bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Shiva to Disney: Frozen Motion
Authors: GEHRY FRANK
Published: November 2013

The megacities arising around the planet are like the Internet where many events are taking place simultaneously. The urban scape today is becoming more a space of flows—migrants, trade, capital, information, microbes—than a space of places rooted in an historical identity.

The megaurban condition today encompasses many realities, from the glittering generic city‐state of Singapore to the slums climbing up the hillsides around Mexico City or Sao Paulo. In these spaces we work, love and live out the intimate moments of our lives. In these spaces we consume and spew out climate warming gases.

In this section, two of the world's “star architects”—Rem Koolhaas and Frank Gehry—the visionary “arcologist” Paolo Soleri and the Turkish novelist and Nobel laureate, Orhan Pamuk, grasp at chronicling the reality of where we live.
Perestroika 20 Years Later
Authors: GORBACHEV MIKHAIL
Published: November 2013

Going through a protracted period of transition since the end of the Cold War, the world order in the making is neither what was nor what it is yet to become. It is in “the middle of the future.”

To get our bearings in this uncertain transition, we explore the two grand post‐Cold War narratives—“The End of History” as posited by Francis Fukuyama and “The Clash of Civilizations” posited by the late Samuel Huntington. Mikhail Gorbachev looks back at his policies that brought the old order to collapse. The British philosopher John Gray critiques the supposed “universality” of liberalism and, with Homi Bhabha, sees a world of hybrid identities and localized cultures. The Singaporean theorist Kishore Mahbubani peels away the “veneer” of Western dominance. Amartya Sen, the economist and Nobel laureate, assesses whether democratic India or autocratic China is better at building “human capacity” in their societies.
No Shortcuts to the “End of History”
Authors: KAPUSCINSKI RYSZARD
Published: November 2013

Going through a protracted period of transition since the end of the Cold War, the world order in the making is neither what was nor what it is yet to become. It is in “the middle of the future.”

To get our bearings in this uncertain transition, we explore the two grand post‐Cold War narratives—“The End of History” as posited by Francis Fukuyama and “The Clash of Civilizations” posited by the late Samuel Huntington. Mikhail Gorbachev looks back at his policies that brought the old order to collapse. The British philosopher John Gray critiques the supposed “universality” of liberalism and, with Homi Bhabha, sees a world of hybrid identities and localized cultures. The Singaporean theorist Kishore Mahbubani peels away the “veneer” of Western dominance. Amartya Sen, the economist and Nobel laureate, assesses whether democratic India or autocratic China is better at building “human capacity” in their societies.
The Clash of Civilizations Revisited
Authors: HUNTINGTON SAMUEL
Published: November 2013

Going through a protracted period of transition since the end of the Cold War, the world order in the making is neither what was nor what it is yet to become. It is in “the middle of the future.”

To get our bearings in this uncertain transition, we explore the two grand post‐Cold War narratives—“The End of History” as posited by Francis Fukuyama and “The Clash of Civilizations” posited by the late Samuel Huntington. Mikhail Gorbachev looks back at his policies that brought the old order to collapse. The British philosopher John Gray critiques the supposed “universality” of liberalism and, with Homi Bhabha, sees a world of hybrid identities and localized cultures. The Singaporean theorist Kishore Mahbubani peels away the “veneer” of Western dominance. Amartya Sen, the economist and Nobel laureate, assesses whether democratic India or autocratic China is better at building “human capacity” in their societies.
The Gospel and Globalization
Authors: GIRARD RENÉ
Published: November 2013

Going through a protracted period of transition since the end of the Cold War, the world order in the making is neither what was nor what it is yet to become. It is in “the middle of the future.”

To get our bearings in this uncertain transition, we explore the two grand post‐Cold War narratives—“The End of History” as posited by Francis Fukuyama and “The Clash of Civilizations” posited by the late Samuel Huntington. Mikhail Gorbachev looks back at his policies that brought the old order to collapse. The British philosopher John Gray critiques the supposed “universality” of liberalism and, with Homi Bhabha, sees a world of hybrid identities and localized cultures. The Singaporean theorist Kishore Mahbubani peels away the “veneer” of Western dominance. Amartya Sen, the economist and Nobel laureate, assesses whether democratic India or autocratic China is better at building “human capacity” in their societies.
Modus Vivendi: Liberalism for the Coming Middle Ages
Authors: GRAY JOHN
Published: November 2013

Going through a protracted period of transition since the end of the Cold War, the world order in the making is neither what was nor what it is yet to become. It is in “the middle of the future.”

To get our bearings in this uncertain transition, we explore the two grand post‐Cold War narratives—“The End of History” as posited by Francis Fukuyama and “The Clash of Civilizations” posited by the late Samuel Huntington. Mikhail Gorbachev looks back at his policies that brought the old order to collapse. The British philosopher John Gray critiques the supposed “universality” of liberalism and, with Homi Bhabha, sees a world of hybrid identities and localized cultures. The Singaporean theorist Kishore Mahbubani peels away the “veneer” of Western dominance. Amartya Sen, the economist and Nobel laureate, assesses whether democratic India or autocratic China is better at building “human capacity” in their societies.
A Jihad for Education
Authors: ZEWAIL AHMED
Published: November 2013

Going through a protracted period of transition since the end of the Cold War, the world order in the making is neither what was nor what it is yet to become. It is in “the middle of the future.”

