bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impaired Left Ventricular Apical Rotation is Associated with Disease Activity of Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Shang Qing , Tam Lai-Shan , Sanderson John E. , Lee Alex Pui-Wai , Li Edmund Kwok-Ming , Yu Cheuk-Man
Published: March 2014

Objective.

Although early cardiovascular (CV) involvement has been found in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), few studies have related this to PsA disease activity. The aim of our study was to evaluate left ventricular (LV) mechanics using novel, more sensitive techniques based on assessment of LV rotation for the detection of impaired LV function in patients with PsA correlated with disease-related risk factors.

Methods.

Seventy-six patients with PsA and 24 healthy control subjects were enrolled, including 33 patients without any CV risk factors. All participants underwent conventional echocardiography and 2-dimensional speckle tracking imaging. Global longitudinal, apical circumferential, and radial strain, and apical rotation and maximal untwisting rate during early diastole were measured.

Results.

Although patients with PsA had normal LV ejection fraction, the myocardial deformation in multidimensional planes was impaired. Based on the cutoff point derived from the apical rotation of control subjects, 81% of the patients had subclinical systolic and/or diastolic dysfunction. Similar prevalence was found in patients without CV risk factors. Spearman correlation demonstrated a relationship between Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (r = 0.299, p = 0.011), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (r = 0.309, p = 0.008), and impaired apical rotation, even after adjusting for age and hypertension. No correlation was found between longitudinal, radial, and circumferential strain and disease activity.

Conclusion.

Subclinical impaired myocardial deformation was common in patients with PsA even without CV risk factors. Apical rotation was associated with the status of PsA disease activity. These new speckle tracking echocardiography techniques can detect subclinical myocardial involvement in PsA.
Abatacept Reduces Levels of Switched Memory B Cells, Autoantibodies, and Immunoglobulins in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Scarsi Mirko , Paolini Lucia , Ricotta Doris , Pedrini Antonio , Piantoni Silvia , Caimi Luigi , Tincani Angela , Airò Paolo
Published: March 2014

Objective.

Abatacept (ABA) is a chimeric molecule, able to block the CD28-mediated costimulatory pathway. To evaluate the hypothesis that, through this mechanism of action, ABA may down-modulate the immune responses of B lymphocytes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), we investigated the serum levels of immunoglobulins (Ig), free light chains (FLC), anticitrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA), and rheumatoid factor (RF), as well as the number of B lymphocytes differentiated into post-switch memory cells in patients treated with ABA.

Methods.

The serum levels of Ig, FLC, different ACPA, RF isotypes, and the B cell phenotype were longitudinally evaluated in 30 patients with RA treated with ABA.

Results.

At baseline, the proportion of total and post-switch memory B cells was lower in RA than in healthy individuals. After 6 months of ABA treatment we observed significant reductions of serum levels of IgG, IgA, and IgM, as well as FLC, with a normalization in many patients who had initially abnormal values. A significant reduction of the titers of IgG- and IgA-ACPA, as well as of IgM-, IgA-, and IgG-RF was also observed. A decrease of autoantibodies below the upper limits of normal values was found in 2 of 26 patients (8%) initially seropositive for IgG-ACPA, 1 of 14 (7%) for IgA-ACPA, 5 of 22 (23%) for IgM-RF, 7 of 22 (30%) for IgA-RF, and 5 of 16 (31%) for IgG-RF. After treatment, the proportion of circulating post-switch memory B cells was also further significantly decreased.

Conclusion.

ABA treatment in patients with RA can reduce signs of polyclonal B cell activation, inducing a trend toward normalization of serum levels of different classes of Ig and of FLC, decreasing titers of ACPA and RF, and percentages of post-switch memory B cells.
Can We Decide Which Outcomes Should Be Measured in Every Clinical Trial? A Scoping Review of the Existing Conceptual Frameworks and Processes to Develop Core Outcome Sets
Authors: Idzerda Leanne , Rader Tamara , Tugwell Peter , Boers Maarten
Published: March 2014

Objective.

The usefulness of randomized control trials to advance clinical care depends upon the outcomes reported, but disagreement on the choice of outcome measures has resulted in inconsistency and the potential for reporting bias. One solution to this problem is the development of a core outcome set: a minimum set of outcome measures deemed critical for clinical decision making. Within rheumatology the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) initiative has pioneered the development of core outcome sets since 1992. As the number of diseases addressed by OMERACT has increased and its experience in formulating core sets has grown, clarification and update of the conceptual framework and formulation of a more explicit process of area/domain core set development has become necessary. As part of the update process of the OMERACT Filter criteria to version 2, a literature review was undertaken to compare and contrast the OMERACT conceptual framework with others within and outside rheumatology.

Methods.

A scoping search was undertaken to examine the extent, range, and nature of conceptual frameworks for core set outcome selection in health. We searched the following resources: Cochrane Library Methods Group Register; Medline; Embase; PsycInfo; Environmental Studies and Policy Collection; and ABI/INFORM Global. We also conducted a targeted Google search.

Results.

