bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Mechanisms Involved in Antinociception Produced by the Alkaloid Caulerpine
Authors: Cavalcante-Silva Luiz , Falcão Maria , Vieira Ana , Viana Max , De Araújo-Júnior João , Sousa Jéssica , Silva Tania , Barbosa-Filho José , Noël François , De Miranda George , Santos Bárbara , Alexandre-Moreira Magna
Published: September 2014

In previous works we showed that oral administration of caulerpine, a bisindole alkaloid isolated from algae of the genus Caulerpa, produced antinociception when assessed in chemical and thermal models of nociception. In this study, we evaluated the possible mechanism of action of this alkaloid in mice, using the writhing test. The antinociceptive effect of caulerpine was not affected by intraperitoneal (i.p.) pretreatment of mice with naloxone, flumazenil, l-arginine or atropine, thus discounting the involvement of the opioid, GABAergic, l-arginine-nitric oxide and (muscarinic) cholinergic pathways, respectively. In contrast, i.p. pretreatment with yohimbine, an α2-adrenoceptor antagonist, or tropisetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, significantly blocked caulerpine-induced antinociception. These results suggest that caulerpine exerts its antinociceptive effect in the writhing test via pathways involving α2-adrenoceptors and 5-HT3 receptors. In summary, this alkaloid could be of interest in the development of new dual-action analgesic drugs.
An Assessment of Methods and Remote-Sensing Derived Covariates for Regional Predictions of 1 km Daily Maximum Air Temperature
Authors: Parmentier Benoit , McGill Brian , Wilson Adam , Regetz James , Jetz Walter , Guralnick Robert , Tuanmu Mao-Ning , Robinson Natalie , Schildhauer Mark
Published: September 2014

The monitoring and prediction of biodiversity and environmental changes is constrained by the availability of accurate and spatially contiguous climatic variables at fine temporal and spatial grains. In this study, we evaluate best practices for generating gridded, one-kilometer resolution, daily maximum air temperature surfaces in a regional context, the state of Oregon, USA. Covariates used in the interpolation include remote sensing derived elevation, aspect, canopy height, percent forest cover and MODIS Land Surface Temperature (LST). Because of missing values, we aggregated daily LST values as long term (2000–2010) monthly climatologies to leverage its spatial detail in the interpolation. We predicted temperature with three methods—Universal Kriging, Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) and Generalized Additive Models (GAM)—and assessed predictions using meteorological stations over 365 days in 2010. We find that GAM is least sensitive to overtraining (overfitting) and results in lowest errors in term of distance to closest training stations. Mean elevation, LST, and distance to ocean are flagged most frequently as significant covariates among all daily predictions. Results indicate that GAM with latitude, longitude and elevation is the top model but that LST has potential in providing additional fine-grained spatial structure related to land cover effects. The study also highlights the need for more rigorous methods and data to evaluate the spatial structure and fine grained accuracy of predicted surfaces.
Smart Multi-Level Tool for Remote Patient Monitoring Based on a Wireless Sensor Network and Mobile Augmented Reality
Authors: González Fernando , Villegas Osslan , Ramírez Dulce , Sánchez Vianey , Domínguez Humberto
Published: September 2014

Technological innovations in the field of disease prevention and maintenance of patient health have enabled the evolution of fields such as monitoring systems. One of the main advances is the development of real-time monitors that use intelligent and wireless communication technology. In this paper, a system is presented for the remote monitoring of the body temperature and heart rate of a patient by means of a wireless sensor network (WSN) and mobile augmented reality (MAR). The combination of a WSN and MAR provides a novel alternative to remotely measure body temperature and heart rate in real time during patient care. The system is composed of (1) hardware such as Arduino microcontrollers (in the patient nodes), personal computers (for the nurse server), smartphones (for the mobile nurse monitor and the virtual patient file) and sensors (to measure body temperature and heart rate), (2) a network layer using WiFly technology, and (3) software such as LabView, Android SDK, and DroidAR. The results obtained from tests show that the system can perform effectively within a range of 20 m and requires ten minutes to stabilize the temperature sensor to detect hyperthermia, hypothermia or normal body temperature conditions. Additionally, the heart rate sensor can detect conditions of tachycardia and bradycardia.
Microspore development in Annona (Annonaceae): Differences between monad and tetrad pollen
Authors: Lora Jorge , Herrero Maria , Hormaza Jose I.
Published: September 2014

• Premise of the study: Permanent tetrads are the most common form of pollen aggregation in flowering plants. The production of pollen in monads is plesiomorphic in angiosperms, but the aggregation into tetrads has arisen independently different times during the evolution of flowering plants. The causes behind the recurrent evolution of pollen aggregation from monads remain elusive. Permanent tetrad pollen is quite common in the Annonaceae, the largest family in the early‐divergent order Magnoliales. In some genera, such as Annona, both tetrad‐ and monad‐producing species can be found.

• Methods: In this comparative study of pollen development, we use immunolocalization, cytological characterization, and enzymatic assays of four species in the genus Annona and one species in its closely related genus Asimina that release pollen in tetrads and two species in the genus Annona that release pollen in monads.

• Key results: The main difference between species with tetrad and monad pollen is a delayed digestion of callose and cellulose at the pollen aperture sites that resulted in nonlayering of the exine in these areas, followed by a rotation and binding of the young microspores at the aperture sites.

