bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creative Interfaces
Authors: Armiano Ioana
Published: February 2012

Recent developments in process interaction solutions are helping companies and educational institutions to reduce training costs, enhance visualization, and increase communication. Service personnel can make more informed decisions by allowing a broad range of employees to access data instantly. New 3D interactive technologies incorporated into training applications and learning environments together with the introduction of the one projector 3D solution is rapidly changing the landscape for education. Over the last 10 years, virtual reality applications have been applied in various industries; medical, aircraft computer modeling, training simulations for offshore drilling platforms, product configuration, and 3D visualization solutions for education and R&D. This paper examines emergent visualization technologies, their influence on market growth and on new perceptions of learning and teaching. It describes the interrelationship between technology development, technology providers, product launches, R&D, and the motivation to learn and teach new skills. The paper incorporates social, technological, and global markets growth drives, describing the pull and drag synergy between these forces.
On Not Being Able to Draw a Mousetrap
Authors: Walker James Faure
Published: February 2012

A hundred years ago officers entering the Royal Navy took an exam where they had to draw a mouse-trap. At the time there was much discussion, and some despair, about competence, and about teaching. For amateurs, drawing manuals provided instructions on how to render a still life in 3D, or draw a running figure, tasks that would now be effortless given current software. Today much debate about drawing, its purpose, and about ‘digital drawing’, and de-skilling. Graphics programs are designed for ‘realism’. But contemporary drawing looks in the opposite direction: into the processes of drawing; the expressive mark; and the structure and character of the line. Those who deal with the evolving gadgetry of digital drawing have had to contend both with unhelpful software, and with an art world that has yet to realise the scope of this new visual universe.
Rain Simulation in Dynamic Scenes
Authors: Puig-Centelles Anna , Sunyer Nicolau , Ripolles Oscar , Chover Miguel , Sbert Mateu
Published: February 2012

Rain is a complex phenomenon and its simulation is usually very costly. In this article, the authors propose a fully-GPU rain simulation based on the utilization of particle systems. The flexibility of CUDA allows the authors to include, aside from the rainfall simulation, a system for the detection and handling of the collisions of particles against the scenario. This detection system allows for the simulation of splashes at the same time. This system obtains a very high performance because of the hardware programming capabilities of CUDA.
Towards Data Intensive Many-Task Computing
Authors: Raicu Ioan , Foster Ian , Zhao Yong , Szalay Alex , Little Philip , Moretti Christopher M. , Chaudhary Amitabh , Thain Douglas
Published: February 2012

Many-task computing aims to bridge the gap between two computing paradigms, high throughput computing and high performance computing. Traditional techniques to support many-task computing commonly found in scientific computing (i.e. the reliance on parallel file systems with static configurations) do not scale to today’s largest systems for data intensive application, as the rate of increase in the number of processors per system is outgrowing the rate of performance increase of parallel file systems. In this chapter, the authors argue that in such circumstances, data locality is critical to the successful and efficient use of large distributed systems for data-intensive applications. They propose a “data diffusion” approach to enable data-intensive many-task computing. They define an abstract model for data diffusion, define and implement scheduling policies with heuristics that optimize real world performance, and develop a competitive online caching eviction policy. They also offer many empirical experiments to explore the benefits of data diffusion, both under static and dynamic resource provisioning, demonstrating approaches that improve both performance and scalability.
Visualization of Large-Scale Distributed Data
Authors: Leigh Jason , Johnson Andrew , Renambot Luc , Vishwanath Venkatram , Peterka Tom , Schwarz Nicholas
Published: February 2012

An effective visualization is best achieved through the creation of a proper representation of data and the interactive manipulation and querying of the visualization. Large-scale data visualization is particularly challenging because the size of the data is several orders of magnitude larger than what can be managed on an average desktop computer. Large-scale data visualization therefore requires the use of distributed computing. By leveraging the widespread expansion of the Internet and other national and international high-speed network infrastructure such as the National LambdaRail, Internet-2, and the Global Lambda Integrated Facility, data and service providers began to migrate toward a model of widespread distribution of resources. This chapter introduces different instantiations of the visualization pipeline and the historic motivation for their creation. The authors examine individual components of the pipeline in detail to understand the technical challenges that must be solved in order to ensure continued scalability. They discuss distributed data management issues that are specifically relevant to large-scale visualization. They also introduce key data rendering techniques and explain through case studies approaches for scaling them by leveraging distributed computing. Lastly they describe advanced display technologies that are now considered the “lenses” for examining large-scale data.
From aging to cancer: a DNA methylation journey
Authors: Puig Natalia , Agrelo Ruben
Published: February 2012

Epigenetic gene silencing through DNA promoter hypermethylation is now recognised as a major step in the neoplastic transformation of the cell. The methylation levels of several genes increase with age in normal tissues such as the prostate or colon. Genes like WRN or LMNA that are involved in progeria,a premature aging disease WRN and LMNA, are epigenetically inactivated in cancer. In both aging and cancer, global DNA methylation decreases, potentially accounting for the characteristic genomic instability of these processes. In this review, we will focus on how the accumulation of changes in DNA methylation during aging impact tumourigenesis.
Streptococcus dysgalactiae Endocarditis Presenting as Acute Endophthalmitis
Authors: Yong Angelina Su-Min , Lau Su Yin , Woo Tsung Han , Li Jordan Yuanzhi , Yong Tuck Yean
Published: February 2012

