bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unusual localisation of pressure ulcer – the vulva
Authors: Rakic Vesna S , Colic Miodrag M , Lazovic Goran D
Published: May 2011

Only a few papers have been published about unusual localisations of pressure ulcer. To date, no papers were published presenting pressure ulcer on external genitals in women. The paper presents the mechanism of origin of vulval pressure ulcer, surgical treatment (excision of lesion tissue of the pressure ulcer) and reconstruction of the vulva. The patient, aged 50, has been paraplegic for 20 years. During the last 3 years she has had a wound which was spreading in the region of the vulva. The pressure ulcer was surgically removed, external female genitals were reconstructed using advancement skin flap and the function and natural appearance of organs were re‐established. The presence of all three aetiological factors for the formation of pressure ulcer – presence of prolonged pressure, swelling and infection – were proven in the described patient. For this reason, we are able to claim that this was in fact a pressure ulcer of the vulva. Reconstruction was simple without any complications and donor‐site morbidity.
Analgesic usage and reasons for emergency department attendance in ambulatory care patients with minor injury
Authors: Martin Domini K
Published: May 2011

Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine the reasons for which patients with minor injury attend the ED, comparing those who have and have not self‐administered analgesia. Secondary outcomes were to quantify the proportion of patients who present without having taken analgesia, to describe the reasons why analgesia was not taken, and to compare pain scores between the two groups.

Methods: Prospective observational study of adult patients with minor injury presenting to the Emergency Department of Palmerston North Hospital, Palmerston North, New Zealand. Participants answered a questionnaire about their analgesic usage and reasons for ED attendance.

Results: Four hundred and seventy‐three patients were enrolled, of which 63.9% had not self‐administered analgesia. The most common primary reasons for ED attendance were for diagnosis (49.6%), and for treatment (31.3%). Patients who had not self‐administered analgesia were significantly less likely to be seeking analgesia than those who had (22.8% vs 39.2% [P < 0.001]). They were also less likely to want an X‐ray (31.8% vs 46.8% [P= 0.001]) and had a significantly lower pain score than those who had taken analgesia (47.2 vs 59.8, [P < 0.001]). They were significantly more likely to have come primarily for treatment (35.8% vs 23.1% [P= 0.017]). The most commonly cited reasons for not taking analgesia were ‘didn't have any handy’ (31.0%), or ‘didn't have time’ (27.4%).

Conclusion: The majority of patients who attend ED with minor injury have not taken analgesia. They come primarily for diagnosis and treatment, and often believe that their condition is too urgent to stay at home and take analgesia. Pain is usually not their main concern.
Body Mass Index Regulates Hypogonadism-Associated CV Risk: Results from a Cohort of Subjects with Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Corona Giovanni , Rastrelli Giulia , Monami Matteo , Melani Cecilia , Balzi Daniela , Sforza Alessandra , Forti Gianni , Mannucci Edoardo , Maggi Mario
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Obesity is an independent cardiovascular (CV) risk factor. Testosterone (T) is inversely related to body mass index (BMI) in males. There is substantial evidence suggesting that low T could play a role as a moderator of CV mortality in men.

Aim

This study is designed to assess the possible interaction between T and obesity in predicting major CV events (MACE) in a sample of subjects with erectile dysfunction.

Methods

A consecutive series of 1,687 patients were studied. Different clinical, biochemical, and instrumental parameters were evaluated. According to BMI, subjects were divided into normal weight (BMI = 18.5–24.9 kg/m2), overweight (BMI = 25.0–29.9 kg/m2), and obese (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2). Hypogonadism was defined as total T below 10.4 nmol/L. Information on MACE was obtained through the City of Florence Registry Office.

Main Outcome Measures

Information on MACE was obtained through the City of Florence Registry Office.

Results

Among the patients studied, 39.8% had normal weight, whereas 44.1% and 16.1% were overweight and obese, respectively. Unadjusted analysis in the whole sample showed that while hypogonadism and obesity were significantly associated with an increased risk of MACE, their interaction term was associated with a protective effect. In a Cox regression model, adjusting for confounders, hypogonadism showed a significant increased risk of MACE in normal weight subjects, whereas it was associated with a reduced risk in obese patients.

Conclusions

Hypogonadism-associated CV risk depends on the characteristics of subjects, being more evident in normal weight than in obese patients. Further studies are advisable to clarify if low T in obese patients is a (positive) consequence of a comorbid condition (i.e., to save energy) or if it represents a pathogenetic issue of the same illness. Hence, possible misuse/abuse of T treatment in obese subjects must be avoided.
Epidemiology of Stroke in Italy
Authors: Sacco Simona , Stracci Fabrizio , Cerone Davide , Ricci Stefano , Carolei Antonio
Published: May 2011

This study reviews available data on stroke epidemiology in Italy. Data were identified through Medline/PubMed, Embase, and from reference lists, related articles, and citation lists of each of the retrieved papers. Nineteen papers were considered, referring to selected stroke-registers performed in seven different geographical areas: Acquaviva-Casamassima county, Aeolian Islands, Aosta district, Belluno district, L'Aquila district, Trasimeno area, and Vibo Valentia district. Registers covered a total population of 2 262 940 people, with a hospitalization rate from 82% to 98%. The mean age at stroke onset was 74·6 ± 1·1 years, 72·3 years in men and 76·6 years in women. Among all strokes: 67·3–82·6% were classified ischemic 9·9–19·6% as primary intracerebral hemorrhage 1·6–4·0% as sub-arachnoid hemorrhage, and 1·2–17·7% as undetermined.