To get our bearings in this uncertain transition, we explore the two grand post‐Cold War narratives—“The End of History” as posited by Francis Fukuyama and “The Clash of Civilizations” posited by the late Samuel Huntington. Mikhail Gorbachev looks back at his policies that brought the old order to collapse. The British philosopher John Gray critiques the supposed “universality” of liberalism and, with Homi Bhabha, sees a world of hybrid identities and localized cultures. The Singaporean theorist Kishore Mahbubani peels away the “veneer” of Western dominance. Amartya Sen, the economist and Nobel laureate, assesses whether democratic India or autocratic China is better at building “human capacity” in their societies.
When Galileo Meets Allah
Authors: CHARFI FARIDA FAOUZIA
Published: November 2013

Going through a protracted period of transition since the end of the Cold War, the world order in the making is neither what was nor what it is yet to become. It is in “the middle of the future.”

To get our bearings in this uncertain transition, we explore the two grand post‐Cold War narratives—“The End of History” as posited by Francis Fukuyama and “The Clash of Civilizations” posited by the late Samuel Huntington. Mikhail Gorbachev looks back at his policies that brought the old order to collapse. The British philosopher John Gray critiques the supposed “universality” of liberalism and, with Homi Bhabha, sees a world of hybrid identities and localized cultures. The Singaporean theorist Kishore Mahbubani peels away the “veneer” of Western dominance. Amartya Sen, the economist and Nobel laureate, assesses whether democratic India or autocratic China is better at building “human capacity” in their societies.
Tokugawa Shoguns vs. Consumer Democracy
Authors: DIAMOND JARED
Published: November 2013

Civilizations are mortal. Some rise to meet their challenges, others collapse and disappear into history. Why do some posses the capacity to change, and others not?

Jared Diamond warns that the Anthropocentric Age, in which the human species for the first time is the dominant influence on the planet, could end up like the extinct Maya, terminating our civilization's accomplishments if we don't squarely face our ecological challenges.

Bruce Mau, like Alvin Toffler, sees hope in the “distributed power” enabled by new technologies. Jared Cohen and Eric Schmidt examine the paradoxes of the digital age which has transformed how we live our lives in every respect.
Massive Change: Now Everyone Can Design Solutions
Authors: MAU BRUCE
Published: November 2013

Civilizations are mortal. Some rise to meet their challenges, others collapse and disappear into history. Why do some posses the capacity to change, and others not?

Jared Diamond warns that the Anthropocentric Age, in which the human species for the first time is the dominant influence on the planet, could end up like the extinct Maya, terminating our civilization's accomplishments if we don't squarely face our ecological challenges.

Bruce Mau, like Alvin Toffler, sees hope in the “distributed power” enabled by new technologies. Jared Cohen and Eric Schmidt examine the paradoxes of the digital age which has transformed how we live our lives in every respect.
Microbial composition of atherosclerotic plaques
Authors: Calandrini CA , Ribeiro AC , Gonnelli AC , Ota‐Tsuzuki C , Rangel LP , Saba‐Chujfi E , Mayer MPA
Published: November 2013

Objective

The association of infections such as periodontitis with atherosclerotic diseases is well documented. In spite of the high diversity of the human oral microbiota, and its close contact with the circulatory system, few oral species were detected in atherosclerotic plaques. Thus, we attempted to evaluate the microbial diversity of atherosclerotic plaques from patients with different periodontal conditions, submitted to endarterectomy by a broad‐range microbial method.

Materials and Methods

Patients indicated for aorta endarterectomy due to myocardial infarction were recruited for periodontal clinical examination. The microbial diversity of atherosclerotic plaques (n = 35) was evaluated by sequence analysis of bacterial 16S rRNA libraries.

Results

Bacterial DNA was detected in 12 endarterectomy specimens (34.3%). Twenty‐three bacterial species/phylotypes were identified. Proteobacteria and Firmicutes comprised 78.3% and 21.7% of the identified taxa, respectively. Fifteen (60.9%) phylotypes were reported as yet uncultivable or as yet uncharacterized species. Two uncultured phylotypes were previously detected in the human mouth. The periodontopathogen Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans was detected in seven samples (20%), followed by Pseudomonas species. There was no association between periodontal parameters and detection of A. actinomycetemcomitans or other phylotypes in atherosclerotic plaques.