• Conclusions: Small changes in development resulted in clear morphological changes on pollen dispersal time and open a window on the possible selective advantage of the production of aggregated pollen.
What Matters Most for Patients, Parents, and Clinicians in the Course of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis? A Qualitative Study
Authors: Guzman Jaime , Gómez-Ramírez Oralia , Jurencak Roman , Shiff Natalie J. , Berard Roberta A. , Duffy Ciaran M. , Oen Kiem , Petty Ross E. , Benseler Susanne M. , Brant Rollin , Tucker Lori B.
Published: September 2014

Objective.

To assess which clinical features are most important for patients, parents, and clinicians in the course of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Methods.

Forty-nine people participated in 6 audience-specific focus group discussions and 112 reciprocal interviews in 3 Canadian cities. Participants included youth with JIA, experienced English- and French-speaking parents, novice parents (< 6 mos since diagnosis), pediatric rheumatologists, and allied health professionals. Participants discussed the importance of 34 JIA clinical features extracted from medical literature. Transcripts and interview reports underwent qualitative analysis to establish relative priorities for each group.

Results.

Most study participants considered medication requirements, medication side effects, pain, participant-defined quality of life, and active joints as high priority clinical features of JIA. Active joint count was the only American College of Rheumatology core variable accorded high or medium priority by all groups. Rheumatologists and allied health professionals considered physician global assessment as high priority, but it had very low priority for patients and parents. The parent global assessment was considered high priority by clinicians, medium to high by parents, and low by patients. Child Health Assessment Questionnaire scores were considered low priority by patients and parents, and moderate or high by clinicians. The number of joints with limited motion was given low to very low priority by all groups. Parents gave high priority to arthritis flares.

Conclusion.

If our findings are confirmed, medication requirements, medication side effects, pain, participant-defined quality of life, and active joint counts should figure prominently in describing the course of JIA.
Immunosuppressive Therapies for the Induction Treatment of Proliferative Lupus Nephritis: A Systematic Review and Network Metaanalysis
Authors: Tian Simon Yu , Feldman Brian M. , Beyene Joseph , Brown Patrick E. , Uleryk Elizabeth M. , Silverman Earl D.
Published: September 2014

Objective.

To evaluate and determine the most effective immunosuppressive therapy for the induction treatment of proliferative lupus nephritis (PLN) based on renal remission.

Methods.

A systematic review of randomized controlled trials was conducted. The outcomes were renal remission at 6 months: (1) normalization of serum creatinine [(sCr), or within 15% of the normal range, i.e., sCr < 132µmol/l — creatinine remission]; and (2) proteinuric remission (prU < 0.5 g/day/1.73m2). A Bayesian network metaanalysis was used.

Results.

The OR (95% credible interval) of inducing an sCr remission at 6 months was 1.70 (0.51, 6.87) for mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) versus cyclophosphamide (CYC); 2.16 (0.38, 13.36) for tacrolimus (Tac) versus CYC; and 1.25 (0.13, 10.51) for Tac versus MMF. For proteinuric remission the OR was 1.46 (0.81, 3.04) for MMF versus CYC; 1.96 (0.80, 5.11) for Tac versus CYC; and 1.34 (0.43, 3.90) for Tac versus MMF. The probability (95% credible interval) of inducing a creatinine remission at 6 months was Tac 56% (19%, 88%); MMF 51% (23%, 79%); and CYC 37% (28%, 47%). The probability of inducing a proteinuric remission was Tac 41% (23%, 63%); MMF 34% (23%, 50%); CYC 26% (20%, 32%); azathioprine 10% (1%, 55%); prednisone 11% (2%, 38%). None of the results were conclusive when examined in a sensitivity analysis.

Conclusion.

There is currently insufficient evidence to determine which of these immunosuppressive agents is superior. The probability of renal remission is 50% or lower at 6 months.
Validation of the Brief Cognitive Symptoms Index in Sjögren Syndrome
Authors: Segal Barbara M. , Rhodus Nelson , Moser Sivils Kathy L. , Solid Craig A.
Published: September 2014

Objective.

The Brief Cognitive Symptoms Inventory (BCSI) is a short, self-report scale designed to measure cognitive symptomatology in patients with rheumatic disease. To facilitate research and clinical practice, we tested the internal consistency and validity of the BCSI in patients with Sjögren syndrome (SS).

Methods.

Patients who met the American-European Consensus Group criteria for SS and healthy controls completed a questionnaire assessing symptoms including cognitive complaints. We calculated Cronbach’s alpha to assess internal consistency and Pearson correlation coefficients to test for association between BCSI, symptoms, and demographic variables. Total score distribution was analyzed to establish cutoff criteria for differentiation of case versus non-case. We compared neuropsychological outcomes of patients with SS above and below the threshold BCSI score to assess the association of cognitive symptoms with objective cognitive deficits.

Results.

Complete data were available on 144 patients with SS and 35 controls. Internal consistency of the BCSI was good. Scores were similar in all patient groups and patients reported more cognitive symptoms than controls (p < 0.0001). BCSI scores correlated moderately with pain, depression, anxiety, fatigue, and health quality. High scores for cognitive dysfunction were reported by 20% of the patients with SS and only 3% of controls. Patients with cognitive scores > 50 had more depression, fatigue, pain (effect size all > 1), and worse performance on multiple cognitive domains.