Annual incidence rates standardized to the Italian population ranged from 175/1 00 000 to 360/1 00 000 in men and from 130/1 00 000 to 273/1 00 000 in women. Thirty-day case-fatality rates for all strokes ranged from 18·1% to 33·0% while one-year case-fatality rates ranged from 37·9% to 40·2%. Data from selected Italian registers on stroke incidence and case-fatality indicate the great burden of the disease on our national healthcare system. The continuous implementation of preventive strategies, either population-based or addressed to the single patient at a high risk of stroke, is important to reduce the burden of the disease.
Singapore Ministry of Health Clinical Practice Guidelines on Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attacks
Authors: Venketasubramanian N , Pwee K. H. , Chen C. P. L. ,   on behalf of the Singapore Ministry of Health Clinical Practice Guidelines Workgroup on Stroke and Transient Ischaemic Attacks
Published: May 2011

The primary aim of these guidelines is to assist individual clinicians, hospital departments, and hospital administrators to produce local protocols for the: assessment, investigation and immediate management of individuals with a transient ischemic attack or acute stroke (other than sub-arachnoid hemorrhage), and secondary prevention and risk factor management following a transient ischemic attack or acute stroke.

The secondary aim of these guidelines is to suggest methods for implementation and clinical audit. The workgroup preparing these guidelines was formed by the Ministry of Health, Singapore. It comprised healthcare workers from relevant specialties, family medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, and a lay patient advocate. The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network's Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management of Patients with Stroke were reviewed, updated, and modified to meet local needs. The final guidelines are made up of evidence-based recommendations covering the following areas – assessment, investigation, immediate management, secondary prevention, rehabilitation, and implications for service delivery. The guidelines were sent to professional organizations for comments and endorsements. The final version was circulated to all medical practitioners in Singapore. It is hoped that the guidelines will improve the care of patients with stroke and transient ischemic attack. Clinical quality improvement measures are proposed.
Care, Compassion, or Cost: Redefining the Basis of Treatment in Ethics and Law
Authors: Koch Tom
Published: May 2011

Early announcements of this special journal issue solicited authors interested in contributing articles on the subject of “costs at the end of life.” Those who replied were then informed the title was being changed, on the basis of early subscriber interest (or, perhaps disinterest), in “rational end-of-life treatment.” Because that seemed a still inadequate reflection of the authorial concerns of responding potential contributors, the editors again changed the title, two months later, to “Making Treatments More Rational and Compassionate for the Chronically Critically Ill.” At that point the editors gave up and decided this issue’s final title would be determined only after the papers were submitted and reviewed.
Just Caring: Health Care Rationing, Terminal Illness, and the Medically Least Well off
Authors: Fleck Leonard M.
Published: May 2011

What does it mean to be a “just” and “caring” society in meeting the health care needs of the terminally ill when we have only limited resources to meet virtually unlimited health care needs? This is the question that will be the focus of this essay. Another way of asking our question would be the following: Relative to all the other health care needs in our society, especially the need for lifesaving or life-prolonging health care, how high a priority ought the health care needs of persons who are terminally ill have? Should any of the health care needs of the terminally ill be assigned very low priority? Or should all their health care needs be assigned the highest priority? If we reflect a bit, we will find ourselves greatly internally conflicted. On the one hand, the “caring” side of our moral self might see terminally ill individuals as being among the “medically least well off,” and therefore, deserving virtually any medical resources that will yield any degree of good for them.
Making the Case for Talking to Patients about the Costs of End-of-Life Care
Authors: Donley Greer , Danis Marion
Published: May 2011

The cost of health care at the end of life accounts for a high proportion of total health care costs in the United States. The percentage of Medicare payments attributable to patients in their last year of life was 28.3% in 1978 and has remained substantially the same at 25.1% in 2006. This indicates how little progress has been made in containing these costs, though doing so will be important to promote a financially sustainable health care system. These expenditures also highlight the prospect that efforts to reduce health care costs overall are likely to disproportionately affect the care patients receive at the end of life.
End-of-Life Decision Making across Cultures
Authors: Blank Robert H.
Published: May 2011

As is evident from the other articles in this special issue, end-of-life treatment has engendered a vigorous dialogue in the United States over the past few decades because decision making at the end of life raises broad and difficult ethical issues that touch on health professionals, patients, and their families. This concern is exacerbated by the high cost related to the end of life in the U.S. Moreover, in light of demographic patterns, progressively scarce health care resources, and an expanding array of life-saving technologies, decisions at the end of life are becoming problematic matters of public and, thus, scholarly concern in most countries. Issues at the end of life are central not only to bioethics but also raise important ancillary policy dimensions.
The Value of Life at the End of Life: A Critical Assessment of Hope and other Factors
Authors: Menzel Paul T.
Published: May 2011

“The thing about life is that one day you’ll be dead.” Indeed. But even total and honest acceptance of this brute fact about our relationship to death does not diminish the value we see in short remaining life at the end of life. Few just “give in” and no more fight for life because death is seen as an inherent part of life. They still invest small amounts of additional life with huge value. How high may that value plausibly be? What is the value of a relatively short extension of life when death is inevitably near?
In the Business of Dying: Questioning the Commercialization of Hospice
Authors: Perry Joshua E. , Stone Robert C.
Published: May 2011

In our society, some aspects of life are off-limits to commerce. We prohibit the selling of children and the buying of wives, juries, and kidneys. Tainted blood is an inevitable consequence of paying blood donors; even sophisticated laboratory tests cannot supplant the gift-giving relationship as a safeguard of the purity of blood. Like blood, health care is too precious, intimate, and corruptible to entrust to the market.