Five conceptual frameworks were identified: the WHO tripartite definition of health; the 5 Ds (discomfort, disability, drug toxicity, dollar cost, and death); the International Classification of Functioning (ICF); PROMIS (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement System); and the Outcomes Hierarchy. Of these, only the 5 Ds and ICF frameworks have been systematically applied in core set development. Outside the area of rheumatology, several core sets were identified; these had been developed through a limited range of consensus-based methods with varying degrees of methodological rigor. None applied a framework to ensure content validity of the end product.

Conclusion.

This scoping review reinforced the need for clear methods and standards for core set development. Based on these findings, OMERACT will make its own conceptual framework and working process more explicit. Proposals for how to achieve this were discussed at the OMERACT 11 conference.
How to Choose Core Outcome Measurement Sets for Clinical Trials: OMERACT 11 Approves Filter 2.0
Authors: Boers Maarten , Kirwan John R. , Gossec Laure , Conaghan Philip G. , D’Agostino Maria-Antonietta , Bingham Clifton O. , Brooks Peter M. , Landewé Robert , March Lyn , Simon Lee , Singh Jasvinder A. , Strand Vibeke , Wells George A. , Tugwell Peter
Published: March 2014

Objective.

The Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) initiative works to develop core sets of outcome measures for trials and observational studies in rheumatology. At the OMERACT 11 meeting, substantial time was devoted to discussing a conceptual framework and a proposal for a more explicit working process to develop what we now propose to term core outcome measurement sets, collectively termed “OMERACT Filter 2.0.”

Methods.

Preconference work included a literature review, and discussion of preliminary proposals through face-to-face discussions and Internet-based surveys with people within and outside rheumatology. At the conference, 5 interactive sessions comprising plenary and small-group discussions reflected on the proposals from the viewpoint of previous and ongoing OMERACT work. These considerations were brought together in a final OMERACT presentation seeking consensus agreement for the Filter 2.0 framework.

Results.

After debate, clarification, and agreed alterations, the final proposal suggested all core sets should contain at least 1 measurement instrument from 3 Core Areas: Death, Life Impact, and Pathophysiological Manifestations, and preferably 1 from the area Resource Use. The process of core set development for a health condition starts by selecting core domains within the areas (“core domain set”). This requires literature searches, involvement (especially of patients), and at least 1 consensus process. Next, developers select at least 1 applicable measurement instrument for each core domain. Applicability refers to the original OMERACT Filter and means that the instrument must be truthful (face, content, and construct validity), discriminative (between situations of interest) and feasible (understandable and with acceptable time and monetary costs). Depending on the quality of the instruments, participants formulate either a preliminary or a final “core outcome measurement set.” At final vote, 96% of participants agreed “The proposed overall framework for Filter 2.0 is a suitable basis on which to elaborate a Filter 2.0 Handbook.”

Conclusion.

Within OMERACT, Filter 2.0 has made established working processes more explicit and includes a broadly endorsed conceptual framework for core outcome measurement set development.
STUDY OF PLAQUE VULNERABILITY IN CORONARY ARTERY USING MOONEY–RIVLIN MODEL: A COMBINATION OF FINITE ELEMENT AND EXPERIMENTAL METHOD
Authors: Karimi Alireza , Navidbakhsh Mahdi , Shojaei Ahmad , Hassani Kamran , Faghihi Shahab
Published: March 2014

Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque builds up inside arteries. It is also considered as one of the most serious and common forms of cardiovascular disease which can lead to heart attack and stroke. In the current research, finite element method is used to anticipate plaque vulnerability based on peak plaque stress using human samples. A total of 23 healthy and atherosclerotic human coronary arteries, including 14 healthy and 9 atherosclerotic are removed within 5 h postmortem. The samples are mounted on a uniaxial tensile test machine and the obtained mechanical properties are used in finite element models. The results, including the Mooney–Rivlin hyperelastic constants of the samples as well as peak plaque stresses, are computed. It is demonstrated that the atherosclerotic human coronary arteries have significantly (p < 0.05) higher stiffness compared to healthy ones. The hypocellular plaque, in addition, has the highest stress values compared to the cellular and calcified ones and, consequently, is so prone to rupture. The calcified plaque type, nevertheless, has the lowest stress values and, remains stable. The results of this study can be used in the plaque vulnerability prediction and could have clinical implications for interventions and surgeries, such as balloon angioplasty, bypass and stenting.
PREDICTING THE EQ-5D FROM THE PARKINSON'S DISEASE QUESTIONNAIRE PDQ-8 USING MULTI-DIMENSIONAL BAYESIAN NETWORK CLASSIFIERS
Authors: Borchani Hanen , Bielza Concha , Martinez-Martin Pablo , Larrañaga Pedro
Published: March 2014

