bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
White Masculinity and Civility in Contemporary Canadian Short Stories
Authors: Gordon Neta
Published: May 2014

Examining the representation of white men and masculinity in two recently published Canadian short stories, both of which contend with the cultural fallout of globalization. The literary readings of “The Number Three,” by Alexander MacLeod and “The Beggar’s Garden”, by Michael Christie are located within three critical contexts: the concept of “white civility” developed by Daniel Coleman, which describes a distinctively Canadian model of masculinity; the notion of “white masculinity in crisis”; and the form of the “return story,” defined by Canadian literary critic Gerald Lynch as the concluding story in a short story cycle. The stories ultimately confirm a particularly Canadian form of hegemonic masculinity, which derives the patriarchal dividend by projecting anti-elitism, commitment to community, and civility; underneath that projection, however, the fantasy of traditional social structures and gendered labor divisions is affirmed. In their experimentation with the genre of the short story cycle and the return story, MacLeod and Christie work to represent white men reeling from an awareness of their own economic and domestic marginalization, and yet who manage to reaffirm a sense of hegemonic masculinity via the staging of gendered settlement activity, or reterritorialization. What emerges from a close reading of the two short stories is a picture of a distinctively Canadian hegemonic masculinity, whereby the assertion of the “natural” right to control space is related to—indeed, ensues from—an ability to empathize with community, to perform modest economic and domestic aspirations, and to cope with loss in civil terms.
Investigation of the effect of the normal load on the incidence of friction blisters in a skin-simulant model
Authors: Chimata GP , Schwartz CJ
Published: May 2014

A laminar skin simulant was constructed to study the incidence of friction blisters. The skin simulant consists of a thin polyurethane top layer and textured gum foam rubber bottom layer adhered to an acrylic-backing plate to emulate the layered structure of the human skin. Friction blisters were produced on the skin simulant by using a dual-axis tribometer. The effect of the applied normal load on the number of cycles required to produce a blister was investigated. The skin simulant was also analyzed as an adhesive-bonded laminar composite to determine the relationship between the applied normal load and the number of cycles for blistering. The normal load and the number of cycles were found to be inversely related and vary by a power law function, as observed in previous work on human subjects in Naylor’s pioneering study. The results obtained from the experimental data and the fracture mechanics modeling of the skin simulant indicate the potential of elastomeric skin simulant in providing useful insight into blister mechanics and other tribological properties of skin.
Learning informally to use teaching games for understanding
Authors: O’Leary Nick
Published: May 2014

This article reports on a study of one recently qualified teacher’s employment of the Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) model in a UK secondary school. The study sought to examine how the teacher, not formally educated in its use, delivered TGfU and to identify those factors that led to this interpretation of the model. Occupational socialization was used to explore how childhood experiences of physical education (PE) and sport, higher education and the workplace influenced the experience of learning informally to use the model. Qualitative data are reported from interviews, lesson observations and teacher documentary evidence. Findings illustrated that informal learning during organizational socialization had developed the teacher’s use of TGfU. However, a partial understanding of the tactical problem-solving nature of games and issues around the use of social constructivist learning strategies impeded effective use of the model. It is recommended that teachers attempting to learn informally how to use TGfU effectively receive sustained external expertise and continuing support from colleagues.
Possibilities and implications of using a motion-tracking system in physical education
Authors: Chow Jia Yi , Tan Clara Wee Keat , Lee Miriam Chang Yi , Button Chris
Published: May 2014

Advances in technology have created new opportunities for enhanced delivery of teaching to improve the acquisition of game skills in physical education (PE). The availability of a motion-tracking system (i.e. the A-Eye), which determines positional information of students in a practice context, might offer a suitable technology to support pedagogical approaches in the teaching of movement skills in game situations. This paper explores the possibility and potential of using this technology to augment pedagogical practices in PE. Using examples from its implementation in sports science investigations and pilot work in a Singapore school, we discuss how such motion-tracking systems can be incorporated in schools, assisting practitioners in refining pedagogical practices. The implications of its wider use in a PE context will also be discussed.
Developmental trauma disorder: An attachment-based perspective
Authors: Rahim Masuma
Published: May 2014

Despite the evidence linking chronic early trauma with psychological distress, the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5) has excluded developmental trauma disorder from its taxonomy. This article considers developmental trauma from an attachment-based perspective and raises some of the difficulties professionals may experience conceptualising the trauma–attachment relationship. It explores the impact of the decision to exclude the diagnosis from DSM-5 on professionals, those who have had traumatic early experiences and their carers. Finally, it presents formulation as an alternative proposition which may better suit those who present to mental health services with attachment- and trauma-linked difficulties.
Using integrated bio-physiotherapy informatics in home health-care settings: A qualitative analysis of a point-of-care decision support system
Authors: Canally Culum , Doherty Sean , Doran Diane M , Goubran Rafik A
Published: May 2014