The hospice movement in the United States is approximately 40 years old. During these past four decades, the concept of holistic, multidisciplinary care for patients (and their families) who are suffering from a terminal illness has evolved from a modest, grassroots constellation of primarily volunteer-run and community-governed endeavors to a multimillion dollar industry where the surviving nonprofits compete with for-profit providers, often publicly traded, managed by M.B.A.-trained executives, and governed by corporate boards. The relatively recent emergence of for-profit hospice reflects an increasing commercialization of health care in the United States, the potentially adverse impact of which has been well documented.
Multi-Professional Recommendations for Access and Utilization of Critical Care Services: Towards Consistency in Practice and Ethical Decision-Making Processes
Authors: Hawryluck Laura , Bouali Redouane , Meth Nathalie Danjoux
Published: May 2011

The ethics sections of Critical Care Societies have issued position statements and proposed a variety of position papers and policies describing the appropriate use of critical care services. These policies describe the goals of critical care provision — to support a patient through an acute, potentially reversible, life-threatening illness — and provide broad guidance on physiological and hemodynamic criteria that require the specialized care of an ICU environment. In recent years, many critical care professionals have, however, reported providing care they felt was inappropriate or futile even though most felt they should not have done so. Futile care encompasses treatments that will not work or treatments that have no chance of providing any benefit. ICU teams define care as inappropriate when it fails to restore a person to an awareness of self, and an ability to interact with their environment particularly when a lot of critical care resources are required. When patients experience significant amounts of pain and suffering, such care seems even more inappropriate.
MAJOR SPONTANEOUS RENAL HAEMORRHAGE AS AN UNUSUAL COMPLICATION OF SYSTEMIC AMYLOIDOSIS
Authors: Dunlop Joanna , Cowie Alistair , Kalra Philip A.
Published: May 2011

We report the case of a patient with systemic amyloidosis who developed a life‐threatening spontaneous haemorrhage from an amyloid kidney. A review of the literature suggests that this is a rare complication of renal amyloidosis. However, the grossly abnormal renal angiography observed in our patient has previously been described in the literature. Therefore, spontaneous renal haemorrhage should be considered a risk in any systemic amyloid patient, especially in the differential diagnosis for those patients with the condition who present with an acute abdomen.
CLINICAL OUTCOME OF DIABETIC PERITONEAL DIALYSIS PATIENTS AND EVALUATION OF FACTORS AFFECTING MORTALITY: A SINGLE CENTRE’S EXPERIENCE FROM TURKEY
Authors: Koc Yener , Unsal Abdulkadir , Ahbap Elbis , Sakacı Tamer , Yilmaz Murvet
Published: May 2011

The purpose of this study is to analyse the outcome of the diabetic peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients and compare the findings of those remaining on treatment with those who withdrew from treatment. Participants were 61 patients starting PD between 2001 and 2009, data were evaluated retrospectively. PD treatment was withdrawn in 48 patients forming Group 1 = drop‐out; 26 F, mean age 59 ± 13 years; 13 patients in Group 2 = treatment; 4 F, mean age 50 ± 10 years, still receiving PD therapy. Demographics, laboratory and blood pressure data were compared in both groups. The causes for withdrawal were: death (54%), transfer to HD (33%), other causes (13%). Most frequent cause of death: cardiac events (57.7%), peritonitis and/or sepsis (38,4%). Transfer to HD – peritonitis (50%), insufficient PD (50%). Most frequent cause of peritonitis was Staph. Aureus in 42 instances in Group 1. We found positive correlation between mortality and age (p:0.008, r:0,345) and negative correlation between mortality and follow‐up time, pretreatment albumin, calcium and PTH, systolic and diastolic BP in the last follow‐up appointment.

Cardiovascular events and peritonitis were the most important causes of withdrawal of patients. The presence of hypo‐parathyroidaemia, hypocalcaemia and hypo‐albuminaemia were associated with mortality.
THE ROLE OF PARICALCITOL ON PROTEINURIA
Authors: Aperis Georgios , Paliouras Christos , Zervos Angelos , Arvanitis Antonios , Alivanis Polichronis
Published: May 2011

