bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Self-Learning Sensor Fault Detection Framework for Industry Monitoring IoT
Authors: Liu Yu , Yang Yang , Lv Xiaopeng , Wang Lifeng
Published: October 2013

Many applications based on Internet of Things (IoT) technology have recently founded in industry monitoring area. Thousands of sensors with different types work together in an industry monitoring system. Sensors at different locations can generate streaming data, which can be analyzed in the data center. In this paper, we propose a framework for online sensor fault detection. We motivate our technique in the context of the problem of the data value fault detection and event detection. We use the Statistics Sliding Windows (SSW) to contain the recent sensor data and regress each window by Gaussian distribution. The regression result can be used to detect the data value fault. Devices on a production line may work in different workloads and the associate sensors will have different status. We divide the sensors into several status groups according to different part of production flow chat. In this way, the status of a sensor is associated with others in the same group. We fit the values in the Status Transform Window (STW) to get the slope and generate a group trend vector. By comparing the current trend vector with history ones, we can detect a rational or irrational event. In order to determine parameters for each status group we build a self-learning worker thread in our framework which can edit the corresponding parameter according to the user feedback. Group-based fault detection (GbFD) algorithm is proposed in this paper. We test the framework with a simulation dataset extracted from real data of an oil field. Test result shows that GbFD detects 95% sensor fault successfully.
Direct Effect of Two Naphthalene-Sulfonyl-Indole Compounds onToxoplasma gondiiTachyzoite
Authors: Asgari Qasem , Keshavarz Hossein , Rezaeian Mostafa , Motazedian Mohammad Hossein , Shojaee Saeedeh , Mohebali Mehdi , Miri Ramin
Published: October 2013

Past studies have stated that the parasitostatic effect of IFN-γis most likely due to the starvation ofToxoplasma gondiifor tryptophan in the host cell. The aim of this study was to evaluate the direct effect of two new Naphthalene-Sulfonyl-Indole compounds as competitive molecules for tryptophan on viability and infectivity ofToxoplasmatachyzoites. Tachyzoites of RH strain were incubated in various concentrations (25–800 μM) of 1-(naphthalene-2-sulfonyl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-indole and 1-[5-(2,3-dihydro-1H-indole-1-sulfonyl)naphthalene-1-sulfonyl]-2,3-dihydro-1H-indole for 1.5 hours. Then, they were stained by PI and analyzed by FACS. To evaluate the infectivity,2×106tachyzoites exposed to the concentrations mentioned above were intraperitoneally inoculated into five mice from each group. Also, naïve parasites and parasites exposed to DMSO (control) were inoculated in both groups of mice. The LD50of 1-(naphthalene-2-sulfonyl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-indole was 62 μmol whilst the quantity of 1-[5-(2,3-dihydro-1H-indole-1-sulfonyl)naphthalene-1-sulfonyl]-2,3-dihydro-1H-indole was more than 800 μmol. The infectivity of tachyzoites exposed to both of the compounds preserved and killed mice. No statistical correlation was seen between longevity of mice groups and different doses of the compounds. If we consider a well-organized transporter mechanism for indole compounds in the parasite, thus the designation of an antagonist that has indole groups can assist with the production of new drugs.
Benzophenone Suppression of Quercetin Antioxidant Activity towards Lipids under UV‐B Irradiation Regime: Detection by HPLC Chromatography
Authors: Stanojević Jelena S. , Marković Dejan Z. , Zvezdanović Jelena B.
Published: October 2013

Quercetin, a well‐known flavonoid antioxidant, has been employed to control benzophenone‐sensitized peroxidation of the lipid mixture in methanol solution, induced by continuous UV‐B irradiation. Surprisingly, the detected quercetin antioxidant activity was almost negligible. The presented data suggests that the reason is not in its own UV‐B‐induced degradation but rather in its interrelationship with benzophenone during UV‐B stress. On the other side of this relationship, benzophenone anticipated sensitizing role towards lipids; that is, the initiation of lipid peroxidation has been affected as well. These results, obtained by HPLC chromatography, partly confirm but partly relativize to some extent recent results obtained with the same system by spectrophotometric method.
Epidemiology and Risk Factors of Tooth Loss among Iranian Adults: Findings from a Large Community-Based Study
Authors: Khazaei Saber , H. Keshteli A. , Feizi Awat , Savabi Omid , Adibi Peyman
Published: October 2013

Objectives. To investigate the prevalence of tooth loss and different prosthetic rehabilitations among Iranian adults, as well as the potential determinants of tooth loss.Methods. In a cross-sectional community-based study conducted among 8094 Iranian adults living in Isfahan province, a self-administered questionnaire was used to assess epidemiologic features of tooth loss.Results. Thirty-two percent of subjects had all their teeth, 58.6% had lost less than 6, and 7.2% of participants had lost more than 6 teeth. One hundred and sixty-nine individuals (2.2%) were edentulous. Among participants, 2.3% had single jaw removable partial denture, 3.6% had complete removable denture in both jaws, and 4.6% had fixed prosthesis. Others reported no prosthetic rehabilitation (89.5%). In the age subgroup analysis (≤35 and >35 years old) tooth loss was more prevalent among men than women (OR=2.8and 1.9, resp.,P<0.01). Also, in both age groups, current and former smokers had higher levels of tooth loss than nonsmokers (P<0.001andP<0.05, resp.). In addition, tooth loss was positively related to metabolic abnormality for age group >35 years (adjustedOR=1.29,P<0.01).Conclusions. Tooth loss is highly prevalent in Iranian adult population. Community programs promoting oral health for prevention of tooth loss should be considered taking into account its major determinants including lower educational level, male gender, smoking, and metabolic abnormality.
An Exact Analytical Solution of the Strong Shock Wave Problem in Nonideal Magnetogasdynamics
Authors: Ram S. D. , Singh R. , Singh L. P.
Published: October 2013