The growing need to gain efficiencies within a home care setting has prompted home care practitioners to focus on health informatics to address the needs of an aging clientele. The remote and heterogeneous nature of the home care environment necessitates the use of non-intrusive client monitoring and a portable, point-of-care graphical user interface. Using a grounded theory approach, this article examines the simulated use of a graphical user interface by practitioners in a home care setting to explore the salient features of monitoring the activity of home care clients. The results demonstrate the need for simple, interactive displays that can provide large amounts of geographical and temporal data relating to patient activity. Additional emerging themes from interviews indicate that home care professionals would use a graphical user interface of this type for patient education and goal setting as well as to assist in the decision-making process of home care practitioners.
Prediction of springback in anisotropic sheet metals: The effect of orientation and friction
Authors: Nguyen VT , Thomson PF , Chen Z
Published: May 2014

In this paper, springback of anisotropic sheet based on the modified form of the asymmetric non-quadratic yield function (YLD96) for plane stress conditions due to Barlat et al. (Yield function development for aluminium alloy sheets. J Mech Phys Solids 1997; 45: 1727–1763), suitable for describing mixed (isotropic and kinematic) hardening in aluminium alloy sheets under the Bauschinger Effect was compared with the results of tests. Simulation of uniaxial tensile and cyclic tests including both nonlinear isotropic and nonlinear kinematic hardening showed the necessity of including the Bauschinger effect in the constitutive equations at both small and large strains. Following the application to prediction of springback in draw bending of these alloys oriented in the rolling direction, draw-bending tests on AA2024-O and AA7075-O alloy sheets are described. The springback parameters of specimens with axes oriented at 45° and 90° to the rolling direction were measured and compared with prediction based on the modified form of the YLD96, which captured the hardening response at small and large strains when combined with the mixed hardening model, predicting springback in very good agreement with experimental results. The number of components of back stress used in this model depends on the nature of the nonlinear behaviour of the material. For alloys AA2024-O and AA7075-O, excellent agreement with experiments required the use of up to three nonlinear components of back stress. Prediction suggested values of friction consistent with published values and showed that friction inversely affected the radius of sidewall curl, but was not sensitive to lower and upper opening angle. This was consistent with the findings of Carden et al. (Measurement of springback. Int J Mech Sci 2002; 44: 79–101), although those authors also reported that very low friction may increase springback in their proposed draw-bending test. The results confirmed the efficacy of the yield surface model based on YLD96, modified to include nonlinear isotropic and nonlinear kinematic hardening, for predicting deformation subject to the Bauschinger effect.
Critical literacy in the first year of primary school: Some insights from Greek Cypriot classrooms
Authors: Ioannidou Elena
Published: May 2014

The current paper examines teaching practices in three first-grade primary classrooms (age range from five years and nine months old to six years and nine months old) in Greek Cypriot public schools, exploring whether the wider changes in critical literacy education declared on a policy level are influencing classroom literacy practices. Greek Cypriot public education has followed the language policies developed in Greece since the island gained independence in 1960. However, from 2010, there has been a full-scale educational reform in Cyprus at all levels of education, and for the first time, a critical literacy model has been implemented. Drawing data from research conducted into classroom practices and discourse, the current paper analyses literacy teaching in three Greek Cypriot classrooms, focusing on the materials used, the idea of textuality, the role of metalanguage and the notion of language legitimacy produced in the classroom. The overall aim is to document how the model of critical literacy is applied (or not) in these classrooms, and to explore the limitations and difficulties encountered, especially in the first grade of primary school where students need to move from emerging to developing literacy, i.e. they need to acquire the mechanisms of reading and writing. The methodology adopted follows the methods used in micro-ethnography, focusing in this case on participant observation of literacy classes and interviews with teachers in three classrooms.
Theory of Knowledge aims, objectives and assessment criteria: An analysis of critical thinking descriptors
Authors: Hughes Conrad
Published: May 2014

This article analyses the construct validity of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme’s Theory of Knowledge course in the light of claims that it is a course in critical thinking. After discussion around critical thinking – what it is and why it is valuable educationally – the article analyses the extent to which the course aims, assessment objectives and assessment instruments emphasise critical thinking. The article concludes with suggestions for improvement in the writing of the Theory of Knowledge guide so that it might place more emphasis on certain strands of critical thinking that are currently not developed in its structure.
Is There an Attendance Effect? Examining the Causal Link Between Religious Attendance and Political Participation
Authors: Ammann Sky L.
Published: May 2014

Does the act of attending religious services “cause” individuals to participate in politics? There is no known literature that examines this question using longitudinal, individual-level data. Therefore, using the Youth Parent Socialization Panel Study, this analysis examines three theoretical possibilities: the indirect, direct, and null relationships. The results show that changes in religious attendance are primarily indirectly linked to political participation through civic activity, a factor highly correlated with political participation. There is also some limited evidence for a direct effect. As individuals increase their political participation over time, they are slightly more likely to participate in political activities and vote. But, the findings also imply that the previous literature has likely overstated the role of religious attendance in generating political participation. Once individuals start participating politically, they continue to do so regardless of changes in their attendance at places of worship.
Late spontaneous recanalization of symptomatic atheromatous internal carotid artery occlusion
Authors: Delgado Montserrat G , Vega Pedro P , Lahoz Carlos H , Calleja Sergio
Published: May 2014

Introduction

Definitive treatment of symptomatic atheromatous internal carotid artery occlusion remains controversial, as far as in rare cases, late spontaneous recanalization has been seen.