Paricalcitol is a synthetic vitamin D analogue acting on vitamin D receptor (VDR). The result is inhibition of PTH synthesis and secretion. Paricalcitol appears also to block the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system. We evaluated the role of paricalcitol in the management of proteinuria of various aetiology. A total of 19 patients participated. Most had diabetic nephropathy; however patients with other types of glomerulopathy leading to proteinuria were also included. Paricalcitol 1–2 μg daily, according to response, was administered for three months. Serum Ca, PO4, Ca × PO4, PTH, creatinine clearance and albumin, as well as 24 hour urine protein were measured before and after treatment. Five out of 19 patients did not respond to the treatment. The remaining 14 patients had an average 32.9% reduction of proteinuria. The drug was well tolerated. Paricalcitol appears to have a role in the treatment of proteinuria. However, our study raises a question regarding why some patients do not respond to paricalcitol. Patients with proteinuria due to diabetic nephropathy seem to respond better than patients with glomerulopathy.
PARICALCITOL IN SECONDARY HYPERPARATHYROIDISM AND THE SURVIVAL BENEFIT IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE
Authors: Al‐Baaj Fouad , Yadav Punit , Al‐Rifai Adriece
Published: May 2011

Secondary hyperparathyroidism is a characteristic feature of chronic kidney disease, which develops early in the course of chronic kidney disease, often in a progressive way. It occurs as the renal function continues to decline and is encountered following a series of biochemical abnormalities, which are responsible for initiation and maintenance of increased parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion.

Several agents are used in the management of secondary hyperparathyroidism. Paricalcitol is a new generation selective vitamin D receptor activator that lowers PTH levels by exerting a less hypercalcaemic and hyperphosphataemic effect. In addition, there is emerging evidence of the benefit of paricalcitol in preventing intravascular calcification and proteinuria.
PAIN IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE: PREVALENCE, CAUSE AND MANAGEMENT
Authors: Kafkia Theodora , Chamney Melissa , Drinkwater Anna , Pegoraro Marisa , Sedgewick John
Published: May 2011

Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience and is the most common symptom experienced by renal patients. It can be caused by primary co‐morbid diseases, renal replacement therapies, medication or treatment side effects, and its intensity varies from moderate to severe. Pain management in renal patients is difficult, since the distance between pain relief and toxicity is very small. This paper will provide an algorithm for pain management proposed using paracetamol, nonsteroid anti‐inflamatory drugs (NSAIDs), mild and stronger opioids as well as complementary techniques. Quality of Life (QoL) and overall enhancement of the patient experience through better pain management are also discussed. To improve pain management it is essential that nurses recognise that they have direct responsibilities related to pain assessment and tailoring of opioid analgesics and better and more detailed education.
Temporal changes in the stiffness of the remnant liver and spleen after donor hepatectomy as assessed by acoustic radiation force impulse: A preliminary study
Authors: Ninomiya Mizuki , Shirabe Ken , Ijichi Hideki , Toshima Takeo , Harada Noboru , Uchiyama Hideaki , Taketomi Akinobu , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: May 2011

Aim:  Virtual touch tissue quantification (VTTQ) is an implementation of ultrasound acoustic radiation force impulse imaging that provides numerical measurements of tissue stiffness. We have evaluated the temporal changes of the remnant liver and spleen after living donor hepatectomy with special reference to the differences between right and left liver donation.

Methods:  Nineteen living donors who received right lobectomy (small remnant liver [SRL] group; n = 7) or extended left and caudate lobectomy (large remnant liver [LRL] group; n = 12) were enrolled. They underwent measurement of liver and spleen VTTQ before and after donor surgery.

Results:  Virtual touch tissue quantification of the remnant liver increased postoperatively until postoperative day (POD) 3–5, and the values in the SRL group were significantly higher than those in the LRL group at POD 3–9. The values of the spleen also increased after donor surgery and the values in the SRL group were significantly higher than those in the LRL group at POD 3–14. A significant positive correlation between postoperative maximum value of VTTQ and postoperative maximum total bilirubin levels was observed. In liver transplant recipients, there was a significant positive correlation between preoperative spleen VTTQ and the corresponding actual portal venous pressure that was measured at the time of transplant surgery.

Conclusion:  Stiffness of the remaining liver and spleen in the smaller remnant liver group became harder than that in the larger remnant liver group. Perioperative measurement of liver and spleen VTTQ seems to be a useful means for assessing the physiology of liver regeneration.
MIND‐INDEPENDENCE AND THE LOGICAL SPACE OF WRIGHT'S REALIST‐RELEVANT AXES
Authors: SMITH DEBORAH C.
Published: May 2011

abstract

This paper continues the work begun by Crispin Wright of identifying, articulating, and explaining the relations between various realist‐relevant axes that emerge when it is conceded that any predicate capable of satisfying a small range of platitudes is syntactically and semantically adequate to count as a truth predicate for a discourse. I argue that the fact that a given discourse satisfies the three realist‐relevant axes that remain if evidence‐transcendent truth and reference to evidence‐transcendent facts are ruled out by Dummettian meaning‐theoretic considerations is not sufficient for what I have elsewhere called “modest metaphysical realism.” I conclude that mind‐independence marks yet another realist‐relevant axis and explore the relationships between the proposed mind‐independence axis and the realist‐relevant axes identified by Wright.
THE MAIN PART AND PILLAR OF BERKELEY'S THEORY: IDEALISM AND PERCEPTUAL HETEROGENEITY
Authors: LENNON THOMAS M.
Published: May 2011

abstract

Berkeley subscribed to the principle of heterogeneity, that what we see is qualitatively and numerically different from what we touch. He says of this principle that it is “the main part and pillar of [his] theory.” The argument I present here is that the theory to which Berkeley refers is not just his theory of vision, but what that theory was the preparation for, which is nothing less than his idealism. The argument turns on the passivity of perception, which is what is at stake in the principle of heterogeneity. The author targeted by Berkeley's theory is Descartes, who explicitly denies heterogeneity.
The polarographic and spectral behaviour of some 1,4-benzodiazepine metabolites: application to differentiation of mixtures
Authors: Barrett J , Smyth W Franklin , Hart J P
Published: May 2011