Conclusion

Our results suggest a role of the oral microbiota in the development of inflammation in atherogenesis, particularly of A. actinomycetemcomitans.
Effects of Light Energy and Reducing Agents on C60‐Mediated Photosensitizing Reactions
Authors: Quinones Michael , Zhang Yazhou , Riascos Penelope , Hwang Huey‐Min , Aker Winfred G. , He Xiaojia , Gao Ruomei
Published: November 2013

Many biomolecules contain photoactive reducing agents, such as reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and 6‐thioguanine (6‐TG) incorporated into DNA through drug metabolism. These reducing agents may produce reactive oxygen species under UVA irradiation or act as electron donors in various media. The interactions of C60 fullerenes with biological reductants and light energy, especially via the Type‐I electron‐transfer mechanism, are not fully understood although these factors are often involved in toxicity assessments. The two reductants employed in this work were NADH for aqueous solutions and 6‐TG for organic solvents. Using steady‐state photolysis and electrochemical techniques, we showed that under visible light irradiation, the presence of reducing agents enhanced C60‐mediated Type‐I reactions that generate superoxide anion (O2.−) at the expense of singlet oxygen (1O2) production. The quantum yield of O2.− production upon visible light irradiation of C60 is estimated below 0.2 in dipolar aprotic media, indicating that the majority of triplet C60 deactivate via Type‐II pathway. Upon UVA irradiation, however, both C60 and NADH undergo photochemical reactions to produce O2.−, which could lead to a possible synergistic toxicity effects. C60 photosensitization via Type‐I pathway is not observed in the absence of reducing agents.
Immunology of human schistosomiasis
Authors: Colley D. G. , Secor W. E.
Published: November 2013

There is a wealth of immunologic studies that have been carried out in experimental and human schistosomiasis that can be classified into three main areas: immunopathogenesis, resistance to reinfection and diagnostics. It is clear that the bulk of, if not all, morbidity due to human schistosomiasis results from immune‐response‐based inflammation against eggs lodged in the body, either as regulated chronic inflammation or resulting in fibrotic lesions. However, the exact nature of these responses, the antigens to which they are mounted and the mechanisms of the critical regulatory responses are still being sorted out. It is also becoming apparent that protective immunity against schistosomula as they develop into adult worms develops slowly and is hastened by the dying of adult worms, either naturally or when they are killed by praziquantel. However, as with anti‐egg responses, the responsible immune mechanisms and inducing antigens are not clearly established, nor are any potential regulatory responses known. Finally, a wide variety of immune markers, both cellular and humoral, can be used to demonstrate exposure to schistosomes, and immunologic measurement of schistosome antigens can be used to detect, and thus diagnose, active infections. All three areas contribute to the public health response to human schistosome infections.
Relationships Between Student, Teacher, and School Characteristics and Mathematics Achievement
Authors: Petty Teresa , Wang Chuang , Harbaugh Adam P.
Published: November 2013

A variety of factors contributes to student achievement in mathematics, including but not limited to student behaviors and student, teacher, and school characteristics. The purpose of this study was to explore which of these factors have an impact on student mathematics achievement. The target population for this study was North Carolina Algebra II students. Analyses of variance models were examined for group differences and a Three‐level Hierarchical Linear Modeling method was employed to examine individual predictors of student achievement in mathematics. Statistically, significant differences were found between students of different ethnicities, socioeconomic statuses (SES), and parental education levels. No gender effects were statistically significant. All teacher‐level variables investigated were found to be statistically significant, impacting student achievement in mathematics. School size and SES were not found to significantly contribute to student achievement. More research on the relationships between these factors shown to make statistically significant differences on mathematics achievement is needed to further explain several phenomena that this research reveals.
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Recipient Epidemiology and Donor Evaluation Study (REDS‐III): a research program striving to improve blood donor and transfusion recipient outcomes
Authors: Kleinman Steven , Busch Michael P. , Murphy Edward L. , Shan Hua , Ness Paul , Glynn Simone A. ,   The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Recipient Epidemiology and Donor Evaluation Study (REDS‐III)
Published: November 2013

Background

The Recipient Epidemiology and Donor Evaluation Study‐III (REDS‐III) is a 7‐year multicenter transfusion safety research initiative launched in 2011 by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

Study Design and Methods

The domestic component involves four blood centers, 12 hospitals, a data coordinating center, and a central laboratory. The international component consists of distinct programs in Brazil, China, and South Africa, which involve US and in‐country investigators.

Results

REDS‐III is using two major methods to address key research priorities in blood banking and transfusion medicine. First, there will be numerous analyses of large “core” databases; the international programs have each constructed a donor and donation database while the domestic program has established a detailed research database that links data from blood donors and their donations, the components made from these donations, and data extracts from the electronic medical records of the recipients of these components. Second, there are more than 25 focused research protocols involving transfusion recipients, blood donors, or both that either are in progress or are scheduled to begin within the next 3 years. Areas of study include transfusion epidemiology and blood utilization, transfusion outcomes, noninfectious transfusion risks, human immunodeficiency virus–related safety issues (particularly in the international programs), emerging infectious agents, blood component quality, donor health and safety, and other donor issues.

