bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emergence of Escherichia coli encoding Shiga toxin 2f in human Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infections in the Netherlands, January 2008 to December 2011
Authors: Friesema I , van der Zwaluw K , Schuurman T , Kooistra-Smid M , Franz E , van Duynhoven Y , van Pelt W
Published: May 2014

The Shiga toxins of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) can be divided into Shiga toxin 1 (Stx1) and Shiga toxin 2 (Stx2) with several sub-variants. Variant Stx2f is one of the latest described, but has been rarely associated with symptomatic human infections. In the enhanced STEC surveillance in the Netherlands, 198 STEC O157 cases and 351 STEC non-O157 cases, including 87 stx2fSTEC isolates, were reported between 2008 and 2011. Most stx2fstrains belonged to the serogroups O63:H6 (n=47, 54%), O113:H6 (n=12, 14%) and O125:H6 (n=12, 14%). Of the 87 stx2fisolates, 84 (97%) harboured the E. coli attaching and effacing (eae) gene, but not the enterohaemorrhagic E. coli haemolysin (hly) gene. Stx2fSTEC infections show milder symptoms and a less severe clinical course than STEC O157 infections. Almost all infections with stx2f(n=83, 95%) occurred between June and December, compared to 170/198 (86%) of STEC O157 and 173/264 (66%) of other STEC non-O157. Stx2fSTEC infections in the Netherlands are more common than anticipated, and form a distinct group within STEC with regard to virulence genes and the relatively mild disease.
A case of autochthonous human Dirofilaria infection, Germany, March 2014
Authors: Tappe D , Plauth M , Bauer T , Muntau B , Dießel L , Tannich E , Herrmann-Trost P
Published: May 2014

In March 2014, an infection with the nematode Dirofilaria repens was diagnosed in a German citizen in the federal state of Saxony-Anhalt. The patient had developed an itching subcutaneous nodule containing a female worm, which was identified as D. repens by 12S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene sequencing. Autochthonous human D. repens infections have not been described in Germany so far, but this finding is consistent with the recent detection of D. repens in mosquitoes from east Germany.
Continuing the journey …
Authors: Shrestha Prithvi N , Dhakal Khagendra Raj , Ojha Laxmi Prasad , Rana Lal Bahadur , Rawal Hima
Published: May 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nelta.v18i1-2.10325 Journal of NELTA, Vol 18 No. 1-2, December 2013
Facebook as a Platform for Using English Language Skills among the Indian Youth
Authors: Acharya Sharda , Mohanty Seemita
Published: May 2014

Today Facebook undoubtedly is one of the preferred Social Networking Site (SNS) platforms used by millions of people worldwide. Facebook users often use its unique creative applications and in the process also make use of smart abbreviations and ingenious expressions for everyday interactions. It is quite apparent that in such type of electronic communication and user-oriented media it is imperative to understand casual written English, which often does not conform to the rules of spelling, grammar and punctuation. It is generally being observed that repeated Facebook usage has the potential of providing the user new expressions of language through its various available features. Within the framework of such observations, this paper discusses the impact of Facebook on English language use of the youth in India. The study employed a survey design among young professionals, home-makers and graduate students, to fulfil the objectives. The results revealed a few surprising particulars. The key findings show that: i. as perceived by the youngsters themselves, by ‘facebooking’ there is mark deterioration in their English writing skills, ii. not many changes are seen in their day-to-day English language use despite their remaining abreast of the latest colloquial and casual English, and iii. Facebook is used by young people mainly for recreation purpose and any improvement that is seen in their English language skills is purely incidental. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nelta.v18i1-2.10326   Journal of NELTA, Vol 18 No. 1-2, December 2013; 1-17
Critiquing Economic Values in English Language Teaching: Materials Problems and Critical Solutions Facing Teachers
Authors: Addison Neil
Published: May 2014

This paper contends that the English language teaching industry is implicitly imbued with Western cultural values which, whilst emanating from the ideological discourse of colonialism, have now evolved into an aggressive corporate colonialism. An examination of various materials employed in ELT finds that they are saturated with market driven Western values and product placements, which, if not explicated properly, can confuse students who may come from very different schematic backgrounds (Widdowson, 1990). A more critical classroom approach is therefore advocated, where foreign English language students are encouraged to use vocabulary to critique cultural contents encountered in ELT materials, affording them the chance to engage with English more dynamically. A 2012 teaching approach is described, which sought to achieve this aim within the context of a Japanese university English conversation class. The effectiveness of this approach is then assessed and discussed through the examination of quantitative and qualitative student response data. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nelta.v18i1-2.10327   Journal of NELTA, Vol 18 No. 1-2, December 2013; 18-30
Career Gains and Identity Loss: The Effects of English in the Nepali Hinterlands
Authors: Khati Ashok Raj
Published: May 2014

English in developing countries like Nepal has played a crucial role in increasing career and economic opportunities. It has provided access to the information and networks that are vital in building and maintaining economic links. On the other hand, there is an emerging issue of its threat to the local languages because of the massive use of English in different spheres of Nepalese lives. The major focus of the article is on how English has become instrumental in creating opportunities among multilingual communities and what perception these communities hold towards English and the development of local languages by incorporating the perspectives of EFL teachers from multilingual backgrounds and researcher’s own understanding of the context. The paper argues that English has unquestionably become instrumental in promoting career and economic opportunities, and the foremost reasons behind the decline of many local languages are more of political, cultural and economy guided in nature. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nelta.v18i1-2.10332   Journal of NELTA, Vol 18 No. 1-2, December 2013; 77-91
Undergraduates’ Learning Achievement and Attitudes toward Learner Autonomy in a Fundamental English Course Incorporating Additional Facebook Group Activities
Authors: Saengsawang Paunluck Puntahachart
Published: May 2014