Conclusion.

The BCSI should be a useful tool for the study of cognitive symptoms in SS. Both self-report and standardized tests should be considered in screening for cognitive disorders in SS.
Drug-associated Cutaneous Vasculitis: Study of 239 Patients from a Single Referral Center
Authors: Ortiz-Sanjuán Francisco , Blanco Ricardo , Hernández José L. , Pina Trinitario , González-Vela María C. , Fernández-Llaca Héctor , Calvo-Río Vanesa , Loricera Javier , Armesto Susana , González-López Marcos A. , Rueda-Gotor Javier , González-Gay Miguel A.
Published: September 2014

Objective.

The 2012 International Chapel Hill Consensus Conference on the Nomenclature of Vasculitides defined drug-associated immune complex vasculitis as a distinct entity included within the category of vasculitis associated with probable etiology. In the present study we assessed the clinical spectrum of patients with drug-associated cutaneous vasculitis (DACV).

Methods.

Case records were reviewed of patients with DACV treated at a tertiary referral hospital over a 36-year period. A diagnosis of DACV was considered if the drug was taken within a week before the onset of the disease.

Results.

From a series of 773 unselected cutaneous vasculitis cases, 239 patients (30.9%; 133 men and 106 women; mean age 36 yrs) were diagnosed with DACV. Antibiotics (n = 149; 62.3%), mainly β-lactams and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID; n = 24; 10%) were the most common drugs. Besides skin lesions (100%), the most common clinical features were joint (51%) and gastrointestinal (38.1%) manifestations, nephropathy (34.7%), and fever (23.8%). The most remarkable laboratory data were increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (40.2%), presence of serum cryoglobulins (26%), leukocytosis (24.7%), positive antinuclear antibodies (21.1%), anemia (18.8%), and positive rheumatoid factor (17.5%). Despite drug discontinuation and bed rest, 108 patients (45.2%) required medical treatment, mainly corticosteroids (n = 71) or immunosuppressive drugs (n = 7). After a median followup of 5 months, relapses occurred in 18.4% of patients, and persistent microhematuria or renal insufficiency in 3.3% and 5%, respectively.

Conclusion.

DACV is generally associated with antibiotics and NSAID. In most cases it has a favorable prognosis, although a small percentage of patients may develop residual renal damage.
Mines, énergie : les investissements chinois jouent-ils pour ou contre les marchés ?
Authors: Seaman John
Published: September 2014

Son développement économique a installé la Chine au cœur des marchés des ressources naturelles. On a pu craindre que le poids du pays ne déstabilise ces derniers, Pékin redessinant les règles à son profit. En réalité, les entreprises chinoises se sont adaptées aux mécanismes de ces marchés sans les affecter fondamentalement. Les rapports entre État chinois et grandes firmes restent complexes, mais ces dernières fonctionnent largement suivant des logiques qui leur sont propres. politique étrangère
John Kerry au Proche-Orient : de la diplomatie de la faiblesse à la diplomatie de l'espoir ?
Authors: Coppolani Antoine
Published: September 2014

En 2013, Barack Obama et John Kerry ont difficilement réussi à pousser les dirigeants israéliens et palestiniens à reprendre les négociations de paix. Dans le même temps, Washington a renoué le dialogue avec Téhéran pour tenter de trouver une solution au problème du nucléaire iranien. Benjamin Netanyahou établissant un lien clair entre le dossier iranien et le conflit israélo-palestinien, le rapprochement Obama-Rohani a compromis les chances d’aboutir à un accord israélo-palestinien. politique étrangère
L'Union européenne au secours de l'Ukraine
Authors: Tolksdorf Dominik
Published: September 2014

Les relations entre l’Ukraine et l’Union européenne se sont resserrées à l’occasion des récents événements. L’UE a rapidement reconnu le gouvernement intérimaire de Kiev, lui apportant une aide sous forme de mesures diverses, dont un financement d’au moins 11 milliards d’euros pour les prochaines années. La concrétisation de cette aide dépendra de la capacité du gouvernement ukrainien à mettre en œuvre les réformes de fond qu’appelle la situation du pays. politique étrangère
Syrie : Ankara contre Téhéran ?
Authors: Yilmaz Özcan
Published: September 2014

Les dirigeants turcs aimeraient faire de leur pays le leader du Moyen-Orient. Cette ambition s’est heurtée à celle d’un autre acteur incontournable de la région : l’Iran. La rivalité entre Ankara et Téhéran s’est cristallisée sur le conflit syrien. La Turquie a appuyé l’opposition à Bachar el-Assad en pensant qu’un régime sunnite pourrait rapidement être mis en place. Elle a toutefois sous-estimé l’armée syrienne soutenue par l’Iran et se retrouve obligée de réviser sa stratégie. politique étrangère
Comprendre l'instabilité politique thaïlandaise : constitutionnalisme et coups d'État
Authors: Mérieau Eugénie
Published: September 2014