Endogenous endophthalmitis is a rare ocular infection affecting the vitreous and/or aqueous humours. It is associated with poor visual prognosis and its commonest endogenous aetiology is infective endocarditis. The causative organisms of endogenous endophthalmitis complicating endocarditis are mainly Group A or B streptococci. The identification of Group C and G streptococci such as Streptococcus dysgalactiae is comparatively uncommon and has only been reported in a few case reports or series. We therefore report a case of infective endocarditis caused by Streptococcus dysgalactiae first presenting with endogenous endophthalmitis, the most likely source being bilateral feet osteomyelitis in a patient with type I diabetes. The patient was treated with a course of intravenous benzylpenicillin, intravitreal antibiotics, bilateral below knee amputations and mitral valve replacement. She survived all surgical procedures and regained partial visual acuity in the affected eye.
Post-Transplant Glomerulonephritis
Authors: Basu Gopal , Mohapatra Anjali , Jacob Chakko K , Tamilarasi Veerasamy , John George T.
Published: February 2012

Posttransplant glomerulonephritis (PTGN) is the third most common cause of late allograft loss. This could be classified into recurrent or de novo PTGN. The prevalence of PTGN is about 6–8%. There are several challenges with the diagnosis of PTGN. In addition, these diseases are not common, mostly described in case reports, case series and registry analysis. The reports vary in their definitions and approach to diagnosis. There is no high quality evidence for management of these conditions. This review focuses on summarizing the current evidence on the prevalence, clinical features, risk factors and management of PTGN.
Gastroduodenal Lesions in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: The Role of Helicobacter Pylon Infection
Authors: Abdulrahman Ibrahiem Saeed , Al-Hwiesh Abdullah K.
Published: February 2012

The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection and the associated gastroduodenal lesions in peritoneal dialysis patients. Ninety-eight patients with dyspeptic complaints were included in the study. They were divided into two groups; group 1 consisted of 48 patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on PD and group 2 (control) of 50 patients without renal disease. All patients were subjected to upper gastrointestinal endoscopies, and gastric biopsies were obtained for histological evidence of H.pylori infection. Anti-H.pylori IgG antibodies were tested in the PD patients using the ELISA test. The mean age of both groups was similar. Twenty-three (47.9%) of the 48 patients on PD and 25 (50.0 %) of the 50 non-renal disease patients were positive for H.pylori infection. There was no significant difference in H.pylori prevalence between the two groups (P>0.05). No correlation was found between H.pylori infection and age, sex, primary disease, or type (CAPD or APD). However, prevalence was significantly higher (30.4% vs 17.4%, Plt;0.001) in patients who were on PD for less than 24 months. False positive serology for H.pylori in the absence of positive histology was found in 7 out of the 25 negative cases (28.0 %) in the dialysis group. The prevalence of duodenal ulcers was significantly higher in H.pylori positive than in H.pylori negative ESRD patients on PD (18.8% vs 8.3%, P<0.05). Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was seen in 21 (43.8%) patients in group 1 and in 8 (16%) cases in group 2 (P<0.01). GERD was, however, significantly lower in H.pylori positive patients in both groups (12.5% vs 31.3% in group 1 and 4% vs 12% in group 2, Plt;0.001 and P<0.01, respectively). In conclusion, long-term PD seems to decrease the prevalence of H.pylori infection. Testing H.pylori antibodies lacks specificity for diagnosing active H.pylori infection in PD patients. H.pylori infection in patients on PD is associated with increased risk of gastroduodenal lesions and decreased prevalence of GERD.
Necrotizing Fasciitis of the Lower Limbs
Authors: Muggeo Paola , Arcamone Giampaolo , Rizzo Antonino , Santoro Nicola
Published: February 2012

We report an uncommon ssevere soft-tissue infection of the thighs in a male child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Early and aggressive medical treatment and the conservative surgical approach were successful. Necrotizing fasciitis should be suspected in any soft-tissue infection until it can be definitely ruled out, since prompt deliver of medical and surgical intervention is essential.
Gesag as diens: Die rol van die dissipels in die Matteusevangelie
Authors: Van Zyl Hermie C.
Published: February 2012