This study examined 1) undergraduates’ learning achievement in a fundamental English course that included activities with a Facebook group; 2) the level of students’ attitudes toward learner autonomy; and 3) the level of their attitudes toward Facebook use in an English course. The subjects in the study were first-year undergraduate students that had registered for fundamental English course at King Monkut’s University, North Bangkok (KMUTNB). They were selected using the convenience sampling method, and were organized into an experimental group. Students were provided with additional activities or homework with the Facebook group. The results indicated that the students’ learning achievement was not in accordance with the efficiency criterion and the levels of their attitudes toward learner autonomy during the three phases studied were significantly different. However, the students’ attitudes toward integrating Facebook into an English course were found to be positive. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nelta.v18i1-2.10335 Journal of NELTA, Vol 18 No. 1-2, December 2013; 115-132
Phase I/II study of resection and intraoperative cesium-131 radioisotope brachytherapy in patients with newly diagnosed brain metastases
Authors: Wernicke A. Gabriella , Yondorf Menachem Z. , Peng Luke , Trichter Samuel , Nedialkova Lucy , Sabbas Albert , Kulidzhanov Fridon , Parashar Bhupesh , Nori Dattatreyudu , Clifford Chao K. S. , Christos Paul , Kovanlikaya Ilhami , Pannullo Susan , Boockvar John A. , Stieg Philip E. , Schwartz Theodore H.
Published: May 2014

Object

Resected brain metastases have a high rate of local recurrence without adjuvant therapy. Adjuvant whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) remains the standard of care with a local control rate > 90%. However, WBRT is delivered over 10–15 days, which can delay other therapy and is associated with acute and long-term toxicities. Permanent cesium-131 (131Cs) implants can be used at the time of metastatic resection, thereby avoiding the need for any additional therapy. The authors evaluated the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of a novel therapeutic approach with permanent 131Cs brachytherapy at the resection for brain metastases.

Methods

After institutional review board approval was obtained, 24 patients with a newly diagnosed metastasis to the brain were accrued to a prospective protocol between 2010 and 2012. There were 10 frontal, 7 parietal, 4 cerebellar, 2 occipital, and 1 temporal metastases. Histology included lung cancer (16), breast cancer (2), kidney cancer (2), melanoma (2), colon cancer (1), and cervical cancer (1). Stranded 131Cs seeds were placed as permanent volume implants. The prescription dose was 80 Gy at a 5-mm depth from the resection cavity surface. Distant metastases were treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) or WBRT, depending on the number of lesions. The primary end point was local (resection cavity) freedom from progression (FFP). Secondary end points included regional FFP, distant FFP, median survival, overall survival (OS), and toxicity.

Results

The median follow-up was 19.3 months (range 12.89–29.57 months). The median age was 65 years (range 45–84 years). The median size of resected tumor was 2.7 cm (range 1.5–5.5 cm), and the median volume of resected tumor was 10.31 cm3 (range 1.77–87.11 cm3). The median number of seeds used was 12 (range 4–35), with a median activity of 3.82 mCi per seed (range 3.31–4.83 mCi) and total activity of 46.91 mCi (range 15.31–130.70 mCi). Local FFP was 100%. There was 1 adjacent leptomeningeal recurrence, resulting in a 1-year regional FFP of 93.8% (95% CI 63.2%–99.1%). One-year distant FFP was 48.4% (95% CI 26.3%–67.4%). Median OS was 9.9 months (95% CI 4.8 months, upper limit not estimated) and 1-year OS was 50.0% (95% CI 29.1%–67.8%). Complications included CSF leak (1), seizure (1), and infection (1). There was no radiation necrosis.

Conclusions

The use of postresection permanent 131Cs brachytherapy implants resulted in no local recurrences and no radiation necrosis. This treatment was safe, well tolerated, and convenient for patients, resulting in a short radiation treatment course, high response rate, and minimal toxicity. These findings merit further study with a multicenter trial.
Suprajugular extension of the retrosigmoid approach: microsurgical anatomy
Authors: Matsushima Ken , Kohno Michihiro , Komune Noritaka , Miki Koichi , Matsushima Toshio , Rhoton Albert L.
Published: May 2014

Object

Jugular foramen tumors often extend intra- and extracranially. The gross-total removal of tumors located both intracranially and intraforaminally is technically challenging and often requires a combined skull base approach. This study presents a suprajugular extension of the retrosigmoid approach directed through the osseous roof of the jugular foramen that allows the removal of tumors located in the cerebellopontine angle with extension into the upper part of the foramen, with demonstration of an illustrative case.

Methods

The cerebellopontine angles and jugular foramina were examined in dry skulls and cadaveric heads to clarify the microsurgical anatomy around the jugular foramen and to define the steps of the suprajugular exposure.

