this paper we present a method that automatically yields Boundary Representation Models (B-rep) for indoors after processing dense point clouds collected by laser scanners from key locations through an existing facility. Our objective is particularly focused on providing single models which contain the shape, location and relationship of primitive structural elements of inhabited scenarios such as walls, ceilings and floors. We propose a discretization of the space in order to accurately segment the 3D data and generate complete B-rep models of indoors in which faces, edges and vertices are coherently connected. The approach has been tested in real scenarios with data coming from laser scanners yielding promising results. We have deeply evaluated the results by analyzing how reliably these elements can be detected and how accurately they are modeled.
Classification of Odorants in the Vapor Phase Using Composite Features for a Portable E-Nose System
Authors: Choi Sang-Il , Jeong Gu-Min , Kim Chunghoon
Published: November 2012

We present an effective portable e-nose system that performs well even in noisy environments. Considering the characteristics of the e-nose data, we use an image covariance matrix-based method for extracting discriminant features for vapor classification. To construct composite vectors, primitive variables of the data measured by a sensor array are rearranged. Then, composite features are extracted by utilizing the information about the statistical dependency among multiple primitive variables, and a classifier for vapor classification is designed with these composite features. Experimental results with different volatile organic compounds data show that the proposed system has better classification performance than other methods in a noisy environment.
TDMA-Based Dual-Mode Communication for Mobile Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Mehta Ankur , Kerkez Branko , Glaser Steven D. , Pister Kristofer S. J.
Published: November 2012

Small highly mobile robots, and in particular micro air vehicles (MAVs), are well suited to the task of exploring unknown indoor environments such as buildings and caves. Such a task imposes a number of requirements on the underlying communication infrastructure, with differing goals during various stages of the mission. This work addresses those requirements with a hybrid communications infrastructure consisting of a stationary mesh network along with the mobile nodes. The combined network operates in two independent modes, coupling a highly efficient, low duty cycle, low throughput mode for routing and persistent sensing with a burst mode for high data rate communication. By strategically distributing available frequency channels between the mobile agents and the stationary nodes, the overall network provides reliable long-term communication paths while maximizing data throughput when needed.
Host Genetic Variants in the Pathogenesis of Hepatitis C
Authors: Rau Monika , Baur Katharina , Geier Andreas
Published: November 2012

Direct-acting antiviral drugs (DAAs) are currently replacing antiviral therapy for Hepatitis C infection. Treatment related side effects are even worse and the emergence of resistant viruses must be avoided because of the direct-antiviral action. Altogether it remains a challenge to take treatment decisions in a clinical setting with cost restrictions. Genetic host factors are hereby essential to implement an individualized treatment concept. In recent years results on different genetic variants have been published with a strong association with therapy response, fibrosis and treatment-related side effects. Polymorphisms of the IL28B gene were identified as accurate predictors for therapy response and spontaneous clearance of HCV infection and are already used for diagnostic decisions. For RBV-induced side effects, such as hemolytic anemia, associations to genetic variants of inosine triphosphatase (ITPA) were described and different SLC28 transporters for RBV-uptake have been successfully analyzed. Fibrosis progression has been associated with variants of Vitamin D receptor (VDR) and ABCB11 (bile salt export pump). Cirrhotic patients especially have a high treatment risk and low therapy response, so that personalized antiviral treatment is mandatory. This review focuses on different host genetic variants in the pathogenesis of Hepatitis C at the beginning of a new area of treatment.
Contrast magnetic resonance imaging for measurement of cartilage glycosaminoglycan content in dogs: A pilot study
Authors: Stewart M. C. , Ciobanu L. , Constable P. D. , Naughton J. F.
Published: November 2012

Objective: To assess the ability of a contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique to quantitatively determine glycosaminoglycan content in canine articular cartilage.