Conclusions

It is intended that REDS‐III serve as an impetus for more widespread recipient and linked donor–recipient research in the United States as well as to help assure a safe and available blood supply in the United States and in international locations.
Experimental Study on Estimation Method of Flooding Phenomenon at the Cathode Channel in the Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell
Authors: Han Seong-Ho , Kuen-Ahn Deuk , Choi Young-Don
Published: November 2013

The paper investigates the effects of the dimensionless number flooding number that can exactly predict the flooding phenomenon in the cathode channel. Experiments were carried out at 0, 50, and 90% relative humidity and at 50 and 60 °C cell temperature respectively. The experiment gave a dimensionless number that could effectively predict the flooding effect in the cathode channel of the PEM fuel cell. As the study was performed the factors such as temperature and relative humidity that influenced the dimensionless number, the results verified the dimensionless number. These results have been connected to the cathode channel flooding. The influences of outlet temperature and relative humidity on flooding at different levels of current density are discussed.
Analysis of the Effect of Ring Stiffness on the Mechanical Performance of a Two-Ring Ilizarov Fixator
Authors: Zhang Yi , Olutunde Oyadiji S.
Published: November 2013

The two-ring Ilizarov fixator is superior, in terms of space and weight savings, to the traditional four-ring Ilizarov fixator. But the stiffness of the two-ring Ilizarov fixator is low. This weakness causes the two-ring Ilizarov fixator to be hardly used in corrective surgery. It has been shown that the configurations of the fixator, such as ring diameter and cross angle of the wires, can affect the stiffness of the fixator. In this study, the focus was on the effects of the properties of the ring, such as ring diameter, ring deformation, and ring material, on the stiffness of the two-ring Ilizarov fixator. The finite element analysis (FEA) technique was employed to model all the two-ring Ilizarov fixators using the ABAQUS FEA software. The following findings were achieved: (1) the radial deformation of the ring has an almost linear relationship with the vertical displacement of the bone especially when the radial deformation is larger, (2) the change in the stiffness of the two-ring Ilizarov fixator caused by the variation of the wire angle is due to the deformation of the ring, (3) the pretension on the wire is greatly reduced after it is attached to the ring, and (4) the influence of ring material on the stiffness of the two-ring Ilizarov fixator is less when the fixator wire angles are 90 deg-90 deg rather than 0 deg-0 deg. Based on these findings, in a real clinical application, the stiffness acting in a fixator-bone system during the course of a treatment and the stiffness of the growing bone can be deduced in a nonintrusive way.
Artificial Neural Network-Based Model for Calculating the Flow Composition Influence of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell
Authors: Milewski Jarosław , Świrski Konrad
Published: November 2013

The paper presents use of an artificial neural network (ANN) for predicting the thermal-flow behavior of a solid oxide fuel cell with no algorithmic solution merely by utilizing available experimental data. The error backpropagation algorithm was used for an ANN training procedure.
Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Ethanol at Pd/PANI Electrocatalyst
Authors: Ibrahim M. A.
Published: November 2013

Palladium Pd/polyaniline (PANI) nanocomposite was prepared by a thermal reflux method as the catalyst for direct ethanol fuel cells. The Pd/PANI catalysts were characterized by using FTIR transmission electron microscopy techniques. The electrocatalytic performances of Pd/PANI catalysts for ethanol oxidation were studied by cyclic voltammetric measurement. It was found that, compared with Pd, the Pd/PANI catalyst showed superior electrocatalytic activity for ethanol oxidation when the mass ratio of Pd precursor salt to PANI was about 1:2.
Fitness for Service Assessment on Local Metal Loss Near a
Discontinuity Using Elastic-Plastic Stress Analysis
Authors: Wang Zhanghai (John) , Rodriguez Samuel
Published: November 2013

In fitness for service (FFS) assessments, one issue that people often encounter is a corroded area near a structural discontinuity. In this case, the formula-based sections of the FFS standard are incapable of evaluating the component without resorting to finite element analysis (FEA). In this paper, an FEA-based technical approach for evaluating FFS assessments using an elastic-plastic material model and reformed criteria is proposed.
Hepatotoxicity of Pentavalent Antimonial Drug: Possible Role of Residual Sb(III) and Protective Effect of Ascorbic Acid
Authors: Kato Kelly C. , Morais-Teixeira Eliane , Reis Priscila G. , Silva-Barcellos Neila M. , Salaün Pascal , Campos Paula P. , Dias Corrêa-Junior José , Rabello Ana , Demicheli Cynthia , Frézard Frédéric
Published: November 2013

Pentavalent antimonial drugs such as meglumine antimoniate (Glucantime [Glu; Sanofi-Aventis, São Paulo, Brazil]) produce severe side effects, including cardiotoxicity and hepatotoxicity, during the treatment of leishmaniasis. We evaluated the role of residual Sb(III) in the hepatotoxicity of meglumine antimoniate, as well as the protective effect of the antioxidant ascorbic acid (AA) during antimonial chemotherapy in a murine model of visceral leishmaniasis. BALB/c mice infected with
Leishmania infantum
were treated intraperitoneally at 80 mg of Sb/kg/day with commercial meglumine antimoniate (Glu) or a synthetic meglumine antimoniate with lower Sb(III) level (MA), in association or not with AA (15 mg/kg/day), for a 20-day period. Control groups received saline or saline plus AA. Livers were evaluated for hepatocytes histological alterations, peroxidase activity, and apoptosis. Increased proportions of swollen and apoptotic hepatocytes were observed in animals treated with Glu compared to animals treated with saline or MA. The peroxidase activity was also enhanced in the liver of animals that received Glu. Cotreatment with AA reduced the extent of histological changes, the apoptotic index, and the peroxidase activity to levels corresponding to the control group. Moreover, the association with AA did not affect the hepatic uptake of Sb and the ability of Glu to reduce the liver and spleen parasite loads in infected mice. In conclusion, our data supports the use of pentavalent antimonials with low residue of Sb(III) and the association of pentavalent antimonials with AA, as effective strategies to reduce side effects in antimonial therapy.
Metabolic Engineering of the Regulators in Nitrogen Catabolite Repression To Reduce the Production of Ethyl Carbamate in a Model Rice Wine System
Authors: Zhao Xinrui , Zou Huijun , Fu Jianwei , Zhou Jingwen , Du Guocheng , Chen Jian
Published: November 2013

