bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An analysis of deep vein thrombosis in 1277 consecutive neurosurgical patients undergoing routine weekly ultrasonography
Authors: Patel Akil P. , Koltz Michael T. , Sansur Charles A. , Gulati Mangla , Hamilton D. Kojo
Published: December 2012

Object

Patients requiring neurosurgical intervention are known to be at increased risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and attendant morbidity and mortality. Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the most catastrophic sequela of DVT and is the direct cause of death in 16% of all in-hospital mortalities. Protocols for DVT screening and early detection, as well as treatment paradigms to prevent PE in the acute postoperative period, are needed in neurosurgery. The authors analyzed the effectiveness of weekly lower-extremity venous duplex ultrasonography (LEVDU) in patients requiring surgical intervention for cranial or spinal pathology for detection of DVT and prevention of PE.

Methods

Data obtained in 1277 consecutive patients admitted to a major tertiary care center requiring neurosurgical intervention were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent admission (within 1 week of neurosurgical intervention) LEVDU as well as weekly LEVDU surveillance if the initial study was normal. Additional LEVDU was ordered in any patient in whom DVT was suspected on daily clinical physical examination or in patients in whom chest CT angiography confirmed a pulmonary embolus. An electronic database was created and statistical analyses performed.

Results

The overall incidence of acute DVT was 2.8% (36 patients). Of these cases of DVT, a statistically significant greater number (86%) were discovered on admission (within 1–7 days after admission) screening LEVDU (p < 0.05), whereas fewer were documented 8–14 days after admission (2.8%) or after 14 days (11.2%) postadmission. Additionally, for acute DVT detection in the present population, there were no underlying statistically significant risk factors regarding baseline physical examination, age, ambulatory status, or type of surgery.

The overall incidence of acute symptomatic PE was 0.3% and the mortality rate was 0%.

Conclusions

Performed within 1 week of admission in patients who will undergo neurosurgical intervention, LEVDU is effective in screening for acute DVT and initiating treatment to prevent PE, thereby decreasing the overall mortality rate. Routine LEVDU beyond this time point may not be needed to detect DVT and prevent PE unless a change in the patient's physical examination status is detected.
Ultra-early endovascular embolization of ruptured cerebral aneurysm and the increased risk of hematoma growth unrelated to aneurysmal rebleeding
Authors: Egashira Yusuke , Yoshimura Shinichi , Enomoto Yukiko , Ishiguro Mitsunori , Asano Takahiko , Iwama Toru
Published: December 2012

Object

Hematoma growth unrelated to aneurysmal rebleeding is recognized as a somewhat common complication following endovascular embolization of ruptured aneurysms, but it is scarcely studied. The aim of this study is to elucidate the possible risk factors for this phenomenon.

Methods

Included in this study were 101 consecutive patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) who underwent endovascular embolization for saccular aneurysms at the authors' institution within 72 hours of symptom onset. All endovascular procedures were conducted under intraprocedural systemic anticoagulation. Age, sex, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, preoperative antiplatelet or anticoagulation use, neurological grade, Fisher grade, location and size of the aneurysm, grade of aneurysm occlusion, and timing of the endovascular procedure were retrospectively analyzed to determine the risk factors for hematoma growth unrelated to aneurysmal rebleeding. To determine the clinical significance of this complication, the authors also investigated the risk factors for poor clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale Scores 3–6 at 30 days after onset).

Results

This series included 32 men (31.7%) and 69 women (68.3%) with a mean age ± SD of 65.5 ± 14.0 years. The mean time from onset to endovascular procedure was 12.1 ± 14.0 hours. After the procedure, hematoma growth unrelated to aneurysmal rebleeding occurred in 14 patients (13.9%), 10 of whom required surgical removal of the hematoma and/or ventriculostomy to control intracranial pressure. All 14 patients had an anterior circulation aneurysm and had Fisher Grade 3 or 4 SAH. Ultra-early embolization (conducted within 6 hours after onset), female sex, history of hypertension, and poor neurological grade (World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Grades IV and V) were significant risk factors for hematoma growth (p < 0.05 for all, univariate logistic analysis). In multivariate analysis, ultra-early embolization (OR 18.0 [95% CI 3.26–338], p < 0.001) and female sex (OR 9.83 [95% CI 1.73–187], p = 0.007) were independent risk factors for this phenomenon. Anterior circulation aneurysms and Fisher Grade 3 or 4 SAH were also revealed to be significant risk factors (p = 0.02 for each, chi-square test). Furthermore, hematoma growth without aneurysmal rebleeding was determined as an independent risk factor for poor clinical outcome by multivariate logistic analysis (OR 11.8 [95% CI 2.31–87.1], p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Ultra-early endovascular embolization for ruptured cerebral aneurysms under systemic anticoagulation increases the risk of growth of hematomas unrelated to aneurysmal rebleeding. It is important to recognize the risk of this complication and to either reduce the amount of heparin or to refer the patient for direct clipping if appropriate.
Climate Predictions Accelerate Decline for Threatened Macrozamia Cycads from Queensland, Australia
Authors: Laidlaw Melinda , Forster Paul
Published: December 2012