We construct the solutions to the strong shock wave problem with generalized geometries in nonideal magnetogasdynamics. Here, it is assumed that the density ahead of the shock front varies according to a power of distance from the source of the disturbance. Also, an analytical expression for the total energy carried by the wave motion in nonideal medium under the influence of magnetic field is derived.
The Role of Hypoxia in Orthodontic Tooth Movement
Authors: Niklas A. , Proff P. , Gosau M. , Römer P.
Published: October 2013

Orthodontic forces are known to have various effects on the alveolar process, such as cell deformation, inflammation, and circulatory disturbances. Each of these conditions affecting cell differentiation, cell repair, and cell migration, is driven by numerous molecular and inflammatory mediators. As a result, bone remodeling is induced, facilitating orthodontic tooth movement. However, orthodontic forces not only have cellular effects but also induce vascular changes. Orthodontic forces are known to occlude periodontal ligament vessels on the pressure side of the dental root, decreasing the blood perfusion of the tissue. This condition is accompanied by hypoxia, which is known to either affect cell proliferation or induce apoptosis, depending on the oxygen gradient. Because upregulated tissue proliferation rates are often accompanied by angiogenesis, hypoxia may be assumed to fundamentally contribute to bone remodeling processes during orthodontic treatment.
Soil-Structure Interaction Analysis of Tall Reinforced Concrete Chimney with Piled Raft and Annular Raft under Along-Wind Load
Authors: Jayalekshmi B. R. , Jisha S. V. , Shivashankar R.
Published: October 2013

A three-dimensional (3D) soil-structure interaction (SSI) analysis of 300 m high reinforced concrete chimneys having piled annular raft and annular raft foundations subjected to along-wind load is carried out in the present study. To understand the significance of SSI, four types of soils were considered based on their flexibility. The effect of stiffness of the raft was evaluated using three different ratios of external diameter to thickness of the annular raft. The along-wind load was computed according to IS:4998 (Part 1)-1992. The integrated chimney-foundation-soil system was analysed by commercial finite element (FE) software ANSYS, based on direct method of SSI assuming linear elastic behaviour. FE analyses were carried out for two cases of SSI (I) chimney with annular raft foundation and (II) chimney with piled raft foundation. The responses in chimney such as tip deflection, bending moments, and base moment and responses in raft such as bending moments and settlements were evaluated for both cases and compared to that obtained from the conventional method of analysis. It is found that the responses in chimney and raft depend on the flexibility of the underlying soil and thickness of the raft.
An Analysis Methodology for Stochastic Characteristic of Volumetric Error in Multiaxis CNC Machine Tool
Authors: Cheng Qiang , Wu Can , Gu Peihua , Chang Wenfen , Xuan Dongsheng
Published: October 2013

Traditional approaches about error modeling and analysis of machine tool few consider the probability characteristics of the geometric error and volumetric error systematically. However, the individual geometric error measured at different points is variational and stochastic, and therefore the resultant volumetric error is aslo stochastic and uncertain. In order to address the stochastic characteristic of the volumetric error for multiaxis machine tool, a new probability analysis mathematical model of volumetric error is proposed in this paper. According to multibody system theory, a mean value analysis model for volumetric error is established with consideration of geometric errors. The probability characteristics of geometric errors are obtained by statistical analysis to the measured sample data. Based on probability statistics and stochastic process theory, the variance analysis model of volumetric error is established in matrix, which can avoid the complex mathematics operations during the direct differential. A four-axis horizontal machining center is selected as an illustration example. The analysis results can reveal the stochastic characteristic of volumetric error and are also helpful to make full use of the best workspace to reduce the random uncertainty of the volumetric error and improve the machining accuracy.
A Derivation of the Main Relations of Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics
Authors: Pokrovskii Vladimir N.
Published: October 2013

The principles of nonequilibrium thermodynamics are discussed, using the concept of internal variables that describe deviations of a thermodynamic system from the equilibrium state. While considering the first law of thermodynamics, work of internal variables is taken into account. It is shown that the requirement that the thermodynamic system cannot fulfil any work via internal variables is equivalent to the conventional formulation of the second law of thermodynamics. These statements, in line with the axioms introducing internal variables can be considered as basic principles of nonequilibrium thermodynamics. While considering stationary nonequilibrium situations close to equilibrium, it is shown that known linear parities between thermodynamic forces and fluxes and also the production of entropy, as a sum of products of thermodynamic forces and fluxes, are consequences of fundamental principles of thermodynamics.
Bounded Domains of Generalized Riesz Methods with the Hahn Property
Authors: Zeltser Maria
Published: October 2013