Results

The area drilled in the suprajugular approach is inferior to the acoustic meatus, medial to the endolymphatic depression and surrounding the superior half of the glossopharyngeal dural fold. Opening this area exposed the upper part of the jugular foramen and extended the exposure along the glossopharyngeal nerve below the roof of the jugular foramen. In the illustrative case, a schwannoma originating from the glossopharyngeal nerve in the cerebellopontine angle and extending below the roof of the jugular foramen and above the jugular bulb was totally removed without any postoperative complications.

Conclusions

The suprajugular extension of the retrosigmoid approach will permit removal of tumors located predominantly in the cerebellopontine angle but also extending into the upper part of the jugular foramen without any additional skull base approaches.
Hemorrhage risks and functional outcomes of untreated brainstem cavernous malformations
Authors: Li Da , Hao Shu-Yu , Jia Gui-Jun , Wu Zhen , Zhang Li-Wei , Zhang Jun-Ting
Published: May 2014

Object

Cerebral cavernous malformations have been studied widely, but the natural history of brainstem cavernous malformations (CMs) is not well defined, and hemorrhages caused by brainstem CMs are devastating. The goal of this study was to quantify the hemorrhage risks and functional outcomes of patients with brainstem CMs.

Methods

This prospective, longitudinal, cohort study included patients with brainstem CMs diagnosed between 1985 and 2012. The clinical courses of all patients were recorded. Predictors of hemorrhage and the overall untreated outcomes were evaluated.

Results

A total of 331 patients (46.5% female) were included, with a mean follow-up duration of 6.5 years. The annual hemorrhage rates in patients initially presenting with hemorrhage with (n = 215) or without (n = 34) focal neurological deficits were 15.9% and 12.4%, respectively. However, the annual hemorrhage rate was 8.7% in patients initially presenting without hemorrhage (n = 82). The risk factors for hemorrhage were female sex (hazard ratio [HR] 1.445, p = 0.041), prior hemorrhage (HR 1.277, p = 0.029), and perilesional edema (HR 1.830, p = 0.002). Overall, neurological function at the most recent assessment was improved compared with neurological function at diagnosis. Additionally, 307 patients (92.7%) improved or stabilized, 268 (81.0%) lived independently, and 95 (28.7%) completely recovered. Predictors favoring complete recovery were no prospective hemorrhage (HR 1.958, p = 0.001), younger age (HR 1.268, p = 0.001), and small lesion size (HR 1.578, p = 0.004).

Conclusions

Patients' initial presentation predicts their prospective annual hemorrhage rate. This study suggests that several strong risk factors for hemorrhage and predictors of brainstem CM outcomes may enable clinicians to evaluate the potential hemorrhage risks of their patients and design personalized treatments.
Reducing perinatal complications and preterm delivery for patients undergoing in utero closure of fetal myelomeningocele: further modifications to the multidisciplinary surgical technique
Authors: Bennett Kelly A. , Carroll Mary Anne , Shannon Chevis N. , Braun Stephane A. , Dabrowiak Mary E. , Crum Alicia K. , Paschall Ray L. , Kavanaugh-McHugh Ann L. , Wellons John C. , Tulipan Noel B.
Published: May 2014

Object

As more pediatric neurosurgeons become involved with fetal myelomeningocele closure efforts, examining refined techniques in the overall surgical approach that could maximize beneficial outcomes becomes critical. The authors compared outcomes for patients who had undergone a modified technique with those for patients who had undergone fetal repair as part of the earlier Management of Myelomeningocele Study (MOMS).

Methods

Demographic and outcomes data were collected for a series of 43 delivered patients who had undergone in utero myelomeningocele closure at the Fetal Center at Vanderbilt from March 2011 through January 2013 (the study cohort) and were compared with data for 78 patients who had undergone fetal repair as part of MOMS (the MOMS cohort). For the study cohort, no uterine trocar was used, and uterine entry, manipulation, and closure were modified to minimize separation of the amniotic membrane. Weekly ultrasound reports were obtained from primary maternal–fetal medicine providers and reviewed. A test for normality revealed that distribution for the study cohort was normal; therefore, parametric statistics were used for comparisons.

Results

The incidence of premature rupture of membranes (22% vs 46%, p = 0.011) and chorioamnion separation (0% vs 26%, p < 0.001) were lower for the study cohort than for the MOMS cohort. Incidence of oligohydramnios did not differ between the cohorts. The mean (± SD) gestational age of 34.4 (± 6.6) weeks for the study cohort was similar to that for the MOMS cohort (34.1 ± 3.1 weeks). However, the proportion of infants born at term (37 weeks or greater) was significantly higher for the study cohort (16 of 41; 39%) than for the MOMS cohort (16 of 78; 21%) (p = 0.030). Compared with 10 (13%) of 78 patients in the MOMS cohort, only 2 (4%) of 41 infants in the study cohort were delivered earlier than 30 weeks of gestation (p = 0.084, approaching significance). For the study cohort, 2 fetal deaths were attributed to the intervention, and both were believed to be associated with placental disruption; one of these mothers had previously unidentified thrombophilia. Mortality rates did not statistically differ between the cohorts.