Methods: Fifty-four full-thickness cartilage discs were collected from the femorotibial and scapulohumeral joints of three adult dogs immediately following euthanasia. One set of discs from each dog was analysed for glycosaminoglycan content using a colourimetric laboratory assay. The remaining position-matched set of discs from contralateral limbs underwent pre- and post-contrast gadolinium-enhanced MRI, using repeated saturation recovery pulse sequences which were used to generate calculated T1 maps of the cartilage discs. Linear regression analysis was then performed relating delayed gadolinium-enhanced MRI T1 calculated signal intensity to the cartilage glycosaminoglycan content normalized to DNA content. Repeatability of triplicate measurements was estimated by calculating the coefficient of variation.

Results: Mean coefficient of variation estimates for the gadolinium-enhanced MRI T1 signal intensity values for nine sampling sites from three dogs ranged from 5.9% to 7.5%. Gadolinium-enhanced MRI T1 signal intensity was significantly correlated (p <0.05) with normalized glycosaminoglycan content in two dogs (r = 0.79, p = 0.011; r = 0.78, p = 0.048), but not in the third dog (r = 0.53, p = 0.071).

Clinical significance: Gadolinium-enhanced MRI assessment of cartilage may be predictive of glycosaminoglycan content and therefore offer an in vivo assessment of changes in cartilage characteristics over time. Additional studies appear indicated to determine the reliability and clinical applicability of gadolinium-enhanced MRI in detecting changes in cartilage over time.
Convergent synthesis of the tetrasaccharide repeating unit of the cell wall lipopolysaccharide of Escherichia coli O40
Authors: Sau Abhijit , Misra Anup Kumar
Published: November 2012

A tetrasaccharide repeating unit corresponding to the cell-wall lipopolysaccharide of E. coli O40 was synthesized by using a convergent block glycosylation strategy. A disaccharide donor was coupled to a disaccharide acceptor by a stereoselective glycosylation. A 2-aminoethyl linker was chosen as the anomeric protecting group at the reducing end of the tetrasaccharide. All glycosylation steps are significantly high yielding and stereoselective.
EFFECT OF COD LOADING RATE ON AN UPFLOW ANAEROBIC SLUDGE BLANKET REACTOR DURING ANAEROBIC DIGESTION OF PALM OIL MILL EFFLUENT WITH BUTYRATE / SUVARTOJAMO CHDS POVEIKIS PALMIŲ ALIEJAUS GAMYBINIŲ NUOTEKŲ SU BUTIRATU ANAEROBINIO PŪDYMO PLOKŠTELINIAME REAKTORIUJE METU
Authors: Ahmad Anwar , Ghufran Rumana , Wahid Zularisam Abd.
Published: November 2012