In 2002 Bennett et al. started the investigation to which extent sequence spaces are determined by the sequences of 0s and 1s that they contain. In this relation they defined three types of Hahn properties for sequence spaces: the Hahn property, separable Hahn property, and matrix Hahn property. In general all these three properties are pairwise distinct. If a sequence spaceEis solid and(0,1ℕ∩E)β=Eβ=ℓ1then the two last properties coincide. We will show that even on these additional assumptions the separable Hahn property and the Hahn property still do not coincide. However if we assumeEto be the bounded summability domain of a regular Riesz matrixRpor a regular nonnegative Hausdorff matrixHp, then this assumption alone guarantees thatEhas the Hahn property. For any (infinite) matrixAthe Hahn property of its bounded summability domain is related to the strongly nonatomic property of the densitydAdefined byA. We will find a simple necessary and sufficient condition for the densitydAdefined by the generalized Riesz matrixRp,mto be strongly nonatomic. This condition appears also to be sufficient for the bounded summability domain ofRp,mto have the Hahn property.
Antioxidant, Lipid Lowering, and Membrane Stabilization Effect of Sesamol against Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Experimental Rats
Authors: Chennuru Anusha , Saleem Mohamed T. S.
Published: October 2013

The present study was designed to evaluate the cardioprotective effect of sesamol against doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy in rats. In this study, the cardioprotective effect of sesamol against doxorubicin induced cardiomyopathy in experimental rats was evaluated at the dosage of 50 mg/kg bw. Doxorubicin was administered to rats at a total cumulative dose of 15 mg/kg through intraperitoneal route for 2 weeks in six-divided dose on 8th, 10th, 14th, 16th, 18th, and 21st day. After the last dose administration, the endogenous antioxidants and lipid peroxidation were estimated in heart tissue homogenate. Cardiac biomarkers such as troponin T, LDH, CK, and AST and lipid profiles such as cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, and VLDL were estimated in serum. Sesamol has cardioprotective activity through normalization of doxorubicin-induced-altered biochemical parameters. Biochemical study was further supported by histopathological study, which shows that sesamol offered myocardial protection from necrotic damage. From these findings, it has been concluded that the sesamol has significant cardioprotection against doxorubicin induced cardiomyopathy via amelioration of oxidative stress, lipid lowering, and membrane stabilization effect.
Elbow Dislocations: A Review Ranging from Soft Tissue Injuries to Complex Elbow Fracture Dislocations
Authors: Englert Carsten , Zellner Johannes , Koller Michael , Nerlich Michael , Lenich Andreas
Published: October 2013

This review on elbow dislocations describes ligament and bone injuries as well as the typical injury mechanisms and the main classifications of elbow dislocations. Current treatment concepts of simple, that is, stable, or complex unstable elbow dislocations are outlined by means of case reports. Special emphasis is put on injuries to the medial ulnar collateral ligament (MUCL) and on posttraumatic elbow stiffness.
The Research on Borehole Stability in Depleted Reservoir and Caprock: Using the Geophysics Logging Data
Authors: Yuan Junliang , Deng Jingen , Luo Yong , Guo Shisheng , Zhang Haishan , Tan Qiang , Zhao Kai , Hu Lianbo
Published: October 2013

Long‐term oil and gas exploitation in reservoir will lead to pore pressure depletion. The pore pressure depletion will result in changes of horizontal in‐situ stresses both in reservoirs and caprock formations. Using the geophysics logging data, the magnitude and orientation changes of horizontal stresses in caprock and reservoir are studied. Furthermore, the borehole stability can be affected by in‐situ stresses changes. To address this issue, the dehydration from caprock to reservoir and roof effect of caprock are performed. Based on that, the influence scope and magnitude of horizontal stresses reduction in caprock above the depleted reservoirs are estimated. The effects of development on borehole stability in both reservoir and caprock are studied step by step with the above geomechanical model.
Cardiovascular Risk Assessment: A Comparison of the Framingham, PROCAM, and DAD Equations in HIV‐Infected Persons
Authors: Nery Max Weyler , Martelli Celina Maria Turchi , Aparecida Silveira Erika , Sousa Clarissa Alencar de , Falco Marianne de Oliveira , Castro Aline de Cássia Oliveira de , Esper Jorge Tannus , Souza Luis Carlos Silva e , Turchi Marília Dalva
Published: October 2013

This study aims to estimate the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and to assess the agreement between the Framingham, Framingham with aggravating factors, PROCAM, and DAD equations in HIV‐infected patients. A cross‐sectional study was conducted in an outpatient centre in Brazil. 294 patients older than 19 years were enrolled. Estimates of 10‐year cardiovascular risk were calculated. The agreement between the CVD risk equations was assessed using Cohen′s kappa coefficient. The participants′ mean age was 36.8 years (SD = 10.3), 76.9% were men, and 66.3% were on antiretroviral therapy. 47.8% of the participants had abdominal obesity, 23.1% were current smokers, 20.0% had hypertension, and 2.0% had diabetes. At least one lipid abnormality was detected in 72.8%, and a low HDL‐C level was the most common. The majority were classified as having low risk for CV events. The percentage of patients at high risk ranged from 0.4 to 5.7. The PROCAM score placed the lowest proportion of the patients into a high‐risk group, and the Framingham equation with aggravating factors placed the highest proportion of patients into the high‐risk group. Data concerning the comparability of different tools are informative for estimating the risk of CVD, but accuracy of the outcome predictions should also be considered.
Direct Fetal Intravenous Immunoglobulin Infusion as an Adjunct to Intrauterine Fetal Blood Transfusion in Rhesus-Allommunized Pregnancies: A Pilot Study
Authors: Deka Deepika , Sharma K. Aparna , Dadhwal Vatsla , Singh Aprajita , Kumar Guresh , Vanamail P.
Published: October 2013