Authority as service: The role of the disciples in the Gospel according to Matthew. This article juxtaposes authority and service in the Gospel of Matthew. Firstly the article refers to the transfer of authority from Jesus to the disciples. Several relevant texts are discussed, including Matthew’s employment of proserchomai. Secondly the content of this authority is examined. The emphasis falls on the teaching authority of the disciples, especially to forgive sins. Thirdly the nature of authority is treated. It is not about lording it over people but to serve the believers in humility. In a last section all of the above is viewed against the backdrop of the first century Matthean community’s struggle to find its place within formative Judaism. The thesis is put forward that Matthew propounds a voluntary marginality, according to which the reader should take upon him- or herself the position of the poor.
Spatial distribution of mercury deposition fluxes in Wanshan Hg mining area, Guizhou, China
Authors: Dai Z. H. , Feng X. B. , Fu X. W. , Li P.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. A long-term mining history introduced a series of environmental problems in Wanshan Hg mining area, Guizhou, China. The spatial distribution of gaseous elemental Hg (Hg0) concentrations in ambient air were investigated using RA-915+ Zeeman Mercury Analyzer during day time and night time in May 2010, which showed that calcines and mine wastes piles located at Dashuixi and on-going artisanal Hg mining activities at Supeng were major sources of atmospheric mercury in Wanshan Hg mining area. Meanwhile, both precipitation and throughfall samples were collected weekly at Shenchong, Dashuixi, and Supeng from May 2010 to May 2011, respectively. Our data showed that the concentrations of different Hg species varied with a large range, and the annual volume-weighted mean total mercury (THg) concentrations in precipitation and throughfall samples were 502.6 ng L−1 and 977.8 ng L−1 at Shenchong, 814.1 ng L−1and 3392.1 ng L−1 at Dashuixi, 7490.1 ng L−1 and 9641.5 ng L−1 at Supeng, respectively. Besides, THg concentrations in all throughfall samples were 1–7 folds higher than those in precipitation samples. The annual wet Hg deposition fluxes were 29.1, 68.8 and 593.1 μg m−2 yr−1 at Shenchong, Dashuixi and Supeng, respectively, while the annual dry Hg deposition fluxes were estimated to be 378.9, 2613.6 and 6178 μg m−2 yr−1 at these sites, respectively. Dry deposition played a dominant role in total atmospheric Hg deposition in Wanshan Hg mining area since the dry deposition fluxes were 10.4–37.9 times higher than the wet deposition fluxes during the whole sample period. Our data showed that air deposition was still an important pathway of Hg contamination to the local environment in Wanshan Hg mining area.
Boosting Infrared Light Harvesting by Molecular Functionalization of Metal Oxide/Polymer Interfaces in Efficient Hybrid Solar Cells
Authors: Grancini Giulia , Santosh Kumar R. Sai , Abrusci Agnese , Yip Hin‐Lap , Li Chang‐Zhi , Jen Alex‐K. Y. , Lanzani Guglielmo , Snaith Henry J.
Published: February 2012

Hybrid solar cells based on light absorbing semiconducting polymers infiltrated in nanocrystalline TiO2 electrodes, have emerged as an attractive concept, combining benefits of both low material and processing costs with well controlled nano‐scale morphology. However, after over ten years of research effort, power conversion efficiencies remain around 0.5%. Here, a spectroscopic and device based investigation is presented, which leads to a new optimization route where by functionalization of the TiO2 surface with a molecular electron acceptor promotes photoinduced electron transfer from a low‐band gap polymer(poly[2,6‐(4,4‐bis‐(2‐ethylhexyl)‐4H‐cyclopenta[2,1‐b;3,4‐b0]dithiophene)‐alt‐4,7‐(2,1,3‐benzothiadia‐zole)] (PCPDTBT) to the metal oxide. This boosts the infrared response and the power conversion efficiency to over 1%. As a further step, by “co‐functionalizing” the TiO2 surface with the electron acceptor and an organic dye‐sensitizer, panchromatic spectral photoresponse is achieved in the visible to near‐IR region. This novel architecture at the heterojunction opens new material design possibilities and represents an exciting route forward for hybrid photovoltaics.
Optimization and Control of Pressure Swing Adsorption Processes Under Uncertainty
Authors: Khajuria Harish , Pistikopoulos Efstratios N.
Published: February 2012

The real‐time periodic performance of a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) system strongly depends on the choice of key decision variables and operational considerations such as processing steps and column pressure temporal profiles, making its design and operation a challenging task. This work presents a detailed optimization‐based approach for simultaneously incorporating PSA design, operational, and control aspects under the effect of time variant and invariant disturbances. It is applied to a two‐bed, six‐step PSA system represented by a rigorous mathematical model, where the key optimization objective is to maximize the expected H2 recovery while achieving a closed loop product H2 purity of 99.99%, for separating 70% H2, 30% CH4 feed. The benefits over sequential design and control approach are shown in terms of closed‐loop recovery improvement of more than 3%, while the incorporation of explicit/multiparametric model predictive controllers improves the closed loop performance. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 120–131, 2013
Optimal maintenance strategy for non‐renewing replacement–repair warranty
Authors: Jung Ki Mun , Park Minjae , Park Dong Ho
Published: February 2012

In this paper, we study the maintenance policy following the expiration of the non‐renewing replacement–repair warranty (NRRW). For such purposes, we first define the non‐renewing free replacement–repair warranty and the non‐renewing pro rata replacement–repair warranty. Then the maintenance model following the expiration of the NRRW is discussed from the user's point of view. As the criterion to determine the optimal maintenance strategy, we formulate the expected cost rate per unit time from the user's perspective. All system maintenance costs incurred after the warranty is expired are paid by the user. Given the cost structures during the life cycle of the system, we determine the optimal maintenance period following the expiration of the NRRW. Finally, a few numerical examples are given for illustrative purposes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Radiofrequency radiation at 1950 MHz (UMTS) does not affect key cellular endpoints in neuron‐like PC12 cells
Authors: Zeni Olga , Sannino Anna , Sarti Maurizio , Romeo Stefania , Massa Rita , Scarfì Maria R.
Published: February 2012