Palm oil Mill Effluent (POME) with concentrated butyrate was treated in a 4.5 l upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor (UASBR), run over a range of influent concentrations (16.5–46.0 g-COD l−1), chemical oxygen demand (COD) loading rates (1.5–11.5 g-CODl−1d−1) and 11–4 days hydraulic retention time (HRT) at 37 °C by maintaining pH between 6.5–7.5. The process consistently removed 97–99% of COD at loading rates up to 1.5–4.8 g-COD l−1d−1 by varying HRT (11–7.2 days). Butyrate is an important intermediate in the anaerobic degradation of organic matter. In sulphate-depleted environment, butyrate in POME (BOD/COD ratio of 0.5) is β-oxidised to acetate and hydrogen, by obligate proton reducers in syntrophic association with hydrogen utilizing methanogens. The conversion of acetate to methane appeared to be rate limiting step. Maximum biogas (20.17 ll−1d−1) and methane production (16.2 ll−1d−1) were obtained at COD loading rate of 4.80 gl−1d−1and HRT of 7.2 days. The biogas and methane production were higher in the presence of butyrate compared to control. The methane content of the biogas was in the range of 70–80% throughout the study while in control it was 60–65%. Finding of this study clearly indicates the successful treatment of POME with butyrate in UASBR. Santrauka Palmių aliejaus gamybinės nuotekos (POME) su koncentruotu butiratu buvo apdorotos 4,5 l talpos aukštyn tekančio aerobinio dumblo plokšteliniame reaktoriuje (UASBR). Nuotekos tekėjo įvairių koncentracijų (16,5–46,0 g – ChDS 1−1), cheminio deguonies suvartojimo (ChDS) normos (1,5–11,5 g – ChDS 1−1d.−1). Hidraulinio sulaikymo trukmė (HRT) nuo 11 iki 4 dienų, kai temperatūra 37 °C, pH palaikant 6,5–7,5. Vykstant procesui nuolat buvo pašalinama 97–99% ChD, kai tiekimo ir pakrovimo sparta 1,5–4,8 g – ChDS 1−1d.−1 kintant HRT(11–7,2 d.). Butiratas yra svarbus tarpininkas organinių medžiagų anaerobinio skilimo procese. Sulfatas iš aplinkos, butiratas iš POME (BDS/ChDS santykis 0,5) yra acetato ir vandenilio β oksidatoriai, priverčiantys protonų reducentus sintrofinės sąveikos su vandeniliu metu utilizuoti metanogenus. Acetato virtimas metanu pasirodė esąs greitį ribojantis veiksnys. Daugiausia biodujų (20,17 l 1−1 d.−1) ir metano (16,2 l 1−1 d.−1) susidarė tada, kai suvartojamo ChD tiekimo greitis buvo 4,80 g 1−1d.−1, o HRT – 7,2 dienos. Daugiau biodujų ir metano susidarė dalyvaujant butiratui, palyginti su kontroliniu pavyzdžiu. Biodujose metano kiekis tyrimo metu svyravo 70–80%, o kontroliniame buvo 60–65%. Šis tyrimas aiškiai parodė, kad POME su butiratu UASBreaktoriuje apdorojamas sėkmingai.
Habitats
Authors: Menezes Masagão Andrea , de Araújo Leite Nina Virginia
Published: November 2012

Résumé La maison est par excellence un endroit de reconnaissance et d’appartenance qui fixe le moi dans la relation de mise en miroir avec les objets du monde. L’ Unheimlich freudien introduit une fissure dans les relations d’adéquation entre l’être et la maison en tant que lieu. Le familier est aussi l’étranger que nous ne connaissons pas, ou n’assimilons pas dans le cadre du moi. Interroger l’habitat à partir de la fissure ouverte par Freud nous permettra de cerner l’inhabitable.
Schématisations iconiques, schématisations discursives dans le message publicitaire
Authors: Brouat Thérèse
Published: November 2012

La publicité anglo-saxonne pour produits informatiques est un objet culturel ancré dans le domaine de référence technique et distancié par rapport à ce dernier. À cet effet, l’icône et le discours de la publicité interagissent pour refléter et construire une certaine représentation d’un produit. Un échantillon de publicités pour des réseaux informatiques met en évidence une grande diversité de traitements iconique et discursif, depuis une orientation technocentrée jusqu'à un éclairage qui joue des connotations et des effets de sens pour s’attacher aux symboles.
Central Information Flows and Decision-Making Requirements
Authors: Sharp Robin J.A. , Ewald Julie A. , Kenward Robert
Published: November 2012

Information needs of government for SEA, EIA, and other aspects of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development are studied and reported in this chapter. This includes needs related to biodiversity for land use planning, for operation of the EU Common Agricultural Policy, for agricultural policy more generally, and for Biodiversity Action Plans. Legislation and its implementation are considered at European Union and member state level by direct enquiries and a preliminary questionnaire survey in project partner countries. Preliminary conclusions are drawn and lessons learned for a Pan-European survey.
Biodiversity Trends Associated with SEA and EIA Practices
Authors: Beja Pedro , Ewald Julie A. , Kenward Robert
Published: November 2012