Objectives: To study the usefulness of direct fetal intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) infusion along with intrauterine transfusion (IUT) in the management of severe fetal anemia in rhesus (Rh) alloimmunized pregnancies. Methods: Thirty-four consecutive Rh-isoimmunized pregnant women who required serial IUTs received either blood alone (control group, n = 16) or IVIG and blood (study group, n = 18). Pregnancies were followed up to delivery, and fetal outcome was recorded. The rate of fall of hematocrit was measured and compared between the two groups. Results: There was a slower rate of fall of hematocrit in the study group (IUT and IVIG) compared to the control group (only IUT). The mean rate of fall was 0.72 ± 0.54% per day in the study group while it was 1.29 ± 0.95% per day in the control group (p = 0.005). Conclusion: Fall of fetal hematocrit was reduced in the study group. The results of this pilot study can be used to time the next transfusion in patients receiving IVIG along with IUT (taking the rate of fall as 0.70%). This may eventually result in decreasing the number of transfusions per fetus.
Clinical, Psychosocial, and Central Correlates of Quality of Life in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 Patients
Authors: Laberge Luc , Mathieu Jean , Auclair Julie , Gagnon Éric , Noreau Luc , Gagnon Cynthia
Published: October 2013

Aims: To identify sociodemographic, clinical, and central correlates of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in DM1 patients. Methods: 200 DM1 patients had assessments of muscular impairment, CTG repeats, and intelligence. Validated instruments were used to assess sociodemographic and clinical factors as well as social support, social participation, daytime sleepiness, fatigue, personality, mood, and quality of life. Regression analysis was used to identify correlates of SF-36 physical and mental component summary scores. Results: Patients scored lower on all SF-36 physical health subscales compared with normative data but did not differ with respect to mental health function. Regression analysis revealed that psychological distress, fatigue, severe muscular impairment, emotional stability, not having worked within the last 12 months, and lower intellectual quotient were associated with lower scores in physical health function. Moreover, neuroticism, daytime sleepiness, dissatisfaction with social participation, and lower conscientiousness were associated with lower scores in mental health function. Conclusion: DM1 has an impact on SF-36 physical summary scores but not on mental summary scores. Factors such as fatigue, daytime sleepiness, psychological distress, unemployment, and social participation dissatisfaction that significantly affect HRQoL in DM1 are amenable to treatment and psychosocial interventions, namely by providing care that integrate health, social, and community services.
Cost Analysis of Early Psychosocial Intervention in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Søgaard Rikke , Sørensen Jan , Waldorff Frans B. , Eckermann Ane , Buss Dorthe V. , Waldemar Gunhild
Published: October 2013

Background/Aim: To investigate the impact of early psychosocial intervention aimed at patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and their caregivers on resource use and costs from a societal perspective. Methods: Dyads of patients and their primary caregiver were randomised to intervention (n = 163) or control (n = 167) and followed for 3 years. Health care use was extracted from national registers, and the Resource Utilisation in Dementia questionnaire was used to measure informal care and productivity loss. Multiple imputation was used to replace missing data, and non-parametric bootstrapping was used to estimate standard errors. Results: Overall, there were no statistically significant differences because of large variation in the observations. The average additional cost of psychosocial intervention provision was estimated at EUR 3,401 per patient. This cost masked a reduced use of formal health care and an increased use of informal care. Conclusions: Early psychosocial intervention in AD could be cost-saving from a health care perspective, whereas the opposite seems to be true from a broader societal perspective.
Dopamine Function and the Efficiency of Human Movement
Authors: Gepshtein Sergei , Li Xiaoyan , Snider Joseph , Plank Markus , Lee Dongpyo , Poizner Howard
Published: October 2013

To sustain successful behavior in dynamic environments, active organisms must be able to learn from the consequences of their actions and predict action outcomes. One of the most important discoveries in systems neuroscience over the last 15 years has been about the key role of the neurotransmitter dopamine in mediating such active behavior. Dopamine cell firing was found to encode differences between the expected and obtained outcomes of actions. Although activity of dopamine cells does not specify movements themselves, a recent study in humans has suggested that tonic levels of dopamine in the dorsal striatum may in part enable normal movement by encoding sensitivity to the energy cost of a movement, providing an implicit “motor motivational” signal for movement. We investigated the motivational hypothesis of dopamine by studying motor performance of patients with Parkinson disease who have marked dopamine depletion in the dorsal striatum and compared their performance with that of elderly healthy adults. All participants performed rapid sequential movements to visual targets associated with different risk and different energy costs, countered or assisted by gravity. In conditions of low energy cost, patients performed surprisingly well, similar to prescriptions of an ideal planner and healthy participants. As energy costs increased, however, performance of patients with Parkinson disease dropped markedly below the prescriptions for action by an ideal planner and below performance of healthy elderly participants. The results indicate that the ability for efficient planning depends on the energy cost of action and that the effect of energy cost on action is mediated by dopamine.
Radiometric Intercomparison between Suomi-NPP VIIRS and Aqua MODIS Reflective Solar Bands Using Simultaneous Nadir Overpass in the Low Latitudes
Authors: Uprety Sirish , Cao Changyong , Xiong Xiaoxiong , Blonski Slawomir , Wu Aisheng , Shao Xi
Published: October 2013