Changes in the potential habitat of five allopatric species of threatened Macrozamia cycads under scenarios of increased ambient temperature were examined. A lack of seed dispersal, poor recruitment, low seedling survival, obligate pollinator mutualisms and continued habitat loss have led to extant populations being largely restricted to refugia. Models predict that the area of suitable habitat will further contract and move upslope, resulting in a reduced incidence within protected areas with increasing annual mean temperature. Areas of potential habitat for all five species are also predicted to become increasingly isolated from one another, further reducing the exchange between metapopulations and subpopulations, exacerbating existing threatening processes.
Climate Change Impacts on the Tree of Life: Changes in Phylogenetic Diversity Illustrated for Acropora Corals
Authors: Faith Daniel , Richards Zoe
Published: December 2012

The possible loss of whole branches from the tree of life is a dramatic, but under-studied, biological implication of climate change. The tree of life represents an evolutionary heritage providing both present and future benefits to humanity, often in unanticipated ways. Losses in this evolutionary (evo) life-support system represent losses in “evosystem” services, and are quantified using the phylogenetic diversity (PD) measure. High species-level biodiversity losses may or may not correspond to high PD losses. If climate change impacts are clumped on the phylogeny, then loss of deeper phylogenetic branches can mean disproportionately large PD loss for a given degree of species loss. Over time, successive species extinctions within a clade each may imply only a moderate loss of PD, until the last species within that clade goes extinct, and PD drops precipitously. Emerging methods of “phylogenetic risk analysis” address such phylogenetic tipping points by adjusting conservation priorities to better reflect risk of such worst-case losses. We have further developed and explored this approach for one of the most threatened taxonomic groups, corals. Based on a phylogenetic tree for the corals genus Acropora, we identify cases where worst-case PD losses may be avoided by designing risk-averse conservation priorities. We also propose spatial heterogeneity measures changes to assess possible changes in the geographic distribution of corals PD.
Strategies for the Use of Poly(adenosine diphosphate ribose) Polymerase (PARP) Inhibitors in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Ström Cecilia , Helleday Thomas
Published: December 2012

Treatments with Poly(adenosine diphosphate ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors have offered patients carrying cancers with mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes a new and in many cases effective option for disease control. There is potentially a large patient population that may also benefit from PARP inhibitor treatment, either in monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy. Here, we describe the multifaceted role of PARP inhibitors and discuss which treatment options could potentially be useful to gain disease control without potentiating side effects.
Wnt Signaling in Neurogenesis during Aging and Physical Activity
Authors: Chen Michael , Do Huong
Published: December 2012

Over the past decade, much progress has been made regarding our understanding of neurogenesis in both young and old animals and where it occurs throughout the lifespan, although the growth of new neurons declines with increasing age. In addition, physical activity can reverse this age-dependent decline in neurogenesis. Highly correlated with this decline is the degree of inter and intracellular Wnt signaling, the molecular mechanisms of which have only recently started to be elucidated. So far, most of what we know about intracellular signaling during/following exercise centers around the CREB/CRE initiated transcriptional events. Relatively little is known, however, about how aging and physical activity affect the Wnt signaling pathway. Herein, we briefly review the salient features of neurogenesis in young and then in old adult animals. Then, we discuss Wnt signaling and review the very few in vitro and in vivo studies that have examined the Wnt signaling pathways in aging and physical activity.
Enhancing Soil Quality and Plant Health Through Suppressive Organic Amendments
Authors: Bonilla Nuria , Gutiérrez-Barranquero José , Vicente Antonio , Cazorla Francisco
Published: December 2012

The practice of adding organic amendments to crop soils is undergoing resurgence as an efficient way to restore soil organic matter content and to improve soil quality. The quantity and quality of the organic matter inputs affect soil physicochemical properties and soil microbiota, influencing different parameters such as microbial biomass and diversity, community structure and microbial activities or functions. The influence of organic amendments on soil quality has also effects on crop production and plant health. The enhancement of soil suppressiveness using organic amendments has been widely described, especially for soil-borne diseases. However, there is great variability in the effectiveness of suppression depending on the nature of the amendment, the crop, the pathogen, and the environmental conditions. Although the effects of organic amendments on soil properties have been widely studied, relationships between these properties and soil suppressiveness are not still well understood. Changes in soil physicochemical parameters may modulate the efficacy of suppression. However, the parameters more frequently associated to disease suppression appear to be related to soil microbiota, such as microbial biomass and activity, the abundance of specific microbial groups and some hydrolytic activities. This review focuses on the effect of organic amendments on soil microbial populations, diversity and activities; their ability to enhance plant health through disease suppression; and which of the parameters affected by the organic amendments are potentially involved in soil suppressiveness.
Wind Turbine Tower Vibration Modeling and Monitoring by the Nonlinear State Estimation Technique (NSET)
Authors: Guo Peng , Infield David
Published: December 2012