This chapter compares trends in policies on land uses and economic activity to trends in ecosystem services and biodiversity in cultivated areas as well as in protected areas, using a database defined in Chapter 6. The analysis revealed associations between capacity, priority, and process variables on one hand, and impact variables on the other. For the TESS project, the most important analyses involved the number of EIAs and SEAs. There were relatively more of these in countries where local administrations consulted most with NGOs, were responsible for relatively small populations and perceived nature most positively. Except for consultation, the processes used when conducting assessments and monitoring their results did not positively affect the number of assessments, the environmental and social impacts investigated, or the numbers of those using the resources. Additional analysis indicated interesting relationships with conversion to artificial land-cover, positivity to nature indices, knowing the term “biodiversity,” species conservation status, consultation at local level with NGOs, and the proportion of a country’s population that was hunters or anglers.
Design of a Transactional Environmental Support System
Authors: Kenward R.E. , Casey N. M. , Walls S. S. , Dick J. M. , Smith R. , Turner S. L. , Watt A. D. , Papathanasiou J. , Andreopoulou Z. , Arampatzis S. , Papadopoulou O. , von Bethlenfalvy G. , Carvalho C. Rio , Morgado R. , Sharp R. J A. , Tederko Z. , Szemethy L. , Gallo J. , Székely D. , Piirimäe K. , Ivask M. , Aruvee E. , Navodaru I. , Avcioglu B. , Gem Engin , Ewald J. A. , Sotherton N. , Newton A. C. , Hodder K. H.
Published: November 2012

This chapter draws on results from previous chapters, in some cases creating new syntheses by combining information across chapters and including findings of previous projects. Its specific objective is to consolidate all these findings in the design of a system to support transaction of information for environmental assessments and decision support at central and local levels, by local managers of land and species as well as by policymakers. It recognises the need not merely to provide a technological tool, but also to consider demand and supply for information in that tool, the ease of use of the tool, motivation to use the tool and cost of maintaining the tool long-term: a tool that is not desirable, practical, and durable will not last. The chapter therefore first addresses who makes the most decisions, finding not only that local managers of land and species have high need of support, but also that their demand is least met by model-based decision support despite their high capacity to generate data. For this reason a system was designed primarily to accommodate needs of knowledge transfer at local level. Consideration of data quality, ownership, and confidentiality was important, together with scale, uncertainty (and resulting liability) of resulting decision support. All these considerations can be addressed by developing trust in operation of such a system, for which a basis in the civic sector (rather than in private business or government) was recommended. A portal was launched to continue informing all interests of the scope for building and opportunities from use of such a system.
Influence of Genetic Polymorphisms and Mutations in the Cardiac Pathology of Iron Overload in Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anemia Patients: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Agrigento Veronica , Calvaruso Giuseppina , Sclafani Serena , Maggio Aurelio , Lo Nigro Valeria , D’Alcamo Elena
Published: November 2012

Cardiac disease in thalassemia is determined by the accumulation of iron in the tissue. Genetic factors could influence the severity and the rapidity of the modifications of the cardiac tissue. Mutations or polymorphisms of genes have already been described as being implicated in cardiac disease. In particular, we studied the polymorphisms C1091T in the Connexin 37 gene (CX 37), 4G -668 5G in the Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 gene (PAI 1) and 5A-1171 6A in the Stromelysin-1 gene (SL) in 193 randomly selected patients affected by hemoglobinopathies and 100 normal subjects randomly selected from the general population. A retrospective analysis based on history, clinical data and imaging studies was carried out to assess the presence and type of heart disease. The results of our study do not demonstrate a close association between polymorphism in these candidate genes and cardiac disease, and in particular with myocardial infarction in a cohort of Sicilian patients affected by hemoglobinopathies.
Perceptions of registered nurses regarding factors influencing service delivery in expanding programmes in a primary healthcare setting
Authors: Xaba Nnoi. A. , Peu Mmapheko D. , Phiri Salaminah S.
Published: November 2012