Depuis 1932, la Thaïlande connaît régulièrement coups d’États et nouvelles constitutions, jusqu’en mai 2014. La convergence d’intérêts entre les militaires, les hauts fonctionnaires et l’institution monarchique, qui forment un État dans l’État, explique en partie cette instabilité politique. Mais se heurtent également dans le pays deux principes de légitimité : une légitimité procédurale découlant des élections et une légitimité substantielle fondée sur l’appréciation de la moralité des élus, chacune renvoyant aux intérêts de couches sociales différentes. politique étrangère
Relations internationales : le temps des anthropologues
Authors: Gaulme François
Published: September 2014

La violence change, dans ses formes et dans ses acteurs. Les États ne sont plus les références centrales des conflits contemporains. On ne peut non plus les voir comme l’achèvement d’une histoire linéaire qui partirait des tribus pour en arriver aux structures politiques occidentales. Demain coexisteront des mondes différents : les anthropologues peuvent seuls nous aider à comprendre et à gérer les conflits dans des cadres ne correspondant pas à notre logique étatique. politique étrangère
La formulation du modèle keynésien et le choix de l'unité de mesure
Authors: Béraud Alain
Published: September 2014

Cet article analyse la façon dont Keynes et les keynésiens posèrent la question du choix de l’unité de mesure des agrégats macroéconomiques. Soulignant les rapports étroits qui existent entre les cours que Keynes professa entre 1933 et 1935 et les diverses versions du modèle IS-LM, il montre que les problèmes naissent de la façon dont Keynes avait abordé cette question. Raisonner sur la valeur monétaire des agrégats conduit à dichotomiser le modèle et ne permet pas d’analyser correctement l’interdépendance entre le marché du travail d’une part et les marchés des biens et de la monnaie d’autre part. Dans le modèle ainsi formulé, il est impossible d’étudier de façon rigoureuse les effets d’une variation du salaire monétaire et l’on est conduit à penser, à tort, qu’il existe nécessairement un équilibre de plein emploi si le taux de salaire monétaire est flexible.
Advertising Spillovers and Market Structure
Authors: Ben Elhadj Nada , Lahmandi-Ayed Rim , Laussel Didier
Published: September 2014

Dans ce papier, nous caractérisons l’équilibre d’un marché duopolistique en présence d’externalités publicitaires. Nous montrons que la distinction pertinente n’est pas entre des externalités publicitaires purement positives et des externalités purement négatives mais entre des externalités fortement positives et des externalités faiblement positives ou négatives. En outre, nous montrons que, selon l’intensité des externalités publicitaires et le coût de l’agence publicitaire, soit les deux annonceurs sont actifs sur le marché, soit l’un des deux monopolise le marché publicitaire. Dans ce dernier cas, sous certaines conditions, l’annonceur actif évince même son rival du marché des produits. Ainsi, la publicité et les externalités qui en résultent peuvent être à l’origine d’une situation de monopole, aboutissant ainsi à un équilibre asymétrique à partir d’une configuration initiale symétrique.
L'origine de l'impulsion créatrice chez Hanna Segal
Authors: Quinodoz Jean-Michel
Published: September 2014

Pour Segal, la création artistique est régulièrement une recréation d’un monde perdu, et l’artiste n’en a souvent pas conscience. Celui-ci ne recrée pas le même monde, mais il le transforme et lui donne une forme différente qui lui est personnelle. En d’autres termes, la dynamique de la créativité se trouve dans les impulsions réparatrices de la position dépressive, ce qui implique une élaboration des états mentaux précoces, en particulier une intégration de la perception des sentiments de chaos et de persécution.
Media-Education Convergence
Authors: Kalogeras Stavroula
Published: September 2014

In the era of media convergence, transmedia (cross-media/cross-platform/multi-platform) narratives are catering to users who are willing to immerse themselves in their favorite entertainment content. The inherent interactivity of the Internet and the emotional engagement of story can lead to innovative pedagogies in media rich environments. This paper focuses on Web-Based Transmedia Storytelling Edutainment as a pedagogical practice in higher education.
Multichannel Modality in Displaying Information
Authors: Benetti Elisa , Mazzini Gianluca
Published: September 2014

Computer science and telecommunications are increasingly important in society and this leads also public administrations to take advantage of ICT, in order to communicate with citizens in a more rapid and simpler way than the complex and paper-based bureaucracy of the past. While on the one hand the use of these technologies responds to the duty of any public institution to involve the largest number of addressees, on the other hand, society must also consider the limitations of these technologies. Firstly not everybody is so familiar in their use. Moreover, the digital administration thus becomes virtual, accessible only through technological devices and not present in a physical location, and is therefore essential to ensure full coverage of the territory, which is currently not always possible. The main novelty of this paper is the implementation of an automated system capable of adapting different types of government services to multiple communication media. The joint exploitation of multiple technologies allows to use the strengths of one of them when are found the limits of another, making this multichannel modality the solution to the requirement of ICT in public administration.
Augmenting Analytical CRM Strategies with Social BI
Authors: Beverungen Daniel , Eggert Mathias , Voigt Matthias , Rosemann Michael
Published: September 2014