Conclusions

These early results suggest that careful attention to uterine entry, manipulation, and closure by the surgical team can result in a decreased rate of premature rupture of membranes and chorioamnion separation and can reduce early preterm delivery. Although these results are promising, their confirmation will require further study of a larger series of patients.
Treatment of craniocervical instability using a posterior-only approach
Authors: Young Richard M. , Sherman Jonathan H. , Wind Joshua J. , Litvack Zachary , O'Brien Joseph
Published: May 2014

The object of this study was to demonstrate that a posterior-only approach for craniocervical junction pathology is feasible with intraoperative reduction. The authors reviewed 3 cases of craniocervical instability. All patients had craniocervical instability according to radiological imaging and various methods of measurement, with results outside the normal range. Posterior instrumentation aided the intraoperative reduction techniques while maintaining structural integrity and the desired fusion construct. No anterior approach was necessary in any of the patients. Neurological symptoms resolved in two patients and significantly improved in another. Follow-up imaging demonstrated stable constructs.

There are many approaches to anterior cervical pathology at the craniocervical junction. Posterior instrumented reduction and stabilization of the occipitocervical spine can be safely achieved, obviating the need for a transoral approach in the setting of craniocervical junction settling.
Development of an Indoor Airflow Energy Harvesting System for Building Environment Monitoring
Authors: Fei Fei , Zhou Shengli , Mai John , Li Wen
Published: May 2014

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have been widely used for intelligent building management applications. Typically, indoor environment parameters such as illumination, temperature, humidity and air quality are monitored and adjusted by an intelligent building management system. However, owing to the short life-span of the batteries used at the sensor nodes, the maintenance of such systems has been labor-intensive and time-consuming. This paper discusses a battery-less self-powering system that converts the mechanical energy from the airflow in ventilation ducts into electrical energy. The system uses a flutter energy conversion device (FECD) capable of working at low airflow speeds while installed on the ventilation ducts inside of buildings. A power management strategy implemented with a circuit system ensures sufficient power for driving commercial electronic devices. For instance, the power management circuit is capable of charging a 1 F super capacitor to 2 V under ventilation duct airflow speeds of less than 3 m/s.
Synthesis, Characterization and Anti-Breast Cancer Activity of New 4-Aminoantipyrine-Based Heterocycles
Authors: Ghorab Mostafa , El-Gazzar Marwa , Alsaid Mansour
Published: May 2014

4-Aminoantipyrine was utilized as key intermediate for the synthesis of pyrazolone derivatives bearing biologically active moieties. The newly synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, 1H- and 13C-NMR spectral and microanalytical studies. The compounds were screened as anticancer agents against a human tumor breast cancer cell line MCF7, and the results showed that (Z)-4-((3-amino-5-imino-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4(5H)-ylidene)methylamino)-1,5-dimethyl-2-phenyl-1,2-dihydropyrazol-3-one 5, 3-(4-bromophenyl) -1-(1,5-dimethyl-3-oxo-2-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-4-oxo-2-thioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine-5-carbonitrile 13, 1-(1,5-dimethyl-3-oxo-2-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-3-(4-iodophenyl)-4-oxo-2-thioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine-5-carbonitrile 14, 3,3′-(4,4′-sulfonylbis(4,1-phenylene))bis(1-(1,5-dimethyl-3-oxo-2-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-4-oxo-2-thioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine-5-carbonitrile) 16, (Z)-1- (1,5-dimethyl-3-oxo-2-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-2-hydrazono-4-oxo-3-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine-5-carbonitrile 17, (Z)-1-(1,5-dimethyl-3-oxo-2-phenyl- 2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-4-oxo-3-phenyl-2-(2-phenylhydrazono)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro pyrimidine-5-carbonitrile 18, and (Z)-4-(3-amino-6-hydrazono-7-phenyl-6,7-dihydro pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-5-yl)-1,5-dimethyl-2-phenyl-1,2-dihydropyrazol-3-one 19 were the most active compounds with IC50 values ranging from 30.68 to 60.72 µM compared with Doxorubicin as positive control with the IC50 value 71.8 µM.
Bioactive Marine Drugs and Marine Biomaterials for Brain Diseases
Authors: Grosso Clara , Valentão Patrícia , Ferreres Federico , Andrade Paula
Published: May 2014

Marine invertebrates produce a plethora of bioactive compounds, which serve as inspiration for marine biotechnology, particularly in drug discovery programs and biomaterials development. This review aims to summarize the potential of drugs derived from marine invertebrates in the field of neuroscience. Therefore, some examples of neuroprotective drugs and neurotoxins will be discussed. Their role in neuroscience research and development of new therapies targeting the central nervous system will be addressed, with particular focus on neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. In addition, the neuronal growth promoted by marine drugs, as well as the recent advances in neural tissue engineering, will be highlighted.
Identification of Plakortide E from the Caribbean Sponge Plakortis halichondroides as a Trypanocidal Protease Inhibitor using Bioactivity-Guided Fractionation
Authors: Oli Swarna , Abdelmohsen Usama , Hentschel Ute , Schirmeister Tanja
Published: May 2014

In this paper, we report new protease inhibitory activity of plakortide E towards cathepsins and cathepsin-like parasitic proteases. We further report on its anti-parasitic activity against Trypanosoma brucei with an IC50 value of 5 μM and without cytotoxic effects against J774.1 macrophages at 100 μM concentration. Plakortide E was isolated from the sponge Plakortis halichondroides using enzyme assay-guided fractionation and identified by NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Furthermore, enzyme kinetic studies confirmed plakortide E as a non-competitive, slowly-binding, reversible inhibitor of rhodesain.
Synthesis and Antifungal Activity of Benzamidine Derivatives Carrying 1,2,3-Triazole Moieties
Authors: Chen Guangyou , Zhou Yiwan , Cai Chonglin , Lu Jia , Zhang Xing
Published: May 2014