The impact of the Parkinson's disease and its treatment on the patients' health-related quality of life can be estimated either by means of generic measures such as the european quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) or specific measures such as the 8-item Parkinson's disease questionnaire (PDQ-8). In clinical studies, PDQ-8 could be used in detriment of EQ-5D due to the lack of resources, time or clinical interest in generic measures. Nevertheless, PDQ-8 cannot be applied in cost-effectiveness analyses which require generic measures and quantitative utility scores, such as EQ-5D. To deal with this problem, a commonly used solution is the prediction of EQ-5D from PDQ-8. In this paper, we propose a new probabilistic method to predict EQ-5D from PDQ-8 using multi-dimensional Bayesian network classifiers. Our approach is evaluated using five-fold cross-validation experiments carried out on a Parkinson's data set containing 488 patients, and is compared with two additional Bayesian network-based approaches, two commonly used mapping methods namely, ordinary least squares and censored least absolute deviations, and a deterministic model. Experimental results are promising in terms of predictive performance as well as the identification of dependence relationships among EQ-5D and PDQ-8 items that the mapping approaches are unable to detect.
Using Authentic Case Studies to Teach Ethics Collaboratively to School Librarians in Distance Education
Authors: Farmer Lesley
Published: March 2014

This chapter explains how case studies can be used successfully in distance education to provide an authentic, interactive way to teach ethical behavior through critical analysis and decision-making while addressing ethical standards and theories. The creation and choice of case studies are key for optimum learning, and can reflect both the instructor’s and students’ knowledge base. The process for using this approach is explained, and examples are provided. As a result of such practice, students support each other as they come to a deeper, co-constructed understanding of ethical behavior, and they make more links between coursework and professional lives. The instructor reviews the students’ work to determine the degree of understanding and internalization of ethical concepts/applications, and to identify areas that need further instruction.
An Empirical Study to Identify the Factors Influencing the Customer Satisfaction of ATMs in India
Authors: Kumar R. Muthu , Varaprasad G. , Sridharan R. , Unnithan Anandakuttan B.
Published: March 2014

This exploratory study aims at identifying the influencing factors of customer satisfaction of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). From the literature review and experts’ suggestions, a research model has been developed which consists of six factors namely cash availability, transaction speed, long queue, perceived quality, ease of use and ease/certainty of fee payment. A newly designed questionnaire which was pre-tested on a group of customers has been used for data collection. The validated data have been analyzed using regression analysis to establish the relationship between the six independent factors and customer satisfaction. The results reveal that all the factors are found to influence the customer satisfaction and out of six, only long queue has negative effects as hypothesized. Cash availability and transaction speed are found to have a strong influence on customer satisfaction of ATMs.
Effect of Problem Based Learning (PBL) on Library Usage: a Study at Faculty of Health-Care Sciences, Eastern University of Sri Lanka
Authors: Santharooban S , Sathaananthan T
Published: March 2014

Researches show that the use of library in academic institutions is decreasing due to various reasons. One of the reasons for such decrease is that the less motivation towards further reading by traditional lecture based teaching and learning. This type of teaching-learning methods entirely drives away the self-motivated learning. Whenever the students are encouraged for the self-directed learning, the usage of library will increase and in turn, it paves the way for students to gain broader knowledge on a particular subject. In this context, Problem Based Learning (PBL) is such an approach, which encourages the self-motivated learning. PBL is a student driven process, through which the students set the pace thus the role of the teacher becomes one of the guide, facilitator and resource person. Most of the medical schools all over the world nowadays shifted their teaching learning program to PBL. The Faculty of Health-Care Sciences (FHCS) of Eastern University of Sri Lanka (EUSL) has also adopted the PBL approach. The present study investigated how the PBL have an impact on the use of library of Faculty of Health-Care Sciences. The library usage of students was recorded during PBL sessions and other academic sessions. The data obtained were analysed statistically using chi-squared test and student-t test. The results reveal that there is an association (p<0.05) between PBL session and increase in library usage and library usage significantly differs (p <0.05) between PBL session and other academic session. Further, results indicate that library usage has been increased significantly during the PBL session than other academic session. Journal of the University Librarians Association, Sri Lanka, Vol. 17, Issue 1, January 2013, Page 1-11 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/jula.v17i1.6641
Installation and Customization Experience of Metadata Harvester System: Case from University of Ruhuna
Authors: Fernando IDKL , Hettiarachchi N
Published: March 2014

University of Ruhuna is a thriving modern Sri Lankan university with strengths in both research and teaching. Library system of University of Ruhuna provides an enormous contribution to the university in order to provide access to scholarly information through journals (online and printed), books, e-repositories and other means. Library network of the university spend substantial amount of money for subscribing to printed and electronic journals annually. Access to paid scholarly literature is limited depending on the subscription type to the database or journal. There is a renewed trend of searching for open-access (OA) knowledge which break the price boundaries and provide better access to the current knowledge among academic community. Open access repositories provide searching and downloading of scholarly information materials for free of charge. Spending extra time on sorting and filtering of OA-materials by information seekers out of the search results obtained has been a major demerit of using OA knowledge. Finding and searching on different open access repositories separately is also been a difficult and time consuming task. A unified interface for searching on different OA repositories worldwide can facilitates readers by reducing the searching time and effort of different scholarly materials and OA repositories in the world. Harvester System of University of Ruhuna (HaSURu) deployed in order to fulfil the gap of a unified interface that can connect number of OA archives together and search over the internet for OA information. HaSURu keeps OA information of OAI-registered open-access archives worldwide. OAI is an organization that promotes the better dissemination of knowledge among researchers. There are 1944 OA repositories worldwide has registered under OAI as data providers. Present study aimed at acquiring all the OA repository information from OAI and provide access through a unified interface using OAI-PMH driven metadata harvester. This paper discusses the process of installing and customizing PKP OHS Harvester2 as OA information finder carried out at University of Ruhuna. All the Information seekers of Sri Lanka will find this new service as a better source of access to OA repositories worldwide for their future research work. Journal of the University Librarians Association, Sri Lanka, Vol. 17, Issue 1, January 2013, Page 12- 33 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/jula.v17i1.6642
Review of Web Presence of University Libraries of Sri Lanka
Authors: Wijayaratne Anusha
Published: March 2014