Rice wine has been one of the most popular traditional alcoholic drinks in China. However, the presence of potentially carcinogenic ethyl carbamate (EC) in rice wine has raised a series of food safety issues. During rice wine production, the key reason for EC formation is urea accumulation, which occurs because of nitrogen catabolite repression (NCR) inSaccharomyces cerevisiae. NCR represses urea utilization by retaining Gln3p in the cytoplasm when preferred nitrogen sources are present. In order to increase the nuclear localization of Gln3p, some possible phosphorylation sites on the nuclear localization signal were mutated and the nuclear localization regulation signal was truncated, and the disruption ofURE2provided an additional method of reducing urea accumulation. By combining these strategies, the genes involved in urea utilization (DUR1,2andDUR3) could be significantly activated in the presence of glutamine. During shake flask fermentations of the genetically modified strains, very little urea accumulated in the medium. Furthermore, the concentrations of urea and EC were reduced by 63% and 72%, respectively, in a model rice wine system. Examination of the normal nutrients in rice wine indicated that there were few differences in fermentation characteristics between the wild-type strain and the genetically modified strain. These results show that metabolic engineering of the NCR regulators has great potential as a method for eliminating EC during rice wine production.
Cytomegalovirus Survival and Transferability and the Effectiveness of Common Hand-Washing Agents against Cytomegalovirus on Live Human Hands
Authors: Stowell Jennifer D. , Forlin-Passoni Daniela , Radford Kay , Bate Sheri L. , Dollard Sheila C. , Bialek Stephanie R. , Cannon Michael J. , Schmid D. Scott
Published: November 2013

Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) transmission can occur when women acquire CMV while pregnant. Infection control guidelines may reduce risk for transmission. We studied the duration of CMV survival after application of bacteria to the hands and after transfer from the hands to surfaces and the effectiveness of cleansing with water, regular and antibacterial soaps, sanitizer, and diaper wipes. Experiments used CMV AD169 in saliva at initial titers of 1 × 10
5
infectious particles/ml. Samples from hands or surfaces (points between 0 and 15 min) were placed in culture and observed for at least 2 weeks. Samples were also tested using CMV real-time PCR. After application of bacteria to the hands, viable CMV was recovered from 17/20 swabs at 0 min, 18/20 swabs at 1 min, 5/20 swabs at 5 min, and 4/20 swabs at 15 min. After transfer, duration of survival was at least 15 min on plastic (1/2 swabs), 5 min on crackers and glass (3/4 swabs), and 1 min or less on metal and cloth (3/4 swabs); no viable virus was collected from wood, rubber, or hands. After cleansing, no viable virus was recovered using water (0/22), plain soap (0/20), antibacterial soap (0/20), or sanitizer (0/22). Viable CMV was recovered from 4/20 hands 10 min after diaper wipe cleansing. CMV remains viable on hands for sufficient times to allow transmission. CMV may be transferred to surfaces with reduced viability. Hand-cleansing methods were effective at eliminating viable CMV from hands.
CT-diagnosed emphysema and prognosis of chronic airflow obstruction: a retrospective study
Authors: Kurashima Kazuyoshi , Fukuda Chiaki , Nakamoto Keitaro , Takaku Yotaro , Hijikata Naoya , Hoshi Toshiko , Kanauchi Tetsu , Ueda Miyuki , Takayanagi Noboru , Sugita Yutaka , Araki Ryuichiro
Published: November 2013

Objective

CT-diagnosed emphysema is associated with poor prognosis in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Its clinical impacts on prognoses of asthma with chronic airflow obstruction (CAO) are not well known. We sought to compare mortalities and prognostic factors in COPD and asthma with CAO by the presence or absence of CT-diagnosed emphysema.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Referral centre hospital for respiratory disease.

Participants

1272 patients aged over 40 years with CAO (January 2000 to December 2011). CAO was defined as a forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity <0.7 after bronchodilator use throughout the observation period.

Primary and secondary outcome measurements

Overall mortality served as the primary endpoint. We compared mortalities and prognostic factors of COPD and asthma subgroups with or without emphysema. Secondary endpoints were the prevalence of COPD and asthma in patients with CAO.

Results

Overall, diagnoses included COPD with emphysema in 517 (40.6%) patients, COPD without emphysema in 104 (8.2%) patients, asthma with emphysema in 178 (13.9%) patients, asthma without emphysema in 169 (13.3%) patients, other respiratory diseases (RD) with emphysema in 128 (10.1%) patients, and other RD without emphysema in 176 (13.8%) patients. Patients with asthma without emphysema had the best prognosis followed by those with asthma with emphysema, COPD without emphysema and COPD with emphysema. Each subgroup had distinct prognostic factors. Presence of emphysema was an independent risk factor for de novo lung cancer among patients with CAO.