Eighteen novel benzamidine derivatives containing 1,2,3-triazole moieties were synthesized. The in vitro and in vivo fungicidal acitivities of the title compounds and the arylamidine intermediates against Colletotrichum lagenarium and Botrytis cinerea were tested. The synthesized benzamidines exhibited weak antifungal activities in vitro against the tested fungi, but some of the compounds showed excellent activities in vivo to the same strains. Among the compounds tested, 9b showed 79% efficacy in vivo against C. lagenarium at a concentration of 200 μg/mL, and the efficacy of compound 16d (90%) toward the same strain was even superior than that of the commercial fungicide carbendazim (85%).
Framework of Jitter Detection and Compensation for High Resolution Satellites
Authors: Tong Xiaohua , Ye Zhen , Xu Yusheng , Tang Xinming , Liu Shijie , Li Lingyun , Xie Huan , Wang Fengxiang , Li Tianpeng , Hong Zhonghua
Published: May 2014

Attitude jitter is a common phenomenon in the application of high resolution satellites, which may result in large errors of geo-positioning and mapping accuracy. Therefore, it is critical to detect and compensate attitude jitter to explore the full geometric potential of high resolution satellites. In this paper, a framework of jitter detection and compensation for high resolution satellites is proposed and some preliminary investigation is performed. Three methods for jitter detection are presented as follows. (1) The first one is based on multispectral images using parallax between two different bands in the image; (2) The second is based on stereo images using rational polynomial coefficients (RPCs); (3) The third is based on panchromatic images employing orthorectification processing. Based on the calculated parallax maps, the frequency and amplitude of the detected jitter are obtained. Subsequently, two approaches for jitter compensation are conducted. (1) The first one is to conduct the compensation on image, which uses the derived parallax observations for resampling; (2) The second is to conduct the compensation on attitude data, which treats the influence of jitter on attitude as correction of charge-coupled device (CCD) viewing angles. Experiments with images from several satellites, such as ASTER (Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiaometer), LRO (Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter) and ZY-3 (ZiYuan-3) demonstrate the promising performance and feasibility of the proposed framework.
Object-Based Classification of Abandoned Logging Roads under Heavy Canopy Using LiDAR
Authors: Sherba Jason , Blesius Leonhard , Davis Jerry
Published: May 2014

LiDAR-derived slope models may be used to detect abandoned logging roads in steep forested terrain. An object-based classification approach of abandoned logging road detection was employed in this study. First, a slope model of the study site in Marin County, California was created from a LiDAR derived DEM. Multiresolution segmentation was applied to the slope model and road seed objects were iteratively grown into candidate objects. A road classification accuracy of 86% was achieved using this fully automated procedure and post processing increased this accuracy to 90%. In order to assess the sensitivity of the road classification to LiDAR ground point spacing, the LiDAR ground point cloud was repeatedly thinned by a fraction of 0.5 and the classification procedure was reapplied. The producer’s accuracy of the road classification declined from 79% with a ground point spacing of 0.91 to below 50% with a ground point spacing of 2, indicating the importance of high point density for accurate classification of abandoned logging roads.
Monitoring Changes in Rice Cultivated Area from SAR and Optical Satellite Images in Ben Tre and Tra Vinh Provinces in Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Authors: Karila Kirsi , Nevalainen Olli , Krooks Anssi , Karjalainen Mika , Kaasalainen Sanna
Published: May 2014

The objective of this study was to obtain up-to-date information on land use and to identify long term changes in land use, especially rice, aquaculture and other crops in Ben Tre and Tra Vinh provinces in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. Long-term changes in land-use of the study area have not been studied using long time series of SAR and optical Earth observation (EO) data before. EO data from 1979–2012 was used: ENVISAT ASAR Wide Swath Mode, SPOT and Landsat imagery. An unsupervised ISODATA classification was performed on multitemporal SAR images. The results were validated using ground truth data. Using the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery maps for 2005, 2009 and 2011 were obtained. Different rice crops, aquaculture and fruit trees could be distinguished with an overall accuracy of 80%. Using available optical imagery the time series was extended from 2005 to 1979. Long-term decrease in the rice acreage and increase in the aquaculture acreage could be detected.
A Framework for Defining Sustainable Energy Transitions: Principles, Dynamics, and Implications
Authors: Sgouridis Sgouris , Csala Denes
Published: May 2014