Methods

We consecutively studied 182 patients (January 2003 to August 2012) with an ischemic stroke in the internal carotid artery territory and diagnosis of atheromatous internal carotid artery occlusion during hospitalization.

Findings

Seven patients presented a late spontaneous recanalization (>3 months) of the internal carotid artery. We described therapeutic attitude according to usual care in these patients.

Conclusions

The authors attempt to highlight the unusual condition of recanalization after a symptomatic atheromatous chronic internal carotid artery occlusion. If these patients can be treated similar to patients with asymptomatic carotid pathology, then this needs to be clarified. However, due to the risk of ipsi- and contralateral ischemic strokes, revascularization techniques should be considered in certain cases. More studies are needed to establish the most appropriate therapeutical approach in order to avoid arbitrary treatment of these patients.
The legibility of prescription medication labelling in Canada
Authors: Leat Susan J. , Ahrens Kristina , Krishnamoorthy Abinaya , Gold Deborah , Rojas-Fernandez Carlos H.
Published: May 2014

Introduction:

The legibility of medication labelling is a concern for all Canadians, because poor or illegible labelling may lead to miscommunication of medication information and poor patient outcomes. There are currently few guidelines and no regulations regarding print standards on medication labels. This study analyzed sample prescription labels from Ontario, Canada, and compared them with print legibility guidelines (both generic and specific to medication labels).

Methods:

Cluster sampling was used to randomly select a total of 45 pharmacies in the tri-cities of Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge. Pharmacies were asked to supply a regular label with a hypothetical prescription. The print characteristics of patient-critical information were compared against the recommendations for prescription labels by pharmaceutical and health organizations and for print accessibility by nongovernmental organizations.

Results:

More than 90% of labels followed the guidelines for font style, contrast, print colour and nonglossy paper. However, only 44% of the medication instructions met the minimum guideline of 12-point print size, and none of the drug or patient names met this standard. Only 5% of the labels were judged to make the best use of space, and 51% used left alignment. None of the instructions were in sentence case, as is recommended.

Discussion:

We found discrepancies between guidelines and current labels in print size, justification, spacing and methods of emphasis.

Conclusion:

Improvements in pharmacy labelling are possible without moving to new technologies or changing the size of labels and would be expected to enhance patient outcomes.
Sample size requirements to detect a two- or three-way interaction in longitudinal cluster randomized clinical trials with second-level randomization
Authors: Heo Moonseong , Xue Xiaonan , Kim Mimi Y
Published: May 2014

Background

When randomizations are assigned at the cluster level for longitudinal cluster randomized trials (longitudinal-CRTs) with a continuous outcome, formulae for determining the required sample size to detect a two-way interaction effect between time and intervention are available.

Purpose

To show that (1) those same formulae can also be applied to longitudinal trials when randomizations are assigned at the subject level within clusters and (2) this property can be extended to 2-by-2 factorial longitudinal-CRTs with two treatments and different levels of randomization for which testing a three-way interaction between time and the two interventions is of primary interest.

Methods

We show that slope estimates from different treatment arms are uncorrelated, regardless of whether randomization occurs at the third or second level and also regardless of whether slopes are considered fixed or random in the mixed-effects model for testing two-way or three-way interactions. Sample size formulae are extended to unbalanced designs. Simulation studies were applied to verify the findings.

Results

Sample size formulae for testing two-way and three-way interactions in longitudinal-CRTs with second-level randomization are identical to those for trials with third-level randomization. In addition, the total number of observations required for testing a three-way interaction is demonstrated to be four times as large as that required for testing a two-way interaction, regardless of the level of randomization for both fixed- and random-slope models.

Limitations

The findings may be only applicable to longitudinal-CRTs with normally distributed continuous outcome.

Conclusion

All of the findings are validated by simulation studies and enable the design of longitudinal clinical trials to be more flexible in regard to the level of randomization and allocation of clusters and subjects.
The biomechanical and functional relationships of the proximal radioulnar joint, distal radioulnar joint, and interosseous ligament
Authors: Malone P. S. C. , Cooley J. , Morris J. , Terenghi G. , Lees V. C.
Published: May 2014

This biomechanical study assessed integrated function of the proximal radioulnar joint (PRUJ), interosseous ligament (IOL), and distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). Tekscan™ pressure sensors were inserted into the DRUJ and PRUJ of 15 cadaveric specimens. MicroStrain® sensors were mounted onto the IOL on nine of these specimens. A customized biomechanical jig was used to apply axial loads and take measurements through pronosupination. The PRUJ, IOL, and DRUJ were shown to function as an integrated osseoligamentous system distributing applied load. The PRUJ has transmitted pressure profiles similar to those of the DRUJ. Different IOL components support loading at different stages of pronosupination. The IOL is lax during pronation. Mid-IOL tension peaks in the midrange of forearm rotation; distal-IOL tension peaks in supination. Axial loading consistently increases IOL strain in a non-linear fashion. There are clinical implications of this work: disease or surgical modification of any of these structures may compromise normal biomechanics and function.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring and Trend Accuracy
Authors: Signal Matthew , Gottlieb Rebecca , Le Compte Aaron , Chase J. Geoffrey
Published: May 2014

Background:

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices are being increasingly used to monitor glycemia in people with diabetes. One advantage with CGM is the ability to monitor the trend of sensor glucose (SG) over time. However, there are few metrics available for assessing the trend accuracy of CGM devices.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to develop an easy to interpret tool for assessing trend accuracy of CGM data.