The paper discusses the findings of a study that analyze the content and design of university library websites of Sri Lanka and highlights the points that need to be addressed in order to enhance the quality of websites. Besides, this paper presents a simplified version of an evaluative instrument that was developed by the author. Websites of university libraries of Sri Lanka were assessed in terms of both quantitative and qualitative web presence. A 17-itemed evaluative instrument was used to measure the qualitative web presence. The rating of the websites was carried out during the first week of April 2013. Findings revealed that the quantitative web presence of Sri Lankan university libraries is at a quite commendable level. All 3 parameters - availability of websites, size of sites, location of the link to the library site in the parent institution’s website - that measured the quantitative web presence were found to be in high level. Besides, out of the two parameters - content richness and design accuracy – that measured qualitative web presence, the content richness level of websites was found to be at a commendable status. However, majority of websites reported low scores when measured in terms of design accuracy. The evaluative instrument presented in this paper would be useful for library professionals in evaluating the current status of the library websites for institutional or research purposes. The evaluative instrument presented in this paper is an original tool and the results generated based on the tool have added a new set of empirical data to the body of literature. Journal of the University Librarians Association, Sri Lanka, Vol. 17, Issue 1, January 2013, Page 34-57 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/jula.v17i1.6643
Preservation and Documentation of Intangible Cultural Heritage: the Strategic Role of the Library and Information Science Professionals in Sri Lanka
Authors: Navaneethakrishnan S
Published: March 2014

The purpose of this research is to shed light on an area of librarianship which is not often talked about in Sri Lankan context i.e. safeguarding and documentation of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). The objective of this research is to emphasize on the need of a contribution of library profession in the process of safeguarding and documentation of ICH and to identify the strategic role of the Library and Information Science (LIS) Professionals in this regard. Based on descriptive analysis of literatures and current responsibilities of LIS professionals in Sri Lanka, this study outlines the need of national awareness on this topic through the identified new roles of LIS professionals. This study further emphasizes on the contribution of the national scheme for safeguarding and documentation of ICH in Sri Lanka based on international recommendations with the continuous support of our Library Professionals and National Library of Sri Lanka. Journal of the University Librarians Association, Sri Lanka, Vol. 17, Issue 1, January 2013, Page 58-65 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/jula.v17i1.6644
Libraries in Sri Lanka in the Ancient Anuradhapura Period: a Historical Account (250 B.C. – 1017 A.D.)
Authors: Ranaweera RAAS , Ranasinghe Piyadasa
Published: March 2014

The origin of libraries in Sri Lanka is related to the introduction of Buddhism to the Island. Buddhism was formally introduced to Sri Lanka by Venerable Mahinda, in the third century B.C. during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa. The advent of Arahant Mahinda and Arahant Sangamimtha to the country during the ancient Anurādhapura era was considered as major landmark in history. The art of literary tradition and bibliographic activities properly began in the ancient Sri Lankan history with these two important events. Education also was enriched by the influence of Buddhism during the Anurādhapura period. There were three main learning centers for monks in ancient Sri Lanka namely the Mahavihara, the Abhayagiri and the Jetavana. It was quite possible that these religious and educational centers possess repositories of books or may be simply known as libraries. Recorded evidence available in the Mahawamsa and Culawamsa showed that there had been large numbers of monastic libraries in ancient Sri Lanka but it is difficult to find recorded evidence of these early types of libraries, except for the written facts available in early literature regarding their existence. Journal of the University Librarians Association, Sri Lanka, Vol. 17, Issue 1, January 2013, Page 66-75 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/jula.v17i1.6645
Beyond the Boundaries: Remote Access to Online Resources at the University of Moratuwa Library
Authors: Punchihewa CND , Kumara ADB , Kiriella KGAP
Published: March 2014

Though libraries have invested very high percentage of its annual budget to subscribe e-resources, limited attention was paid to ensure consistent and reliable access of those resources. Many library users access e-resources from outside of the University. Therefore many requests have been made to implement a remote access mechanism for e-resources. The objective of the study was to design a proper remote access mechanism to the users for accessing the e-resources provided by University of Moratuwa library. Publishers have provided access to eresources through Internet Protocol (IP) authentication and not by user identity (user ID) and password. This kind of access created many problems to the users specially for the postgraduate students who do not visit the University regularly as many users need to access e-resources from anywhere, anytime. Using the concept of proxy server, a joint project was conducted between the Center for Information Technology Services (CITeS), University of Moratuwa and the library to provide remote access. Existing Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) was used to authenticate the user access. This allowed remote user to obtain regular, secure access to library e-resources. Journal of the University Librarians Association, Sri Lanka, Vol. 17, Issue 2, January 2013, Page 76-87 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/jula.v17i2.6646
Citation Analysis of Masters Theses: as a Tool for Collection Development in Academic Libraries
Authors: Gunasekera Chamani
Published: March 2014