While partial energy transitions have been observed in the past, the complete transition of a fossil-based energy system to a sustainable energy one is historically unprecedented on a large scale. Switching from an economy based on energy stocks to one based on energy flows requires a social paradigm shift. This paper defines Sustainable Energy Transition (SET) and introduces a set of five propositions that prescribe its sustainability. The propositions are comprehensive, spanning environmental constraints, resource availability, equity, and the transition dynamics from an energy and economic accounting perspective aimed at addressing all three pillars of sustainability. In order to rigorously define the constraints of SET a theoretical energy economy framework is introduced along with the concept of the renewable energy investment ratio. The paper concludes with a practical application of the SET propositions on the global energy system and identifies an order of magnitude underinvestment in the renewable energy investment ratio in comparison to the estimated level needed for a controlled transition that satisfies all propositions. The option of drastically increasing this ratio in the future may not be available as it would reduce societally available energy, imposing unacceptably high energy prices that would induce either fossil resource extraction beyond the safely recoverable resources or energy poverty.
Higher Expression of Whole Blood MicroRNA-21 in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis Associated with Programmed Cell Death 4 mRNA Expression and Collagen Cross-linked C-telopeptide Concentration
Authors: Huang Chun-Huang , Wei James Cheng-Chung , Chang Wei-Chiao , Chiou Shang-Yan , Chou Chia-Hsuan , Lin Yu-Jie , Hung Pei-Hsuan , Wong Ruey-Hong
Published: May 2014

Objective.

Bone loss is a recognized feature of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The binding of microRNA-21 (miR-21) to programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) could inhibit the expression of PDCD4 and further induce the activation of osteoclasts. In the present study, we compared the difference in miR-21 expression between patients with AS and healthy controls, and evaluated the relationships of miR-21, PDCD4 mRNA, and bone erosion in patients with AS. The influences of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID) and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) on the expressions of miR-21 and PDCD4 mRNA in patients with AS were also assessed.

Methods.

Whole blood miR-21 and PDCD4 mRNA expression were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR among 122 patients with AS and 122 healthy controls. The serum level of collagen cross-linked C-telopeptide (CTX) was measured using ELISA.

Results.

When compared to controls, patients with AS had significantly higher levels of miR-21, PDCD4 mRNA, and CTX. MiR-21 expression was negatively correlated with PDCD4 mRNA expression in patients with AS who were taking neither NSAID nor DMARD. Interestingly, significantly positive correlations between miR-21 expression with PDCD4 mRNA expression (r = 0.33, p = 0.01) and CTX level (r = 0.44, p < 0.01) were observed in patients with AS who were taking sulfasalazine. Positive correlations of miR-21 and CTX level were also observed in AS patients with disease duration < 7.0 years (r = 0.36, p = 0.004) and active disease (r = 0.42, p = 0.001).

Conclusion.

The expression of miR-21 might have a role in the development of AS.
Resistive Home Exercise in Patients with Recent-onset Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis — A Randomized Controlled Single-blinded Study with a 2-year Followup
Authors: Alexanderson Helene , Munters Li Alemo , Dastmalchi Maryam , Loell Ingela , Heimbürger Mikael , Opava Christina H. , Lundberg Ingrid E.
Published: May 2014

Objective.

To evaluate the outcome of resistive home exercise and its possible longterm influence on health, disability, and disease activity in patients with active polymyositis (PM) or dermatomyositis (DM).

Methods.

Nineteen patients with recent-onset PM/DM were included after introduction of high-dose prednisolone. They were assessed by independent assessors as to perceived health, muscle performance, aerobic capacity, and serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) at baseline and after 24 weeks, including repeated muscle biopsies at 24 weeks (single-blinded randomized controlled study), and in an open-label followup at 52, 78, and 104 weeks. Patients were randomized to 12 weeks, 5 days/week resistive home exercise with telephone support and encouragement for another 12 weeks of twice-a-week home or gym exercise (EG, n = 10) or to 24 weeks, 5 days/week range of motion exercise (CG, n = 9). Patients in the CG group without inflammatory infiltrates in muscle biopsies at 24 weeks were invited to the 12-week resistive home exercises.

Results.

At baseline, the EG had poorer perceived health, but otherwise the groups were comparable. At 24 weeks, both groups improved in muscle performance and aerobic capacity (p < 0.001 to < 0.05) with no signs of increased inflammation assessed by CPK levels or muscle biopsies. Both groups improved in muscle performance and aerobic capacity up to 52 weeks (p < 0.05) lasting to 104 weeks in the EG (p < 0.05) and presented minor improvements in perceived health.

Conclusion.

Our study supports the safety of resistive exercise in patients with active PM/DM but did not reveal any between-group differences in exercise effects. An individually adapted physical therapist–supervised home exercise program might be recommended in early active PM/DM, with regular evaluation of muscle performance and health.
LinkEHR
Authors: Maldonado José Alberto , Boscá Diego , Moner David , Robles Montserrat
Published: May 2014

Normalization of data is a prerequisite to achieve semantic interoperability in any domain. This is even more important in the healthcare sector due to the special sensitivity of medical data: data exchange must be done in a meaningful way, avoiding any possibility of misunderstanding or misinterpretation. In this chapter, we present the LinkEHR system for clinical data standardization and exchange. The LinkEHR platform provides tools that simplify meaningful sharing of electronic health records between different systems and organizations. Key contributions of LinkEHR are the development of a powerful medical concept, expressed in the form of archetypes, editing framework based on formal semantics capable of handling multiple electronic health record architectures, the definition of high-level non-procedural mappings to describe the relationship between archetype and legacy clinical data and the semi-automatic generation of XQuery scripts that transform legacy data into XML documents compliant with the underlying electronic health record data architecture and at the same time satisfy the constraints imposed by the archetype.
Semantic Integration of Patient Data for Clinical Decision Support in Breast Cancer Care
Authors: Lezcano Leonardo , Sicilia Miguel-Ángel , Rivero Eydel
Published: May 2014