The aim of this study was to explore and describe the perceptions of registered nurses regarding factors influencing service delivery regarding expansion programmes in a primary healthcare setting, using a qualitative approach. The registered nurses, who have been working in the clinics for more than two years and have been exposed to the expansion programmes there, were purposively sampled. Two focus group interviews were conducted in a neutral place and the data collected by the researcher Nnoi A. Xaba (N.A.X.). Data were analysed by the researcher and an independent co-coder using the Tesch method. Categories, subcategories and themes were identified; those that formed the basis of discussion were disabling factors, enabling factors, client-related factors, service-related factors and solutions to problems. It is recommended that integration of programmes and coordination be done at a provincial level and planned together with the training centres in order to alleviate problems in service delivery. Training on expansion programmes in the form of in-service education should be carried out continually in the region.Die doel van die studie was om die persepsie van geregistreerde verpleegkundiges met betrekking tot die  faktore wat dienslewering van die uitbreidingsprogramme in ‘n primêre gesondheid opset beinvloed; te eksploreer en te beskryf. ‘n Kwalitatiewe benadering is gevolg in die iutvoering van die studie. ‘n Doelgerigte steekproef is uitgevoer vanuit geregistreerde verpleegkundiges wat vir langer as twee jaar in die klinieke werksaam was en blootgestel is aan die uitbreiding programme. Twee fokus groep onderhoude is deur die navorser Nnoi A. Xaba (N.A.X.) in ‘n neutrale opset uitgevoer. Data is deur die navorser en ŉ onafhanklike kodeerder ontleed volgens Tesch se metode van analise. Kategorieë, sub-kategorieë en temas was geidentifiseer. Die kategorieë fundamenteel tot die bespreking behels: remmende faktore, bydraende faktore, kliënt-verwante faktore, diens-verwante faktore, en oplossing van probleme. Daar word aanbeveel dat die integrasie en koordinasie van programme op provisiale vlak beplan word in samewerking met opleidings instansies om die dienslewerings probleem te verlig. In die streek behoort opleiding met betrekking tot die uitbreidingsprogramme deurlopend deur middel van indiensopleiding gedoen word.
Frontal sinus mucocele with orbital complications: Management by varied surgical approaches
Authors: Aggarwal Sushil , Bhavana Kranti , Keshri Amit , Kumar Raj , Srivastava Arun
Published: November 2012

A mucocele of a para-nasal sinus is an accumulation of mucoid secretion and desqua-mated epithelium within the sinus with distension of its walls and is regarded as a cyst like expansile and destructive lesion. If the cyst invades the adjacent orbit and continues to expand within the orbital cavity, the mass may mimic the behavior of many benign growths primary in the orbit. The frontal sinus is most commonly involved, whereas sphenoid, ethmoid, and maxillary mucoceles are rare. Floor of frontal sinus is shared with the superior orbital wall which explains the early displacement of orbit in enlarging frontal mucoceles. Frontal sinus mucoceles are prone to recurrences if not managed adequately. Here, we are evaluating different approaches used to manage various stages of frontal mucoceles which presented to us with orbital complications. Three cases of frontal sinus mucocele are discussed which presented to our OPD with different clinical symptoms and all cases were managed by different surgical approaches according to their severity. We also concluded that it is prudent to collaborate with the neurosurgeons for adequate management of such complex mucoceles by a craniotomy approach.
Role of bacteria in oral carcinogenesis
Authors: Rajeev R , Choudhary Kanaram , Panda Swagatika , Gandhi Neha
Published: November 2012