In this study, rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells were exposed, as a model of neuron‐like cells, to 1950 MHz radiofrequency (RF) radiation with a signal used by the 3G wireless technology of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) to assess possible adverse effects. RF exposure for 24 h at a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 10 W/kg was carried out in a waveguide system under accurately controlled environmental and dosimetric parameters. DNA integrity, cell viability, and apoptosis were investigated as cellular endpoints relevant for carcinogenesis and other diseases of the central nervous system. Very sensitive biological assays were employed to assess the effects immediately after RF exposure and 24 h later, as demonstrated by the cellular response elicited in PC12 cells using positive control treatments provided for each assay. In our experimental conditions, 24 h of RF exposure at a carrier frequency and modulation scheme typical of a UMTS signal was not able to elicit any effect in the selected cellular endpoints in undifferentiated PC12 cells, despite the application of a higher SAR value than those applied in the majority of the studies reported in the literature. Bioelectromagnetics 33:497–507, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
How to identify cross correlations: a statistical test with time lag and its application on air‐pollutant time series
Authors: Tóth Gergely , Balogh Bertalan
Published: February 2012

We developed a method to detect time‐lag‐dependent cross‐correlation effects in time series. The method is a statistical test based on ANOVA with resampling, but the simple plot of the p‐values in respect to the time lag provides an intuitive recognition of cross correlations as well. It is applied on meteorological and air‐pollutant data measured in Budapest. We detected periodic and odd cross‐correlation effects easily on the graphs, for example, the effect of weekend/weekdays on pollutants, an odd effect of solar radiation on humidity in the fourth quarter of the year, an opposite effect of solar radiation and height of mixing layer on CO at the same day opposite to the following days, and the prompt resuspension of PM10 caused by solar radiation in the fourth quarter of the year. We estimated the length of the cross‐correlation effects on the air pollutants: 2–3 days of precipitation depending on the solubility of the pollutants, 3–4 days of wind, and 2–5 days for the cross reactions of NO2 and O3. We found that yearlong time domain provides different correlation effects than seasonal ones for the same daily time lags. The visual comparison of the curves also helps to identify the time domains, which can be modeled similarly. Our method is an efficient tool to identify cross‐correlation effects before modeling, because it enlarges the correlations undetectable in cross‐correlation functions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors Influence ABCG2 Expression in EGFR‐Positive MDCK BCRP Cells via the PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Authors: Pick Anne , Wiese Michael
Published: February 2012

Multidrug resistance observed in cancer chemotherapy is commonly attributed to overexpression of efflux transporter proteins. These proteins act as ATP‐dependent drug efflux pumps, actively extruding chemotherapeutic agents from cells and causing a decrease in intracellular drug accumulation. Besides the well‐recognized role of P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp, ABCB1), the breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP, ABCG2) is becoming increasingly accepted as playing an important role in multidrug resistance. In contrast to P‐glycoprotein, only a few inhibitors of ABCG2 are known. According to the literature, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) can be considered to be broad‐spectrum inhibitors, interacting with ABCB1, ABCC1 and ABCG2. Here, we investigated seven different TKIs, gefitinib, erlotinib, AG1478, PD158780, PD153035, nilotinib and imatinib, for their potential to restore ABCG2 sensitivity to cells. Furthermore, we analyzed the alteration of ABCG2 expression caused by TKIs and demonstrated that EGFR inhibitors such as gefitinib and PD158780 reduced both total and surface expression of ABCG2 in EGRF‐positive MDCK BCRP cells by interaction with the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. The reduced ABCG2 content led to an increased effect of XR9577, a well‐known ABCG2 modulator, lowering the concentration required for half maximal inhibition. On the other hand, BCR‐ABL inhibitors had no influence on ABCG2 expression and modulator activity. Interestingly, a combination of an EGFR inhibitor with the PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002 led to a significant reduction of ABCG2 expression at low concentrations of the drugs. Based on our results, we assume that EGFR exerts a post‐transcriptional enhancing effect on ABCG2 expression via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, which can be attenuated by EGFR inhibitors. Blocking the key signaling pathway regulating ABCG2 expression with EGFR inhibitors, combined with the inhibition of ABCG2 with potent modulators might be a promising approach to circumvent MDR in cancer cells.
Stereocontrolled Oxidation of Six‐Membered Cyclic O‐Silyl Nitroso Acetals with mCPBA: Umpolung Approach to Functionalized Nitro Compounds
Authors: Naumova Anastasia S. , Mikhaylov Andrey A. , Struchkova Marina I. , Khomutova Yulia A. , Tartakovsky Vladimir A. , Ioffe Sema L.
Published: February 2012