Achieving semantic interoperability between heterogeneous healthcare systems and integrating clinical guidelines in the automatic decision support of healthcare institutions are two key priorities of current medical informatics. They can lead to a significant improvement on patient safety by reducing medical risks and delays in diagnosis, facilitating continuity of care and preventing life threatening adverse events. The present chapter describes a project that addresses those two priorities in the field of Breast Cancer for which effective clinical guidelines are available, as well as the clinical data to apply them. However, the deployment of semantic interoperability techniques based on clinical terminologies such as SNOMED-CT and EHR exchange models such as openEHR and HL7 is required to meaningfully combine the available data. Then data mining techniques are capable of automatically adapting the parameters of clinical guidelines to the particular conditions of each healthcare environment.
Beyond the Letter of the Law: Accessibility, Universal Design, and Human-Centered Design in Video Tutorials
Authors: Clossen Amanda S.
Published: May 2014

This article demonstrates how Universal and Human-Centered Design approaches can be applied to the process of library video tutorial creation in order to enhance accessibility. A series of questions that creators should consider in order to focus their design process is discussed. These questions break down various physical and cognitive limitations that users encounter, providing a framework for future video creation that is not dependent on specific software. By approaching accommodations more holistically, videos are created with accessibility in mind from their conception. Working toward the ideal of a video tutorial that is accessible to every user leads to the creation of more clearly worded, effective learning objects that are much more inclusive, making instructional concepts available to users of all abilities.
The Princess and the Poor Self-Image: An Analysis of Newbery Medal Winners for Gender Bias and Female Underrepresentation Leading into the Twenty-First Century
Authors: McCleary Melissa A. , Widdersheim Michael M.
Published: May 2014

This study analyzes how 12 recent (2000-2011) Newbery Medal-winning books represent gender. The study counts how many of the books’ characters represent progressive or traditional gender roles, how many male and female characters represent each character category (protagonist, antagonist, major, and minor), how many strong female characters are accepted or rejected by their peers, how many characters hold stereotypical gender beliefs about themselves or their peers, and how many works contain balanced feminist perspectives. The study finds equitable female representation, but the study also finds a bias toward traditional male stereotypes. The results indicate a general acceptance of strong female characters and a balanced representation of females, regardless of a historical fiction classification. These results suggest that characters in Newbery Medal-winning books represent gender more equally and less stereotypically compared to characters in works of earlier decades.
Making Sure PaLRaP Remains Healthy and Strong
Authors: Barnett John , Reinsfelder Tom
Published: May 2014

Thanks to the many contributions of numerous individuals, Pennsylvania Libraries: Research & Practice (PaLRaP) has been quite successful and well-received in its first year of existence. As we head into the second year of publication, members of the editorial team must now shift our focus from the initial stages of creation and early growth to the next phase of ongoing improvement and sustainability over the long term.
The Archaeology of Digital Abandonment: Online Sustainability and Archaeological Sites
Authors: Law Matt , Morgan Colleen
Published: May 2014

After 15 years of hosting millions of user-built webpages, in April 2009 Yahoo! announced that they would be shutting down their United States Geocities webpages. Geocities was once the most common hosting service for low-cost personal webpages, including hundreds of public outreach sites about archaeology. Were the webpages moved to another hosting site, archived, or just abandoned? We tracked and recorded the fate of 88 of these webpages, eventually sending a survey to the webmasters asking them a range of questions. While we received relatively few responses, the answers to the questions were illuminating. Much of the current digital outreach performed all over the world relies on ‘free’ services such as Twitter, Flickr, Wordpress, Google Pages, or Facebook to host their content. What can the fate of archaeological content on Geocities pages tell us about the benefits and risks of using commercial infrastructure for archaeological outreach? We propose that sorting through the digital wreckage of past outreach efforts helps us to evaluate the eventual fate of the archaeological presence online.
Nitrosamine precursor and DOM control in an effluent‐affected drinking water
Authors: Liao Xiaobin , Wang Chengkun , Wang Jun , Zhang Xiaojian , Chen Chao , Krasner Stuart W. , Suffet I.H. (Mel)
Published: May 2014

Some N‐nitrosamines are probable human carcinogens and disinfection by‐products. This study focused on a wastewater‐affected drinking water supply in the Yangtze River Delta, China, that was highly dominated by low‐molecular‐weight organic matter, aromatic proteins, and soluble microbial products (SMPs) and low in humic substances. The study water presented a unique opportunity to investigate treatment processes for controlling an array of nitrosamines because it contained precursors for five N‐nitrosamines [N‐nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), N‐nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA), N‐nitrosopiperidine, N‐nitrosomorpholine, and N‐nitrosopyrrolidine] whereas only NDMA precursors have been detected in most North American waters. Although conventional processes removed only low levels of precursors, advanced treatment processes effectively removed precursors as well as aromatic proteins and SMPs. Ozone destroyed and/or transformed precursors (e.g., median of 45% for NDMA and 22% for NDEA). Granular activated carbon proved more effective in removing precursors (e.g., median of 88% for NDMA and 83% for NDEA) than in removing bulk dissolved organic carbon (median ~ 60%).
Bench‐scale ozonation for removing constituents of emerging concern
Authors: Liang Sun , Maceikd Shannon M. , Takeguchi Wade A. , Yates Richard S.
Published: May 2014