This study analyses the citations of Masters Theses on Sociology at the University of Peradeniya submitted from 1995 to 2012 to determine the format and age of materials used and most frequently cited journals. The citation analysis method was used as the data collection method and the citations were extracted from the title pages and reference lists of each of the theses. Data obtained from 12 masters theses were examined in June, 2013. The study found that 56% of cited items were monographs followed by 22% were journals, 8.5% were reports, 4% were web resources and 3.7% were conference proceedings. This is contrary with other citation analysis, which found that journals are the most frequently used format. The study also revealed that nine journal titles are the most frequently cited journals by sociology graduates. The study indicated that the average age of materials used was 10- 20 years. The findings and implications of the research for collection development have been discussed. This study could serve as a collection development tool that can be used as a model for the library to identify the primary sources for acquisitions and also as a guide for collection maintenance. Journal of the University Librarians Association, Sri Lanka, Vol. 17, Issue 2, January 2013, Page 88-103 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/jula.v17i2.6647
Introducing Bibliotherapy in Public Libraries of Jaffna district: an Exploratory Study
Authors: Arulanantham S , Navaneethakrishnan S
Published: March 2014

This study investigates the role of the public library sector of Jaffna district in Northern Sri Lanka towards providing bibliotherapy as a service to the waraffected people seeking help in solving their problems. Using Survey research method, collected data was analyzed to find out the awareness of the concept, acceptance of bibliotherapy as method of treatment, existence and suitability of bibliotherapy in public libraries and the attitude of the librarians to be a bibliotherapist. The study suggests the possibility of implementing bibliotherapy in public libraries of Jaffna district with the support of health authorities. Journal of the University Librarians Association, Sri Lanka, Vol. 17, Issue 2, January 2013, Page 104-118 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/jula.v17i2.6648
Enhancing Accuracy of a Search Output: a Conceptual Model for Information Retrieval
Authors: Wijewickrema PKCM , Ratnayake ARMM
Published: March 2014

Providing relevant information through the determination of priorities for a user request is important as it saves both labour and time of the inquirer as well as the information provider. Therefore, the development of information retrieval models to compute these priorities as numerical representations of their relevancies is becoming a major task of the modern information retrieval arena. This paper introduces a new model for information retrieval. This model appears as a vector multiplication of the distances among the terms in the query with the distances among the same terms in the document. Therefore, it determines the relevancies among the query and the documents by matching the distances between each two terms in the query with the distances between the same terms in each document of the corpus. Also this paper uses an example to show that the new model is able to distinctly identify two or more documents according to the given query which cannot be done by using the vector space model when the documents include same term frequencies and same number of total terms. Journal of the University Librarians Association, Sri Lanka, Vol. 17, Issue 2, January 2013, Page 119-135 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/jula.v17i2.6649
Evolution of the Bibliographic Control Systems and Genesis of the Concept ‘Documentation’: Contribution of Paul Otlet and Henry la Fontaine in 19th C.
Authors: Seneviratne Wathmanel
Published: March 2014

The paper covers a review of evidence existing for documentation systems followed in the pre Christian literary history and during the 19th C. A special attention was given to the evidence of a most comprehensive cataloguing system followed in the Alexandrian library ‘the pinakes’ which had a great impact to cataloguing, indexing and documentation tradition thereafter. Even though the concept ‘documentation’ was not introduced at that time during the 1st century to date, many attempts were made to capture the knowledge by scientists, priests, publishers and librarians especially after the printing technology was introduced in 16th C. A special attention was paid to the most versatile and systematic documentation system designed and carried out in 19th C by two visionaries, Paul Otlet and Henry la Fontaine who were creators of the concept ‘documentation’. Evidence for this effort still exists in a card based archive in Belgium and its vision and design is now identified by computer scientists as the base structure of the World Wide Web and the base architecture of modern computer networks and search engines. The article provides a brief review of the structure and history of the bibliographic repertory of 18 million index cards. Journal of the University Librarians Association, Sri Lanka, Vol. 17, Issue 2, January 2013, Page 136-162 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/jula.v17i2.6650
Protective Immunity and Defects in the Neonatal and Elderly Immune Response to Sepsis
Authors: Gentile Lori F. , Nacionales Dina C. , Lopez M. Cecilia , Vanzant Erin , Cuenca Angela , Cuenca Alex G. , Ungaro Ricardo , Szpila Ben E. , Larson Shawn , Joseph Anna , Moore Frederick A. , Leeuwenburgh Christiaan , Baker Henry V. , Moldawer Lyle L. , Efron Philip A.
Published: March 2014