On-orbit radiometric performance of the Suomi National Polar-Orbiting Partnership (Suomi-NPP) Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) is studied using the extended simultaneous nadir overpass (SNO-x) approach. Unlike the traditional SNO analysis of data in the high latitudes, this study extends the analysis to the low latitudes—in particular, over desert and ocean sites with relatively stable and homogeneous radiometric properties—for intersatellite comparisons. This approach utilizes a pixel-by-pixel match with an efficient geospatial matching algorithm to map VIIRS data into the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). VIIRS moderate-resolution bands M-1 through M-8 are compared with Aqua MODIS equivalent bands to quantify radiometric bias over the North African desert and over the ocean. Biases exist between VIIRS and MODIS in several bands, primarily because of spectral differences as well as possible calibration uncertainties, residual cloud contamination, and bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF). The impact of spectral differences on bias is quantified by using the Moderate Resolution Atmospheric Transmission (MODTRAN) and hyperspectral measurements from the Earth Observing-1 (EO-1) Hyperion and the Airborne Visible and Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS). After accounting for spectral differences and bias uncertainties, the VIIRS radiometric bias over desert agrees with MODIS measurements within 2% except for the VIIRS shortwave infrared (SWIR) band M-8, which indicates a nearly 3% bias. Over ocean, VIIRS agrees with MODIS within 2% by the end of January 2013 with uncertainty less than 1%. Furthermore, VIIRS bias relative to MODIS is also computed at the Antarctica Dome C site for validation and the result agrees well within 1% with the bias estimated using SNO-x over desert.
An intellectual presence? Alister McGrath on C. S. Lewis1
Authors: Williams Rowan
Published: October 2013

This article reviews Alister E. McGrath’s The Intellectual World of C. S. Lewis.
Teaching Artists: A Century of Tradition and a Commitment to Change
Authors: Rabkin Nick
Published: October 2013

This report summarizes a mixed methods study of teaching artists in a dozen communities across the United States. The study found strong historical connections to the settlement house movement of the late 19th and 20th centuries. Teaching artists today provide much of the arts instruction an enormously large variety of settings—community schools, arts institutions, social service agencies, senior centers, parks, and, increasingly, over the last three decades, public schools. Although highly educated, teaching artists are generally underemployed. Three quarters work part-time, earn less than $10,000 a year from teaching, and must earn additional income from their art or other employment. Most, though, find the work meaningful and satisfying, many believe that teaching makes them better artists, and there is evidence that their teaching methods, which are often project based and highly engaging, are very effective.
Making the Intern Economy: Role and Career Challenges of the Music Industry Intern
Authors: Frenette Alexandre
Published: October 2013

This article focuses on a major host of unpaid intern labor—the music industry—to examine how internships function as a challenging, intermediary step for individuals attempting to launch careers. Based on interviews and participant observation, the author finds that ambiguity plays an important role in producing and maintaining the intern economy. The author uses the term provisional labor to describe the temporary, conditional, and ambiguous standing of interns, as they simultaneously build their employability and provide inexpensive labor. The case study reveals why aspirants encounter varying opportunities in their internships, which may differ from their respective hopes, expectations, and career aspirations.
Roles, Revenue, and Responsibilities: The Changing Nature of Being a Working Musician
Authors: Thomson Kristin
Published: October 2013

Technology has atomized the music industry, and this dispersion of both opportunity and income has meant that musicians are juggling more work, shouldering more risk, and are tasked with more career-management duties—often for lower rates—than before. In this article, we examine qualitative and quantitative data collected through Future of Music Coalition’s Artist Revenue Streams project to learn more about the roles, revenue streams, and responsibilities that many of today’s musicians are managing.
Artists by the Numbers: Moving From Descriptive Statistics to Impact Analyses
Authors: Iyengar Sunil
Published: October 2013

For nearly 40 years, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has studied a cohort of 11 artist occupations, resulting in periodic research findings about artists’ employment and earnings, their demographics and geographic distribution, and how artists differ from other segments of the workforce. These reports have provided cultural researchers, practitioners, and policy makers with reliable descriptive statistics. In recent years, however, the NEA has expanded such research to capture the impact of artists on the nation’s creative and economic output and to account for a broader range of arts workers. This article reviews progress and makes recommendations for future study.
Exploring Land Development Dynamics in Rural-Urban Fringes: A Reflection on Why Agriculture is Being Squeezed Out by Urban Land Uses in the Nairobi Rural–Urban Fringe?
Authors: Thuo Aggrey Daniel Maina
Published: October 2013

Rapid urban growth has led to an increasing demand for urban land. This land is not readily available within city, but in the rural–urban fringe, due to variety of factors. The conversion of land in rural–urban fringe is leading to the rapid transformations.