With appropriate vibration modeling and analysis the incipient failure of key components such as the tower, drive train and rotor of a large wind turbine can be detected. In this paper, the Nonlinear State Estimation Technique (NSET) has been applied to model turbine tower vibration to good effect, providing an understanding of the tower vibration dynamic characteristics and the main factors influencing these. The developed tower vibration model comprises two different parts: a sub-model used for below rated wind speed; and another for above rated wind speed. Supervisory control and data acquisition system (SCADA) data from a single wind turbine collected from March to April 2006 is used in the modeling. Model validation has been subsequently undertaken and is presented. This research has demonstrated the effectiveness of the NSET approach to tower vibration; in particular its conceptual simplicity, clear physical interpretation and high accuracy. The developed and validated tower vibration model was then used to successfully detect blade angle asymmetry that is a common fault that should be remedied promptly to improve turbine performance and limit fatigue damage. The work also shows that condition monitoring is improved significantly if the information from the vibration signals is complemented by analysis of other relevant SCADA data such as power performance, wind speed, and rotor loads.
Aptamer-Based Molecular Recognition of Lysergamine, Metergoline and Small Ergot Alkaloids
Authors: Rouah-Martin Elsa , Mehta Jaytry , Van Dorst Bieke , De Saeger Sarah , Dubruel Peter , Maes Bert , Lemiere Filip , Goormaghtigh Erik , Daems Devin , Herrebout Wouter , Van Hove François , Blust Ronny , Robbens Johan
Published: December 2012

Ergot alkaloids are mycotoxins produced by fungi of the genus Claviceps, which infect cereal crops and grasses. The uptake of ergot alkaloid contaminated cereal products can be lethal to humans and animals. For food safety assessment, analytical techniques are currently used to determine the presence of ergot alkaloids in food and feed samples. However, the number of samples which can be analyzed is limited, due to the cost of the equipment and the need for skilled personnel. In order to compensate for the lack of rapid tests for the detection of ergot alkaloids, the aim of this study was to develop a specific recognition element for ergot alkaloids, which could be further applied to produce a colorimetric reaction in the presence of these toxins. As recognition elements, single-stranded DNA ligands were selected by using an iterative selection procedure named SELEX, i.e., Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment. After several selection cycles, the resulting aptamers were cloned and sequenced. A surface plasmon resonance analysis enabled determination of the dissociation constants of the complexes of aptamers and lysergamine. Dissociation constants in the nanomolar range were obtained with three selected aptamers. One of the selected aptamers, having a dissociation constant of 44 nM, was linked to gold nanoparticles and it was possible to produce a colorimetric reaction in the presence of lysergamine. This system could also be applied to small ergot alkaloids in an ergot contaminated flour sample.
Sesquiterpene and Acetogenin Derivatives from the Marine Red Alga Laurencia okamurai
Authors: Liang Yi , Li Xiao-Ming , Cui Chuan-Ming , Li Chun-Shun , Sun Hong , Wang Bin-Gui
Published: December 2012

In addition to 13 known compounds, four new bisabolane sesquiterpenes, okamurenes A–D (1–4), a new chamigrane derivative, okamurene E (5), and a new C12-acetogenin, okamuragenin (6), were isolated from the marine red alga Laurencia okamurai. The structures of these compounds were determined through detailed spectroscopic analyses. Of these, okamurenes A and B (1 and 2) are the first examples of bromobisabolane sesquiterpenes possessing a phenyl moiety among Laurencia-derived sesquiterpenes, while okamuragenin (6) was the first acetogenin aldehyde possessing a C12-carbon skeleton. Each of the isolated compounds was evaluated for the brine shrimp (Artemia salina) lethal assay and 7-hydroxylaurene displayed potent lethality with LD50 1.8 μM.
Systematic Applications of Metabolomics in Metabolic Engineering
Authors: Dromms Robert , Styczynski Mark
Published: December 2012

The goals of metabolic engineering are well-served by the biological information provided by metabolomics: information on how the cell is currently using its biochemical resources is perhaps one of the best ways to inform strategies to engineer a cell to produce a target compound. Using the analysis of extracellular or intracellular levels of the target compound (or a few closely related molecules) to drive metabolic engineering is quite common. However, there is surprisingly little systematic use of metabolomics datasets, which simultaneously measure hundreds of metabolites rather than just a few, for that same purpose. Here, we review the most common systematic approaches to integrating metabolite data with metabolic engineering, with emphasis on existing efforts to use whole-metabolome datasets. We then review some of the most common approaches for computational modeling of cell-wide metabolism, including constraint-based models, and discuss current computational approaches that explicitly use metabolomics data. We conclude with discussion of the broader potential of computational approaches that systematically use metabolomics data to drive metabolic engineering.
Copper Nanoparticles Mediated by Chitosan: Synthesis and Characterization via Chemical Methods
Authors: Usman Muhammad , Ibrahim Nor , Shameli Kamyar , Zainuddin Norhazlin , Yunus Wan
Published: December 2012

Herein we report a synthesis of copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) in chitosan (Cts) media via a chemical reaction method. The nanoparticles were synthesized in an aqueous solution in the presence of Cts as stabilizer and CuSO4·5H2O precursor. The synthesis proceeded with addition of NaOH as pH moderator, ascorbic acid as antioxidant and hydrazine as the reducing agent. The characterization of the prepared NPs was done using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, which showed a 593 nm copper band. The Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) images were also observed, and found to be in agreement with the UV-Vis result, confirming the formation of metallic Cu-NPs. The mean size of the Cu-NPs was estimated to be in the range of 35–75 nm using X-ray diffraction. XRD was also used in analysis of the crystal structure of the NPs. The interaction between the chitosan and the synthesized NPs was studied using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, which showed the capping of the NPs by Cts.
SNEDDS Containing Poorly Water Soluble Cinnarizine; Development and in Vitro Characterization of Dispersion, Digestion and Solubilization
Authors: Larsen Anne , Ogbonna Anayo , Abu-Rmaileh Ragheb , Abrahamsson Bertil , Østergaard Jesper , Müllertz Anette
Published: December 2012

Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery Systems (SNEDDSs) were developed using well-defined excipients with the objective of mimicking digested SNEDDSs without the use of enzymes and in vitro lipolysis models and thereby enabling studies of the morphology and size of nanoemulsions as well as digested nanoemulsions by Cryo-TEM imaging and Dynamic Light Scattering. Four SNEDDSs (I-IV) were developed. Going from SNEDDS I to IV lipid content and solubility of the model drug cinnarizine decreased, which was also the case for dispersion time and droplet size. Droplet size of all SNEDDS was evaluated at 1% (w/w) dispersion under different conditions. Cinnarizine incorporation increased the droplet size of SNEDDSs I and II whereas for SNEDDSs III and IV no difference was observed. At low pH cinnarizine had no effect on droplet size, probably due to increased aqueous solubility and partitioning into the aqueous phase. Dispersion of the SNEDDSs in Simulated Intestinal Media (SIM) containing bile salts and phospholipids resulted in a decrease in droplet size for all SNEDDS, as compared to dispersion in buffer. Increasing the bile salt/phospholipid content in the SIM decreased the droplet sizes further. Mimicked digested SNEDDS with highest lipid content (I and II) formed smaller nanoemulsion droplet sizes upon dispersion in SIM, whereas droplet size from III and IV were virtually unchanged by digestion. Increasing the bile acid/phosphatidylcholine content in the SIM generally decreased droplet size, due to the solubilizing power of the endogenous surfactants. Digestion of SNEDDSs II resulted in formation of vesicles or micelles in fasted and fed state SIM, respectively. The developed and characterized SNEDDS provide for a better knowledge of the colloid phases generated during digestion of SNEDDS and therefore will enable studies that may yield a more detailed understanding of SNEDDS performance.
A Comparison of Error Bounds for a Nonlinear Tracking System with Detection Probability Pd < 1
Authors: Tong Huisi , Zhang Hao , Meng Huadong , Wang Xiqin
Published: December 2012

Error bounds for nonlinear filtering are very important for performance evaluation and sensor management. This paper presents a comparative study of three error bounds for tracking filtering, when the detection probability is less than unity. One of these bounds is the random finite set (RFS) bound, which is deduced within the framework of finite set statistics. The others, which are the information reduction factor (IRF) posterior Cramer-Rao lower bound (PCRLB) and enumeration method (ENUM) PCRLB are introduced within the framework of finite vector statistics. In this paper, we deduce two propositions and prove that the RFS bound is equal to the ENUM PCRLB, while it is tighter than the IRF PCRLB, when the target exists from the beginning to the end. Considering the disappearance of existing targets and the appearance of new targets, the RFS bound is tighter than both IRF PCRLB and ENUM PCRLB with time, by introducing the uncertainty of target existence. The theory is illustrated by two nonlinear tracking applications: ballistic object tracking and bearings-only tracking. The simulation studies confirm the theory and reveal the relationship among the three bounds.
A Mobile Asset Tracking System Architecture under Mobile-Stationary Co-Existing WSNs
Authors: Kim Tae , Jo Hyeong , Lee Jae , Kang Soon
Published: December 2012

The tracking of multiple wireless mobile nodes is not easy with current legacy WSN technologies, due to their inherent technical complexity, especially when heavy traffic and frequent movement of mobile nodes are encountered. To enable mobile asset tracking under these legacy WSN systems, it is necessary to design a specific system architecture that can manage numerous mobile nodes attached to mobile assets. In this paper, we present a practical system architecture including a communication protocol, a three-tier network, and server-side middleware for mobile asset tracking in legacy WSNs consisting of mobile-stationary co-existing infrastructures, and we prove the functionality of this architecture through careful evaluation in a test bed. Evaluation was carried out in a microwave anechoic chamber as well as on a straight road near our office. We evaluated communication mobility performance between mobile and stationary nodes, location-awareness performance, system stability under numerous mobile node conditions, and the successful packet transfer rate according to the speed of the mobile nodes. The results indicate that the proposed architecture is sufficiently robust for application in realistic mobile asset tracking services that require a large number of mobile nodes.
Verotoxin A Subunit Protects Lymphocytes and T Cell Lines against X4 HIV Infection in Vitro
Authors: Shi Pei , Binnington Beth , Sakac Darinka , Katsman Yulia , Ramkumar Stephanie , Gariepy Jean , Kim Minji , Branch Donald , Lingwood Clifford
Published: December 2012