Oral cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Indian men and is the leading cause of cancer deaths. It is considered as a multistep and multifactorial disease. Besides accumulation of genetic mutations, numerous other carcinogens are involved. In this category, viral and chemical carcinogens are well studied and documented. However, in the oral cavity, the role of microbiota in carcinogenesis is not known. Microbial populations on mouth mucosa differ between healthy and malignant sites, and certain oral bacterial species have been linked with malignancies, but the evidence is still weak in this respect. Nevertheless, oral microorganisms inevitably up-regulate cytokines and other inflammatory mediators that affect the complex metabolic pathways, and may thus be involved in carcinogenesis. Poor oral health associates statistically with prevalence of many types of cancer such as pancreatic and gastrointestinal cancer. This review presents possible carcinogenesis pathway involved in bacterial carcinogenesis, commonly implicated bacteria in oral carcinogenesis, and their role in cancer therapeutics as well.
Parameterization of dust emissions in the global atmospheric chemistry-climate model EMAC: impact of nudging and soil properties
Authors: Astitha M. , Lelieveld J. , Abdel Kader M. , Pozzer A. , de Meij A.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. Airborne desert dust influences radiative transfer, atmospheric chemistry and dynamics, as well as nutrient transport and deposition. It directly and indirectly affects climate on regional and global scales. Two versions of a parameterization scheme to compute desert dust emissions are incorporated into the atmospheric chemistry general circulation model EMAC (ECHAM5/MESSy2.41 Atmospheric Chemistry). One uses a globally uniform soil particle size distribution, whereas the other explicitly accounts for different soil textures worldwide. We have tested these two versions and investigated the sensitivity to input parameters, using remote sensing data from the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) and dust concentrations and deposition measurements from the AeroCom dust benchmark database (and others). The two versions are shown to produce similar atmospheric dust loads in the N-African region, while they deviate in the Asian, Middle Eastern and S-American regions. The dust outflow from Africa over the Atlantic Ocean is accurately simulated by both schemes, in magnitude, location and seasonality. Approximately 70% of the modelled annual deposition data and 70–75% of the modelled monthly aerosol optical depth (AOD) in the Atlantic Ocean stations lay in the range 0.5 to 2 times the observations for all simulations. The two versions have similar performance, even though the total annual source differs by ~50%, which underscores the importance of transport and deposition processes (being the same for both versions). Even though the explicit soil particle size distribution is considered more realistic, the simpler scheme appears to perform better in several locations. This paper discusses the differences between the two versions of the dust emission scheme, focusing on their limitations and strengths in describing the global dust cycle and suggests possible future improvements.
Lingulodinium machaerophorum expansion over the last centuries in the Caspian Sea reflects global warming
Authors: Leroy S. A. G. , Lahijani H. A. K. , Reyss J.-L. , Chalié F. , Haghani S. , Shah-Hosseini M. , Shahkarami S. , Tudryn A. , Arpe K. , Habibi P. , Nasrollahzadeh H. S. , Makhlough A.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. We analysed dinoflagellate cyst assemblages in four short sediment cores, two of them dated by radionuclides, taken in the south basin of the Caspian Sea. The interpretation of the four sequences is supported by a collection of 27 lagoonal or marine surface sediment samples. A sharp increase in the biomass of the dinocyst occurs after 1967, especially owing to Lingulodinium machaerophorum. Considering nine other cores covering parts or the whole of Holocene, this species started to develop in the Caspian Sea only during the last three millennia. By analysing instrumental data and collating existing reconstructions of sea level changes over the last few millennia, we show that the main forcing of the increase of L. machaerophorum percentages and of the recent dinocyst abundance is global climate change, especially sea surface temperature increase. Sea level fluctuations likely have a minor impact. We argue that the Caspian Sea has entered the Anthropocene.
The effect of various vertical discretization schemes and horizontal diffusion parameterisation on the performance of a 3-D ocean model: the Black Sea case study
Authors: Shapiro G. , Luneva M. , Pickering J. , Storkey D.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. Results of a sensitivity study are presented from various configurations of the NEMO ocean model in the Black Sea. The standard choices of vertical discretization, viz. z-levels, s-coordinates and enveloped s-coordinates, all show their limitations in the areas of complex topography. Two new hydrid vertical coordinate schemes are presented: the "s-on-top-of-z" and its enveloped version. The hybrid grids use s-coordinates or enveloped s-coordinates in the upper layer, from the sea surface to the depth of the shelf break, and z-coordinates are set below this level. The study is carried out for a number of idealised and real world settings. The hybrid schemes help reduce errors generated by the standard schemes in the areas of steep topography. Results of sensitivity tests with various horizontal diffusion formulations show that the mesoscale activity is better captured with a significantly smaller value of Smagorinsky viscosity coefficient than it was previously suggested.
Edible wild plant use in the Faroe Islands and Iceland
Authors: Svanberg Ingvar , Ægisson Sigurður
Published: November 2012