Easily available, six‐membered cyclic nitroso acetals 2 are smoothly oxidized with meta‐chloroperbenzoic acid to δ‐nitro alcohols 3 or γ‐nitro carbonyl compounds 4 with the retention of their relative configurations of stereocenters (diastereomeric ratio > 10:1). The reaction sequence – the generation of diastereomerically pure six‐membered cyclic nitronates 1 from simple aliphatic nitro compounds (AN), C–C coupling of 1 with π‐nucleophiles, and the oxidation of the resulting nitroso acetals 2 – is considered to be a new effective variant of the umpolung reactivity of AN. An original approach for the synthesis of alternative diastereomers of nitro derivatives 3 has also been suggested.
Auditory stroop and absolute pitch: An fMRI study
Authors: Schulze Katrin , Mueller Karsten , Koelsch Stefan
Published: February 2012

To date, the underlying cognitive and neural mechanisms of absolute pitch (AP) have remained elusive. In the present fMRI study, we investigated verbal and tonal perception and working memory in musicians with and without absolute pitch. Stimuli were sine wave tones and syllables (names of the scale tones) presented simultaneously. Participants listened to sequences of five stimuli, and then rehearsed internally either the syllables or the tones. Finally participants indicated whether a test stimulus had been presented during the sequence. For an auditory stroop task, half of the tonal sequences were congruent (frequencies of tones corresponded to syllables which were the names of the scale tones) and half were incongruent (frequencies of tones did not correspond to syllables). Results indicate that first, verbal and tonal perception overlap strongly in the left superior temporal gyrus/sulcus (STG/STS) in AP musicians only. Second, AP is associated with the categorical perception of tones. Third, the left STG/STS is activated in AP musicians only for the detection of verbal‐tonal incongruencies in the auditory stroop task. Finally, verbal labelling of tones in AP musicians seems to be automatic. Overall, a unique feature of AP appears to be the similarity between verbal and tonal perception. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Interoceptive awareness enhances neural activity during empathy
Authors: Ernst Jutta , Northoff Georg , Böker Heinz , Seifritz Erich , Grimm Simone
Published: February 2012

Empathy is a multicomponent function that includes sensorimotor, affective, and cognitive components. Although especially the affective component may implicate interoception and interoceptive awareness, the impact of interoception on empathy has never been evaluated behaviorally or neurophysiologically. Here, we tested how a preceding period of interoceptive awareness impacts and modulates neural activity during subsequent empathy. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and measured the sequential interaction between interoception and empathy using fMRI in 18 healthy subjects. We found that the preceding interoceptive awareness period significantly enhanced neural activity during empathy in bilateral anterior insula and various cortical midline regions. The enhancement of neural activity during empathy in both interoceptive and empathy networks by preceding interoceptive awareness suggests a close relationship between interoception and empathy; thereby, interoception seems to be implicated to yielding empathy. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
SOCIETAL LIMITATIONS OF VOCATIONAL CHOICE, PARTICULARLY FOR THE EX‐PUBLIC OFFENDER
Authors: Sullivan Dorothy R.
Published: February 2012

In the past, society has restricted the vocational opportunity of some of its members. This restriction has affected the individual's self‐concepts and his mode of adaptation. The ex‐public offender, due to societal limitations of vocational choice, may anticipate some difficulty in obtaining and licensing. Other problems, which handicap the person with a criminal record, are denoted and discussed.
THE USE OF ROLEPLAYING JOB INTERVIEWS WITH JOB CORPS FEMALES
Authors: Jackson Gerald Gregory
Published: February 2012

Observation of the schism between employers and disadvantaged females, leads to the preparation of counselees for job interviews and exploration of the world of work with them. By chance, roleplaying a job interview was used during a group guidance session with Job Corps females, and the comparative success encountered with the technique encouraged this investigation. As a technique, it was found to be flexible, adaptable, and timesaving. It was of benefit to the counselor in six areas, and students indicated that they found the technique of value as a means of preparation for a real job interview, acquainting them with the scope of their communications problems and reducing these shortcomings.
Perioperative dental injury at a tertiary care health system: An eight‐year audit of 816,690 anesthetics
Authors: Vallejo Manuel C. , Best Michael W. , Phelps Amy L. , O'Donnell John M. , Sah Neera , Kidwell Richard P. , Williams John P.
Published: February 2012

Among all complications of airway management, dental injury is the most common cause of patient complaints with medicolegal consequences. Over an 8‐year period, data on dental injury were collected within a large university hospital system that included community, tertiary, and quaternary care centers. Patient characteristics were compared among all patients receiving anesthesia care using billing data collected from the same period. Of the 816,690 patients who received anesthesia care, there were 360 dental injuries, giving an overall incidence of 1:2,269 (0.044%). Patients receiving general anesthesia were at an increased risk for dental injuries, with an incidence of 1:1,754 (0.057%) compared with patients receiving monitored anesthesia care in whom the incidence was 1:12,500 (0.008%). Patients in the age group 18 to 65 years had a higher incidence of dental injuries of 1:1,818 (0.055%) compared with pediatric patients, who had an incidence of 1:7,692 (0.013%). Emergency procedures were not associated with an increased risk of dental injury in the 816,690 cases. However, of the 360 patients who sustained a dental injury, emergency procedures were associated with a higher incidence of injuring multiple teeth.
Neuromyelitis Optica Immunoglobulin G present in sera from neuromyelitis optica patients affects aquaporin‐4 expression and water permeability of the astrocyte plasma membrane
Authors: Melamud Luciana , Fernández Juan M. , Rivarola Valeria , Di Giusto Gisela , Ford Paula , Villa Andrés , Capurro Claudia
Published: February 2012