Our previous genetic, pharmacological and analogue protection studies identified the glycosphingolipid, Gb3 (globotriaosylceramide, Pk blood group antigen) as a natural resistance factor for HIV infection. Gb3 is a B cell marker (CD77), but a fraction of activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) can also express Gb3. Activated PBMCs predominantly comprise CD4+ T-cells, the primary HIV infection target. Gb3 is the sole receptor for Escherichia coli verotoxins (VTs, Shiga toxins). VT1 contains a ribosome inactivating A subunit (VT1A) non-covalently associated with five smaller receptor-binding B subunits. The effect of VT on PHA/IL2-activated PBMC HIV susceptibility was determined. Following VT1 (or VT2) PBMC treatment during IL2/PHA activation, the small Gb3+/CD4+ T-cell subset was eliminated but, surprisingly, remaining CD4+ T-cell HIV-1IIIB (and HIV-1Ba-L) susceptibility was significantly reduced. The Gb3-Jurkat T-cell line was similarly protected by brief VT exposure prior to HIV-1IIIB infection. The efficacy of the VT1A subunit alone confirmed receptor independent protection. VT1 showed no binding or obvious Jurkat cell/PBMC effect. Protective VT1 concentrations reduced PBMC (but not Jurkat cell) proliferation by 50%. This may relate to the mechanism of action since HIV replication requires primary T-cell proliferation. Microarray analysis of VT1A-treated PBMCs indicated up regulation of 30 genes. Three of the top four were histone genes, suggesting HIV protection via reduced gene activation. VT blocked HDAC inhibitor enhancement of HIV infection, consistent with a histone-mediated mechanism. We speculate that VT1A may provide a benign approach to reduction of (X4 or R5) HIV cell susceptibility.
Effects of transection of the cranial arm of the medial glenohumeral ligament on shoulder stability in adult Beagles
Authors: Yamaguchi S. , Agnello K. A. , Muto M. , Fujita Y.
Published: December 2012

Objective: To assess the effects of arthroscopic transection of the cranial arm of the medial glenohumeral ligament on shoulder stability.

Animals: Six adult Beagles.

Procedures: After transection, the effects were compared with baseline values by orthopaedic and radiographic examinations, by synovial fluid analysis at two, four, and six weeks, and by arthroscopic evaluation at six weeks. The articular surfaces of the glenoid cavity and humeral head were evaluated radiographically and arthroscopically for evidence of arthritis, and five intra-articular regions were examined arthroscopically for villus reactions and vascularisation.

Results: According to orthopaedic examinations (including measurement of the abduction angle), radiography, and synovial fluid analyses, there were no abnormal findings. Arthroscopically, the articular surfaces of the glenoid cavity and humeral head showed no signs of degeneration, but the craniomedial and caudal joint capsules had significant villus reactions and the subscapularis tendon and medial glenohumeral ligament had significant vascularisation. The biceps tendon was unchanged.

Conclusions: Transection of the cranial arm of the medial glenohumeral ligament in normal Beagles did not appear to affect shoulder stability. However, villus reactions and vascularisation in the medial compartment suggest that damage to the medial glenohumeral ligament may trigger a process in which inflammation can lead to enzymatic breakdown of cartilage. Exacerbated by weight bearing and repetitive motion, this may result in shoulder instability over time.
« Déclinaisons » de l'imaginaire urbain de l' upper-middle class de Lima (Pérou). Un aperçu depuis les pratiques culturelles
Authors: Matta Raúl
Published: December 2012

Résumé La recomposition des classes sociales est en train de changer profondément le rapport à la ville des Liméniens. Dans ce processus, les pratiques culturelles de l’upper-middle class attirent une attention particulière, car elles reflètent fidèlement les aspirations matérielles et culturelles de cette population, très éloignées de celles d’une classe moyenne dite traditionnelle, ayant subi les transformations socio-économiques des deux dernières décennies, et d’une classe dite émergente, aux origines andines. La scène de musiques électroniques et les pratiques gastronomiques constituent des entrées intéressantes pour étudier cette fraction de classe, dans la mesure où elles permettent de comprendre comment les lieux qu’elles délimitent et les comportements dont elles sont le cadre sont en lien avec les mécanismes de construction, de délimitation et d’identification du groupe social en question.
Démographie de la famine de 1958 à 1961 en Chine : une nouvelle analyse
Authors: Zhao Zhongwei , Reimondos Anna
Published: December 2012

Résumé Une des plus grandes famines de l’histoire de l’humanité a eu lieu en Chine il y a cinquante ans, provoquant un nombre énorme de décès dans plusieurs régions entre 1958 et 1961. Bien que les causes, l’importance et les impacts de la catastrophe aient été progressivement analysés dans les dernières décennies, de nombreuses questions méritent encore d’être examinées. L’article vise à enrichir notre connaissance de la démographie de la grande famine en Chine, notamment les conséquences de la famine et les réponses démographiques de la part des individus, dans six des provinces les plus sévèrement touchées. L’analyse se fonde sur les données recueillies par les enquêtes nationales de fécondité en 1982 et 1988 ; elle porte sur les variations de la nuptialité, de la mortalité, de la fécondité et du déroulement des grossesses pendant la famine. L’impact a été significatif sur la population chinoise : la mortalité a considérablement augmenté, la nuptialité et la fécondité ont reculé. Les disparités ont été importantes, tant entre villes et campagnes dans les conséquences démographiques de la famine, qu’entre les individus des divers groupes sociaux et démographiques dans leurs réponses à la catastrophe. Ces résultats améliorent sensiblement notre compréhension des comportements démographiques des populations du passé.
Training of Microcontrollers Using Remote Experiments
Authors: Dziabenko Olga , Rojko Andreja , Angulo Ignacio , Garcia Zubia Javier , Orduña Pablo
Published: December 2012