Methods:

SG data from CGM were compared to hourly blood glucose (BG) measurements and trend accuracy was quantified using the dot product. Trend accuracy results are displayed on the Trend Compass, which depicts trend accuracy as a function of BG. A trend performance table and Trend Index (TI) metric are also proposed. The Trend Compass was tested using simulated CGM data with varying levels of error and variability, as well as real clinical CGM data.

Results:

The results show that the Trend Compass is an effective tool for differentiating good trend accuracy from poor trend accuracy, independent of glycemic variability. Furthermore, the real clinical data show that the Trend Compass assesses trend accuracy independent of point bias error. Finally, the importance of assessing trend accuracy as a function of BG level is highlighted in a case example of low and falling BG data, with corresponding rising SG data.

Conclusions:

This study developed a simple to use tool for quantifying trend accuracy. The resulting trend accuracy is easily interpreted on the Trend Compass plot, and if required, performance table and TI metric.
A Theory of African American Offending
Authors: Unnever James D.
Published: May 2014

Analyzing the National Survey of American Life, which includes 3,570 Blacks, this research is the first to test core hypotheses of Unnever and Gabbidon’s Theory of African American Offending. A core assertion of Unnever and Gabbidon’s theory, which specifically and only focuses on Blacks, is that their offending is associated with the degree to which they encounter racial injustices. This article focuses on two forms of racial injustice that are prominently highlighted by Unnever and Gabbidon—racial discrimination and racist stereotypes. The results reveal that Blacks who experience racial discrimination and “buy into” the pejorative stereotype that they are violent are more likely to offend, as they experience heightened states of low self-control, anger, and depression. The data also show that experiences with racial injustices increase the likelihood that Blacks will become dependent on substances/alcohol. These findings were generated while including other correlates of arrests, including demographic characteristics, whether Blacks identify with other Blacks, the number of relatives in jail or prison, and strength of family bonds. The theoretical importance of these findings is discussed.
7th Cambridge Diagenesis Conference 2011: an introduction
Authors: Jeans C. V. , Tosca N. J.
Published: May 2014

The Cambridge Diagenesis Conferences (1981–1998) were set up to act as a conduit for the interchange of clay mineral expertise between universities and research institutes on one hand, and the hydrocarbon industry on the other. At the time, oil companies were dealing with the development of the North Sea Oil Province which was turning out to be a natural laboratory for the fundamental study of authigenic clay minerals and their relationship to lithofacies, burial, overpressure, reservoir quality and hydrocarbon emplacement. This symbiosis between industry and academia flourished for nearly two decades. Each conference was followed by a special issue of Clay Minerals dealing with topics relevant to, or discussed at the particular meeting. By the late 1990s the North Sea had become a mature province and the major oil companies were looking to other parts of the world to replenish their reserves.
Diagenetic alterations in a silt- and clay-rich mudstone succession: an example from the Upper Cretaceous Mancos Shale of Utah, USA
Authors: Taylor K. G. , Macquaker J . H. S.
Published: May 2014

An understanding of the nature and scales of diagenetic variability within organic-rich mudstones is critical to the accurate assessment of shale-gas reservoir properties, as well as for elucidating chemical evolution pathways within mudstones. Here we integrate field observations with thin section descriptions (optical and electron optical techniques) and mineralogical data for the Blackhawk Member time-equivalent Mancos Shale in Book Cliffs, Utah, to determine the impacts of early and burial diagenesis on this mudstone succession.

The detrital assemblage in the Mancos Shale comprises quartz-silt, feldspar, clay minerals, dolomite and organic matter (TOC of 1 to 2.5%). Biogenic silica is negligible. Field mapping reveals laterally continuous (km scale), ferroan dolomite cemented units up to 0.3 m thick, are present. These cemented units cap both coarsening-upward units (1 to 3 m thick), and stacked successions of coarsening-upward units (5 to 15 m thick). These upward-coarsening sediment packages, capped by dolomite cemented strata, correlate to bedsets and parasequences in updip settings. Pervasive cementation in these dolomite-cemented units is likely to have occurred prior to compaction as a result of bacterially mediated respiratory processes. Cementation at these levels is particularly evident because cement precipitation occurred during breaks in sediment accumulation below marine flooding surfaces. The abundance of dolomite cements highlights the importance of macroscopic-scale diagenetic carbonate mobility in these mudstones.