 This article, based on qualitative research approach, explores urbanization in Nairobi rural–urban fringe as a case study, while comparing the situation with literature from other situations in developing countries. This article appreciates that urbanization in an urbanizing context such as in rural–urban fringes need be understood at different scales, that’s site or situational. Separating urbanization pressures is not easy and any attempt to classify them in this article does not in any way show that they are independent of each other. The article concludes that urbanization of rural–urban fringes is contingent upon many factors, primary of which is population increase through natural growth and immigration. Population growth is thus a necessary condition for the urbanization in rural–urban fringe. The process that produces population growth is however a subset of the processes that produces urbanization of rural–urban fringe.
Exploring the Barriers and Opportunities to the Development of Farmers’ Groups in Selected Caribbean Countries
Authors: Ramdwar Marcus N.A. , Ganpat Wayne G. , Bridgemohan Puran
Published: October 2013

Farmers’ groups are being targeted as an important sector to hasten Caribbean agricultural development. The region however, has a recorded history of high levels of failure with farmers’ group development; many are formed but few are sustained to contribute meaningfully to agricultural development. A focus group assessment was conducted with extension officers from St. Vincent, Grenada and Trinidad, three neighbouring independent islands in the Southern Caribbean, to identify the issues related to the failures of farmers’ groups and the actions critically needed for success. The main issues that limit group development include poor leadership, weak task cohesion and low levels of farmer motivation and lack of trust. There was consensus among the participants that improved group dynamics, good governance, increased government involvement and improved farmer motivation can impact the formation, functioning and survivability of farmers’ groups. The findings help extension officers and policy makers to plan interventions that can promote the successful organization of farmers into groups, a key pre-requisite to meet regional agricultural development goals.
Microfinance and the Cooperatives in India: Can the Poor Gain from Their Coming Together?
Authors: Shylendra H.S.
Published: October 2013

Linkage with microfinance is the latest amongst the series of efforts aimed at reforming credit cooperatives in favour of the poor. The article is an attempt to identify and discuss some of the relevant conceptual and policy issues and the emerging lessons of the adoption of microfinance by cooperatives with a focus on the Self-help group (SHG)-Bank Linkage Programme (SBLP) in India. The findings reflect the severe constraints of cooperatives in realizing the twin goals visualized of the linkage viz. inclusion and sustainability. Despite a few noteworthy efforts by the cooperatives, the overall results of the linkage leave much to be desired. Constraints of policy and organizational abilities of cooperatives for adoption of microfinance, not to mention certain inherent limitations of microfinance, have been identified as factors influencing the observed performance. Theoretically, the article points to a possible overriding effect of the historical dilemma of elite capture on the role of cooperatives.
Issues before Evolving Energy Cooperative: Field Note from Leh, India
Authors: Mishra Satyendra Nath
Published: October 2013

This note provides a field narrative about an emerging energy cooperative which was established with the mandate of supplying uninterrupted and clean electricity through solar photovoltaic unit. Formation of energy cooperative was one of the many dimensions of development intervention planned in the programme for ‘Integrated development plan of Durbuk block using renewable energy resources’, by implementing agencies. Field observations provided evidence that the cooperative was socially accepted. The flip side of the burden on the cooperative members was in terms of financial cost—due to cost side technological skewness—in running and maintaining of the solar power unit. The study provides an insight into the social, economic and technological dimensions of programme intervention and their scope for rural development, rather than becoming encumbrance to social capital.
Gap junction blockers: a potential approach to attenuate morphine withdrawal symptoms
Authors: Moradi Sabah , Charkhpour Mohammad , Ghavimi Hamed , Motahari Rasoul , Ghaderi Majid , Hassanzadeh Kambiz
Published: October 2013

Background

The exact mechanisms of morphine-induced dependence and withdrawal symptoms remain unclear. In order to identify an agent that can prevent withdrawal syndrome, many studies have been performed. This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of gap junction blockers; carbenoxolone (CBX) or mefloquine (MFQ); on morphine withdrawal symptoms in male rat.

Adult male Wistar rats (225 – 275 g) were selected randomly and divided into 10 groups. All groups underwent stereotaxic surgery and in order to induce dependency, morphine was administered subcutaneously) Sc) at an interval of 12 hours for nine continuous days. On the ninth day of the experiment, animals received vehicle or CBX (100, 400, 600 μg/10 μl/rat, icv) or MFQ (50, 100 and 200 μg/10 μl/rat, icv) after the last saline or morphine (Sc) injection. Morphine withdrawal symptoms were precipitated by naloxone hydrochloride 10 min after the treatments. The withdrawal signs including: jumping, rearing, genital grooming, abdomen writhing, wet dog shake and stool weight, were recorded for 60 minutes.

Results

Results showed that CBX and MFQ decreased all withdrawal s igns; and the analysis indicated that they could attenuate the total withdrawal scores significantly.