Nowadays lifelong education is a necessity for all professionals from electro-mechanical industry. Creating of industrial training that delivers up-to-date knowledge with user friendly educational methods requests a close cooperation of industry and educational institutions. This paper presents results of project E-Learning and Practical Training of Mechatronics and Alternative Technologies in Industrial Community (E-PRAGMATIC) for 7 European countries. The need analysis and developed training will be described. The three courses: (a) Introduction to Microcontroller, (b) 8-bit Microcontrollers Advanced Course, (c) Low-cost platform to provide LAN / WAN connectivity for embedded systems, developed by University of Deusto, will be provided in case study format.
A Hybrid Design Approach for Data Acquisition and Real Time Control of a Universal Motor Test Bench
Authors: Gadzhanov Stamen , Nafalski Andrew , Nedic Zorica
Published: December 2012

The recent advances in technology have led to the development of a number of laboratories for motion control throughout the world. The increased Internet bandwidth allowed many of them to be used remotely by distant users. The benefit of using a motorised linear stage in the laboratory test bench is that it represents various industrial applications for precise position control. This paper presents a novel comprehensive flexible motion platform that can be a base for remote experimentations with Brushless DC (BLDC)/Permanent Magnet Synchronous motors (PMSM) and drives, single/multiple axes flexible mechanical systems with friction/backlash uncertainties, inverted pendulums, etc. A LabVIEW software environment has been utilised to gain from the advantages of the virtual instrumentation representation and data acquisition capabilities.
Enhancing Nursing Education with Remote Access Laboratories
Authors: Bowtell Leslie Alan , Moloney Clinton , Kist Alexander A , Parker Victoria , Maxwell Andrew , Reedy Natasha
Published: December 2012

Abstractâ??Given the vast coverage area and dispersed population centres in which nursing professionals practice in Australia, Remote Access Laboratory (RAL) based learning activities would seem to be an ideal match. However while they are commonplace in engineering faculties; in other disciplines such activities are not widely used. This may well be due to the intricacies of these practicals not being as straightforward and readily reproducible as typical physics or science experiments.

In our chosen case, the safe practice of intravenous pump driver operations and related clinical reasoning skills are important components for the training of both registered nurses and nursing students. The aim of this research project is to develop and trial remote access technologies that enable nursing students to test their knowledge, skills, and clinical reasoning with intravenous infusion pump drivers. This has been possible by extending the concept of RAL from a physical and tangible experiment, to more conceptual experimentation in any form conducted remotely. In such a context clinical reasoning becomes possible.

This paper discusses a prototype system that has been built with collaborative input from the Faculty of Engineering and Surveying and the Department of Nursing and Midwifery. An initial evaluation with a group of nursing students has been completed to assess if such activities can assist with the training of student nurses. Previous work has identified the need to scaffold learning activities that rely on RAL technology; the key conclusion in this paper is that in the context of nursing this has to be taken a step further. RAL activities here require contextualisation to become an effective learning tool.
VITAL SIGNS REMOTE MONITORING AND ANALYSIS: SEAMLESS INTEGRATION WITH A SMART PHONE
Authors: Alqudah Yazan A.
Published: December 2012

The ubiquity of broadband wireless coverage and widespread usage of smart phones around the world carry a potential for transforming health care services, reducing health care cost, and ensuring faster care for urgent cases. To these objectives, we present a mobile-based health monitoring solution that takes advantage of the mobile's increasing processing capability to address the rising cost of health care. The solution enables health care providers to easily analyze and diagnose a patient's data. This is possible due to the low cost in integrating a powerful data analysis tool with the mobile device. This paper presents a proof of concept that has been developed to monitor, record, and analyze the heart rate. The design enables a physician to develop custom analysis and monitoring to collect key indicators or set alerts without a need for infrastructure implementations to store or transfer the data.
Prohibitins and the Cytoplasmic Domain of CD86 Cooperate To Mediate CD86 Signaling in B Lymphocytes
Authors: Lucas Christopher R. , Cordero-Nieves Hector M. , Erbe Robert S. , McAlees Jaclyn W. , Bhatia Sumeena , Hodes Richard J. , Campbell Kerry S. , Sanders Virginia M.
Published: December 2012

CD86 engagement on a CD40L/IL-4–primed murine B cell activates signaling intermediates that promote NF-κB activation to increase Oct-2 and mature IgG1 mRNA and protein expression, as well as the rate of IgG1 transcription, without affecting class switch recombination. One of the most proximal signaling intermediates identified is phospholipase Cγ2, a protein reported to bind tyrosine residues, which are absent in the cytoplasmic domain of CD86. Using a proteomics-based identification approach, we show that the tyrosine-containing transmembrane adaptor proteins prohibitin (Phb)1 and Phb2 bind to CD86. The basal expression of Phb1/2 and association with CD86 was low in resting B cells, whereas the level of expression and association increased primarily after priming with CD40. The CD86-induced increase in Oct-2 and IgG1 was less when either Phb1/2 expression was reduced by short hairpin RNA or the cytoplasmic domain of CD86 was truncated or mutated at serine/threonine protein kinase C phosphorylation sites, which did not affect Phb1/2 binding to CD86. Using this approach, we also show that Phb1/2 and the CD86 cytoplasmic domain are required for the CD86-induced phosphorylation of IκBα, which we previously reported leads to NF-κB p50/p65 activation, whereas only Phb1/2 was required for the CD86-induced phosphorylation of phospholipase Cγ2 and protein kinase Cα/βII, which we have previously reported leads to NF-κB (p65) phosphorylation and subsequent nuclear translocation. Taken together, these findings suggest that Phb1/2 and the CD86 cytoplasmic domain cooperate to mediate CD86 signaling in a B cell through differential phosphorylation of distal signaling intermediates required to increase IgG1.
Ascorbate in Aqueous Humor Augments Nitric Oxide Production by Macrophages
Authors: McKenna Kyle C. , Beatty Kelly M. , Scherder Rebecca C. , Li Fuwang , Liu Huanbo , Chen Alex F. , Ghosh Arnab , Stuehr Dennis J.
Published: December 2012