Populations encompassing extremes of age, including neonates and elderly, have greater mortality from sepsis. We propose that the increased mortality observed in the neonatal and elderly populations after sepsis is due to fundamental differences in host-protective immunity and is manifested at the level of the leukocyte transcriptome. Neonatal (5–7 d), young adult (6–12 wk), or elderly (20–24 mo) mice underwent a cecal slurry model of intra-abdominal sepsis. Both neonatal and elderly mice exhibited significantly greater mortality to sepsis (p < 0.05). Neonates in particular exhibited significant attenuation of their inflammatory response (p < 0.05), as well as reductions in cell recruitment and reactive oxygen species production (both p < 0.05), all of which could be confirmed at the level of the leukocyte transcriptome. In contrast, elderly mice were also more susceptible to abdominal peritonitis, but this was associated with no significant differences in the magnitude of the inflammatory response, reduced bacterial killing (p < 0.05), reduced early myeloid cell activation (p < 0.05), and a persistent inflammatory response that failed to resolve. Interestingly, elderly mice expressed a persistent inflammatory and immunosuppressive response at the level of the leukocyte transcriptome, with failure to return to baseline by 3 d. This study reveals that neonatal and elderly mice have profoundly different responses to sepsis that are manifested at the level of their circulating leukocyte transcriptome, although the net result of increased mortality is similar. Considering these differences are fundamental aspects of the genomic response to sepsis, interventional therapies will require individualization based on the age of the population.
Aspergillus and Fusarium Corneal Infections Are Regulated by Th17 Cells and IL-17–Producing Neutrophils
Authors: Taylor Patricia R. , Leal Sixto M. , Sun Yan , Pearlman Eric
Published: March 2014

Fusarium and Aspergillus species of mold are major causes of corneal infections in the United States and worldwide, resulting in severe visual impairment and blindness. As there is evidence for T cell responses to these pathogenic fungi in infected individuals, we examined the role of IL-17A (IL-17) and IFN-γ in murine models of fungal keratitis. We found that C57BL/6 mice given intratracheal or s.c. immunization of conidia prior to corneal infection exhibited enhanced fungal killing and lower corneal opacity compared with unimmunized mice. Protective immunity was associated with temporal recruitment of IL-17–producing neutrophils and Th17 and Th1 cells and dependent on production of IL-17 but not IFN-γ. Protection was also impaired in neutrophil-depleted and Rag2−/− mice. Together, the results of these studies identify an essential role for IL-17–producing neutrophils and Th17 cells in regulating the growth of fungal hyphae and the severity of corneal disease.
Oxypurinol Directly and Immediately Activates the Drug-Specific T Cells via the Preferential Use of HLA-B*58:01
Authors: Yun James , Marcaida Maria J. , Eriksson Klara K. , Jamin Heidi , Fontana Stefano , Pichler Werner J. , Yerly Daniel
Published: March 2014

Allopurinol (ALP) hypersensitivity is a major cause of severe cutaneous adverse reactions and is strongly associated with the HLA-B*58:01 allele. However, it can occur in the absence of this allele with identical clinical manifestations. The immune mechanism of ALP-induced severe cutaneous adverse reactions is poorly understood, and the T cell–reactivity pattern in patients with or without the HLA-B*58:01 allele is not known. To understand the interactions among the drug, HLA, and TCR, we generated T cell lines that react to ALP or its metabolite oxypurinol (OXP) from HLA-B*58:01+ and HLA-B*58:01− donors and assessed their reactivity. ALP/OXP-specific T cells reacted immediately to the addition of the drugs and bypassed intracellular Ag processing, which is consistent with the “pharmacological interaction with immune receptors” (p-i) concept. This direct activation occurred regardless of HLA-B*58:01 status. Although most OXP-specific T cells from HLA-B*58:01+ donors were restricted by the HLA-B*58:01 molecule for drug recognition, ALP-specific T cells also were restricted to other MHC class I molecules. This can be explained by in silico docking data that suggest that OXP binds to the peptide-binding groove of HLA-B*58:01 with higher affinity. The ensuing T cell responses elicited by ALP or OXP were not limited to particular TCR Vβ repertoires. We conclude that the drug-specific T cells are activated by OXP bound to HLA-B*58:01 through the p-i mechanism.
NOD2 Regulates CXCR3-Dependent CD8+ T Cell Accumulation in Intestinal Tissues with Acute Injury
Authors: Wu Xingxin , Lahiri Amit , Haines G. Kenneth , Flavell Richard A. , Abraham Clara
Published: March 2014