In addition to carbonate-cements, diagenetic alteration and precipitation of quartz and alumina-silicate minerals are also important in these mudstones. Kaolinite is present both in uncompacted test of organisms and as vein fills in septarian concretions. Kaolinite precipitation is interpreted to have occurred prior to significant compaction and indicates that both silicon and aluminium were mobile during early diagenesis. We interpret the abundance of early diagenetic kaolinite cement to be the result of Al-mobilization by organic acids generated during organic matter oxidation reactions, with the Al sourced from poorly crystalline detrital aluminium oxides and clay minerals. There is also indirect evidence for burial diagenetic kaolinitization of feldspar grains. Quartz cement takes the form of quartz overgrowths and microcrystalline quartz crystals. Textures and CL spectra for the quartz microcrystalline cement suggests that recrystallization of biogenic silica (opal-A) was likely to have been an important source for quartz cements, although smectite-to-illite transformation may have contributed some. These mineral phases highlight that microscopic-scale diagenetic mobility of silica is important, even within mudstones lacking obvious sources of biogenic silica and is likely to be an important processes in a wide range of mudstones.
Authigenic illite within northern and central North Sea oilfield sandstones: evidence for post-growth alteration
Authors: Wilkinson M. , Haszeldine R. S. , Fallick A. E.
Published: May 2014

It has been previously reported that late diagenetic fibrous illite, separated out from oilfield sandstones for dating by the K-Ar method, has systematically shown an increasing K-content with burial depth in the UK northern and central North Sea. This is surprising as fibrous illite is believed to form rapidly, in response to a geological event such as oil charging, and to retain its composition during subsequent burial. If the composition of the illite is related to present-day conditions, rather than the conditions of initial formation, then argon loss may have occurred, making K-Ar ages of questionable validity. Variations in crystal chemistry of the illite and their fundamental particle size and shape (length/width) distribution suggest alteration of the illite from the time of formation. The extent to which K-Ar ages of illite might need to be re-interpreted as a result of this post-formation alteration is not quantifiable at present; however there is evidence to suggest that the ages may be interpreted in terms of burial models involving both crystal nucleation and growth, and that a high proportion of Ar within the crystals may be retained during post-growth recrystallization.
The influence of stereochemically active lone-pair electrons on crystal symmetry and twist angles in lead apatite-2Htype structures
Authors: Baikie T. , Schreyer M. , Wei F. , Herrin J. S. , Ferraris C. , Brink F. , Topolska J. , Piltz R. O. , Price J. , White T. J.
Published: May 2014

Lead-containing (Pb-B-X)-2Hapatites encompass a number of [AF]4[AT]6[(BO4)6]X2compounds used for waste stabilization, environmental catalysis and ion conduction, but the influence of the stereochemically active lone-pair electrons of Pb2+on crystal chemistry and functionality is poorly understood. This article presents a compilation of existing structural data for Pb apatites that demonstrate paired electrons of Pb2+at both theAFandATresults in substantial adjustments to the PbFO6metaprism twist angle, φ. New structure refinements are presented for several natural varieties as a function of temperature by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) of vanadinite-2H(ideally Pb10(VO4)6Cl2), pyromorphite-2H(Pb10(PO4)6Cl2), mimetite-2H/M(Pb10(As5+O4)6Cl2) and finnemanite-2H(Pb10(As3+O3)6Cl2). A supercell for mimetite is confirmed using synchrotron single-crystal XRD. It is suggested the superstructure is necessary to accommodate displacement of the stereochemically active 6s2lone-pair electrons on the Pb2+that occupy a volume similar to an O2−anion. We propose that depending on the temperature and concentration of minor substitutional ions, the mimetite superstructure is a structural adaptation common to all Pb-containing apatites and by extension apatite electrolytes, where oxide ion interstitials are found at similar positions to the lonepair electrons. It is also shown that plumbous apatite framework flexes substantially through adjustments of the PbFO6metaprism twist-angles (φ) as the temperature changes. Finally, crystalchemical [100] zoning observed at submicron scales will probably impact on the treatment of diffraction data and may account for certain inconsistencies in reported structures.
Lillianites and andorites: new life for the oldest homologous series of sulfosalts
Authors: Makovicky E. , Topa D.
Published: May 2014

The current state of the lillianite homologous series is presented, with its two branches − the lillianite branch of the predominantly Pb-Bi-Ag sulfosalts and the andorite branch of predominantly Pb-Sb-Ag sulfosalts. Both the natural and synthetic members are discussed, especially from the structural and compositional point of view and the related, chemically distinct and structurally more complicated members of the series are described. A number of new published, or hitherto unpublished observations is given, together with fairly exhaustive tables of data. Relationships between the complex structures of different ‘andorite’ species and principal structural features of ‘oversubstituted’ As-Sb and Bi-Sb species are discussed. Contrary to many studies of this subject, synthetic phases form an integral part of the paper. It is concluded that research in this long-known homologous series still supplies new interesting phases, especially in the fields of synthetic products and in its andorite branch.
On the algorithmic complexity of crystals
Authors: Krivovichev S. V.
Published: May 2014