NMO‐IgG autoantibody selectively binds to aquaporin‐4 (AQP4), the most abundant water channel in the central nervous system and is now considered a useful serum biomarker of neuromyelitis optica (NMO). A series of clinical and pathological observations suggests that NMO‐IgG may play a central role in NMO physiopathology. The current study evaluated, in well‐differentiated astrocytes cultures, the consequences of NMO‐IgG binding on the expression pattern of AQP4 and on plasma membrane water permeability. To avoid or to facilitate AQP4 down‐regulation, cells were exposed to inactivated sera in two different situations (1 hr at 4°C or 12 hr at 37°C). AQP4 expression was detected by immunofluorescence studies using a polyclonal anti‐AQP4 or a human anti‐IgG antibody, and the water permeability coefficient was evaluated by a videomicroscopy technique. Our results showed that, at low temperatures, cell exposure to either control or NMO‐IgG sera does not affect either AQP4 expression or plasma membrane water permeability, indicating that the simple binding of NMO‐IgG does not affect the water channel's activity. However, at 37°C, long‐term exposure to NMO‐IgG induced a loss of human IgG signal from the plasma membrane along with M1‐AQP4 isoform removal and a significant reduction of water permeability. These results suggest that binding of NMO‐IgG to cell membranes expressing AQP4 is a specific mechanism that may account for at least part of the pathogenic process. © 2012 Wiley Priodicals, Inc.
Cross‐linking of serine racemase dimer by reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species
Authors: Wang Wei , Barger Steven W.
Published: February 2012

Serine racemase (SR) is the only identified enzyme in mammals responsible for isomerization of L‐serine to D‐serine, a coagonist at N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the forebrain. Our previous data showed that an apparent SR dimer resistant to sodium dodecyl sulfate and β‐mercaptoethanol was elevated in microglial cells after proinflammatory activation. Because the activation of microglia is typically associated with an oxidative burst, oxidative cross‐linking between SR subunits was speculated. In this study, an siRNA technique was employed to confirm the identity of this SR dimer band. The oxidative species potentially responsible for the cross‐linking was investigated with recombinant SR protein. The data indicate that nitric oxide, peroxynitrite, and hydroxyl radical were the likely candidates, whereas superoxide and hydrogen peroxide per se failed to contribute. Furthermore, the mechanism of formation of SR dimer by peroxynitrite oxidation was studied by mass spectrometry. A disulfide bond between Cys6 and Cys113 was identified in 3‐morpholinosydnonimine hydrochloride (SIN‐1)‐treated SR monomer and dimer. Activity assays indicated that SIN‐1 treatment decreased SR activity, confirming our previous conclusion that noncovalent dimer is the most active form of SR. These findings suggest a compensatory feedback in which the consequences of neuroinflammation might dampen D‐serine production to limit excitotoxic stimulation of NMDA receptors. © 2012 Wiley Priodicals, Inc.
Financial incentives, professional values and performance: A study of pay‐for‐performance in a professional organization
Authors: Young Gary J. , Beckman Howard , Baker Errol
Published: February 2012

We investigated the effect of financial incentives on performance in a professional organization. Whereas agency theory treats tangible rewards such as money as a potentially powerful motivator for improving performance, the professional control perspective posits that the motivational effects of financial incentives will depend on the intended recipients attitudes toward the incentives relative to their professional values. The study setting was a large network of physician practices that adopted a financial incentive program to improve physician performance in the management of diabetic patients. Consistent with agency theory, performance did improve following the introduction of the incentive. However, consistent with the professional control perspective, physicians' psychologically based attitudes toward the incentive program regarding its impact on their own work autonomy and the importance of the performance goals moderated the effect of the incentive on performance. Study findings indicate that agency theory and professional control are complementary theoretical perspectives for understanding how professionals will respond to the imposition of performance‐related financial incentives. In terms of practice, pay‐for‐performance programs aimed at professional organizations should be designed to take into account the values and goals of an organization's professionals to maximize the effect of financial incentives on performance. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solution structures of the double‐stranded RNA‐binding domains from rna helicase A
Authors: Nagata Takashi , Tsuda Kengo , Kobayashi Naohiro , Shirouzu Mikako , Kigawa Takanori , Güntert Peter , Yokoyama Shigeyuki , Muto Yutaka
Published: February 2012