Conclusions

Patients with asthma with CAO have a better prognosis than patients with COPD. The presence of CT-diagnosed emphysema predicts poor prognosis in COPD and asthma with CAO.
Microbiological findings of vulvovaginitis in prepubertal girls
Authors: Bumbulienė Žana , Venclavičiūtė Karolina , Ramašauskaitė Diana , Arlauskienė Audronė , Bumbul Elžbieta , Drąsutienė Gražina
Published: November 2013

Objective

To compare vaginal culture results between prepubertal girls with and without vulvovaginitis, and obtain an overview of the most commonly encountered microbes.

Design

Prospective descriptive study.

Setting

Outpatient clinic of Vilnius University Hospital Santariskiu Klinikos during September 2011–December 2012.

Patients

115 prepubertal girls with vulvovaginitis symptoms and additionally 20 age-matched asymptomatic girls.

Methods

Each girl had a vaginal smear carried out using a sterile swab from the introitus or lower third of the vagina. All samples were referred to the microbiology laboratory where standard microbiological diagnostic procedures were performed.

Results

Positive microbiological findings were seen in all 115 (100%) symptomatic girls and in 12 (60%) control group girls (p<0.001). Pathogenic bacteria were found only in symptomatic girls. Statistically significant differences in bacteria culture results (pure or mixed) and growth of isolated bacteria colonies between patients versus healthy girls were found (p<0.05). The dominant bacteria in the target group, accounting for 66% of all isolated microbes, were Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus coagulase negative, Streptococcus α haemolyticus and A group Streptococcus β haemolyticus. The bacteria of faecal origin were isolated from 61 (53%) girls with vulvovaginitis and from 5 (25%) girls without vaginal inflammation (p<0.05). Instances of Candida species were extremely rare (2.6%).

Conclusions

Positive microbiological findings, mixed bacteria cultures and a high growth of bacteria colonies are found significantly more often in girls with vulvovaginitis. The main causative premenarchal vulvovaginitis agents are faecal in origin.
Average Drawdown Risk and Capital Asset Pricing
Authors: Baghdadabad Mohammad Reza Tavakoli , Glabadanidis Paskalis
Published: November 2013

Practitioners and academics have spent the past few decades debating the validity and relevance of the capital asset pricing model (CAPM). One of the attributes of the model is an estimate of risk by beta, which in equilibrium describe the behavior of mean-variance (MV) investors. In the MV framework, risk is measured by the variance of returns which is a questionable and restrictive risk measure. In contrast, the average drawdown risk is a more acceptable risk measure and can be applied to modeling an alternative behavioral hypothesis, namely mean-drawdown behavior with a replacement risk measure for diversified investors, the average drawdown beta leading to an alternative pricing model based on this beta. Our findings clearly support the average drawdown beta and the pricing model of average drawdown CAPM versus the conventional beta and CAPM in a sample of Malaysian mutual funds.
EXPERIMENTAL METHODS FOR THE BIOMECHANICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE HUMAN SPINE: A REVIEW
Authors: BRANDOLINI NICOLA , CRISTOFOLINI LUCA , VICECONTI MARCO
Published: November 2013

In vitro mechanical testing of spinal specimens is extremely important to better understand the biomechanics of the healthy and diseased spine, fracture, and to test/optimize surgical treatment. While spinal testing has extensively been carried out in the past four decades, testing methods are quite diverse. This paper aims to provide a critical overview of the in vitro methods for mechanical testing the human spine at different scales. Specimens of different type are used, according to the aim of the study: spine segments (two or more adjacent vertebrae) are used both to investigate the spine kinematics, and the mechanical properties of the spine components (vertebrae, ligaments, discs); single vertebrae (whole vertebra, isolated vertebral body, or vertebral body without endplates) are used to investigate the structural properties of the vertebra itself; core specimens are extracted to test the mechanical properties of the trabecular bone at the tissue-level; mechanical properties of spine soft tissue (discs, ligaments, spinal cord) are measured on isolated elements, or on tissue specimens. Identification of consistent reference frames is still a debated issue. Testing conditions feature different pre-conditioning and loading rates, depending on the simulated action. Tissue specimen preservation is a very critical issue, affecting test results. Animal models are often used as a surrogate. However, because of different structure and anatomy, extreme caution is required when extrapolating to the human spine. In vitro loading conditions should be based on reliable in vivo data. Because of the high complexity of the spine, such information (either through instrumented implants or through numerical modeling) is currently unsatisfactory. Because of the increasing ability of computational models in predicting biomechanical properties of musculoskeletal structures, a synergy is possible (and desirable) between in vitro experiments and numerical modeling. Future perspectives in spine testing include integration of mechanical and structural properties at different dimensional scales (from the whole-body-level down to the tissue-level) so that organ-level models (which are used to predict the most relevant phenomena such as fracture) include information from all dimensional scales.
Some Further Results on Traveling Wave Solutions for the ZK-BBM() Equations
Authors: Li Shaoyong , Liu Zhengrong
Published: November 2013