The concept of the algorithmic complexity of crystals is developed for a particular class of minerals and inorganic materials based on orthogonal networks, which are defined as networks derived from the primitive cubic net (pcu) by the removal of some vertices and/or edges. Orthogonal networks are an important class of networks that dominate topologies of inorganic oxysalts, framework silicates and aluminosilicate minerals, zeolites and coordination polymers. The growth of periodic orthogonal networks may be modelled using structural automata, which are finite automata with states corresponding to vertex configurations and transition symbols corresponding to the edges linking the respective vertices. The model proposed describes possible relations between theoretical crystallography and theoretical computer science through the theory of networks and the theory of deterministic finite automata.
Deep Earth mineralogy revealed by ultrahigh-pressure experiments
Authors: Hirose Kei
Published: May 2014

Ultrahigh-pressure and -temperature (P-T) experimental techniques have progressed rapidly in recent years. By combining them with X-ray diffraction measurements at synchrotron radiation facilities, it is now possible to examine deep Earth mineralogyin situat relevant highP-Tconditions in a laser-heated diamond anvil cell (DAC). The lowermost part of the mantle, known as the D″ layer, has long been enigmatic because of a number of unexplained seismological features. Nevertheless, the discovery of a phase transition from MgSiO3perovskite to ‘post-perovskite’ above 120 GPa and 2400 K indicates that post-perovskite is a principal constituent in the lowermost mantle, which is compatible with seismic observations. The ultrahighP-Tconditions of the Earth’s core have not been accessible by static experiments, but the structure and phase transition of Fe and Fe-alloys are now being examined up to 400 GPa and 6000 K by laser-heated DAC studies.
Higher incidence of premenopausal breast cancer in less developed countries; myth or truth?
Authors: Ghiasvand Reza , Adami Hans-Olov , Harirchi Iraj , Akrami Rahim , Zendehdel Kazem
Published: May 2014

Background

Fundamental etiologic differences have been suggested to cause earlier onset of breast cancer in less developed countries (LDCs) than in more developed countries (MDCs). We explored this hypothesis using world-wide breast cancer incidence data.

Methods

We compared international age-standardized incidence rates (ASR) of pre- (<50 years) and postmenopausal (≥50 years) breast cancers as well as temporal trends in ASRs of pre-and postmenopausal breast cancer among selected countries during 1975–2008. We used joinpoint log-linear regression analysis to estimate annual percent changes (APC) for premenopausal and postmenopausal breast cancer in the northern Europe and in Black and White women population in the US.

Results

Premenopausal breast cancers comprised a substantially higher proportion of all incident breast cancers in LDCs (average 47.3%) compared to MDCs (average 18.5%). However, the ASR of premenopausal breast cancer was consistently higher in MDCs (29.4/100,000) than LDCs (12.8/100,000). The ASR of postmenopausal cancer was about five-fold higher in the MDCs (307.6/100,000) than the LDCs (65.4/100,000). The APC of breast cancer in Denmark was substantially higher in postmenopausal (1.33%) than premenopausal cancer (0.98%). Higher incidence of breast cancer among the white than black women in the US was pertained only to the postmenopausal cancer.

Conclusion

The substantial and consistent lower age-specific incidence of breast cancer in LDCs than in MDCs contradicts the theory of earlier onset. Demographic differences with fewer old women in LDCs and lower prevalence of risk factors of postmenopausal cancer are the most likely explanation to the lower mean age at diagnosis in these countries.
Double-blind controlled trial of lecithinized superoxide dismutase in patients with idiopathic interstitial pneumonia – short term evaluation of safety and tolerability
Authors: Kamio Koichiro , Azuma Arata , Ohta Ken , Sugiyama Yukihiko , Nukiwa Toshihiro , Kudoh Shoji , Mizushima Tohru
Published: May 2014

Background

Idiopathic interstitial pneumonias such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or fibrotic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia are irreversible progressive pulmonary diseases that often have fatal outcomes. Although the etiology of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias is not yet fully understood, anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory agents have shown limited therapeutic effectiveness. Reactive oxygen species and their cytotoxic effects on the lung epithelial cells have been reported to participate in the pathophysiology of the disease. Because superoxide dismutase catalyzes the detoxification of reactive oxygen species, we developed lecithinized superoxide dismutase for the treatment of patients with idiopathic interstitial pneumonias.

Methods

A multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted as a pilot study to investigate the safety and effectiveness of 40 or 80 mg lecithinized superoxide dismutase in patients with progressive idiopathic interstitial pneumonias who presented with either idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or corticosteroid-resistant fibrotic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia and showed arterial oxygen tension compatible with stage III or IV on the Japanese severity grading scale for idiopathic interstitial pneumonias. Before and following infusion of lecithinized superoxide dismutase for 28 days, the primary endpoint of forced vital capacity and the secondary endpoints of lactate dehydrogenase, surfactant protein-A, surfactant protein-D and Krebs von den Lungen-6 levels were measured in the serum.

Results

The primary endpoint of forced vital capacity did not improve significantly in the lecithinized superoxide dismutase groups in comparison with the placebo group. The secondary endpoints of lactate dehydrogenase and surfactant protein-A levels were significantly attenuated by 28 days in the higher-dose (80 mg) group. However, these changes returned to the baseline levels by 56 days after the cessation of lecithinized superoxide dismutase. Adverse events and mortality in the drug-treated groups did not differ from those in the placebo group.