Conclusion

Taking together it is concluded that gap junction blockers prevented naloxone-precipitated withdrawal symptoms.
Improving the diagnosis of meningitis due to enterovirus and herpes simplex virus I and II in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Casaroto Eduardo , Marra Alexandre R , Coelho Fernando Morgadinho S , Pinho Joao Renato Rebello , Sitnik Roberta , Colombari Fernando , Victor Elivane Silva , Muto Nair Hideko , Senne Carlos , dos Santos Oscar Fernando Pavão , Edmond Michael B
Published: October 2013

Background

Enterovirus and herpes simplex viruses are common causes of lymphocytic meningitis. The purpose of this study was to analyse the impact of the use molecular testing for Enteroviruses and Herpes simplex viruses I and II in all suspected cases of viral meningitis.

Methods

From November 18, 2008 to November 17, 2009 (phase II, intervention), all patients admitted with suspected viral meningitis (with pleocytosis) had a CSF sample tested using a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). Data collected during this period were compared to those from the previous one-year period, i.e. November 18, 2007 to November 17, 2008 (phase I, observational), when such tests were available but not routinely used.

Results

In total, 2,536 CSF samples were assessed, of which 1,264 were from phase I, and 1,272 from phase II. Of this total, a NAAT for Enterovirus was ordered in 123 cases during phase I (9.7% of the total phase I sample) and in 221 cases in phase II (17.4% of the total phase II sample). From these, Enterovirus was confirmed in 35 (28.5%, 35/123) patients during phase I and 71 (32.1%, 71/221) patients during phase II (p = 0.107). The rate of diagnosis of meningitis by HSV I and II did not differ between the groups (13 patients, 6.5% in phase I and 13, 4.7% in phase II) (p = 1.0), from 200 cases in phase I and 274 cases in phase II.

Conclusions

The number of cases diagnosed with enteroviral meningitis increased during the course of this study, leading us to believe that the strategy of performing NAAT for Enterovirus on every CSF sample with pleocytosis is fully justified.
Selective apoptosis induction in MCF-7 cell line by truncated minimal functional region of Apoptin
Authors: Shen Ni Lim , Allaudin Zeenathul Nazariah bt , Mohd Lila Mohd Azmi b , Othman Abas Mazni b , Othman Fauziah bt
Published: October 2013

Background

Chicken Anemia Virus (CAV) VP3 protein (also known as Apoptin), a basic and proline-rich protein has a unique capability in inducing apoptosis in cancer cells but not in normal cells. Five truncated Apoptin proteins were analyzed to determine their selective ability to migrate into the nucleus of human breast adenocarcinoma MCF-7 cells for inducing apoptosis.

Methods

For identification of the minimal selective domain for apoptosis, the wild-type Apoptin gene had been reconstructed by PCR to generate segmental deletions at the N’ terminal and linked with nuclear localization sites (NLS1 and NLS2). All the constructs were fused with maltose-binding protein gene and individually expressed by in vitro Rapid Translation System. Standardized dose of proteins were delivered into human breast adenocarcinoma MCF-7 cells and control human liver Chang cells by cytoplasmic microinjection, and subsequently observed for selective apoptosis effect.

Results

Three of the truncated Apoptin proteins with N-terminal deletions spanning amino acid 32–83 retained the cancer selective nature of wild-type Apoptin. The proteins were successfully translocated to the nucleus of MCF-7 cells initiating apoptosis, whereas non-toxic cytoplasmic retention was observed in normal Chang cells. Whilst these truncated proteins retained the tumour-specific death effector ability, the specificity for MCF-7 cells was lost in two other truncated proteins that harbor deletions at amino acid 1–31. The detection of apoptosing normal Chang cells and MCF-7 cells upon cytoplasmic microinjection of these proteins implicated a loss in Apoptin’s signature targeting activity.

Conclusions

Therefore, the critical stretch spanning amino acid 1–31 at the upstream of a known hydrophobic leucine-rich stretch (LRS) was strongly suggested as one of the prerequisite region in Apoptin for cancer targeting. Identification of this selective domain provides a platform for developing small targets to facilitating carrier-mediated-transport across cellular membrane, simultaneously promoting protein delivery for selective and effective breast cancer therapy.
Mature vessel occlusion after anti-VEGF treatment in a retinal arteriovenous malformation
Authors: Chuang Lan-Hsin , Wang Nan-Kai , Chen Yen-Po , Wu Wei-Chi , Lai Chi-Chun
Published: October 2013

Background

To report engorged vessel occlusion after repeated intravitreal injections of bevacizumab to treat the macular oedema in a case of arteriovenous malformation.

Case presentation

A 37-year-old woman presented with a sudden, painless loss of vision in her left eye. Her visual acuity was 20/200 in the left eye, and 20/20 in the right eye. Ophthalmoscopic examination revealed an abnormal tangle of vessels and enlarged draining veins. A fluorescence angiogram revealed fluorescence leakage at a turn near the fovea. Horizontally oriented optical coherence tomography revealed an increased macular thickness and an accumulation of intraretinal fluid, indicating macular oedema. After three intravitreal injections of 1.25 mg bevacizumab, her vision improved to 20/20. Ophthalmoscopic examination revealed a decreased calibre of the previously engorged draining veins and ghost vessels. Repeated horizontally oriented optical coherence tomography revealed a decreased macular thickness and the absence of an intraretinal cyst. At the 2-year follow-up visit, the vision of the patient was stable.