We investigate the traveling wave solutions for the ZK-BBM() equations by using bifurcation method of dynamical systems. Firstly, for ZK-BBM(2, 2) equation, we obtain peakon wave, periodic peakon wave, and smooth periodic wave solutions and point out that the peakon wave is the limit form of the periodic peakon wave. Secondly, for ZK-BBM(3, 2) equation, we obtain some elliptic function solutions which include periodic blow-up and periodic wave. Furthermore, from the limit forms of the elliptic function solutions, we obtain some trigonometric and hyperbolic function solutions which include periodic blow-up, blow-up, and smooth solitary wave. We also show that our work extends some previous results.
Free Energy Evolution and Photon Radiation from QGP
Authors: Kumar Yogesh , Singh S. Somorendro
Published: November 2013

We investigate a simple statistical model of quark-gluon plasma (QGP) formation. In the model, we use a phenomenological parameter which enhances the growth of quark droplet formation and also stabilizes the formation of the QGP droplet. Then, we study direct photon radiation through annihilation and Compton processes from these stabilized QGP incorporating the parametrized momentum
factor in the quark mass. The production rate of thermal photon is found to be dominated in the low transverse momentum and increases a little in comparison to the recent development of direct photon radiation of other theoretical and experimental works.
Longer Life and Higher Fertility in an OLG Economy with Production
Authors: Fanti Luciano
Published: November 2013

This paper investigates the effect of a change in life expectancy (i.e., longevity) on fertility in a standard OLG economy. The main result is that, in contrast with other papers, an increase in the longevity rate may increase the fertility rate as well. It is shown that such a result holds when the cost of rearing children in terms of goods and services (rather than in terms of forgone wages) matters. In particular, such a result depends on the relative “strength” of the capital in the technology as compared with the “strength” of the parsimony. Moreover it is shown, again in contrast with other papers, that with an unfunded social security system it is more likely that a longer life may increase the fertility. The latter result is even more likely in the presence of child subsidy policies, which are widespread in developed countries. In conclusion, we argue that in countries having a population with a high longevity, a high capital share, a large unfunded social security, and child subsidy policies (such as Italy), a further increase of longevity may increase fertility in the long run and thus partially alleviate the peril of the so-called “demographic bomb.”
Grape Preservation Using Chitosan Combined withβ-Cyclodextrin
Authors: Youwei Yu , Yinzhe Ren
Published: November 2013

The effect of 1% chitosan combined with 2%β-cyclodextrin to the preservation of fresh grapes under ambient temperature was investigated. The results indicated that the hydrogen bond formed between the hydroxyl group ofβ-cyclodextrin and the amidogen or hydroxyl group of chitosan and the crystal form of chitosan was also changed when cyclodextrin was doped into chitosan coating. The compound coating could prolong the shelf life of grapes, maintain lower respiration rate and higher activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase during storage time, and restrain weight loss and malonaldehyde content increase. Coating grapes with chitosan +β-cyclodextrin was a good method in postharvested grape preservation.
Effect of Forging Parameters on Low Cycle Fatigue Behaviour of Al/Basalt Short Fiber Metal Matrix Composites
Authors: Karthigeyan R. , Ranganath G.
Published: November 2013

This paper deals with metal matrix composites (MMCs) of Al 7075 alloy containing different weight percentage (2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10) basalt short fiber reinforcement and unreinforced matrix alloy. The samples were produced by the permanent stir casting technique. The casting ingots were cut into blanks to be forged in single stage and double stage, using MN press and graphite‐based lubricant. The microstructures and fatigue properties of the matrix alloy and MMC samples were investigated in the as cast state and in the single and double stage forging operations. The microstructure results showed that the forged sample had a uniform distribution of the basalt short fiber throughout the specimens. Evaluation of the fatigue properties showed that the forged samples had higher values than those of the as cast counterparts. After forging, the enhancement of the fatigue strength of the matrix alloy was so significant and high in the case of 2.5 and 5.0 wt. percentage basalt short fiber reinforced MMC, and there was no enhancement in 7.5 and 10 weight percentages short fiber reinforced MMCs. The fracture damage was mainly due to decohesion at the matrix‐fiber interface.
Tachyonic Teleparallel Dark Energy in Phase Space
Authors: Fazlpour Behnaz , Banijamali Ali
Published: November 2013

Recently, nonminimal coupling between a noncanonical scalar field and gravity in the framework of teleparallelism has been proposed. Noncanonical scalar field is tachyon field, and the model is known as tachyonic teleparallel dark energy. Here, we perform a dynamical analysis of the model, find its critical points, and study their stability. We find that all the critical points are dark energy dominated solutions corresponding to an accelerating universe. It is also shown that there exist two critical lines which are stable attractors of the model.
Investigation of Biofilm Forming Ability in Staphylococci Causing Bovine Mastitis Using Phenotypic and Genotypic Assays
Authors: Darwish Samah F. , Asfour Hanaa A. E.
Published: November 2013