This paper reviews the use of wild edible plants in the Faroe Islands and Iceland from the times of the first settlement of Norse people in the Viking age until today, with a special emphasis on the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Animal products have been an important source of nutrients for the islanders of northern Atlantic. Cultivation of cereals on the other hand has played a minor role, and had already been abandoned by late medieval times in Iceland and by the early 20th century on the Faroes. Crops such as potatoes, turnips and other roots were only grown in the small patches of cultivated soil. Wild plants have therefore been of some importance for the Faroese people and the Icelanders; in the last centuries especially for the rural poor and during times of recessions. The native Angelica archangelica L. was gathered in the wild and also cultivated in gardens for centuries. A few species have been part of the regular food staple. Some plants are still gathered and made into food products by small companies, especially in Iceland. In the Faroes, the economic aspect of edible wild plant taxa is mostly of historical interest, although a few products of A. archangelica are sometimes available. Two taxa have been exploited as regular food exclusively in Iceland: Cetraria islandica (L.) Arch. and Elymus arenarius L. Icelanders have used C. islandica from the early settlement days and continue to do so today, E. arenarius became obsolete as a food plant a century ago.
A Framework-Based Approach for Fault-Tolerant Service Robots
Authors: Ahn Heejune , Loh Woong-Kee , Yeo Woon-Young
Published: November 2012

Recently the component-based approach has become a major trend in intelligent service robot development due to its reusability and productivity. The framework in a component-based system should provide essential services for application components. However, to our knowledge the existing robot frameworks do not yet support fault tolerance service. Moreover, it is often believed that faults can be handled only at the application level. In this paper, by extending the robot framework with the fault tolerance function, we argue that the framework-based fault tolerance approach is feasible and even has many benefits, including that: 1) the system integrators can build fault tolerance applications from non-fault-aware components; 2) the constraints of the components and the operating environment can be considered at the time of integration, which – cannot be anticipated eaily at the time of component development; 3) consistency in system reliability can be obtained even in spite of diverse application component sources. In the proposed construction, we build XML rule files defining the rules for probing and determining the fault conditions of each component, contamination cases from a faulty component, and the possible recovery and safety methods. The rule files are established by a system integrator and the fault manager in the framework controls the fault tolerance process according to the rules. We demonstrate that the fault-tolerant framework can incorporate widely accepted fault tolerance techniques. The effectiveness and real-time performance of the framework-based approach and its techniques are examined by testing an autonomous mobile robot in typical fault scenarios.
Confidence-Level-Based New Adaptive Particle Filter for Nonlinear Object Tracking
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyong , Peng Jun , Yu Wentao , Lin Kuo-Chi
Published: November 2012