This study assessed the efficiencies of removing constituents of emerging concern (CECs) with ozone and ozone in combination with hydrogen peroxide in a bench‐scale flow‐through system designed to predict full‐scale removals. Five CECs were selected for evaluation: atrazine, caffeine, carbamazepine, primidone, and tris (2‐chloroethyl) phosphate. Two modeling compounds, 2‐methylisoborneol and geosmin, were used to establish bench‐scale operating conditions that mimicked previous pilot‐ and demonstration‐scale removals. The study demonstrated that CEC removal efficiencies in bench‐scale systems are generally consistent with removals in full‐scale systems. Thus, the bench‐scale system can be used to predict full‐scale removals. Additionally, bench‐scale results showed that CEC removal efficiencies were generally higher in State Project water (SPW) than in Colorado River water (CRW) or the SPW/CRW blend. These results were likely a consequence of the rapid formation of hydroxyl radicals in SPW.
Importance of pipe deposits to Lead and Copper Rule compliance
Authors: Schock Michael R. , Cantor Abigail F. , Triantafyllidou Simoni , Desantis Michael K. , Scheckel Kirk G.
Published: May 2014

When Madison, Wis., exceeded the lead action level in 1992, residential and off‐line tests suggested that lead release into the water was more complex than a lead solubility mechanism. Scale analyses (color and texture as well as mineralogical and elemental composition) of five excavated lead service lines (LSLs) revealed that accumulation of manganese (and iron) onto pipe walls had implications for lead corrosion by providing a high‐capacity sink for lead. Manganese that accumulated from source well water onto pipe scales (up to 10% by weight of scale composition) served to capture and eventually transport lead to consumer taps. In addition, manganese sometimes obstructed the predominance of an insoluble (and thus potentially protective) plattnerite [Pb(IV) solid] scale layer. Full LSL replacement in Madison achieved Lead and Copper Rule compliance and a major reduction in lead contamination and exposure, supplemented by unidirectional flushing of water mains and manganese control in the source well water.
Water distribution system reliability under simultaneous multicomponent failure scenario
Authors: Gheisi Alireza , Naser Gholamreza
Published: May 2014

Water distribution systems (WDSs) face numerous challenges in providing service to their customers. An especially difficult challenge occurs when several pipes in the system fail simultaneously. Simultaneous failure is more likely to occur in older networks or systems located in harsh climatic conditions. Previous studies have focused on WDS reliability when pipes fail individually. The current research proposes a technique to determine the reliability of a WDS experiencing different degrees of simultaneous pipe failure and to assess errors in reliability that occur when an inappropriate level of simultaneous failure is assumed. The model was applied to two case studies including a hypothetical small system and an actual WDS. Comparing the various states of reliability provided valuable information about system sensitivity to simultaneous multipipe failures. Results demonstrated that a system may be able to achieve a higher level of reliability if more realistic expectations of simultaneous failure are assumed.
Synthesis, Spectral Characterization, Docking Studies and QSAR Screening of 4-amino-benzenesulfonamides/N-acetyl 4-amino-benzenesulfonamide Derivatives as Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Ajeet  , Laxmi Tripathi  , Arvind Kumar
Published: May 2014

A series of substituted 4-amino-benzenesulfonamides / N-acetyl-4-amino-benzenesulfonamide were designed & synthesized keeping in view the structural requirements of pharmacophore and were evaluated for in-silicoantimicrobial activity. For establishing the structure, spectral characterization like FT-IR, 1H NMR, GC-MS and elemental analysis (CHNS) has been performed. The antimicrobial activity of the titled compounds was assessed using in-silico studies (QSAR screening and Docking). It was carried out for the prediction of pharmacokinetic properties and to study the binding properties of drugs with molecular targets. Titled compounds exhibited good binding properties with molecular target. It could be concluded that molecular target responsible for the antimicrobial activity of substituted 4-amino-benzenesulfonamides / N-acetyl-4-amino-benzenesulfonamides may be pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A.
Nanoparticles and CNS Delivery of Therapeutic Agents in the Treatment of Primary Brain Tumors
Authors: Gerardo Caruso  , Daniele Marino  , Maria Caffo
Published: May 2014

Patients affected by malignant brain tumor present an extremely poor prognosis, notwithstanding improvements in surgery techniques and therapeutic protocols. Late diagnosis and the limitation of conventional therapies are major reasons for this unsolved clinical problem. The blood-brain barrier formed by a complex of endothelial cells, astrocyte and pericytes reduces notably the diffusion of a large number of therapeutic agents. Nanotechnology involves the design, synthesis, and characterization of materials and devices that have a functional organization in at least one dimension on the nanometer scale. The nanoparticles have emerged as potential vectorsfor brain delivery able to overcome the difficulties of modern strategies. Nanoparticles drug delivery systems can be, also, used to provide targeted delivery of drugs, improve bioavailability, sustains release of drugs for systemic delivery.Moreover, multi-functionality can be engineered into a single nanoplatform so that it can provide tumor-specific detection, treatment, and follow-up monitoring. In this study we will focus on the blood-brain barrier role and possibilities of its therapeutic overcoming. Recent studies of some kinds of nanoparticles systems in brain tumors treatment are summarized.