A total of 40 S. aureus and 68 coagulase negative Staphylococcus (CNS) isolates from bovine subclinical mastitis were investigated for their ability to form biofilm as one of the most important virulence factors.Using Congo Red Agar (CRA) method, 32.5%, 35%, and 32.5% of S. aureus strains were strong, intermediate, and negative biofilm producers, while in CNS the percentages were 29.5%, 42.6%, and 27.9%, respectively. By microtiter plate (MTP) method, 52.5%, 27.5%, and 20% of S. aureus isolates were strong, moderate, and weak biofilm producers, while in CNS the percentages were 44%, 30.9%, and 19.2%, respectively. Indian ink staining was used to detect the EPS layer of biofilm producers. All isolates were screened for presence of biofilm related genes, eno, icaA, icaD, and bap. In S. aureus isolates, the positive rates of eno, icaA, icaD, and bap genes were 75%, 15%, 62.5%, and 2.5% while in CNS were 92.6%, 5.9%, 47.1%, and 4.4%, respectively. The eno gene had the highest rate while the bap gene had the lowest rate. Presence of icaA and icaD genes was not always correlated with biofilm production. This study demonstrated high prevalence of Staphylococcus biofilm producers among bovine mastitis in Egypt. Therefore, attention must be paid toward implementation of new ways for effective treatment of such infections.
Study on the Application of Cool Paintings for the Passive Cooling of Existing Buildings in Mediterranean Climates
Authors: Costanzo V. , Evola G. , Gagliano A. , Marletta L. , Nocera F.
Published: November 2013

Building roofs play a very important role in the energy balance of buildings, especially in summer, when they are hit by a rather high solar irradiance. Depending on the type of finishing layer, roofs can absorb a great amount of heat and reach quite high temperatures on their outermost surface, which determines significant room overheating. However, the use of highly reflectivecool materials can help to maintain low outer surface temperatures; this practice may improve indoor thermal comfort and reduce the cooling energy need during the hot season. This technology is currently well known and widely used in the USA, whilereceiving increasing attention in Europe. In order to investigate the effectiveness of cool roofs as a passive strategy for passive cooling in moderately hot climates, this paper presents the numerical results of a case study based on the dynamic thermal analysis of an existing office building in Catania (southern Italy, Mediterranean area). The results show how the application of a cool paint on the roof can enhance the thermal comfort of the occupants by reducing the operative temperatures of the rooms and to reduce the overall energy needs of the building for space heating and cooling.
Characteristic Studies of Hexamethylene Diamine Complexes
Authors: Bayoumi Hoda A.
Published: November 2013

Preparation and chemical analysis of Mn(II), Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II) complexes with Schiff base L [o-HOC6H4CH:N(CH2)6N:CHC6H4OH-o] are the main tasks of this work. The octahedral (M2L2·nH2O·X) complexes in 1 : 1 M : L ratio (X =NO3−or Ac−group, L = ligand) were prepared by involving the hydroxylic group in ortho position. All complexes were characterized on the basis of elemental analysis, UV, IR,1H NMR, Gc/Ms, thermogravimetric analysis, magnetic measurements, molar conductance, and electrical conductivity. The obtained data indicate that all the investigated compounds behave as semiconductor materials.
A Distributed Agents QoS Routing Algorithm to Transmit Electrical Power Measuring Information in Last Mile Access Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Yang Ting , Xiang Wenping , Ye Linqi
Published: November 2013

Internet of Things or wireless sensor networks (WSNs) can be utilized in monitoring electrical power consumption. For electrical power application, the main issue is how to effectively apply self-organized WSNs technology to handle the last mile communication and supply the reliable, real-time transmission. For example, great number of renewable generators' instantaneous voltage and power parameters should be reported in real time to dispatching center, which is the primary guarantee to keep the power system's stability. In this paper, integrating traffic engineering and distributed agent technologies, a novel distributed agents QoS routing algorithm is proposed to transmit electrical information flows with multi-QoS constraints. The algorithm can explore fast forward path with multiagents and guarantee transmitting quality with smooth allocating different traffic. We also present the mathematical analysis to prove the algorithm's validity. Finally, in the computer simulation, the average end-to-end delay, routing overhead, and links' bandwidth occupation ratio are computed to evaluate the algorithm performance. Coincident results show that the new algorithm can provide short end-to-end transmission with optimal utilized communication resource. A health infrastructure with load balance can effectively avoid the potential congestion and has robust capability to bear abrupt strong traffic flows.
SalmonellaNeck Abscess as an Opportunistic Infection in Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Pastagia Mina , Jenkins Stephen G.
Published: November 2013

Salmonellaneck infections represent an uncommon cause of focal salmonellosis. While the incidence of nontyphoid salmonellosis is estimated at over 2 million cases annually, extraintestinal manifestations account for less than 1% of cases. This paper describes two patients withSalmonellaneck abscesses as the initial presentation of diabetes mellitus. The first patient was diagnosed as havingSalmonella entericaserotype Enteritidis sternocleidomastoid pyomyositis and the second patientSalmonella entericaserotype Typhimurium parapharyngeal abscess. Both patients had elevated hemoglobin A1c levels and had not been previously diagnosed with diabetes mellitus.Salmonellaspp. should be on the differential as a causative pathogen in patients presenting with neck abscesses and poorly controlled glucose levels. Diabetes may be a risk factor for salmonellosis due to decreased gastric acidity and prolonged gastric transit time. Prompt incision and drainage accompanied by antibiotics remains the treatment of choice for infected neck abscesses.