Nonlinear object tracking from noisy measurements is a basic skill and a challenging task of mobile robotics, especially under dynamic environments. The particle filter is a useful tool for nonlinear object tracking with non-Gaussian noise. Nonlinear object tracking needs the real-time processing capability of the particle filter. While the number in a traditional particle filter is fixed, that can lead to a lot of unnecessary computation. To address this issue, a confidence-level-based new adaptive particle filter (NAPF) algorithm is proposed in this paper. In this algorithm the idea of confidence interval is utilized. The least number of particles for the next time instant is estimated according to the confidence level and the variance of the estimated state. Accordingly, an improved systematic re-sampling algorithm is utilized for the new improved particle filter. NAPF can effectively reduce the computation while ensuring the accuracy of nonlinear object tracking. The simulation results and the ball tracking results of the robot verify the effectiveness of the algorithm.
Interactive Multi-Resolution Display Using a Projector Mounted Mobile Robot in Intelligent Space
Authors: Lee Jeong-Eom , Park Jiyoung , Kim Gon-Soo , Lee Joo-Ho , Kim Myoung-Hee
Published: November 2012

In this paper, we propose a novel interactive multi-resolution display system. The proposed system is based on a projector-mounted mobile robot in an Intelligent Space. The Intelligent Space can calculate the location of the region of interest (ROI) by recognizing the user's pointing gesture. The steerable projector mounted on the mobile robot can improve the brightness and resolution of the ROI of a large image projected by a stationary projector installed in the Intelligent Space. In the proposed system, the user is not required to hold any apparatuses for interacting with the display. Additionally, the proposed system is easy to use because it is designed with the natural and intuitive hand movement of user in mind. In the experiments, we demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed system.
High lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease vs low 10‐year Framingham risk score in HIV‐infected subjects under ART in Spain: the Coronator study
Authors: Estrada V , Masiá M , Iribarren J , Sanchez‐Marcos C , Lozano F , Miralles C , Olalla J , Santos J , Bernardino J , Dronda F , Domingo P
Published: November 2012

Purpose

Due to the relative low age of HIV‐infected patients, Framingham risk score (FRS) usually estimates a low CVD risk. Lifetime risk estimations use the risk of developing CVD over the course of an individual's remaining lifetime and may be useful in communicating the risk of CVD to young patients. Our aim is to estimate the lifetime risk of CVD in a representative sample of HIV patients under antiretroviral therapy in Spain.

Methods

Cross‐sectional analysis in 10 HIV units across Spain, including information on demographics, HIV disease status, treatment history and cardiovascular risk factors of subject under ART. Lifetime CVD risk was calculated with the method of Berry et al, which classifies the lifetime risk in five mutually exclusive categories: 1. All risk factors are optimal; 2. At least one risk factor is not optimal; 3. At least one risk factor is elevated; 4. One major risk factor is present; and 5. Two or more major risk factors are present. Risk factors included are cholesterol level, blood pressure, diabetes and tobacco smoking. We grouped these five categories in two major groups, low‐risk (groups 1+2+3) and high‐risk category (groups 4+5). We calculated the prevalence of having a high lifetime risk, and its crude and aOR (adjusted by age, sex, place of origin, education level, transmission category, time since HIV diagnosis, CDC stage, current and nadir CD4 count, HCV coinfection, time on current and total ART, being on the first ART regimen, and PI vs. NNRTI regimen).

Results

We included 839 subjects free of previous CVD disease: 72% men, median age 45.6y, median CD4 count 598 cells, median time since HIV diagnosis 11y, median time on ART 6.3y, 87% had undetectable VL. Estimated 10‐year CVD risk was low (<5%) in 78% of the patients, and intermediate (5–10%) in 20%. Lifetime risk estimation shows a high risk profile for 71.4% of the population studied (≥1 major risk factors). Factors significantly and independently associated with an increased lifetime risk were older age, non‐Spanish origin and longer time on ART. Adjusted OR for patients on ART longer than 10 years (vs<5 years) was 2.2 [95% CI 1.13–4.34]. No relationship was found with current or nadir CD4 lymphocyte counts, CDC stage C, HCV confection or type of ART.

Conclusions

There are significant disparities between the low 10y CVD risk estimated with FRS and the elevated lifetime risk in HIV patients on ART. Prolonged ART is associated with an increased CVD lifetime risk.