Changes of ultraviolet absorption spectra with pH in solution were used to determine pKa values for four 1,4-benzodiazepine metabolites. 7-Acetamido-nitrazepam, desmethyl-diazepam and the chlordiazepoxide lactam all gave two pKa values, corresponding to protonation in acid and deprotonation of the neutral molecule in alkaline media. 7-Amino-nitrazepam gave three pKa values, the third one being due to an additional protonation in acid media. The spectra are explained by considering them to be superimposed spectra of the two benzene rings, one mono-substituted (band I) and one trisubstituted (band II), within the molecule. Sites of protonation and deprotonation are predicted and the differences in the observed pKa values explained. Differences in the pKa values or the polarographic behaviour between the parent compounds and some of their metabolites are then used to effect novel separations after solvent extractions from aqueous buffered solutions.
The effect of urea on the solubility of methyl p-hydroxybenzoate in aqueous sodium chloride solution
Authors: McDonald C , Lindstrom R E
Published: May 2011

The effects of sodium chloride and urea, separately and together, on the solubility of methyl p-hydroxybenzoate in water have been studied. Sodium chloride decreases and urea increases the solubility. Observed and calculated “salting-out” parameters have been obtained for addition of sodium chloride to the benzoate-urea-water systems. Good agreement was observed between calculated and observed values, and the change in the “salting-out” parameters as the concentration of urea altered may indicate dipole-ion interaction between urea and sodium chloride.
Evaluating order‐constrained hypotheses for circular data using permutation tests
Authors: Klugkist Irene , Bullens Jessie , Postma Albert
Published: May 2011

Psychological researchers in different fields sometimes encounter circular or directional data. Circular data are data measured in the form of angles or two‐dimensional orientations. As an example, experiments investigating the development of spatial memory and the influence of visual experience on haptic orientation perception are presented. Three permutation tests are proposed for the evaluation of ordered hypotheses. The quality of the permutation tests is investigated by means of several simulation studies. The results of these studies show the expected increase in power when the permutation tests for ordered hypotheses are compared to a common non‐directional test for circular data. The differences in power between the three tests for ordered alternatives are small.
Sidetracked by emotion: Observers’ ability to discriminate genuine and fabricated sexual assault allegations
Authors: Peace Kristine A. , Porter Stephen , Almon Daniel F.
Published: May 2011

Purpose. Assessing the credibility of reports of sexual victimization – often in the absence of corroboration – presents a significant challenge for legal decision makers. This study examined the accuracy of observers in discriminating genuine and fabricated sexual assault allegations. Further, we examined whether individual differences and cue utilization strategies influenced deception detection accuracy.

Methods. Observers (N= 119) evaluated eight (four truthful and four deceptive) written allegations of sexual assault (counterbalanced), and completed a Credibility Assessment Questionnaire (CAQ) and individual differences measures.

Results. Results indicated that overall accuracy was below chance (M= 45.3%), and a truth bias was evidenced. Examining the Big Five personality traits, we found that openness to experience and neuroticism were positively associated with accuracy, whereas extraversion was negatively related to accuracy. Further, judgement confidence was negatively associated with accuracy.

Conclusions. The present study offers insights into observers’ perceptions of credibility regarding real‐life sexual assault allegations. Implications for legal decision making are discussed.
Nuclear Fission, Today and Tomorrow: From Renaissance to Technological Breakthrough (Generation IV)
Authors: Van Goethem Georges
Published: May 2011

To better understand the industrial and political contexts of nuclear innovation, it is necessary to consider the history of nuclear fission technologies (four generations of nuclear power plants): (1) GEN I (construction 1950–1970): early prototypes, using mainly natural uranium as fuel, graphite as moderator, and CO2 as coolant (built at the time of “Atoms for Peace,” 1953); (2) GEN II (yesterday, construction 1970–2000): safety and reliability of nuclear facilities and energy independence (in order to ensure security of supply); (3) GEN III (today, construction 2000–2040): continuous improvement of safety and reliability, and increased industrial competitiveness in a worldwide growing energy market; (4) GEN IV (tomorrow, construction from 2040): for increased sustainability (optimal utilization of natural resources and waste minimization) and proliferation resistance. The focus in this paper is on the design objectives and research issues associated to the latter generation IV. Their benefits are discussed according to a series of ambitious criteria or technology goals established at the international level (generation IV international forum (GIF)). One will have to produce not only electricity at lower costs but also heat at very high temperatures, while exploiting a maximum of fissile and fertile matters, and recycling all actinides, under safe and reliable conditions. Scientific viability studies and technological performance tests for each system are being carried out worldwide, in line with the GIF agreement (2001). Their commercial deployment is planned for 2040. In Sec. 6, it is shown to what extent GEN IV can be considered as a beneficial, responsible, and sustainable response to the societal and industrial challenges of the future low-carbon economy.
Drive Characteristics of Viscous Oil Film Considering Temperature Effect
Authors: Xie Fangwei , Hou Youfu , Yang Ping
Published: May 2011