Immunosuppressive molecules within the aqueous humor (AqH) are thought to preserve ocular immune privilege by inhibiting proinflammatory NO production by macrophages (Mϕs). Consistent with previous observations, we observed that although Mϕs stimulated in the presence of AqH expressed NO synthase 2 (NOS2) protein, nitrite concentrations in culture supernatants, an indirect measure of NO production, did not increase. Interestingly, NOS2 enzymatic activity, as measured by the conversion of l-arginine (l-Arg) into l-citrulline, was augmented in lysates of Mϕs stimulated in the presence of AqH. These data suggested that intracellular l-Arg may have been limited by AqH. However, we observed increased mRNA expression of the l-Arg transporter, cationic amino acid transporter 2B, and increased l-Arg uptake in Mϕs stimulated in the presence of AqH. Arginases were expressed by stimulated Mϕs, but competition for l-Arg with NOS2 was excluded. Expression of GTP cyclohydrolase, which produces tetrahydrobiopterin (H4B), an essential cofactor for NOS2 homodimerization, increased after Mϕ stimulation in the presence or absence of AqH and NOS2 homodimers formed. Taken together, these data provided no evidence for inhibited NOS2 enzymatic activity by AqH, suggesting that a factor within AqH may have interfered with the measurement of nitrite. Indeed, we observed that nitrite standards were not measurable in the presence of AqH, and this effect was due to ascorbate in AqH. Controlling for interference by ascorbate revealed that AqH augmented NO production in Mϕs via ascorbate, which limited degradation of H4B. Therefore, AqH may augment NO production in macrophages by stabilizing H4B and increasing intracellular l-Arg.
Cutaneous Tumors Cease CXCL9/Mig Production as a Result of IFN-γ–Mediated Immunoediting
Authors: Petro Marianne , Kish Danielle , Guryanova Olga A. , Ilyinskaya Galina , Kondratova Anna , Fairchild Robert L. , Gorbachev Anton V.
Published: December 2012

During growth in the host, tumor cells are subjected to the stresses of innate and adaptive immunity (immunoediting), which provoke epigenetic changes in the tumor and increase tumor resistance to these immune responses. Our recent studies in methylcholanthrene-induced fibrosarcomas have indicated the appearance and rapid growth of tumor variants deficient in producing the T cell chemoattractant chemokine CXCL9/Mig, an important component of antitumor immunity. In the current report, we demonstrate that highly tumorigenic Mig-deficient tumor variants arise in both cutaneous fibrosarcoma and melanoma as a result of immune stress imposed by IFN-γ and T cells. The consequence of the loss of tumor-derived Mig expression is the increased resistance of Mig-deficient tumors to T cell-mediated immunity, which promotes the accelerated growth of these tumor variants. Remarkably, the ability of Mig-deficient tumor cells to express another CXCR3 ligand, CXCL10/IFN-γ–inducible protein, does not compensate for the absent antitumor functions of Mig, suggesting a nonredundant role for this chemokine in the suppression of tumor growth. To our knowledge, these studies report for the first time that IFN-γ–mediated stress leads to the loss of specific chemokine expression by tumor cells, which in turn promotes tumor growth and evasion of the immune response.
Geological evidence of tsunamis and earthquakes at the Eastern Hellenic Arc: correlation with historical seismicity in the eastern Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Papadopoulos Gerassimos , Minoura Koji , Imamura Fumihiko , Kuran Ugur , Yalçiner Ahmet , Fokaefs Anna , Takahashi Tomoyuki
Published: December 2012

Sedimentary stratigraphy determined by trenching in Dalaman, south-western Turkey, revealed three sand layers at a distance of approximately 240 m from the shoreline and at elevations of +0.30, +0.55 and +0.90 cm. Storm surge action does not explain the features of these deposits that show instead typical characteristics of tsunami deposition. The sand layers correlate with historical tsunamis generated by large earthquakes which ruptured the eastern Hellenic Arc and Trench in 1303, 1481 and 1741. Accelerator mass spectrometry 14C dating of a wood sample from layer II indicated deposition in AD 1473±46, which fits the 1481 event. From an estimated average alluvium deposition rate of approximately 0.13 cm/year, layers I and III were dated at 1322 and 1724, which may represent the large 1303 and 1741 tsunamis. The geological record of the 1303 key event is very poor; therefore, sand layer I perhaps represents an important geological signature of the 1303 tsunami. However, the strong tsunami reported to have been generated by the 1609 earthquake is missing from Dalaman stratigraphy: this underlines the sensitivity of tsunami geological signatures to various local factors. The 1303 earthquake ruptured the trench between the islands of Crete and Rhodes. For the earthquakes of 1481, 1609 and 1741 we suggested that they were very likely generated in the Rhodes Abyssal Plain where sea depths of up to approximately 4200 m, together with the thrust component of seismotectonics, favor tsunami generation. Sand dykes directed upwards from layer I to layer II indicated that the 1481 earthquake triggered liquefaction of sand layer I. The results substantially widen our knowledge about the historical earthquake and tsunami activity in the eastern Mediterranean basin.
Nie-egte vrae in 1 Korintiërs 5–6
Authors: Snyman Andreas H.
Published: December 2012