Large communities built around social media on the Internet offer an opportunity to augment analytical customer relationship management (CRM) strategies. The purpose of this paper is to provide direction to advance the conceptual design of business intelligence (BI) systems for implementing CRM strategies. After introducing social CRM and social BI as emerging fields of research, the authors match CRM strategies with a re-engineered conceptual data model of Facebook in order to illustrate the strategic value of these data. Subsequently, the authors design a multi-dimensional data model for social BI and demonstrate its applicability by designing management reports in a retail scenario. Building on the service blueprinting framework, the authors propose a structured research agenda for the emerging field of social BI.
Consumers as “Integrators” of Marketing Communications
Authors: O'Reilly Kelley , Lancendorfer Karen M.
Published: September 2014

This case study explores how Falken Tire Corporation (FTC) leveraged motorsports to build brand credibility, and how consumer-based brand equity developed in virtual fan communities via social media marketing. This brand credibility and equity ultimately helped the company to establish powerful marketing relationships, and connect with distinctly different consumer groups. Findings suggest that consumers may be adept integrators of marketing communication channels and across media. Companies with strong virtual communities may benefit from the case study suggestions that are provided and discussed based on the theoretical perspective of customer-based brand equity. Marketing scholars and practitioners alike may find this case study of interest due to the growing desire by companies to develop strong bonds with consumers and their interest in effectively using social media as a marketing tool.
Insights into Social Media and Online Digital Music
Authors: Tu Yanbin , Zhao Miao , Jones Cathleen
Published: September 2014

This chapter investigates social media along with traditional assessment channels and their roles in music evaluation. For the current popular social media (such as Facebook and Twitter), marketing applications in the music industry are found to be limited. For certain specialized social media (social media sites specifically dedicated to music and audio sharing and product reviews and opinions), they are neither well known nor commonly used. More efforts to promote these social media are required to increase consumer awareness. This chapter also includes findings which describe consumers' different attitudes about social media related to new artists and established ones. The use of traditional music evaluation channels and the use of social media are positively correlated. At present, social media do not significantly impact consumers' music evaluations, but they do impact how much consumers are willing to pay for music products. Analysis of respondents' statements about social media demonstrate that social media marketing applications potentially can have a great impact on digital music product evaluations and willingness to pay. Overall, findings indicate that the music industry should take better advantage of social media to influence consumers' music evaluations and willingness to pay. Traditional channels and social media are correlated, indicating that the music industry should not neglect traditional channels while expanding the use of social media.
Social Networking in Education
Authors: McCarroll Niall , Curran Kevin
Published: September 2014

Social networking has become one of the most popular communication tools to have evolved over the past decade, making it a powerful new information sharing resource in society. To date realising the potential of Social Networking Sites (SNSs) beyond their leisure uses has been severely restricted in a number of areas. This paper focuses on the application of SNSs in a learning environment and the impact this could have on academic practices. While undoubtedly, due to the very casual nature of social networking, there are serious concerns over how it could be integrated in a learning environment; the potential positive outcomes are many and varied. As a communication tool, its effectiveness is already manifesting in the millions who use these networks to communicate on a daily basis. So it is conceivable that educators should be able to create a learnscape - an environment for formal and informal learning - that adheres to educational guidelines, but also harnesses the social support system of these on-line communities. This paper examines the risks involved in the creation of this new learning ecology, and explores the challenges faced by both technology experts and teachers in delivering a truly innovative and effective new approach to education.
Ethical Challenges for User-Generated Content Publishing
Authors: Sözeri Ceren
Published: September 2014

Mainstream online media is gradually encouraging user contributions to boost brand loyalty and to attract new users; however, former “passive” audience members who become users are not able to become true participants in the process of online content production. The adoption of user-generated content in media content results in new legal and ethical challenges within online media organizations. To deal with these challenges, media companies have restricted users through adhesion contracts and editorial strictures unlike anything encountered in the users' past media consumption experiences. However, these contractual precautions are targeted to protect the media organizations' editorial purposes or reputations rather than to engage ethical issues that can also ensure them credibility. It is expected that some public service media strive to play a vital role in deliberative culture; on the other hand, some commercial global media have noticed the importance of worthwhile user-generated content even though all of them are far from “read-write” media providers due to the lack of an established guiding ethos for publishing user-generated content.
Invention in Two Parts
Authors: Lee Sohui , Alfano Christine , Carpenter Russell
Published: September 2014

In writing about new media during the last decade, new media scholars in composition studies have focused on pedagogical challenges of teaching multimodal communication such as reconsidering literacy conventions, creating multimodal assignments, or considering material infrastructure. However, composition literature has not explored in depth multimodal production in the invention stage. Derived from the Latin word invenire (“to find”), invention is critical in composition studies, not only because of its role in creating new knowledge, but also because of its role in helping us discover heuristic practices leading to persuasive texts. As more writing centers begin to consult multimodal products, practitioners have begun to grapple with ways to help students become “inventive” in producing new media texts, particularly storyboards or ePortfolios. This chapter explores in what ways the invention process of digital media composition may be different from that of traditional written texts and implications for designing effective writing center spaces.
FRIENDVERTISING
Authors: Ozturk R. Gulay
Published: September 2014