Taking account of temperature and the effect of pressure difference and inertia force on oil film, the analytic solutions for pressure, radial velocity, and transferred torque were derived. The results show that considering the effect of temperature, the pressure reduces at the same radius and inertia force makes the pressure decrease. Compared with the pressure decrease caused by the inertia force, the radial velocity caused by the pressure difference is very small and can even be neglected. As the rotational velocity difference increases, the transferred torque also increases. Meanwhile, the transferred torque reduces when considering the effect of temperature.
Cytosolic DNA Triggers Inflammasome Activation in Keratinocytes in Psoriatic Lesions
Authors: Dombrowski Yvonne , Peric Mark , Koglin Sarah , Kammerbauer Claudia , Göß Christine , Anz David , Simanski Maren , Gläser Regine , Harder Jürgen , Hornung Veit , Gallo Richard L. , Ruzicka Thomas , Besch Robert , Schauber Jürgen
Published: May 2011

In psoriasis, cytosolic DNA in keratinocytes triggers maturation of the cytokine IL-1β via the AIM2 inflammasome.
In Vivo Liver Regeneration Potential of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells from Diverse Origins
Authors: Liu Hua , Kim Yonghak , Sharkis Saul , Marchionni Luigi , Jang Yoon-Young
Published: May 2011

Hepatic cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells of various origins contribute to liver regeneration in vivo.
Diagnosing the Individual to Control the Epidemic
Authors: Medley Graham F.
Published: May 2011

Infection experiments provide a basis for understanding how epidemics propagate through individuals, emphasizing the importance of diagnostics.
Targeting Targets for Treatment in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Boxer Rebecca S.
Published: May 2011

Finding new ways to interfere with the migration of immune cells into the gut may prove to be a valuable approach for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.
At the Crossroads: Tumor Metabolism and Epigenetics
Authors: Emadi Ashkan
Published: May 2011

Mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenases and the resulting accumulation of the oncometabolite 2-hydroxyglutarate represent possible targets for cancer therapy.
HIV Gets a Wake-Up Call
Authors: Rytting Erik
Published: May 2011

Liposomal delivery of a protein that activates latent HIV may help to eradicate reservoirs of the latent virus in resting T cells.
Identification and Characterization of the Chlamydia trachomatis L2
S
-Adenosylmethionine Transporter
Authors: Binet Rachel , Fernandez Reinaldo E. , Fisher Derek J. , Maurelli Anthony T.
Published: May 2011

Methylation is essential to the physiology of all cells, including the obligate intracellular bacterium
Chlamydia
. Nevertheless, the methylation cycle is under strong reductive evolutionary pressure in
Chlamydia
. Only
Parachlamydia acanthamoebae
and
Waddlia chondrophila
genome sequences harbor homologs to
metK
, encoding the
S
-adenosylmethionine (SAM) synthetase required for synthesis of SAM, and to
sahH
, which encodes the
S
-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) hydrolase required for detoxification of SAH formed after the transfer of the methyl group from SAM to the methylation substrate. Transformation of a conditional-lethal Δ
metK
mutant of
Escherichia coli
with a genomic library of
Chlamydia trachomatis
L2 identified CTL843 as a putative SAM transporter based on its ability to allow the mutant to survive
metK
deficiency only in the presence of extracellular SAM. CTL843 belongs to the drug/metabolite superfamily of transporters and allowed
E. coli
to transport
S
-adenosyl-
l
-[methyl-
14
C]methionine with an apparent

K
m

of 5.9 µM and a
V
max
of 32 pmol min
−1
 mg
−1
. Moreover, CTL843 conferred a growth advantage to a Δ
pfs E. coli
mutant that lost the ability to detoxify SAH, while competition and back-transport experiments further implied that SAH was an additional substrate for CTL843. We propose that CTL843 acts as a SAM/SAH transporter (SAMHT) serving a dual function by allowing
Chlamydia
to acquire SAM from the host cell and excrete the toxic by-product SAH. The demonstration of a functional SAMHT provides further insight into the reductive evolution associated with the obligate intracellular lifestyle of
Chlamydia
and identifies an excellent chemotherapeutic target.

IMPORTANCE
Obligate intracellular parasites like
Chlamydia
have followed a reductive evolutionary path that has made them almost totally dependent on their host cell for nutrients. In this work, we identify a unique transporter of a metabolite essential for all methylation reactions that potentially bypasses the need for two enzymatic reactions in
Chlamydia
. The transporter, CTL843, allows
Chlamydia trachomatis
L2 to steal
S
-adenosylmethionine (SAM) from the eukaryotic host cytosol and to likely remove the toxic
S
-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) formed when SAM loses its methyl group, acting as a SAM/SAH transporter (SAMHT). In addition to reflecting the adaptation of
Chlamydia
to an obligate intracellular lifestyle, the specific and central roles of SAMHT in
Chlamydia
metabolism provide a target for the development of therapeutic agents for the treatment of chlamydial infections.
A workforce-based study of occupational exposures and asthma symptoms in cleaning workers
Authors: Vizcaya David , Mirabelli Maria C , Antó Josep-Maria , Orriols Ramon , Burgos Felip , Arjona Lourdes , Zock Jan-Paul
Published: May 2011

Objectives

To study associations between use of cleaning products and asthma symptoms in cleaning workers.