Polymorphisms in NOD2 confer risk for Crohn’s disease, characterized by intestinal inflammation. How NOD2 regulates both inflammatory and regulatory intestinal T cells, which are critical to intestinal immune homeostasis, is not well understood. Anti-CD3 mAb administration is used as therapy in human autoimmune diseases, as well as a model of transient intestinal injury. The stages of T cell activation, intestinal injury, and subsequent T tolerance are dependent on migration of T cells into the small intestinal (SI) lamina propria. Upon anti-CD3 mAb treatment of mice, we found that NOD2 was required for optimal small intestinal IL-10 production, in particular from CD8+ T cells. This requirement was associated with a critical role for NOD2 in SI CD8+ T cell accumulation and induction of the CXCR3 ligands CXCL9 and CXCL10, which regulate T cell migration. NOD2 was required in both the hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic compartments for optimal expression of CXCR3 ligands in intestinal tissues. NOD2 synergized with IFN-γ to induce CXCL9 and CXCL10 secretion in dendritic cells, macrophages, and intestinal stromal cells in vitro. Consistent with the in vitro studies, during anti-CD3 mAb treatment in vivo, CXCR3 blockade, CD8+ T cell depletion, or IFN-γ neutralization each inhibited SI CD8+ T cell recruitment, and reduced chemokine expression and IL-10 expression. Thus, NOD2 synergizes with IFN-γ to promote CXCL9 and CXCL10 expression, thereby amplifying CXCR3-dependent SI CD8+ T cell migration during T cell activation, which, in turn, contributes to induction of both inflammatory and regulatory T cell outcomes in the intestinal environment.
The Degree of CD4+ T Cell Autoreactivity Determines Cellular Pathways Underlying Inflammatory Arthritis
Authors: Perng Olivia A. , Aitken Malinda , Rankin Andrew L. , Garcia Victoria , Kropf Elizabeth , Erikson Jan , Garlick David S. , Caton Andrew J.
Published: March 2014

Although therapies targeting distinct cellular pathways (e.g., anticytokine versus anti–B cell therapy) have been found to be an effective strategy for at least some patients with inflammatory arthritis, the mechanisms that determine which pathways promote arthritis development are poorly understood. We have used a transgenic mouse model to examine how variations in the CD4+ T cell response to a surrogate self-peptide can affect the cellular pathways that are required for arthritis development. CD4+ T cells that are highly reactive with the self-peptide induce inflammatory arthritis that affects male and female mice equally. Arthritis develops by a B cell–independent mechanism, although it can be suppressed by an anti-TNF treatment, which prevented the accumulation of effector CD4+ Th17 cells in the joints of treated mice. By contrast, arthritis develops with a significant female bias in the context of a more weakly autoreactive CD4+ T cell response, and B cells play a prominent role in disease pathogenesis. In this setting of lower CD4+ T cell autoreactivity, B cells promote the formation of autoreactive CD4+ effector T cells (including Th17 cells), and IL-17 is required for arthritis development. These studies show that the degree of CD4+ T cell reactivity for a self-peptide can play a prominent role in determining whether distinct cellular pathways can be targeted to prevent the development of inflammatory arthritis.
Design and Application of a Novel Virtual Reality Navigational Technology (VRNChair)
Authors: Byagowi Ahmad , Mohaddes Danyal , Moussavi Zahra
Published: March 2014

This paper presents a novel virtual reality navigation (VRN) input device, called the VRNChair, offering an intuitive and natural way to interact with virtual reality (VR) environments. Traditionally, VR navigation tests are performed using stationary input devices such as keyboards or joysticks. However, in case of immersive VR environment experiments, such as our recent VRN assessment, the user may feel kinetosis (motion sickness) as a result of the disagreement between vestibular response and the optical flow. In addition, experience in using a joystick or any of the existing computer input devices may cause a bias in the accuracy of participant performance in VR environment experiments. Therefore, we have designed a VR navigational environment that is operated using a wheelchair (VRNChair). The VRNChair translates the movement of a manual wheelchair to feed any VR environment. We evaluated the VRNChair by testing on 34 young individuals in two groups performing the same navigational task with either the VRNChair or a joystick; also one older individual (55 years) performed the same experiment with both a joystick and the VRNChair. The results indicate that the VRNChair does not change the accuracy of the performance; thus removing the plausible bias of having experience using a joystick. More importantly, it significantly reduces the effect of kinetosis. While we developed VRNChair for our spatial cognition study, its application can be in many other studies involving neuroscience, neurorehabilitation, physiotherapy, and/or simply the gaming industry.
Comparison of harvest and export surveys of Canadian malting barley quality
Authors: MacLeod Aaron L. , Langrell Dennis E. , Edney Michael J.
Published: March 2014

MacLeod, A. L., Langrell, D. E. and Edney, M. J. 2014. Comparison of harvest and export surveys of Canadian malting barley quality. Can. J. Plant Sci. 94: 587–592. The Canadian Grain Commission conducts an annual harvest survey to determine the quality of each year's malting barley crop. Throughout the year, quality testing is also performed on export shipments of malting barley as part of a quality monitoring program. The testing protocol includes barley quality parameters as well as micro-malting and malt quality analysis. In this study, results from the two surveys were compared over an 11-yr period. Overall, the harvest survey was a reliable predictor of the quality of barley exports. Barley quality was more closely correlated between the two surveys than malt quality. Several factors were identified which contributed to differences between the two survey programs.
Lawn and Garden//Pulp Paper
Authors: Ilaria Daniel R. , Wells Matthew , Ilaria Daniel R.
Published: March 2014