RNA helicase A (RHA) is a highly conserved protein with multifaceted functions in the gene expression of cellular and viral mRNAs. RHA recognizes highly structured nucleotides and catalytically rearranges the various interactions between RNA, DNA, and protein molecules to provide a platform for the ribonucleoprotein complex. We present the first solution structures of the double‐stranded RNA‐binding domains (dsRBDs), dsRBD1 and dsRBD2, from mouse RHA. We discuss the binding mode of the dsRBDs of RHA, in comparison with the known dsRBD structures in their complexes. Our structural data provide important information for the elucidation of the molecular reassembly mediated by RHA. Proteins 2012;. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anticoagulant resistance in the United Kingdom and a new guideline for the management of resistant infestations of Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus Berk.)
Authors: Buckle Alan
Published: February 2012

Anticoagulant resistance was first discovered in UK Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus Berk.) in 1958 and has been present ever since. The possible detrimental impact of resistance on effective rodent control was quickly recognised, and, for almost three decades, extensive research was conducted on the geographical distribution and severity of anticoagulant resistance in UK rats. Various schemes for the eradication of resistant rats were also implemented. At first, surveys showed resistance only to the first‐generation anticoagulants, such as warfarin, chlorophacinone and coumatetralyl, but, later, resistance to the more potent second‐generation anticoagulants, such as difenacoum and bromadiolone, was also discovered. Unlike some European countries, where only one or two resistance mutations occur, virtually all known rat resistance mutations occur in the United Kingdom, and five (Leu128Gln, Tyr139Ser, Tyr139Cys, Tyr139Phe and Leu120Gln) are known to have significant impacts on anticoagulant efficacy. Little is currently known of the geographical extent of anticoagulant resistance among Norway rats in the United Kingdom because no comprehensive survey has been conducted recently. At an operational level, anticoagulants generally retain their utility for Norway rat control, but it is impossible to control resistant rats in some areas because of restrictions on the use of the more potent resistance‐breaking compounds. This paper reviews the development of resistance in Norway rats in the United Kingdom, outlines the present situation for resistance management and introduces a new resistance management guideline from the UK Rodenticide Resistance Action Group. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Bait aggregation to reduce cost and toxin use in aerial 1080 baiting of small mammal pests in New Zealand
Authors: Nugent Graham , Warburton Bruce , Thomson Caroline , Cross Martin L , Coleman Morgan C
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND: The metabolic toxin sodium fluoroacetate (‘compound 1080’) is widely used for controlling introduced mammalian pests in New Zealand. For large‐scale operations, 1080 is distributed aerially in bait to kill brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula Kerr) and ship rats (Rattus rattus L.). While usually successful in reducing pest populations by > 80%, widespread distribution of toxic bait is relatively expensive and raises concerns from some members of the public. Here, trials with spatial aggregation of baits in forested habitats were conducted to determine whether this can reduce toxin usage while maintaining operational efficacy.

RESULTS: When 1080 baits were aggregated into clusters (by hand sowing) or into strips (by precision aerial deployment), indices of possum relative abundance were reduced by 92–100%, compared with 73–100% reductions using conventional aerial broadcasting, while all methods reduced relative abundance indices of rats by 88% or greater. Radio tracking indicated a kill rate of > 90% against possums, regardless of bait distribution method.

CONCLUSIONS: Simply by modifying bait distribution patterns, spatial aggregation can be used to maintain the high encounter rate of pests with 1080 bait that is necessary for operational efficacy, while reducing current toxin usage by up to 80%. Aggregated bait delivery could have relevance for other mammalian pest control scenarios internationally. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Using extended‐duration audio recordings to survey avian species
Authors: Tegeler Amy K. , Morrison Michael L. , Szewczak Joseph M.
Published: February 2012

Point‐count surveys are widely used to infer avian presence and estimate species richness. Advancements in bioacoustic technology enable automated surveys that can supplement human‐based point‐count surveys with expanded temporal and spatial coverage. We surveyed birds in 13 Sierra Nevada and Cascade Range (CA, USA) montane meadows from May to August 2006 using 8 point‐count surveys and automated audio recorders (ARU) to compare species richness between the 2 methods and evaluate the use of ARUs as a monitoring tool. We analyzed species richness using 30 minutes of ARU data per point and 2 point‐count surveys. Automated audio‐recorder data revealed 14 species per meadow (56 species total) while point counts detected 16 species per meadow (67 species total). Automated audio recorders provided >1,100 additional hours of data with personnel effort similar to 2 point‐count surveys. An asymptote in species richness was reached for every meadow using ARU data and 8 of 13 meadows using 2 point‐count surveys. We detected 81 species during all 8 point‐count surveys. We used SonoBird (DNDesign, Arcata, CA) software to search for 24 species detected by point‐count surveys but not in the manually sampled subset of audio files. We detected 22 additional species, bringing the total audio‐file species detections to 85, 4 more than detected by 8 point‐count surveys. We conclude that audio recordings and analysis provide an alternative to avian point‐count surveys or as a supplement to increase their accuracy, particularly over larger temporal and spatial scales, or for species with low detectability. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Spot‐mapping underestimates song‐territory size and use of mature forest by breeding golden‐winged warblers in Minnesota, USA
Authors: Streby Henry M. , Loegering John P. , Andersen David E.
Published: February 2012