Conclusions

Treatment with lecithinized superoxide dismutase is safe and improves the levels of serum markers such as lactate dehydrogenase and surfactant protein-A in patients with advanced idiopathic interstitial pneumonias with severe respiratory dysfunction. Considering the results of the current study, further investigations into the effects and treatment potential of long-term administration of lecithinized superoxide dismutase may be warranted.

Trial registration

University hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN) clinical trials registry no.000000752
BRCAA1 antibody- and Her2 antibody-conjugated amphiphilic polymer engineered CdSe/ZnS quantum dots for targeted imaging of gastric cancer
Authors: Li Chao , Ji Yang , Wang Can , Liang Shujing , Pan Fei , Zhang Chunlei , Chen Feng , Fu Hualin , Wang Kan , Cui Daxiang
Published: May 2014

Successful development of safe and highly effective nanoprobes for targeted imaging of in vivo early gastric cancer is a great challenge. Herein, we choose the CdSe/ZnS (core-shell) quantum dots (QDs) as prototypical materials, synthesized one kind of a new amphiphilic polymer including dentate-like alkyl chains and multiple carboxyl groups, and then used the prepared amphiphilic polymer to modify QDs. The resultant amphiphilic polymer engineered QDs (PQDs) were conjugated with BRCAA1 and Her2 monoclonal antibody, and prepared BRCAA1 antibody- and Her2 antibody-conjugated QDs were used for in vitro MGC803 cell labeling and in vivo targeted imaging of gastric cancer cells. Results showed that the PQDs exhibited good water solubility, strong photoluminescence (PL) intensity, and good biocompatibility. BRCAA1 antibody- and Her2 antibody-conjugated QD nanoprobes successfully realized targeted imaging of in vivo gastric cancer MGC803 cells. In conclusion, BRCAA1 antibody- and Her2 antibody-conjugated PQDs have great potential in applications such as single cell labeling and in vivo tracking, and targeted imaging and therapeutic effects' evaluation of in vivo early gastric cancer cells in the near future.
Kernel generalized neighbor discriminant embedding for SAR automatic target recognition
Authors: Huang Yulin , Pei Jifang , Yang Jianyu , Wang Tao , Yang Haiguang , Wang Bing
Published: May 2014

In this paper, we propose a new supervised feature extraction algorithm in synthetic aperture radar automatic target recognition (SAR ATR), called generalized neighbor discriminant embedding (GNDE). Based on manifold learning, GNDE integrates class and neighborhood information to enhance discriminative power of extracted feature. Besides, the kernelized counterpart of this algorithm is also proposed, called kernel-GNDE (KGNDE). The experiment in this paper shows that the proposed algorithms have better recognition performance than PCA and KPCA.
Study on the contamination of Abadan public parks soil with Toxocara spp. eggs
Authors: Maraghi Sharif , Mazhab Jafari Komeil , Sadjjadi Seyed Mahmoud , Latifi Seyed Mahmoud , Zibaei Mohammad
Published: May 2014

Background

Toxocariasis is one of the most important zoonotic diseases caused byToxocaralarva stage in humans. One of the major transmission routes of infection, especially in children is pica. The aim of this topic was study the contamination of Abadan public parks withToxocaraeggs.

Materials and methods

Two hundred and ninety one samples of soil were collected from 31 parks. The samples were examined forToxocaraspp. eggs by modified floatation method using saturated sucrose. The results were analyzed using SPSS version 19 and Chi-square test.

Results

Eighty five (29.2%) out of 291 samples were infected withToxocaraspp. eggs, means19 (61.2%) of the 31 parks were contaminated. There was no significant difference between the urban and suburb parks contamination (p = 0.208) but there was significant relation between contamination withToxocaraspp. eggs and traces of cats and dogs presence in the parks (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

As the contamination of Abadan public parks soil withToxocaraspp. eggs is relatively high, the people and specially children might get the contamination during stay in the parks and measures should be taken to control the stray cats and dogs.
Detecting Sybil attacks in vehicular networks
Authors: Al-Mutaz Muhammad , Malott Levi , Chellappan Sriram
Published: May 2014