In today's world, a shift from conventional to digitalized marketing is increasing in the investment made in the commercial sector. This particular study analyses the growing influence of a new online advertising strategy called “FRIENDVERTISING” pertaining to social media marketing. Thereby, this chapter conducts a content analysis to investigate how social networks are interacting with each other and how consumers are oriented to certain brands advertised in a specific way. According to the results, the brands that motivate the youth to share their own advertisements in the social media more frequently receive more positive comments about their advertisements. One should decide on the following crucial criteria while applying friendvertising practices: cultural background of audience, frequency of social media use, referring to other friends in social media (being knowledgeable and reliable about the brand), expectations of users and their previous experiences about the brand, creativity of advertisements, originality and entertaining content of advertisements, genre, as well as difficulties and opportunities of the field.
Gene action and combining ability for grain yield and yield related traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Dorosti H , Monajjem S
Published: September 2014

Line (five) × tester (two) analysis was conducted to determine good parents and the nature of gene action governing yield and its component traits in rice. The line × testers showed significant differences for all traits except for number of spikelets per panicle and hundred grain weight. Parents with low × high general combining ability (GCA) effects resulted in heterotic hybrid combination like the IR62829A/IR57301-158-1R. A low × low GCA gave the best heterotic combination i.e. IR68888A/’Sepidroud’. The study showed GCA to only identify better parental lots and it will be unwise to discard the low GCA types. Predominance of dominance gene action for all the traits studied except for flag leaf width and number of spikelets per panicle suggests heterosis breeding must be strongly pursued for exploitation of the yield advantage over the inbred varieties. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/jas.v9i3.7423The Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2014, vol.9, no3: p.100-108
Determinants of Irvingia species kernel (ogbono) supply and demand in Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: Ojogho O , Egware RA
Published: September 2014

The study examined the determinants of Irvingia species (ogbono) in Aniocha North and South Local Government Areas of Delta State of Nigeria. Primary data were mainly used in the study. The data were collected using two sets of well-structured questionnaire containing items on the supply information for producer and demand information respectively on ogbono in the study area. A two-stage sampling technique was used to sample respondents in the area. A total of sixty (60) copies of the producer-set and one hundred and twenty (120) copies of the consumer-set of questionnaire respectively were valid for analysis for the study. Data collected were subjected to inferential statistics using multivariate analysis, involving correlation analysis, Principal Component Analysis (PGA), and the standardized beta-weight multiple regression analysis. The results showed that, among the determinants of the supply of ogbono in the study area, the initial supply price, mid-season supply price and the end-season price were statistically significant at 5% level of significance. Among the determinants of irvingia kernel (ogbono) demand, the initial demand price, mid-season demand price, end-of-season demand price, price of substitute commodity were statistically significant. Therefore, institutional framework that will guarantee stable price of ogbono will ultimately translate to improved economic base and sustained livelihoods of the people of Aniocha in Delta State, Nigeria. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/jas.v9i3.7434The Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2014, vol.9, no3: p.118-128
Cytosolic Double-Stranded RNA Activates the NLRP3 Inflammasome via MAVS-Induced Membrane Permeabilization and K+ Efflux
Authors: Franchi Luigi , Eigenbrod Tatjana , Muñoz-Planillo Raúl , Ozkurede Ulas , Kim Yun-Gi , Chakrabarti Arindam , Gale Michael , Silverman Robert H. , Colonna Marco , Akira Shizuo , Núñez Gabriel
Published: September 2014

The nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain–like receptor pyrin domain–containing 3 (Nlrp3) inflammasome plays an important role in inflammation by controlling the maturation and secretion of the cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 in response to multiple stimuli including pore-forming toxins, particulate matter, and ATP. Although the pathways activated by the latter stimuli lead to a decrease in intracellular K+ concentration, which is required for inflammasome activation, the mechanism by which microbial RNA activates Nlrp3, remains poorly understood. In this study, we found that cytosolic poly(I:C), but not total RNA from healthy macrophages, macrophages undergoing pyroptosis, or mitochondrial RNA, induces caspase-1 activation and IL-1β release through the Nlrp3 inflammasome. Experiments with macrophages deficient in Tlr3, Myd88, or Trif, indicate that poly(I:C) induces Nlrp3 activation independently of TLR signaling. Further analyses revealed that the cytosolic sensors Rig-I and melanoma differentiation–associated gene 5 act redundantly via the common adaptor mitochondrial antiviral signaling (Mavs) to induce Nlrp3 activation in response to poly(I:C), but not ATP or nigericin. Mechanistically, Mavs triggered membrane permeabilization and K+ efflux independently of the inflammasome which were required for poly(I:C)-induced Nlrp3 activation. We conclude that poly (I:C) activates the inflammasome through an Mavs-dependent surveillance pathway that converges into a common K+ lowering step in the cytosol that is essential for the induction of Nlrp3 activation.
Helicobacter pylori Infection Activates Src Homology-2 Domain–Containing Phosphatase 2 To Suppress IFN-γ Signaling
Authors: Wang Yu-Chih , Chen Chia-Ling , Sheu Bor-Shyang , Yang Yao-Jong , Tseng Po-Chun , Hsieh Chia-Yuan , Lin Chiou-Feng
Published: September 2014