Studies of songbird breeding habitat often compare habitat characteristics of used and unused areas. Although there is usually meticulous effort to precisely and consistently measure habitat characteristics, accuracy of methods for estimating which areas are used versus which are unused by birds remains generally untested. To examine accuracy of spot‐mapping to identify singing territories of golden‐winged warblers (Vermivora chrysoptera), which are considered an early successional forest specialists, we used spot‐mapping and radiotelemetry to record song perches and delineate song territories for breeding male golden‐winged warblers in northwestern Minnesota, USA. We also used radiotelemetry to record locations (song and nonsong perches) of a subsample (n = 12) of males throughout the day to delineate home ranges. We found that telemetry‐based estimates of song territories were 3 times larger and included more mature forest than those estimated from spot‐mapping. In addition, home ranges estimated using radiotelemetry included more mature forest than spot‐mapping‐ and telemetry‐based song territories, with 75% of afternoon perches located in mature forest. Our results suggest that mature forest comprises a larger component of golden‐winged warbler song territories and home ranges than is indicated based on spot‐mapping in Minnesota. Because it appears that standard observational methods can underestimate territory size and misidentify cover‐type associations for golden‐winged warblers, we caution that management and conservation plans may be misinformed, and that similar studies are needed for golden‐winged warblers across their range and for other songbird species. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Synthesis and Structure of NCN‐Chelated Organobismuth(III) Bis‐Pentasulfide
Authors: Dostál Libor , Jambor Roman , Erben Milan , Růžička Aleš
Published: February 2012

Organobismuth(III) sulfide (1) containing the NCN pincer type chelating ligand L {L = [2, 6‐(CH2NMe2)2C6H3]–} reacts with one molar equivalent of elemental sulfur to give the unprecedented cyclic bis‐pentasulfide LBi(μ‐S5)2BiL (2) with the central twelve‐membered ring Bi2S10. Compound 2 was obtained as stable orange crystals and was characterized by the help of elemental analysis, X‐ray diffraction technique, IR, and Raman spectroscopy.
Surgical Management of Intra‐Abdominal Cystic Lymphangioma. Report of 20 Cases
Authors: Makni Amin , Chebbi Faouzi , Fetirich Fadhel , Ksantini Rachid , Bedioui Heykal , Jouini Mohamed , Kacem Montassar , Ben Safta Zoubeir
Published: February 2012

Background

Cystic lymphangioma (CL) is a benign rare malformation of lymphatic vessels. Its discovery in adults is rare. Although it can affect any organ, the common forms found in adults are mesenteric and/or retroperitoneal CL. This article was designed to study the epidemiological, diagnostic difficulties, and therapeutic principles of intra‐abdominal cystic lymphangioma in adults.

Methods

We report a retrospective study from January 1998 to September 2010 concerning 20 patients who underwent surgical removal of a CL. We were interested in discovering the clinical, biological, and radiological characteristics of CL. The localization, size, and number of cysts have been reported, as well as the surgical intervention used and the postoperative immediate and late complications.

Results

The median age was 46 years. Abdominal pain was the main symptom and was found in 15 patients (75%). Physical examination revealed an abdominal mass in 12 patients (60%). In four patients (20%), the cystic lymphangioma was incidental. Abdominal ultrasound and abdominal CT scan helped to highlight 22 cystic masses. CL diagnosis was established preoperatively in 13 patients (65%). Six patients (30%) were operated with a diagnosis other than CL. The diagnosis was made intraoperatively in one case (5%). Only two patients (10%) were operated on in emergency: one due to an infected CL and the other was CL complicated with intracystic hemorrhage. A laparotomy in 13 cases (65%) was the surgical approach used, whereas 7 cases (35%) benefited from a laparoscopy. No conversion was noted. The majority of the patients, 18 cases (90%), received a total cystectomy. Only two patients (10%) had recurrences of which only one was reoperated.

Conclusions

The diagnosis of CL often is facilitated by means of modern imaging; however, other diagnoses may be discussed, particularly hydatid disease endemic areas. If symptomatic lesions or complications arise, complete surgical excision, when possible without major sacrifice, seems to be the best therapeutic option to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Transition to chaos in the wake of a rolling sphere
Authors: Rao A. , Passaggia P.-Y. , Bolnot H. , Thompson M.C. , Leweke T. , Hourigan K.
Published: February 2012

The wake of a sphere rolling along a wall at low Reynolds number is investigated numerically and experimentally. Two successive transitions are identified in this flow, as the Reynolds number is increased. The first leads to the periodic shedding of planar symmetric hairpin vortices. The second and previously unknown transition involves a loss of planar symmetry and a low-frequency lateral oscillation of the wake, exhibiting a surprising 7:3 resonance with the hairpin vortex shedding. The two transitions are characterized by dye visualizations and quantitative information obtained from numerical simulations, such as force coefficients and wake frequencies (Strouhal numbers). Both transitions are found to be supercritical. Further increasing the Reynolds number, the flow becomes progressively more disorganized and chaotic. Overall, the transition sequence for the rolling sphere is closer to the one for a non-rotating sphere in a free stream than to that of a non-rotating sphere close to a wall.