A Sybil attack consists of an adversary assuming multiple identities to defeat the trust of an existing reputation system. When Sybil attacks are launched in vehicular networks, the mobility of vehicles increases the difficulty of identifying the malicious vehicle location. In this paper, a novel protocol for Sybil detection in vehicular networks is presented. Considering that vehicular networks are cyber-physical systems, the technique exploits well grounded results in the physical (i.e., transportation) domain to detect the Sybil attacks in the cyber domain. Compared to existing works that rely on additional cyber hardware support, or complex cryptographic primitives for Sybil detection, the protocol leverages the theory of platoon dispersion that models the physics of naturally occurring vehicle dispersion. Specifically, the proposed technique employs a certain number of roadside units that periodically collect reports from vehicles regarding their physical neighborhood. Leveraging from existing models of platoon dispersion, a protocol was designed to detect anomalously close neighborhoods that are reflective of Sybil attacks. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is unique in integrating a well established theory in transportation engineering for detecting cyber space attacks in vehicular networks. The resulting protocol is simple, efficient, and robust in diverse attack environments.
Influence of the composition of different resin composites in the Knoop hardness and bond strength between tooth/restoration
Authors: Bosquiroli Virgínia , Brandt William C , Boaro Letícia C , Silva Isaías D , Sinhoreti Mário A
Published: May 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate the Knoop Hardness (KH) and bond strength (BS) among different resin composites. Three composites (Z100- 3 M/ESPE; Filtek Supreme-3 M/ESPE, Filtek Silorane-3 M/ESPE) were tested. Thirty bovine incisors (n = 10) were used. Conical cavities were prepared in the buccal surface of each tooth with a diamond bur (3131KG Sorensen, Barueri, SP, Brazil) with a high-speed water-cooled hand-piece in a standard cavity preparation appliance (2.0 x 2.0 x 1.5 mm), resulting in a C-Factor of 2.2. Two adhesive systems were used according to the manufacturer’s instructions (Single Bond 2 and Silorane System Adhesive - 3 M ESPE). The restorations were made respectively with Z100, Supreme and Silorane. The composites were inserted in a single increment and light cured with a LED unit, Freelight (3 M ESPE) for 40 s. After photo-activation the specimens were stored at 37°C in distilled water during 24 h. KH (HMV-2, Shimadzu) were performed in the top and bottom at each specimen. After that, the push-out test was performed with a universal testing machine (Model 4411, Instron). In the KH test the data were submitted to a two way ANOVA and Tukey’s test (α=5%). The mean of KHN and standard deviations were: Top - Z100 (74.1/9.0); Supreme (58.4/3.6); Silorane (42.8/6.2) and Bottom - Z100 (66.7/13.6); Supreme (61.2/3.6); Silorane (40.0/3.0). In the BS test the data were submitted to one way ANOVA and Tukey’s test (α=5%). The BS mean and standard deviations were: Z100 (12.6/5.2), Supreme (20.9/6.3), Silorane (29.7/9.0). Z100 had the highest KHN at the top and it was statistically different from the bottom. Supreme and Silorane had no differences between top and bottom. Silorane showed the highest BS mean differing statistically from the others. Differences in the composition of composite resins can to influence in the Knoop hardness and bond strength of restorations.
Effect of cementation protocol on push-out bond strength of fiber posts to root canal
Authors: Casselli Denise S , Borges Marcela G , Menezes Murilo S , Faria-e-Silva André L
Published: May 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of adhesive protocol on the retention of glass-fiber posts luted into root canals. Thirty bovine incisors were endodontically treated and 9-mm-deep post holes were prepared. Fiber posts were luted using one of following protocols (n = 10): SB – Single Bond (3 M ESPE) with regular resin cement RelyX ARC (3 M ESPE); SBMP – Scotchbond Multipurpose Plus (3 M ESPE) associated with RelyX ARC; or UNI – the self-adhesive resin cement RelyX Unicem (3 M ESPE). After cementation, root/post specimens were transversally sectioned into 1-mm-thick slices, which were submitted to push-out testing in a mechanical testing machine. Bond strength data were analyzed by ANOVA (α = 0.05). There was no statistical difference between the adhesive protocols evaluated. Considering that the adhesive protocols evaluated showed similar bond strength values, simpler protocols must be preferable to lute fiber posts to root canal.
Regulation of lung oxidative damage by endogenous superoxide dismutase in sepsis
Authors: Constantino Larissa , Gonçalves Renata Casagrande , Giombelli Vinícius Renê , Tomasi Cristiane Damiani , Vuolo Francieli , Kist Luiza Wilges , de Oliveira Giovanna Medeiros Tavares , Pasquali Matheus Augusto de Bittencourt , Bogo Maurício Reis , Mauad Thais , Horn Adolfo , Melo Karen V , Fernandes Christiane , Moreira José Cláudio Fonseca , Ritter Cristiane , Dal-Pizzol Felipe
Published: May 2014

Background

The purpose of this research is to study the relationship between superoxide dismutase (SOD) and lung redox state in an animal model of sepsis.

Methods

Sepsis was induced in rats by the cecal ligation and perforation model (CLP). After 3, 6, and 12 h, CLP protein content and expression of SOD1, SOD2, and SOD3 were evaluated, and SOD activity was assessed. Oxidative damage was determined by quantifying nitrotyrosine content. Lung localization of SOD3 was performed by immunohistochemistry. The protective effect of a SOD mimetic on oxidative damage, inflammation, and lung permeability was assessed 12 and 24 h after sepsis induction.

Results

Lung levels of SOD1 decreased 3 and 12 h after sepsis, but SOD2 and SOD3 increased, as well as SOD activity. These alterations were not associated with changes in sod gene expression. Nitrotyrosine levels increased 3 and 12 h after sepsis. The administration of a SOD mimetic decreased nitrotyrosine and proinflammatory cytokine levels and improved lung permeability.

Conclusions

SOD2 and SOD3 increased after sepsis induction, but this was insufficient to protect the lung. Treatments based on SOD mimetics could have a role in lung injury associated with sepsis.