Methods

Information on respiratory symptoms, history of asthma, workplaces, use of cleaning products and acute inhalation incidents were obtained through a self-administered questionnaire. 917 employees of 37 cleaning companies in Barcelona were studied. 761 (83%) were current cleaners, 86 (9%) former cleaners and 70 (8%) had never worked as cleaners. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the associations between specific exposures among current cleaners and wheeze without having a cold, chronic cough and current asthma. Associations with an asthma symptom score were also studied using negative binomial regression analyses to report mean ratios.

Results

After adjusting for sex, age, nationality and smoking status, the prevalence of current asthma was non-significantly higher among current (OR 1.9; 95% CI 0.5 to 7.8) and former cleaners (OR 1.9; CI 0.6 to 5.5) than in never cleaners. Cleaners working in hospitals during the last year had a significantly increased prevalence of wheeze, current asthma and a 1.8 (95% CI 1.2 to 2.8) times higher mean asthma score. Use of hydrochloric acid was strongly associated with asthma score (mean ratio 1.7; 95% CI 1.1 to 2.6). Use of ammonia, degreasers, multiple purpose products and waxes was also associated with asthma score.

Conclusions

Cleaning work in places with high demand for disinfection, high cleaning standards and use of cleaning products containing respiratory irritants is associated with higher risk of asthma symptoms. This suggests irritants have an important role in cleaning-related asthma.
THE REPRESENTATIVITY OF PRETZEL KNOTS
Authors: OZAWA MAKOTO
Published: May 2011

In the previous paper, the representativity of a non-trivial knot K was defined as [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is the set of all closed surfaces in S3 containing K and [Formula: see text] is the set of all compressing disks for F in S3. Then an inequality r(K) ≤ b(K) has shown, where b(K) denotes the bridge number of K. This shows that a (p, q, r)-pretzel knot has the representativity less than or equal to 3.

In this paper, we will show that a (p, q, r)-pretzel knot has the representativity 3 if and only if (p, q, r) is either ±(-2, 3, 3) or ±(-2, 3, 5). We also show that an algebraic knot has the representativity less than or equal to 3.
MODELING INFECTIOUS OUTBREAKS IN NON-HOMOGENEOUS POPULATIONS
Authors: REYES-SILVEYRA JORGE , MIKLER ARMIN R. , ZHAO JUSTIN , BRAVO-SALGADO ANGEL
Published: May 2011

Emerging diseases, novel strains of reemerging diseases, and bioterrorism threats necessitate the development of computational models that can supply health care providers with tools to facilitate analysis and simulation of the progression of infectious diseases in a population. Most computational models assume homogeneous mixing within populations. However, a more realistic approach to the simulation of infectious disease outbreaks includes the stratification of populations in which the interactions between individuals are affinity-based. To examine the effects of heterogeneous populations on the outbreak dynamics, we developed a hybrid model that includes clustered individuals which represent differentiated populations. This facilitates the study of the effects of distinct behavioral properties on the dynamics of an infectious disease epidemic. Our results indicate that non-uniform interactions and affinity-driven behavior can drastically change the outbreak dynamics in the population.
A MODEL-DRIVEN APPROACH TO WEAVE ARCHITECTURAL STYLES INTO SERVICE-ORIENTED ARCHITECTURES
Authors: LÓPEZ-SANZ MARCOS , MANUEL VARA JUAN , MARCOS ESPERANZA , CUESTA CARLOS E.
Published: May 2011

Model-driven development is recognized as one of the most promising approaches in software engineering. Recent research in the area highlights the importance of using an explicit architectural model in this context. Since service-oriented architectures have also demonstrated to be adequate to overcome current software needs, the idea of using the model-driven approach to generate service-oriented architectural models has successfully flourished in the last years. However, the emphasis on the Service-Oriented Computing (SOC) paradigm has led to the design of architectures lacking some desirable features. Knowing the benefits provided by architectural styles, we have found that their use can help us to overcome those needs. Our goal is to obtain a service-oriented model which satisfies the requirements of the concrete architecture and complies with the constraints and vocabulary defined for a specific architectural style. To achieve this, here, we propose to use a weaving model which merges the concrete architectural model with a model of the architectural style of choice.
PERSPECTIVE OF NANOMATERIALS IN SOLAR CELL
Authors: ASIM NILOFAR , SOPIAN KAMARUZZAMAN
Published: May 2011

Reducing cost and increasing efficiency are the principal drivers in photovoltaic technology. Nanotechnology has shown particular promise since it can offer solution to both problems either by improving the existing technologies or helping to replace them with alternative solutions. Nanomaterials can contribute from different ways. The solar cell designs and enhancements play important role in their performance and categorized by the type of nanostructure utilized. This review paper focuses on different possible contribution of nanomaterials in solar cell and describes their promising role and their obstacles.
AUTOMATED DRIVING SYSTEMS: COMMON GROUND OF AUTOMOBILES AND ROBOTS
Authors: TSUGAWA SADAYUKI
Published: May 2011