Conclusion

This finding implies that certain middle-size vessels can become occluded during anti- vascular endothelium growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy, which could induce fatal complications if it occurred in the heart or brain. Clinicians should be cautious of the potential thrombotic effects on systemic blood vessels when administering anti-VEGF treatment.
Perceptions of HIV infected patients on the use of cell phone as a tool to support their antiretroviral adherence; a cross-sectional study in a large referral hospital in Kenya
Authors: Kinyua Florence , Kiptoo Michael , Kikuvi Gideon , Mutai Joseph , Meyers Adrienne FA , Muiruri Peter , Songok Elijah
Published: October 2013

Background

Clinical trials were conducted to assess the feasibility of using a cell phone text messaging-based system to follow up Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infected patients on antiretroviral (ARTs) and assess for improved adherence to their medication. However there is need to evaluate the perceptions of the HIV infected patients towards the use of these cell phones in an effort to better aid in the clinical management of their HIV infection. The objective of this study was therefore to determine the perceptions of HIV infected patients on the use of cell phone text messaging as a tool to support adherence to their ART medication.

Methods

A cross sectional survey was conducted among patients receiving Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART) at the Kenyatta National Hospital Comprehensive Care Clinic in Nairobi between May and July, 2011. Pre-tested questionnaires were used to collect the socio-demographic and perceptions data. The recruitment of the participants was done using the random probability sampling method and statistical analysis of data performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0.

Results

A total of 500 HIV infected patients (Male-107, Female-307) aged 19-72 years were interviewed. The majority of individuals (99%) had access to cell phones and 99% of the HIV infected patients interviewed supported the idea of cell phone use in management of their HIV infection. A large proportion (46%) claimed that they needed cell phone access for medical advice and guidance on factors that hinder their adherence to medication and only 3% of them needed it as a reminder to take their drugs. The majority (72%) preferred calling the healthcare provider with their own phones for convenience and confidential purposes with only 0.4% preferring to be called or texted by the health care provider. Most (94%), especially the older patients, had no problem with their confidentiality being infringed in the process of the conversation as per the bivariate analysis results.

Conclusion

Cell phone communications are acceptable and in fact preferable over cell phone reminders.
Variable copy number of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) predicts worse prognosis in advanced gastric cancer patients
Authors: Zhang Guanjun , Qu Yiping , Dang Siwen , Yang Qi , Shi Bingyin , Hou Peng
Published: October 2013

Background

Change of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number is widely reported in various human cancers, including gastric cancer, and is considered to be an important hallmark of cancers. However, there is remarkably little consensus on the value of variable mtDNA content in the prognostic evaluation of this cancer.

Methods

Using real-time quantitative PCR approach, we examined mtDNA copy number in a cohort of gastric cancers and normal gastric tissues, and explored the association of variable mtDNA content with clinical outcomes of gastric cancer patients.

Results

Our data showed that the majority of gastric cancer patients had low mtDNA content as compared to control subjects although the relative mean mtDNA content was higher in the former than the latter. Moreover, we found that variable mtDNA content was strongly associated with lymph node metastasis and cancer-related death of the patients with late-stage tumors. Notably, variable mtDNA content did not affect overall survival of gastric cancer patients, however, we found that increased mtDNA content was associated with poor survival in the patients with late-stage tumors.

Conclusion

In this study, we demonstrated that variable mtDNA content markedly increased the risk of lymph node metastasis and high mortality of the patients with late-stage tumors. Additionally, we found a strong link between increased mtDNA content and worse survival of the patients with late-stage tumors. Taken together, variable mtDNA content may be a valuable poor prognostic factor for advanced gastric cancer patients.

Virtual slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1344721463103353.
Dipyrithione induces cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis in four cancer cell lines in vitro and inhibits tumor growth in a mouse model
Authors: Fan Yumei , Liu Caizhi , Huang Yongmao , Zhang Jie , Cai Linlin , Wang Shengnan , Zhang Yongze , Duan Xianglin , Yin Zhimin
Published: October 2013

Background

Dipyrithione (PTS2) is widely used as a bactericide and fungicide. Here, we investigated whether PTS2 has broad-spectrum antitumor activity by studying its cytotoxicity and proapoptotic effects in four cancer cell lines.

Methods

We used MTT assays and trypan blue staining to test the viability of cancer cell lines. Hoechst 33258 and DAPI staining were used to observe cell apoptosis. Cell-cycle percentages were analyzed by flow cytometry. Apoptosis was assayed using caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) combined with Western blotting. Student’st-test was used for statistical analysis.

Results

PTS2 inhibited proliferation in four cancer cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. Treated cells showed shrinkage, irregular fragments, condensed and dispersed blue fluorescent particles compared with control cells. PTS2 induced cycle-arrest and death. Cleavage of caspase-9, caspase-3, and PARP were detected in PTS2-treated cells. Antitumor activity of PTS2 was more effective against widely used cancer drugs and its precursor.

Conclusions

PTS2 appears to have novel cytotoxicity and potent broad-spectrum antitumor activity, which suggests its potential as the basis of an anticancer drug.