In tradisionele grammatikas en kommentare word gewoonlik net onderskei tussen egte en retoriese vrae. In hierdie artikel word nie-egte vrae geklassifiseer aan die hand van ’n model wat ontwikkel is uit die taalhandelingsteorie. In plaas van alle nie-egte vrae as retoriese vrae te beskou (soos die meeste kommentators doen), maak die model voorsiening vir ses hoof- en verskeie subkategorieë van nie-egte vrae. Die model word kortliks opgesom, gevolg deur ’n sistematiese ondersoek van al die vrae in 1 Korintiërs 5–6. Die slotsom is dat die voorgestelde model nuttig is vir die onderskeiding van verskillende soorte nie-egte vrae binne ’n wetenskaplike raamwerk en vir die bepaling van hulle kommunikatiewe funksies. Op dié wyse word ’n bydrae gelewer tot die vertaling en eksegese van die betrokke gedeeltes. Die model behoort navorsing oor die rol van nie-egte vrae in al Paulus se briewe te stimuleer.Non-real questions in 1 Corinthians 5–6. In this article, questions previously distinguished in traditional grammars and commentaries as mainly real or rhetorical, are classified in terms of a model developed from speech act theory. Instead of classifying all non-real questions as rhetorical questions (as commentators tend to do), the model makes provision for six main and various sub-categories of non-real questions. The model is briefly summarised, followed by a systematic investigation of all the questions in 1 Corinthians 5–6. The conclusion is that the proposed model is useful for distinguishing various types of non-real questions within a scientific framework and for determining their communicative functions, thereby contributing to the translation and exegesis of the passages involved. The model could stimulate research on the role of non-real questions in all Paul’s letters.
Patient Reported Experience Measures (PREMs) in chronic heart failure
Authors: Lagha E , Noble A , Smith A , Denvir MA , Leslie SJ
Published: December 2012

Background: Patient Reported Experience Measures (PREMs) is an essential tool for assessing the quality of chronic disease management. The optimal method for delivering a PREMs survey however is unknown. This study reports two methods for assessing PREMs in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).

Methods: A bespoke online and postal survey delivered to community-based CHF patients in Scotland.

Results: A total of 121 patients (73 postal and 48 online) completed the survey. The online cohort were younger, had less contact with a CHF nurse, were more likely to see a CHF doctor and seemed less satisfied with the quality of clinical services. The postal cohort returned fewer negative comments (20 [27.4%] vs 28 [58.3%]; p<0.0001). Several recurring themes were identified.

Conclusions: There are differences in participation rates and responses between postal and online surveys; the accuracy of the feedback gathered using these methods is therefore difficult to determine. Clinicians should consider offering a range of options to enable patients to reflect and ‘voice’ their opinions regarding clinical services.
Langerhans cell histiocytosis: a multisystem disorder
Authors: Munir A , Leech N , Windebank KP , McLelland J , Jones GL , Mitra D , Jenkins A , Quinton R
Published: December 2012

Langerhans cell histiocytosis can involve single or multiple organ/tissue systems and may go undiagnosed for years until it enters the clinician’s differential diagnosis framework. We report on a young patient who initially presented with diabetes insipidus and subsequently with pyrexia of unknown origin. She progressed from single system Langerhans cell histiocytosis to multisystem involvement and remains in long-term remission following chemotherapy.
A rare case of chronic benign tracheo-oesophageal fistula, with Candida albicans cultured from a pleural effusion
Authors: Stride P , Stare M , Kelly L , Horvath R , Wood T , Alexander C
Published: December 2012

We present a case of chronic benign tracheo-oesophageal fistula in an immunologically competent elderly female, cured with a period of nasogastric feeding.
Criação ou destruição de valor na perspectiva do EVA® no ranking das maiores empresas da Revista Exame
Authors: Meneses Anelise Florencio de , Cunha Larissa Teixeira da , De Luca Márcia Martins Mendes , Holanda Allan Pinheiro
Published: December 2012

Objetivou-se verificar o comportamento das maiores empresas brasileiras em vendas, com atuação nas regiões Norte/Nordeste, Centro-Oeste, Sudeste e Sul, listadas na revista Exame Melhores e Maiores, a partir da perspectiva de criação ou destruição de valor doEVA®. Analisaram-se 316 empresas com o auxílio da estatística descritiva e da Análise de Correspondência para verificar a associação entre as empresas que mais criam valor (EVA®) e as regiões brasileiras e os setores de atuação. Constatou-se que 217 empresas criaram valor enquanto 99 destruíram valor. Os resultados dos testes apontaram que a região Centro-Oeste e os setoresatacado e varejo estão associados a uma alta criação de valor, não confirmando a primeira e a segunda hipóteses de pesquisa. Os resultados apontaram ainda que apenas 5 empresas mantiveram-se nas mesmas posições ao se comparar o ranking da revista Examecom aquele elaborado pela perspectiva EVA®, não se confirmando a terceira hipótese de pesquisa.