This article reviews R&D activities on automated highway systems (AHSs) since 1950s with emphasis on recent ones. AHSs in the 1950s and 1960s were featured by a cooperative system between roads and vehicles; those in the 1970s and 1980s were by autonomous systems. Intelligent transport system (ITS) projects since 1980s regarded AHS as an important system, not only a single automated vehicle but also an automated platoon were developed. In recent years, the R&D focuses on automated transit buses aiming at precision docking and driving along a narrow lane and automated truck platoons aiming at energy saving. The automated driving can be common ground of automobiles and robots.
MAINTENANCE OF WALKING ROBOT IN STEADY POSITION BY MEANS OF VIBRATION
Authors: PANOVKO GRIGORY , MYALO EVGENIYA , AKINFIEV TEODOR
Published: May 2011

A walking robot is considered. For leg lightness, it is suggested in some cases to miniaturize its cross section. At that buckling of the leg rectilinear form is possible under dead weight. To keep the rectilinear form, it is proposed to place a vibroexciter for vertical oscillations in the bottom of the leg. It results in parametrical oscillations that make onset for the effect of vibrational stabilization of the rectilinear form. This effect can be treated as an increase of flexural stiffness of the flexible rod. Scheme of the leg's model in the form of flexible rod with distributed mass and concentrated mass at its free end is developed. Taking into account the finite rotations of its sections, we derive the equation of oscillations for the rod. It is shown that the effect of rectilinear form stabilization occurs under certain magnitudes of vibration frequency and amplitude. Stability conditions for obtained solutions are analyzed.
REAL AND SIMULATED UPPER BODY TRACKING WITH ANNEALING PARTICLE FILTER AND BELIEF PROPAGATION FOR HUMAN–ROBOT INTERACTION
Authors: RENNA ILARIA , CHELLALI RYAD , ACHARD CATHERINE
Published: May 2011

This article presents an algorithm for 3D upper body tracking. This algorithm is a combination of two well-known methods: annealing particle filter and belief propagation. It is worth to underline that the 3D body tracking presents a challenging problem because of the high dimensionality of state space and so because of the huge computational time. In this work, we show that with our algorithm, it is possible to tackle this problem. Experiments both on real and synthetic human gesture sequences demonstrate that this combined approach leads to reliable results, as it reduces computational time without loosing robustness.
A PERFORMANCE PREDICTIVE MODEL FOR STEADY SWIMMING OF A FISH ROBOT
Authors: LOW K. H. , CHONG C. W. , ZHOU CHUNLIN , SEET GERALD
Published: May 2011

Swimming performance is one of the primary concerns and applications to the underwater robots, such as thrust force relating to swimming velocity. As fish's swimming involves the kinematics of its own body and the hydrodynamic interaction with the surrounding fluid, it is difficult to formulate a precise mathematical model by purely analytical approaches. In order to avoid tedious parameter studies in evaluating its performance, this paper proposes a semi-empirical method to model the steady-state swimming performance of a BCF (body and/or caudal fin) biomimetic robotic robot. By using a dimensional analysis method, the semi-empirical model for predicting the thrust force generated by a BCF-oscillating swimming mode is derived. Thereafter, the swimming velocity prediction model is established based on the predictive thrust model together with the use of fundamental theory on drag force and the regression analysis on the experimental data. The model shows a reasonable prediction capability as the resultant predicted results are in good agreement with experiment data. Therefore, the proposed modeling method can be used for a quick prediction of the swimming performance in terms of thrust and velocity. The proposed methodology can be extended to other types of fish robots in real environment, by including changes to relevant parameters.
POSITION AND VIBRATION CONTROL OF VARIABLE RHEOLOGICAL JOINTS USING ARTIFICIAL MUSCLES AND MAGNETO-RHEOLOGICAL BRAKE
Authors: NAKAMURA TARO , MIDORIKAWA YUICHIRO , TOMORI HIROKI
Published: May 2011

In recent times, the chances of robot–human contact have increased; hence, safety is necessitated with regard to such contact. Thus, manipulators using a pneumatic rubber artificial muscle, which is lightweight and flexible, are studied. However, this artificial muscle manipulator has faults such as slow response and limited instantaneous power due to operation by air pressure. Because of these faults, uncontrollable vibrations can occur, leading to instability in the arm when an object is held and lifted. In this study, an artificial muscle manipulator with one DOF and a variable rheological joint mechanism using MR fluid is developed. Vibration control of the arm using MR fluid is realized when an object is held and lifted, confirming the reduction in vibration due to the MR effect.
A DEXTEROUS AND SELF-ADAPTIVE HUMANOID ROBOT HAND: GCUA HAND
Authors: CHE DEMENG , ZHANG WENZENG
Published: May 2011

Gesture-changeable under-actuated (GCUA) function is put forward to make traditional under-actuated hands feel easy to grasp different objects and do simple operations dexterously, simultaneously, this function can lower control difficulties of robotic hands. Based on GCUA function, a GCUA hand based on pulley-belt mechanism is designed in detail and manufactured. The Hand can grasp different objects self-adaptively and change its initial gesture dexterously before touching objects. The hand has 5 fingers and 15 DOFs, each finger utilizes screw-nut transmission, flexible drawstring constraint and belt-pulley under-actuated mechanism to realize GCUA function. The analyses on grasping static forces and grasping stabilities are given. The analyses and experimental results show that GCUA function is very nice and valid. The hands with GCUA function can meet the requirements of grasping and operating with lower control and cost, which is the middle road between traditional under-actuated hands and dexterous hands.