Students analyze items from the media to answer mathematical questions related to the article. This month's problems involve reading slopes from graphs, finding average rates of change, and interpreting linear graphs.
Complicate This!
Authors: Winiarz Kevin D.
Published: March 2014

What is the difference between simplifying and solving?
Three-stranded antiviral attack
Authors: Patel Jenish R , García-Sastre Adolfo
Published: March 2014

Mitochondrial antiviral signalling proteins form an intricate three-stranded helical filament that has a central role in the response of cells to viruses.
A twist in the tail
Authors: Guillemin Karen , Rolig Annah S
Published: March 2014

Lipopolysaccharide molecules released by the bacteria Vibrio fischeri when it rotates its flagella prompts its host, the Hawaiian bobtail squid, to prepare for its arrival.
What and Why Understanding in Autism Spectrum Disorders and Williams Syndrome: Similarities and Differences
Authors: Sparaci Laura , Stefanini Silvia , D'Elia Lidia , Vicari Stefano , Rizzolatti Giacomo
Published: March 2014

Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and children with Williams syndrome (WS) show divergent social phenotypes, but also several similarities in their socio‐cognitive deficits. Cross‐syndrome direct comparisons could lead to a better understanding of mechanisms that determine deficits in social cognition in the two syndromes. A fundamental factor for social cognition is the ability to understand and predict others' actions (e.g. what action is being done and why it is being done when observing a goal‐related act). Here we compared the understanding of others' actions in children with ASD, WS and in children with typical development. Comprehension of what motor act was being done and of why it was being done was assessed with or without contextual cueing using a computer‐based task. The results showed that what understanding was impaired in the WS group, but not in the ASD group, which showed mental‐age appropriate performance. Why understanding was impaired in both experimental groups. Autism Res 2014, 7: 421–432. © 2014 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Behavior of Ultrafine versus Superfine Powders in a Binary‐Mixture Semi‐Batch Circulating Fluidized Bed
Authors: Abdelghany Emad A. M. , Abdelkareem Mohammad A. , Mahmoud Ibrahim H.
Published: March 2014

The solid circulation rates of a binary mixture of ultrafine or superfine Al(OH)3 powders and fluidized catalytic cracking (FCC) particles were investigated in a semi‐batch circulating fluidized bed. The circulation rates were measured at different loadings of fine powders and different equilibrium water contents of the FCC particles. At a certain loading of ultrafine powders, the circulation rates were much smaller than in the presence of the superfine powders. The circulation rates were controlled by the strong cohesive property of the ultrafine powders, irrespective of the water contents of the FCC particles. Slight increases in the circulation rates were observed during fluidization of the ultrafine powders, even at higher equilibrium water contents of the FCC particles.
Multi‐Stage Aqueous Two‐Phase Extraction for the Purification of Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Eggersgluess Jan K. , Richter Michael , Dieterle Michael , Strube Jochen
Published: March 2014

Using monoclonal antibodies in a cell culture harvest as an example for complex biomolecules, a mini‐plant‐scale aqueous two‐phase purification process was studied. The results of this study indicate that antibodies can be concentrated and purified in a single extraction step employing a small phase ratio. Following the extraction step, a multi‐stage wash‐extraction for further purification was investigated. Starting at a test tube‐scale cross‐current wash, the process was advanced towards a continuous counter‐current mixer‐settler and column wash process. It was shown that a test tube cross‐current extraction operation can predict the multi‐stage purity reasonably well. The hydrodynamic process performance for the multi‐stage wash column was evaluated and related to the separation performance.
Pressure Drop Models for Gas/Non‐Newtonian Power‐Law Fluids Flow in Horizontal Pipes
Authors: Xu Jing‐yu , Gao Meng‐chen , Zhang Jian
Published: March 2014

Models commonly used in literature are evaluated versus 696 data points to predict the pressure drop of gas/non‐Newtonian power‐law fluids flow in horizontal pipes. Suitable models are recommended. A new correlation is developed by ignoring the pressure drop across the gas slug and adopting the liquid slug holdup of gas/non‐Newtonian fluid flow into the homogeneous model. The theoretical curves can capture the test data trends and the overall agreement of predicted values with experimental data is sufficient to be practically applied in industry.
Unpromoted and Mn‐Promoted Cobalt Catalyst Supported on Carbon Nanotubes for Fischer‐Tropsch Synthesis
Authors: Rose Amadeus , Thiessen Johannes , Jess Andreas , Curulla‐Ferré Daniel
Published: March 2014

Langmuir‐Hinselwood (LH) and power rate equations were applied to describe the kinetics of the Fischer‐Tropsch reaction on cobalt catalysts and manganese‐doped cobalt catalysts supported on carbon nanotubes (CNTs). LH‐based kinetics characterize the activity behavior of the unpromoted Co/CNT system satisfactorily, but fail with respect to the manganese‐promoted Co/CNT catalyst. An alternative LH equation is able to fit the experimental data, but the fitting parameters are out of the range of usual values and underrate the activity at ambient pressure regardless of manganese promotion. Application of power law rate expressions results in satisfying characterization of the kinetics in the whole CO pressure range in the promoted case and within a defined range of CO pressure in the unpromoted case.