Helicobacter pylori infection not only induces gastric inflammation but also increases the risk of gastric tumorigenesis. IFN-γ has antimicrobial effects; however, H. pylori infection elevates IFN-γ–mediated gastric inflammation and may suppress IFN-γ signaling as a strategy to avoid immune destruction through an as-yet-unknown mechanism. This study was aimed at investigating the mechanism of H. pylori–induced IFN-γ resistance. Postinfection of viable H. pylori decreased IFN-γ–activated signal transducers and activators of transcription 1 and IFN regulatory factor 1 not only in human gastric epithelial MKN45 and AZ-521 but also in human monocytic U937 cells. H. pylori caused an increase in the C-terminal tyrosine phosphorylation of Src homology-2 domain–containing phosphatase (SHP) 2. Pharmacologically and genetically inhibiting SHP2 reversed H. pylori–induced IFN-γ resistance. In contrast to a clinically isolated H. pylori strain HP238, the cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA) isogenic mutant strain HP238CagAm failed to induce IFN-γ resistance, indicating that CagA regulates this effect. Notably, HP238 and HP238CagAm differently caused SHP2 phosphorylation; however, imaging and biochemical analyses demonstrated CagA-mediated membrane-associated binding with phosphorylated SHP2. CagA-independent generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) contributed to H. pylori–induced SHP2 phosphorylation; however, ROS/SHP2 mediated IFN-γ resistance in a CagA-regulated manner. This finding not only provides an alternative mechanism for how CagA and ROS coregulate SHP2 activation but may also explain their roles in H. pylori–induced IFN-γ resistance.
A Technique for Closed Interlocking Nailing of Midshaft Tibial Fractures without Image Intensification
Authors: Dhillon Mandeep , Mathew Manoj , Gakhar Harinder
Published: September 2014

Objective

In this study, we evaluated the reliability, reproducibility and final outcome of our techniques for performing image independent tibial interlocking nailing.

Design

Prospective.

Setting

Tertiary teaching hospital (level I trauma center).

Patients/participants

A total of 29 patients were selected for the study (21 males and 8 females patients).

Intervention

Locked tibial intramedullary nailings were performed in the selected subjects, using the standard AO interlocking nail (SynthesTM, Switzerland), utilizing our improvisations of the standard technique.

Main outcome measurements

The successful completion of the technique was the prime parameter evaluated. Total surgical time, time taken for placement of each distal bolt, fluoroscopy time (when used) and postoperative alignment and reduction were evaluated. The patients were followed at 4 weekly intervals.

Results

The average duration of the surgery was 78.6 minutes. The mean distal locking time was 16.2 ± 1.4 minutes. Fluoroscopy had to be used in three cases, when the distal locking by the ‘nail-over-nail’ technique failed. In one case, the intra-medullary position of the guidewire had to be verified. Thus, 26 out of 30 (86.7%) cases were performed without any imaging assistance. In two cases, the fracture site had to be opened after difficulties were encountered in achieving closed reduction. Thus, 24 out of 30 procedures (80%) were successfully completed by our technique. The fractures were followed to union and the long-term results were comparable to the results of tibial fracture operated by image assistance.

Conclusion

The technique described here can come handy in situations of image intensifier failure. Routine use of part of the steps can assist in reducing radiation exposure during interlocking nailings.

How to cite this article

Mathew M, Dhillon MS, Gakhar H. A Technique for Closed Interlocking Nailing of Midshaft Tibial Fractures without Image Intensification. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2014;48(3):111-116.
Awareness among Patients with T2DM regarding the Disease at a Tertiary Care Referral Center
Authors: Bhansali Anil , Pathak Pragya , Kaur Sukhpal , Mandal Lata , Nair Priya , Kaur Narinder
Published: September 2014

Objective

To assess the knowledge of patients with T2DM regarding their disease at a tertiary care referral centre.

Patients and methods

Using purposive sampling technique, a total of 200 patients of diabetes were enrolled. The pretested questionnaire consisting of 40 items with maximum score of 40 was administered to the participants after appropriate validation. Information was obtained regarding the demographic variables, presenting symptoms of diabetes, and awareness of the subjects regarding their disease. The data was analyzed by using SPSS version 16.

Results and conclusion

Mean age of the subjects was 54.2 ± 1.2 years with the range of 16 to 80 years. More than half (52.5%) were women and 54.5% were in the age group of 41 to 60 years, and 50.5% belonged to urban locality. Majority were married (96.5%). Polyuria was the presenting symptoms in 43.5% of patients. The mean knowledge score was 26.0 ± 8.9 out of 40 (maximum attainable score) with the range of 3 to 39. More than half (63%) of the patients achieved good (≥60%) and above category of knowledge score. The patients with higher education status, male, and with positive family history of diabetes had significantly more knowledge score (r = 0.3, – 0.2, – 0.2, p < 0.01 for all).

Conclusion

In the present study, almost two third of the patients with T2DM had good knowledge about the disease; however, more efforts are required to further improve the knowledge among them.

How to cite this article

Kaur S, Mandal L, Nair P, Kaur N, Pathak P, Bhansali A. Awareness among Patients with T2DM regarding the Disease at a Tertiary Care Referral Center. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2014;48(3):117-122.
Analysis of the Chemical Composition of Urinary Calculi using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Sharma Gaurav , Bhattacharyya Shalmoli , Mandal Arup Kumar , Singh Shrawan Kumar
Published: September 2014

Background

The etiology of primary and recurrent stone formation in the urinary tract remains obscure in spite of intensive research. The formation of renal calculi is a multifactorial disorder resulting from the combined influence of epidemiological, biochemical and genetic risk factors which disturb the lithogenous salt profile in the body.

Materials and methods

In the present study, 52 stone samples have been analyzed for their stone composition by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The samples were made in a potassium bromide pellet and analyzed to identify the stone components.

Results

Stone formation was more prevalent in males and the incidence increased with age. Majority of stones were oxalate and mixed stones. The components of mixed stones were identified by spectrum analysis.

Conclusion

Specific dietary factors can affect the urinary composition and supersaturation, which in turn, can affect the process of crystallization and stone formation. The same chemical components may crystallize in different forms during stone formation. Hence, proper analysis has to identify not only the molecular species present in the calculus, but also the crystalline form. So, quantitative evaluation of all components of the calculi is necessary for effective prevention or reduction of stone recurrences.

How to cite this article

Bhattacharyya S, Sharma G, Mandal AK, Singh SK. Analysis of the Chemical Composition of Urinary Calculi using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy: A Preliminary Study. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2014;48(3):128-131.
Drugs Implicated, Mortality and Use of Corticosteroids in Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Cases: A Systematic Review of Published Case Reports and Case Series
Authors: Dogra Sunil , Malhotra Samir , Pandhi Promila , Kaur Sharonjeet , Rajagopalan Sujit , Shafiq Nusrat , Srinivasan Anand
Published: September 2014

Background

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a rare idiosyncratic mucocutaneous reaction associated with high mortality. Drugs are most commonly implicated in TEN. The treatment constitutes stopping the offending drug, along with symptomatic management. In this study, we searched for case reports/series of TEN and analyzed data to find the most commonly implicated drugs in TEN, effects of use of corticosteroids on mortality in TEN patients, changing trends in mortality over the past 3 decades and difference in mortality rates in both developing and developed countries.

Materials and methods

We searched for case reports/series of TEN to evaluate most commonly implicated drugs in TEN, effects of use of corticosteroids on mortality in TEN patients, changing trends in mortality over the past three decades and difference in mortality rates in both developing and developed countries.

Results

Antibiotics (28.6%) followed by antiepileptics (17.4%) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (9.6%) are most commonly implicated. There was nonsignificant decrease in mortality among steroids users as compared to nonusers (OR = 2.0, CI 0.96-4.24). During the period between 1980 and 1989 the reported mortality in TEN cases was approximately 33.4%, which decreased to 27% in the next two decades. There was a nonsignificant difference in mortality in develo- ping countries as compared to developed countries (OR: 0.70, CI 0.32-1.53).

Conclusion

Corticosteroids have been associated with non significant reduction in the mortality. Apart from this, mortality did not differ over years together in both developing and developed countries.

How to cite this article

Kaur S, Rajagopalan S, Shafiq N, Dogra S, Srinivasan A, Pandhi P, Malhotra S. Drugs Implicated, Mortality and Use of Corticosteroids in Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Cases: A Systematic Review of Published Case Reports and Case Series. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2014;48(3):132-138.
Duodenal Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor: A Rare Cause of Massive Upper GI Bleed managed with Segmental Resection of Duodenum
Authors: Umapathi Lohith , Bagaria Dinesh , Attri Vishal , Kaman Lileswar
Published: September 2014

Duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are relatively rare tumors and account for less than 5% of all cases of GIST, but still represents approximately 30% of primary duodenal tumors. Surgery is the only curative approach for duodenal GIST, but the optimal surgical procedure for duodenal GIST is not yet established. At present, there are no established guidelines regarding management of duodenal GIST. Various procedures including pancreaticoduodenectomy, pancreas-sparing duodenectomy, segmental duodenectomy, or wedge local resection have been described, but oncologic outcomes have not been evaluated. Buchs et al evaluated the role of segmental duodenal resection in the management of duodenal GIST and concluded that segmental resection is adequate for localized tumor where negative resection margins are obtainable. Here we present a case of duodenal GIST with massive upper GI bleed which was treated with segmental resection of the duodenum.

How to cite this article

Umapathi L, Bagaria D, Attri V, Kaman L. Duodenal Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor: A Rare Cause of Massive Upper GI Bleed managed with Segmental Resection of Duodenum. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2014;48(3):148-150.
Von Willebrand Disease in Pregnancy
Authors: Varma Subhash , Malhotra Pankaj , Gainder Shalini , Ahluwalia Jasmina , Arora Aashima , Bagga Rashmi , Jangid Akanksha
Published: September 2014

Von Willebrand disease (vWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder. It is due to deficiency of von Willebrand factor (vWF) which may be either quantitative or qualitative. There are 3 types of vWD out of which Type III is the rarest but the most severe. We report a 27 years second gravida diagnosed with vWD in her index pregnancy. Though her antenatal period was uneventful, she developed complications in the perioperative period following a caesarean section. However, with a multidisciplinary team effort, the maternal and fetal outcome were favourable.

How to cite this article

Bagga R, Jangid A, Gainder S, Malhotra P, Varma S, Ahluwalia J, Arora A. Von Willebrand Disease in Pregnancy. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2014;48(3):157-158.